No pain, No gain?

It's Sunday morning and I'm sitting here enjoying my morning cup of coffee.  The unfortunate thing though is that I know when I try to stand up and start my day, that my legs will want to give out on me and with each step I take, I will be in pain.  I ache all over and I can already tell that today is just going to be miserable for me.

If you didn't know me and know my story, you would never guess that I have Rheumatoid Arthritis.  Most folks assume that is an older person's condition.  But it's not; even little kids can get arthritis.  So, it's time to fess up....You see, I've been a little naughty.  For the last 3 weeks, I've not taken my arthritis medicine and as of this weekend, it's caught up with me.  Why?  Well, to be completely honest, I wanted to lose weight before an up and coming vacation.

Last year when my Doctor put me on it, I gained approximately 20 pounds over a 4 month period.  Since then, I've had a hard time loosing.  I was 10 pounds away from goal until my weight gain.  Since I eat fairly healthy and I exercise, you would think that it should come off but instead, it's taking what seems like an eternity to get there.  I became inpatient with and decided to take matters into my own hands. And instead of loosing weight, I jeopardized my health. So now, it's like starting all over.  And I don't want to go back to where I was last year.  It not only affected me but everyone around me.  Sometimes when you hurt, you hurt the ones you love unintentionally.

So, I'm reminded of a few things because of this.

1. I have to stay on my medication; no ifs, ands or buts.

2. I feel better with a balanced diet and regular exercise.

3. I can not compare my body to that of anyone else because we are all different.

4. I will take my supplements.  I feel better and have more energy.

5. I will continue the Body by Vi Challenge that I started this week.  (Already down 1.5 lbs this week!)

6. To be patient.  (This one will be hard!) 

7. I am healthier and stronger than ever before.