Staying motivated is one of the biggest battles we face on our journey to successful weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. In many ways, it is an intimate conversation with our inner self, a pep talk of sorts, and our success lends itself to the desire of our hearts and our willingness to look inward to the root of our behaviors.

*Surround yourself with positive people as their sparkling personalities and the sunshine that radiates from them sets the tone and provides the foundation for your success.

*Read or listen to thought provoking books, quotes and other materials, examine the meaning behind the words and how you can translate that meaning into your success. Here is one of my favorites:

Our worst fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, "Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?" Actually, who are you not to be? Nelson Mandela

*Give yourself the gift of joining a caring supportive self-help network. This can be crucial to your success.

1.In surrounding yourself with like-minded friends and virtual hugs, you are setting the stage for your success.

2.The wealth of knowledge shared is amazing and diverse and topics range from motivational words and exercise tips, to a favorite recipe or a cry for help.

3.The genuine concern and understanding of those who are walking the same path provides comfort and hope as successes are shared.

A much-loved story to share with those asking for help in their struggle to succeed is one I found thought provoking and most true. Please read this and ponder its meaning.

ONE evening, and old Cherokee told his grandson about the eternal battle that goes on inside people.

"He said, My boy, the battle is between two wolves inside us all."

"One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego."

"The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, tolerance, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."

The boy thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf wins?"The old Cherokee replied, "The one you feed."

So, with Sunshine wishes, I ask you to adjust your thinking cap to allow for the soul searching and self-examination that leads to the self-improvement of both mind and body. Move forward with a newfound commitment in motivating yourself towards your success and "Feed the Good Wolf!" It is the journey of YOUR lifetime!