Today is a very difficult day for me; one that I find "close to impossible" as I search for the strength to stay positive – but I will... somehow. I already know that a few tears will be falling from my eyes today; but, I won't be alone. This morning I will be attending a funeral for a seven-year-old boy, the child of a dear friend.

I'm sure the latest report regarding health spending for obesity has been brought to your attention by the media recently; but if not, let me do so today. Washington reports that obesity is not only dangerous to your health, but it is also very expensive! New research shows medical spending averages $1,429 more a year for an obese person than someone who's normal weight, and that overall obesity-related health spending has doubled from what it was ten years ago – now at $147 billion!

Yesterday, I focused on those individuals (and each of us know a few of them) who seem to enjoy finding something negative in any given situation. I've never been this type of person; but, I did have this negative attitude towards myself when it came to losing weight. Yes, I can admit that when it came to my chances of ever being thin and healthy, I continuously told myself that it was NEVER going to happen, which kept that negative feeling of discouragement always "inside" of me. Sometimes I feel as though that negative attitude kept me overweight...

Good morning to you! I just know that today is going to be a great day! Don't question why, but simply expect it! Yes, I know that you can probably name a few things that have already gone wrong already this morning; but you know, all of us can IF we decide we want to focus on the negative. I'm sure you know a few individuals like I do who actually "look for the negative" almost as though they are compiling a list, which they can't wait to share with someone else. I'm telling you today: do not be like that!

"Jodi, I love how you can speak about topics that people like us (obese) 'are thinking about' but just find it too difficult to say. You've been there and you know how it feels, and you just tell it like it is. You are REAL, not like one of those people that we see on television or read about in a magazine; and after talking to you, I know that I can lose weight! I'm going to start walking today – I can do this! Thank you, Jodi... thank you."

It's Friday... and a very special Friday for me as my youngest (yes, my baby) turns 15 today! It's still so hard for me to believe that my little girl, the one who was only six-years-old when I began my new lifestyle, is now only a year away from getting her drivers license; wow, time sure goes by fast! I remember when she used to reach up to hold my hand as she walked with me down our street, knowing that she was exercising like mommy was! Oh, how I miss those days of "tiny-hand-holding"... it was the best!

"I have made the decision that it is time to lose those extra pounds, for good!" If that is a familiar statement to you - CONGRATULATIONS! Not only because you have made a decision to become healthier, but because you have came to the "right place" - a wonderful website to help you achieve your weight loss goals!

As we all know, staying physically active has many benefits: helps control your weight, improves your mental health & mood, reduces your risks of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, strengthens your bones & muscles, increases your energy level... and so much more! Well, today I wanted to focus on a benefit that I feel each of you will be concerned about: physical activity also reduces the risk of CANCER.

Living in southwest Michigan has its benefits, one being the beautiful sunsets over Lake Michigan... a sight that is always appreciated. And now that we are in the middle of summer, I'm reminded of another benefit: the fresh fruit that I can find basically in every direction! The sweet & tart cherries, blueberries, and soon the peaches will be available at most fruit stands, but I still prefer "picking" the fruit right off the branches myself.

Welcome back to WalkyTalk and a brand new week! Did you stay warm over the weekend? The weather made me feel as if it was mid-October with temperatures in the sixties; and not like it was July, that's for sure! I guess it saved on energy costs because there is no way anyone turned on an A/C these past few days. Maybe, the heater though?

It's FRIDAY! Yes, I agree that it's a "cold Friday," especially for the month of July, but since we can't change it, we might as well enjoy it! And if you know me at all, when I say "enjoy it," it basically means: take a nice, brisk walk! Just make sure to bring a sweatshirt, especially if you plan on walking after dinner... which is always a perfect way to end any evening.

Today I was thinking about a wonderful friend of mine who lives in New York City – a friend who once weighed over 400 pounds. When she talks to me about what life was like living as a "plus-sized" person, I can relate to many of the things she says. But there are some situations that she speaks of that I did not experience when I was morbidly obese – that doesn't mean that hearing about them doesn't bring a tear to my eye...

I have really noticed more and more people walking in my neighborhood lately, which I obviously enjoy! And as many of you know by now, I also enjoy motivating everyone I meet to get "out there and walk" so they, too, can feel (and see) the benefits of walking. Well, yesterday afer returning home from my evening walk, a few friends in the neighborhood were enjoying a nice discussion and I soon joined in. Before long, the conversation turned towards walking, which was accompanied by several questions: "how far" – "how fast" – "how long" – "how often" – "how many steps" – do I walk each day?

While taking a quick trip to the grocery story during the weekend, I ran into a friend that I had not seen in a few years. We had a nice visit and before she departed, she made a comment that she thinks it is just "great" that I have kept my weight off for so long now! She then told me that she and her family were soon going to be living a healthier lifestyle like I am; eating "better foods" and hoping to exercise more. Unfortunately, she said "soon" and was waiting until the future to start living healthy – hmmm, why not NOW? My next thought: "I wonder what their family considers healthy?"

Welcome back to WalkyTalk! I hope you enjoyed your weekend as much as I did! It was a full weekend for me as I attended a wonderful parade in the town of Bridgman, which was followed by a family member's wedding and, later, a graduation party. Then on Sunday, we had a family party at my home, celebrating my son's birthday; yes, as of today I have two adult children... which I still find difficult to believe, wow.

What is the real secret to losing weight successfully? You know, if I asked that question to one hundred individuals, I'd probably receive one hundred different answers! Most likely some answers would be similar to others, and I'm assuming that there would be a few that would amuse any experienced dieter with absurd information that couldn't possibly bring any long-term weight loss success.

This past weekend, I heard the words "I just give up!" from a woman who was very upset with herself regarding her weight loss. Obviously this really bothered me – I don't want anyone to give up on good health! But when I noticed that her children were eating potato chips and drinking sugary cola, I wasn't only bothered, but I was very sad too... because I could see that her habits were now her children's habits. Then she continued to speak, informing me that her husband had lost his job, and money was extremely tight.

I would like to take a moment to thank everyone who took the time to visit Ernie Harwell and me at Health By the Bay during the Traverse City Cherry Festival this past Monday. We had a wonderful time, and are so happy to know that so many of you are focused on good health! According to the responses I've had, it sounds as though we inspired a great many individuals to begin a daily walking regimen... and what better place to take a wonderful (and scenic) brisk walk than the town of Traverse City! We both love it!

While enjoying my coffee this morning, I thought about my dad and how he teases me because I don't drink my coffee black. He tells me that I don't like coffee because if I did, I wouldn't add a little artificial sweetener along with a touch of my favorite, hazelnut creamer. That's okay, he can tease me if he wants to... I enjoy it and it is low in calories; plus, it's my favorite beverage of the day!

Good morning to all of you! Come on now, wake up – it's time to start a new day! Yes, I know, many of you are still trying to recuperate after a long, three-day weekend, which included staying up past your bedtime to celebrate Independence Day with a few amazing fireworks displays! We can all admit that the fun we had with family and friends over the past few days was worth it – and we can catch up on sleep this weekend, right?

Here we are, one day away from a long three-day holiday weekend, which will be full of friends, family, fun, food, and of course... fireworks! This three-day weekend is the perfect time for some outdoor activities, and I know that some of you will be making travel plans, many of which will include an outdoor destination that most people enjoy: an amusement park!

Happy "1st of July!" It's difficult for me to believe that June is over already... but it surely was a month to remember! With numerous graduation and birthday parties, weddings, parades, family gatherings, and fund raising events, along with basketball & football games (yes, in June!), I feel as though I enjoyed every single day of the month! Hey, isn't that the goal for ALL OF US as we live each day, week, month, and year? If it isn't yours, I personally feel that it should be.