by Tracy Lynn Richards

Created on: October 12, 2009   Last Updated: October 14, 2009

She looks great for her age!

I recently came to the realization that I am not as young as I used to be. I made the horrible mistake of thinking I didn't have room for my full length mirror in my smaller, but cozier new place, and let me tell you- what a mistake that was!

I knew that I was starting to gain weight because none of my bras fit and I was beginning to feel uncomfortable in everything besides my jammie pants. This was a serious problem! After going to the doctor for an un-related health issue (not my weight) I learned that I now weighed a whopping 161lbs. You may be thinking that's not so bad! However, what you may not be considering is that I am only 5'3. Can you guess what the first thing I did was when I got home? That's right! I brought the mirror of truth in. It may not tell me who's the fairest one of all, but it does tell me that it sure as hell isn't me right now! I had to act fast before I was on one of those crazy shows where they are pulling two ton Tina out of her house with a fork lift! I know I use a bit of humor to get my message across, but seriously ladies there comes a point when you have to realize that you are not healthy and that metabolism you may have had- is now non-existent!

I'm not writing to complain or lecture or to try and make anyone feel bad about themselves because I know from experience, none of those tactics work to motivate. I'm writing because this is my story and I think I'm not alone in this middle age struggle. It can be very difficult, I understand. I just think when your 31 and you know you are not getting any younger, that you really do have the responsibility to take care of yourself. If you have kids like I do you should want to put forth the effort even more to get healthy. Do it for yourself first, but keep in mind that there are other people in your life that would benefit from you being around a little longer and would love to see you healthy.

So I took my first big step, I joined the local gym. This gym isn't full of super-models and skinny B*, It has people of all ages and all weights. Sure there's a few good looking people there, but for the most part it's just people like me that definitely could stand to lose a few lbs. For $35.00 a month I can work out all I want and the classes are included in that price too. Think about it, if you eat out at least once a week you're spending at least that much money on food that's just junking up your trunk (AKAmaking your booty even bigger). It's like your paying someone to make you fatter. Wouldn't you rather want to give your money to someone who's going to help you lose weight?

If you decide that you are ready to take that big step, good for you! If not, that's ok too. I'm not saying that everyone needs to be all thin and young looking; I just want to look good for my age. I don't want to be one of those over weight 30-45 year old women that are trying to rock out some low rise jeans with a big ole muffin top hanging out (AKA-that fat role that is seeping over the top of your jeans) I just want people to say, Damn! She looks good for her age; she must care about herself enough to take care of herself! Wouldn't you want that?

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