It Takes 35 Days to Make a Healthy Habit (Or Break a Bad One)

"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."
-Theodore Roosevelt-

Dear Laura

I always find your articles interesting and uplifting. I just know you will be back on the road again and trust your doctors to help get you there.

I'm wishing you a speedy recovery - you would be a great patient for any doctor to have.

Julie

PS - I was walking every day for about an hour - but once the weather turned nasty, I stopped. So is there some reality to doing something for 35 days straight to become a habit - just curious.


Dear Jules:

Thanks for your warm note. It's uplifting for me to hear reinforcement and know I help make a difference in your life.

Yes, there is something to doing the 35-days-in-a-row walking thing to help develop a daily habit. How do you think I began? Difference is, when the weather turned nasty on me, I hunkered down and got prepared for it. I met it head on by developing an all-weather walking wardrobe rather than give up. I was having such great results, I didn't dare let slip back into the old habit of not walking daily at all . . . my old fat self chases me down the street just waiting for me to weaken and pounce. Trust me.

Since the sun is shining today where I am, and I hope where you are, too, there's no better day than today to start your walking for 35 days straight.

I'd get out and take that walk today as soon as I was able to squeeze it in, if I were in your walking shoes, Girlfriend. I can't WAIT to be back hiking the urban streets, once again, after my surgery's rehab. And since I'm up in Elgin for my radio show and other events a few days a week, I'm looking forward to exploring some hiking trails there, as well.

And, yes, my doctors love me because I never let them slide, either. I challenge them to find a way for me to keep walking and doing what I do best. They give me the best care they can because they know I'm determined to make the most of every single day I have left on this great planet of ours. I've wasted far too much time living fat. It's so unnecessary and really not all that difficult to get the weight off and keep it off - if you want to. I've never felt better (even with all my physical challenges) nor been happier or less encumbered . . .

There are no more excuses for me.

How about you?

Just do what you can, with what you have, where you are - pull on your shoes and get out and walk daily for the health of it.

Fondest best,

Laura