It’s one thing to say we are going to do something.  Another to follow our words with actions.   When Robin decided to take control of her health, she never imagined all she would gain aside from the scale going down.  Read why saying “yes” changed Robin’s life and how it could change yours too.

How did you decide it was time to say “yes” to yourself and to living a healthier lifestyle?
There were a couple of circumstances that triggered saying “yes” to myself.  One was my mother’s death. I needed to turn the grief of her passing into something positive.  The other was turning 60.  I decided my 60’s were going to be my best decade yet which meant preparing when I was still in my 50’s.

Why did you want to make this change?
I found myself in the mentality of “now or never.”  Being a caretaker by nature, life had been on hold.  Not necessarily in a bad way, but I wanted to help my daughter get through school and support my husband in his career.  I approached a point in my life when I realized that I had to be a caretaker for myself, not just others.

What are the biggest daily changes you have noticed since beginning to live a healthier lifestyle?
So often people look at the big picture – weight loss, smaller size, the scale going down – but it truly is the tiny things that remind me of my success.  It’s easier to put on my shoes,  sit comfortably in a booth at a restaurant or airplane seat, and shop at “regular” stores.  Daily I walk around with confidence, purpose, and better self-esteem.

What advice would you give someone looking to transform their own life?
Trust the process and take comfort in the structure.  Know that is will work if you stick to it! Also, find gratitude – every day! Some days you may have a list of 10 things and other days you might have to dig for even the smallest grain of gratitude, but be sure to find it.  How your mind is, dictates how your body is.

Are there ever times when saying “yes” to a workout or healthy meal seems hard?
Of course! The one thing I have learned is no matter what is going on in life, the routine of eating healthy and working out will get me through it.  I never feel better than when I eat healthy and exercise.  You won’t always have control of everything, everyday, and that is okay.  Forgive yourself, settle back into your routine, and move forward.