Ali, I am on a weight loss mission.  Thanks for the pep talk:)

hi I have tried for years to lose weight I even joined the gym and go as often as I can I guess my bad eating habits are no help I need to lose 25 pounds and do not seem to have the motivation anymore but I need to get it back I am hoping it reappears in 2012

last 17 yrs of my life i have always wanted to really start working out and keep at it, but i would make up so many excuses like every one, im too tired, i hurt, ill do it tomarrow. i think what really did it for me was when ever id go to the docs they would take my blood pressure and it would always be high and thats not good for an 18 yr old they told me that they would have to start watching it and put me on bp pills if it doesnt get better, my dad and mom has high blood pressure and on the bp pill, my dad started to be on the edge of diabetes, and i didnt want that for me. Same when i would always give blood my bp was high. So, my dad finally started working out hes back at his high school weight, watching him lose all the weight i finally said forget the excuses, im doing this for me, i want to be as healthy as i can. Just watching the BL is perfect, the theme is perfect. also watching you on days and also on BL has given me more motivation than i ever thought i could have. ive been watching both shows since i was like 8.

Now that my spring semester of school is going to start here in 3 days and softball is going to be starting soon i will have to keep that in mind that i can always have time for a workout no matter what, so this yr i just want to keep that going and not make up excuse after excuse. Thanks for all the pep talks you give us, you and the BL gives me the motivation i need and i thank you!

Cheers to a new yr and a new everyone!

@Nicole, I wanted to extend my condolences. I can't imagine losing my best friend, and I will pray comfort and strength for you in 2012.

I used to walk outside every day when I was a teenager all the way through young adulthood. I usually listened to music and imagine all kinds of things or work out problems I was dealing with in life. My walking every day was a usual thing, too, once I moved to Dayton for the first time because there was a track behind the city building in town, not far from my apartment. Ever since my husband and I moved to our current neighborhood, I've been reluctant to walk though. I just don't feel as comfortable as I did, but if I just walked a few streets over, I could start onto the path for a nice track. It's all in my head, this fear, so I really want to motivate myself in 2012 to go outside when I can. I have fibromyalgia & daily headaches, so I know I need to make it a priority. I tend to park far away from stores and businesses/doctor's offices so I can get some walking in.  Thanks for your positive post about your 2012 goals and all the motivation you provide here. What an ambitious goal to run a marathon. :) Best wishes to you as you reach your goals this year, Alison!

It's frustrating to lose the weight. I don't have the funds to join a fitness club or even get help with a nutritionist. I need to lose 50 lbs and have been trying for a few years. I have started running again and still get discouraged since I am still losing nothing. Luckily, I still have the will and hopefully some day the pounds will start to shed!

Happy New Year Ali. Commitment, dedication, and patience are three elements that are typically needed to achieve one's goals, whatever form those goals may take. Speaking of dedication and achievement, thank you for devoting nineteen years of your life toward making Sami Brady a part of ours.

SHEILA I KNOW HOW YOU FEEL. I AM DISABLED AND ON A FIXED INCOME EVERY MONTH AND GYMS I CANT DO PHYSICALLY AND NOT SURE ABOUT HOW MUCH I SHOULD BE EATINGEVERY DAY AND SO I WENT ON SPARKPEOPLE AND WEB MD TO GET IDEAS THERE. I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY INFO ANYONE WOULD HAVE ON THE NUTRITION PART. I AM TRYING TO JUST KEEP TRACK OF CALORIES AS MUCH AS I CAN. I AM FACING A HIP REPALCEMENT DOWN THE ROAD AND SO I FEEL THIS IS THE BEST ROUTE I CAN GO.

I believe that getting off track is one of the things that so many of use have a problem with and also then how do we get back on track?

Being a teacher, a mom and in school full time with a masters program can at times can be very daunting. I have found that when I get off track it is okay for me to say no to not only my two teenagers but also my husband so that I can focus on my mental, physical and or spiritual health. It doesn't mean that I do not care and or adore all three of them it just means that I know that if I am not in sinc with what body and or mind needs then how can I be totally, 100% atune to their needs?

My adivce is to remember to find time for yourself be it in the morning before the kids get up, right after you come home from work or in the evening. In addition I have found the key word at our house is to DELEGATE. Even a three year old can help pick up and put their toys away, or fold towels or socks, ANYTHING to help mom and dad too to keep the house running so that both parents can have some down or alone, me time!