Hello, I’m Julie, a 51 year-old woman that has been happily married for 30 years. As a wife, mother of two adult daughters, the daughter of an aging, frail mother, a social worker employed to run a family resource center, and an active community volunteer, my time always seems finite. As one who historically places herself last on the priority list, I have not only a 50 pound weight gain to address, but a reprioritization of what’s important as well.
Throughout my life, food has been not only a comfort but also a companion. When times are tough, I cook and eat. When times are good, I cook and eat. When times are dull, I cook and eat. When they’re hectic, I eat out. Chocolate has been far too good a friend in my adult years! Having just recently completed another master’s level program to earn an administrative services credential, I felt strongly that it was finally time to give myself permission to make me and my health a priority. My heartfelt thanks go to fellow blogger, Susan, for introducing me to Recipe for Life, and to the rest of my “Friends for Life,” and family, for supporting and encouraging me to give myself the gift of a healthy lifestyle.
My journey towards a more healthy life will include gaining a better understanding of my relationship with food, weight loss, healthier eating habits, and regular exercise. Lao Tzu encourages us to begin our journey with a single step; this blog is that first step, one that I am optimistic will yield the kind of results I both want and need.