First of all let me say (DRUMROLL) - I did lose 20 lbs. My goal was 30. I was shooting for the stars and landed somewhere in the clouds which still puts me ahead of the game, but my real progress was made on the emotional front.

With me, as with most, 2011 and 2012 have come with their fair and unfair share of adversities and my attitude has been less than favorable. I was frustrated, depressed, in a constant state of complaining and fault finding which was getting me no where. I decided to take control. Before any permanent physical changes could occur, there was a certain amount of mental homework that had to take place. All battles are won and lost in the mind.

First there had to be an honest assessment of where I was. Second, I had to be willing to take complete responsibility for the state that I was in. No blaming, no projecting, pure ownership. I am HERE, because of the choices and decisions I have made up to this point. Once I did those things my heart and mind were clear and I was able to determine where I wanted to be and create a roadmap to get there.

This has been a pivotal month, but my work is not done...Looking forward to what August will bring.