Defining Moments

July has tested me. I turned 32, I bought a house (and am in the process of moving), and my grandfather passed away. All these things happened in a two week time frame. To say I hit my limit for stress would be putting it mildly. So even with all of my progress last year, in terms of improving lifestyle choices, my current situations pushed me out of my positive habits and I slipped right back into the comfort zone. And why not? I've had about 20 years of bad habits compared to a little over a year of making healthy and informed decisions. Add into the equation a heat wave for the summer season and it has been a recipe for disaster. It is too hot to cook healthy foods at my apartment, I am living half in the new house and half in the apartment, and since the passing of my Grandpa, all I've been wanting is comfort food and beverage. No I have not become a recluse hiding in my room with a bag of chips, but compared to the lifestyle I had been leading for the past year, I have been indulgent.

Therefore, I have to choose if I will let these situations in my life define me. I have to make a decision to get out of bed for early morning cardio sessions. Once the heat spell passes and we are settled in the new home, we have a killer kitchen for cooking delicious paleo foods. In theory, it sounds so easy, but to put it to daily practice after lapsing for many weeks--well, it is a challenge.

Luckily, I belong to a gym that presents us with challenges at different times throughout the year. Starting Monday, I'll be spending 6 weeks working towards the goal of #WhiteMountainStrong! If you follow my blog, you may remember that in the spring of 2012, I won the transformation challenge for women at our gym. Though it was only a year ago, I do feel that I am in a completely different mindset. Last year, I was working towards a bride body. This year, I am battling with home ownership and the loss of the greatest male role model in my life. I'll need all the support I can get from my friends and workout buddies. I signed up for a half marathon and a century bike ride, but even with those goals--sometimes it helps to be surrounded by people who are also working for a common goal.

I owe it to the man our family lost last week to work towards my maximum potential. My Grandpa was a WWII paratrooper veteran who married his high school sweetheart and worked without complaint at a paper mill for 42 years. He and my Grandma celebrated their 67th year of marriage in January while my Grandpa was battling his final stage of Alzheimer's disease. Despite the fact that he has been mentally gone for years, to lose his physical being was devastating. The things that I remember about him were his vibrant, youthful nature. He smiled often and put everyone else around him first. I know he would want me to be healthy, active, and enjoying life. So that is what I must do...

*In memory of Morrie Kane who passed away July 10, 2013 at the age of 91*