Just returned yesterday from chauffeuring my elderly parents to their whirlwind mini-vacation tour of St. Augustine & Savannah. I am blessed beyond measure & blessed beyond words to have had that time with them making great memories. Dad got myocarditis in the summer a year ago & had to have emergency heart valve surgery. While he was still recovering last Fall their house caught fire consuming most everything except the exterior shell. But they escaped & survived. Fortunately, Dad has healed & the house was rebuilt better than it was before. 

Hug 'em while you got 'em folks. Parents, children, in-laws, teachers, preachers, spouses, pets, your favorite cashier, that kid that gets your Starbucks order just right are all only here for a brief time. A limited engagement here on planet earth. Let them know they matter. Let them know they add value to your life. It won't cost you a dime. And yes, even the jerks of the universe need to know they matter. Actually, they probably need your kindness most of all. Be a doer of good deeds, whether people deserve it or not. It seems to me that this world is getting harsher, and darker and meaner with every year that passes. The only antidote to that is if we all, in our own small way shine the light we each have within us to brighten and add warmth to the world.

What the heck has all this got to do with Diet Bet? Nothing, except to be a reminder that you matter too. You're special and beautiful and valuable no matter your size. Stop comparing yourself to the magazine covers, most of them are airbrushed, phoney and unattainable anyway. Remember, you are worth making the time to exercise and move that body you were blessed with.. and you're worthy of eating foods that are healthy  instead of scarfing down junk. It shouldn't  really be about a number on the scale or a particular size you want to attain, but instead being the healthiest, best version of yourself you can be because you're worth the effort.

Peace, joy and blessings until next time . . . .