I'm participating in the Shifting Gears lifestyle challenge because I need to get healthy, not only for myself, but for my children. I am 36 years old and work as a freelance writer and photographer from home. Between my husband and myself, we have five children; my “bonus” daughters are 22 & 19 and my three little ones at home are 10, 5 and 8 months.  After the birth of my son in 2000 I never lost any of the “baby weight” and gained more with the birth of my daughter five years later.  Having a new baby in the house means I'm tired and just can't seem to find the time to eat right or make time to exercise.
I want to show my children how important it is to make healthy food choices and be involved with some type of physical activity to stay fit. This is about making a change that will completely impact my life, and those around me as a whole. It's more than just physical health; it is improving strength, relieving stress and making the right choices.
My goal is to lose 60 pounds in the next six months. It seems like a realistic goal because it's an average of 10 pounds a month. I think once I incorporate a regular physical activity routine in my life, and make the time for myself, this goal will even more attainable.
I don't think it will be easy. Not at all. There will be temptations and set-backs along the way, but as long as I maintain a supportive environment and keep my mind focused on the end results I want to achieve, the little day-to-day challenges won't get in my way.
The hardest thing for me will be cutting out fast food and overcoming my mild addiction to Dr. Pepper, so I may have to avoid my family and friends as I go through the sugar withdrawal.
I'm looking forward to blogging and sharing this journey with anyone who might find him/herself in a similar situation. The moment when you realize you are not alone, and there is support out there, and people going through the same issues as you is the moment you can change your entire life. I'm ready to get started!

To read my blog, click here.