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Because I can

I don't make New Year's resolutions, much less keep them.
Well, once I did both. At the close of 2016, I resolved that, in 2017, I would learn to walk again.
In recent days, when my FitBit counts my steps and documents my exercise, it's hard for me to fathom that, two years ago at this time, I was crippled. Every step hurt. Even walking from the bed to the bathroom in our hotel room; even taking a shower; even getting into the passenger seat of our rental car in Phoenix -- everything was effort and agony.
Now, I'm looking toward another New Year.
And I'm approaching it not with a resolution, but with a watchword. Three words, actually: "Because I Can."
I swear, I thought of these words, and chose them for 2019, long before I saw (while watching "Beach Life" on HGTV on the gym's stationary recumbent bike) a commercial for the new Diet Coke campaign. Hey! They stole my slogan: "Because I Can."
And as much as I like Diet Coke (though I prefer Tab, also a Coca-Cola product), the words "Because I Can" have a richer, more far-reaching meaning to me than selling a very fine soft drink.
Because I can, I will climb the stairs instead of use the elevator.
Because I can, I will park, when I have to, far away from my destination and not worry about a long walk.
Because I can, I will think of my exercise time not as a "workout," but as playtime -- and the gym as a playground, with lots of fun toys to choose from (like the rowing machine I tried on Christmas Day).
Because I can, I will make time for self-care -- and despite my company's perpetually understaffed situation, I will pull my weight, but not sacrifice time to tend to my health and wellness.
Because I can, I will monitor the scale, but not panic if a few "holiday pounds" crop up, as long as I stay in the prescribed weight range.
Because I can, I will enjoy a cookie once in a while. But just one.
Because I can, I will maintain my attitude of gratitude to the health care professionals who started me on this journey (love you lots, Dans and Katie!), but also acknowledge, as they do, that this is my journey, and its success depends mainly on me.
Because I can, I will field the age-related health issues that have shown themselves since I lost weight -- issues like AFib and sleep apnea -- with grace and diligence, realizing that weight loss is not a cure-all, but it's easier to hold onto health if I'm not packing on pounds.
Because I can, I will look ahead, and watch and pray for God's guidance: Should I go straight on my current path, or is the time coming, sooner than I think, to shift directions?
Because I can, I will take care of my husband and treasure him. He's the only family I have in my immediate vicinity, but he's more than I ever hoped for, and he's all I need.
Because I can, I will make the most of whatever awaits me in 2019. May all of you do the same!




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