Here we go! I need to make a lifestyle change! I need to eat healthier and move! Exercise, exercise and exercise! But here’s the thing. I don’t want to! I don’t want to sweat (I’m a black women with hair that doesn’t appreciate sweat!). I don’t want to eat crunchy raw foods with antioxidants that reduce build up of this or that. I don’t want to twist my body in an awkward position and hold it for five seconds! I don’t want to walk for a minute on the treadmill and then run for three minutes (only to need resuscitated!). I don’t want a closet full of sports bras, spandexy pants and running, walking AND gym shoes. I don’t want to do any of it! I want to go to work, sit at my desk, take as few steps as possible and then go home. I want to get home, cook high cholesterol/high caloric foods = tasty meal, eat dinner and then relax in bed while watching Project Runway! But the truth of the matter is, I can’t continue that lifestyle or I will die!

Currently, I have no diagnosis leading me to believe I am anything but moderately healthy.  I just know, if I don’t change, that diagnosis will change. I took a reading of my blood sugar levels Saturday and I am good. My cholesterol levels are excellent. I do take meds for high blood pressure that are working to control it and keep it in a safe zone. I have enough hair products and face products to help keep my appearance appealing and hopefully be a detourant from my full figureness! But again, the truth of the matter is, all that is subject to change overnight! No amount of glam can clean out my arties if they become clogged or rejuvenate my heart if I continue to squeeze it with my upper belly. I am not in my 20’s or 30’s and being beautiful, thin and attractive is no longer top priority! However, if I change my lifestyle and do the right things, the sweet look of loveliness will begin to reappear on my body and I can dust off my black dress with the white fringe and wear it like a champ! In the meantime, today’s goal is to become addicted to all things HEALTHY!

Two things happened recently that gave me pause. Last week my college girlfriend accepted my Facebook request to be her friend. When I saw a picture of her I was so sad. She looked fabulous! Thin and cute and in great shape! We are the same age within months of each other. Trust and believe, if we stood side by side in the mirror, I would be so ashamed! The other thing happened yesterday at church. I wore a dress that I bought in a size bigger than normal. I really liked the dress but always wear it with a sweater to kind of hide things. So why was clapping my hands to the music a chore?! I couldn’t just do a natural clap and enjoy myself. No siree! I had to stop and think every time I clapped! Why you may ask? I was bound up in that dress! It was too tight across my clapping area! I was mad too! Mad at the dress. Mad that they kept singing clapping music. And mad because I am fat! There I said it, fat! How mad am I? Mad enough to share this with you in efforts to make myself accountable to something and someone (you)! I know me and I am not in denial. I know I am low on will power. I know my get up and go, got up and left and I am without drive and determination! Oh yes, I have all of those things within me in the logical place in my mind; they just never come to fruition in my real life! That’s where you come in!

I don’t need anything from you except to listen, cheer me on and pray for my success! But… if you would like to join me, I’d love to have you! This may be the most important and crucial thing I ever do with kleverkathy.com….save my own life!

Because I am too embarrassed, I can’t tell you how much I weigh or what my measurements are. As I begin to loose weight and gain confidence, I will tell you all of that. My goal is to loose 40 pounds, several inches and have Angela Bassett arms. My timeline to accomplish my goal (just my goal as far as the numbers go because the rest of it is a permanent lifestyle change) begins now and ends October 24 when I board the ship for The Kleverkathy Caribbean Couple’s Cruise. I plan to not only be slim, trim and in better health, but I am striving for sexy and smoking hot! (that last one is for my husband, lol)

So begins operation D.I.A.! If you don’t know, the women I work with know. I have started a club. I am the club’s founder and the first proclaimed Diva In Action! The original basis for DIA was just daily living as a Diva. Now Diva In Action denotes my new life of action:  exercise – Pilates, yoga, cardio, strength training, running, walking, jogging, skipping, breathing, lifting, lunging, squatting, etc! I will become a true Diva In Action! Join me if you like! If not, that is fine, but please, pray for me, cheer for me and keep your fingers cross it will all take and I will be a changed, healthier woman, with enough energy to keep up with my three year old grandson!

I’m meeting with my personal trainer today and my nutritionist next week. I will be keeping a journal on Kleverkathy.com for your perusal and my accountability. Any comments, constructive criticisms and good advice are welcomed! Let the games begin! Holla back!

P.S. – The skirt I’m wearing, as we speak, is about to squeeze the life out of me! And I am wearing my Spanx to boot! (heavy sigh)…