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When I started this fitness journey, I didn't really make a big deal out of it. I didn't tell anyone I was starting it, except my Beachbody Coach. Maybe it was because I didn't know if I'd be able to even pursue the program. Maybe it was because I didn't expect to see the results I saw in just one month. Maybe it was because I was a little embarrassed. Why? I'm not sure. I mean, there you are, alone, in your basement or TV room, in front of the TV, working out to these DVD's with this incredibly fit woman inspiring you at every step. Maybe I thought I'd never look like her. Maybe I feared the flack I'd get from my husband for undertaking such a task. And sometimes, yes, he gave me flack.

I had a phone conversation with my wonderful sister a few months ago. I told her about my results and what success I was having...and how I thought it would be a great program for her to try. Her question to me was, "What was it that made you even start this workout in the first place?"

I had to think about it. In fact, to this day, I think about it. And everyday, I add another answer. To her I replied that I felt someone had to do something. My husband is 12 years my senior, and despite the fact that he is in pretty decent shape medically, he is in his mid 50's and he has a few pounds to lose to make his doctor happy. I'm in my 40's. We have three grown children but still have two nine-year old daughters who depend on us to be here. They depend on me to cook their dinner, wash their clothes, keep the house in order, help them with their homework. They depend on us to tuck them in at night and kiss them on the forehead. What the hell would they ever do if we suddenly weren't there? What if I had let my weight and bad eating habits spiral out of control? What if I continued to teach them these bad habits? How could I let that happen? So, my answer to her..."I had to do SOMETHING."

But the more I thought about that question, the more I thought, "Hey! What about ME?" I wanted to do something for ME! I wanted to be able to look at myself in the mirror and be proud of me. I wanted to sleep better at night. I wanted to be putting healthy food in my body so I wasn't horribly constipated all the time. I wanted to smile more. I wanted to be able to tolerate life's stresses better. I wanted to know, that for an hour a day, I was going to spend the time pampering MYSELF with something that did all these things!

But, thinking even more, there is another answer to the question of the year. "Why not?" Why wouldn't I do this? WHAT DO I HAVE TO LOSE AND WHAT DO I HAVE TO GAIN? What can be better than gaining self-confidence? What is better for my children then for them to see my self-confidence? What can be better for my husband and children than having me in great health and mind and spirit? Why wouldn't I?

So, my task for you is to ask yourself the question of the year. Let it sink in. Every day, write down an answer, and I promise you that you will not get to 3 before realizing that it is time to do this for yourself. It is time to do it for those you love. And when the workouts get tough, and they will get tough, ask yourself the question of the year. Ask it again and again.

Thanks Kathie, for asking me!

(*note: As of Monday of this week, my husband couldn't deny my results any longer. He has been joining me in my workouts. I couldn't be prouder of him. And I have accomplished something huge...inspiring the father of my children that he's gotta shed those pounds and get in shape for us!)