•  NO – I do not wear denim jumpers, grow my hair long, and only wear dresses.

•  YES – We do have tests, homework, and accountability.

•  YES - The children are all very well socialized, sometimes so much so they wear me out with the driving.

•  NO- I don’t think everyone should homeschool.

•  YES – If you are good with keeping track of things, you will realize that this year I will have:

• A college freshman,
• a high schooler,
• a middle schooler,
• two elementary schoolers,
• one preschooler, 
• one toddler

•  YES – I get overwhelmed sometimes, but not often, and I’ve sometimes never wanted to quit.

What, you might ask does this have to do with weight loss and weight maintenance? Well, I’ll tell you. Absolutely nothing, and absolutely everything.

I’ve homeschooled through obesity, pregnancies, and healthy weight. I’ve seen my children appreciate the time and effort I spend staying healthy by consistently exercising, and trying to make the best food choices for them, and for myself.  Homeschooling may not pay me anything much , but the time spent with my family is precious to me. I enjoy watching them learn, grow, and blossom. When we have discussions about current events at the lunch table, I know they are listening, reading, and learning. When we go outside to study the flower blooming on the deck, I see firsthand how their brain is processing information. And when we  have scooter races down the driveway, there is joy.

Where’s the relevance to weight loss? The relevance is this: No matter what your life looks like, getting healthy is a positive thing. For those of you on a weight loss journey, getting healthy does include losing weight. For those of you in maintenance and beyond, you have tasted what life at a healthy weight feels like.

What is one thing in your life you never want to stop doing? Whatever your answer is to that question may be your best motivation to continue on your journey. Personally, my weight loss journey was for me, but also for me to be more fully available for my family. Sure I homeschooled through obesity, but I was a lot more tired, and some days, a lot less engaged than I am now. Now I have energy to handle the day to day challenges that come up, whereas before, just getting through the day was a challenge.

I’d love for you to share with me what makes the hard journey worth the effort. I look forward to reading your thoughts.  Diane