How's This for a NSV?

Happy Thursday!  I'm enjoying some time with a friend of mine who drove up from Chicago yesterday.  She and I have been friends since we were 8 years old and in the same third grade class.  Now we're both 57 years old and grandmothers, and I'm not sure we've yet figured out how this happened so fast!

What's wonderful to me is that even though I'm creeping up on another decade in my life (one that will start with a "6"), I feel better, younger, healthier, and more alive now than I have in years.  I know it's because I AM healthier and more active now than I have been since I was in my early 30's.  Losing 126 pounds and maintaining my weight loss for going on 18 months has made all the difference.  Instead of facing the future with fear about declining health and decreased energy, I am busier than ever and having more fun than I have in years.  I'm doing things I love and things that I believe are making a difference in the lives of others, and I have time to spend (and the energy to keep up with) my grandchildren.

My girlfriend and I spent yesterday afternoon and evening with my almost-3 year old twin grandchildren, helping out my daughter while her husband is out of town on business.  One of the twins favorite games with me is "tickle bug" - which is basically me chasing them all over the house so I can tickle them when I catch them.  Sometimes my daughter has to remind the three of us (children and me) not to run in the house :-), but most of the time she doesn't mind.  I love the fact that I can run and chase two little ones - that's something I certainly couldn't have done two years ago!  How can I feel old (or even older) when I'm running through the house chasing children?

This is just another one of the Non-Scale Victories (NSVs) that continue to bring joy, even this many months after reaching my goal.  It's funny, but if I had never been obese, I would take moments like chasing children for granted.  Instead, I am filled with joy and thanksgiving that I can do something that is such fun for me and the little ones.  I'm so thankful that I can be a fun grandmother, and I want to be an active, vital part of their lives for years to come.

One month of Take Shape for Life/Medifast:  @ $300
Being able to chase toddlers without getting winded:  PRICELESS!
Choosing to continue living a healthy lifestyle:  ALSO PRICELESS!

For me, just like for you, a healthy lifestyle happens one day and one choice at a time.  I know what I'm choosing today - what about you?