Inspired

Ok... so, as most of us do, I made a zillion excuses about why it was ok to indulge this holiday season. This last week my mother-in-law has been visiting from out-of-state and because of that we got to hang out with my husband's brother quite a bit. He is a super cool dude and when he and my husband get together it is pure awesomeness.

In this last year, said brother-in-law (I will call him by the code name I just gave him: Houndstooth) has been diagnosed with Type 1.5 Diabetes. Now, I don't know very many people who hear something like this and do pretty much a 180 overnight with what they eat. Houndstooth did.

As a side note, my husband's dad was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when he was seven and with the help of his family, lead a happy life. I recently got to read several letters that he mailed to my husband as he was growing up and I can truly say that he was a remarkable man.

Right. Back on track. I had been doing some egregious cheating. We went to have some Indian food to celebrate my husband's birthday (HAPPY BDAY HONEY!!!) and I sat across from Houndstooth. As I was shoveling naan in my face, Houndstooth ordered Lemon Grass & Cilantro Soup. The guilt that I was expecting to feel was replaced with inspiration.

My conclusion? It takes one decision to change. None of this waiting to make it a habit before you can change bullshit. Just make a decision and stick to it. Want to start taking vitamins? Make a decision and just do it. Want to eat better? Make a decision and just do it. Oh yeah, and do it for more than the two or three months that everyone else is doing it at the beginning of each year.

We all know almost exactly what we should and should not be eating. It is a matter of making a conscience decision and no excuses.

Here is to you Houndstooth. I will replay that dinner in my head often. You inspire me.