Six Tips That Have Helped Me Stick To My Weight Loss Plan

There are some people who crave the sweetness of a carrot or the purity of a sweet potato They look longingly at a colorful plate of freshly roasted vegetables, then dig in and slowly chew each morsel as if it they had reached Nirvana.

As much as I ~~love~~ enjoy a good carrot or sweet potato, my Nirvana always lands somewhere between Pasta Paradise and the Kingdom of Chocolate.

During midlife, I need to take my eating habits more seriously. I can't give into every craving, promising to cut calories one day to make up for the extra ones I devoured the day before. I gain weight easily, and it doesn't always land where it used to.

Now that I'm on a quest to lose weight I need to have a set eating routine. I've learned that this works best for me when trying to lose weight.

Of course I tweak my routine so I won't get bored. I love food, and if you eat the same thing every day you'd feel food deprived.

If you're like me, you'd begin to "cheat" and justify how you just "want a little taste." The little taste grows into bigger tastes and so on and so forth until BINGO! You're off your diet plan.

Believe me, I know what I'm talking about...

Over the years, with all of the diets and wellness plans I've been on, I've learned a lot about what does and doesn't work for me. What I've learned is that planning my meals in advance works. Knowing what I'm going to have for breakfast, lunch and dinner allows me to have more control over what I'm going to put into my mouth.

Here are a few tips for you that I've found helpful:

Portions - Growing up the food on my plate covered the entire plate. Now if my plate is fuller it's because the portion of vegetables are larger than the protein and carbohydrates.
Snacks - I eat healthier, lower calorie and more nutritious snacks. I fill up on raw vegetables that I pre-cut and store in the refrigerator. I love organic Pink Lady apples and keep a supply on hand whenever I can find them (usually at Trader Joe's.)
Water - I try to drink 64 ounces of water a day. Water is not only good for your kidneys, but also increases energy, promotes weight loss, flushes out toxins, improves skin complexion, maintains regularity, boosts the immune system and hydrates your whole system.
Schedule - I try to eat my meals at the same time every day. I find this works best for me by eating breakfast, lunch and dinner at regular intervals.
Goals - I set short range goals of losing weight. Doing this gives me frequent successes which helps me stick to my ultimate goal.
Support - My husband and son have been extremely supportive and helpful. This is very important when you're trying to lose weight. Being surrounded by people who love and care about you goes a long way toward helping you reach your goals.

What have you found helpful in reaching your wellness goals?

*I received a free month on the Jenny Craig program and a discount on food for this review. There was no compensation. All opinions are solely my own. NOTE: Clients following the Jenny Craig program lose, on average, 1 -2 lbs. per week.

Families Coping With Illness: How Our 2006 Video For A Local TV Program Is Still Relevant Today

March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month, a perfect time to share a video made in 2006 to illustrate how my family was coping with my diagnosis. I hope it will help to spread awareness about MS and disability.

In 2006 my family and I were interviewed at home for a local television program, CAUCUS: New Jersey with Steve Adubato for the segment, "Families Coping With Illness." They wanted to know the story of my MS diagnosis: how it happened, how it affected my family and how we were coping.

Bar Mitzvah 2006

It was three days after my son's Bar Mitzvah, and my husband and I were exhausted. But we knew that our participation in the making of this video would be another way to educate the public not only about MS, but also how families learn to cope when one of its' members are living with a chronic illness.

March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month, so I thought this was a perfect time to share this video that tells my story.

Living with MS is a story of public and private struggle

Every person with MS has their own story of public and private struggles with the disease. It is a story unique to them, yet one with a common similarity: the hope for a cure.

Here are some stories from The National Multiple Sclerosis Society's campaign "MS Connections." They are stories of people supporting one another, while exploring the issues that shape their world. You can add your own story to their campaign.

Photo Credit: National MS Society

What stories can you share about coping with a loved ones illness?

NOTE: Video provided by Caucus New Jersey, Paula M. Levine (Producer)

What Was Your Self-Image In Grade School? A Baby Boomer's Tale Of Changing How We View Ourselves

There it was. That dreaded scale. The one I thought would ring a bell loudly and shout,"Oh, jeez, please get off of me!"

I remember when I was young and my mother was on a diet. She put a gadget inside our refrigerator that, after opening the door to find something to eat, would scream "Close the door, fatty!"

I hated that contraption.

Self-image is an important reason why women (and men) spend thousands of dollars on beauty products each year. According to an article in MarketWatch.com, the Commerce Department reported, "Americans spent a whopping $33.3 billion on cosmetics and other beauty products in 2010, up 6% from 2009."

And according to a 2013 article in TIME article, "The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) says that while total cosmetic surgeries fell by 2% last year, the number of what they call “minimally invasive” procedures rose by 6%. The most popular of these were Botox and Dysport injections, followed by soft tissue filler injections, chemical peels, laser hair removal, and microdermabrasion."

We all want to look good.

But at what price? Our self-image starts when we're young. We begin by comparing ourselves to the most popular girls in grade school.

You know, the girls all the boys were going ga-ga over while our hormones were raging out of control. The ones with straight, shiny hair, button noses and long, slender legs who were good in gym and always wore the coolest clothes.

Sorry to digress. That was my memory. What? Did I hear you nodding your head? Phew.

Today, the news about self-image for young people is appalling. Take a look at recent statistics:

One study reports that at age thirteen, 53% of American girls are "unhappy with their bodies." This grows to 78% by the time girls reach seventeen. (Teen Health and the Media)
The number of cosmetic surgical procedures performed on youth under age 19 more than tripled from 1997 to 2007. (The Representation Project)
In 2011, Dove® released the findings of its largest global study to date on women’s relationship with beauty—The Real Truth About Beauty: Revisited. The study revealed that only 4% of women around the world consider themselves beautiful, and that anxiety about looks begins at an early age. (The Dove Campaign for Real Beauty)

I don't know about you, but I find these numbers appalling. A female's self-image needs a lift, and young girls urgently need our help.

How can this be done?

Through education and awareness. And the buck stops here.

As a baby boomer and a mother, I feel a sense of urgency to portray ourselves in a positive light, and to be good role models for young people. However and whenever we can, we need to write messages that clearly demonstrate we are beautiful no matter what the scale says.

What society deems, and what glossy magazines portray, is not reality.

I want my clothes to fit better, and I'd like to feel healthier. It's simply unhealthy to carry any extra weight, especially when there are family genetics skewed in the wrong direction.

Taking steps toward wellness and living a healthier lifestyle is why I began the Jenny Craig program. I want to get back to eating regular portion sizes, bump up the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables I consume, drink more water and get more exercise.

When I was young I wanted to look like Christie Brinkley. Today, I am comfortable in my own skin.

I don't have straight, shiny hair or long, slender legs. But I do have my own unique brand of beauty, and that is something that every one of us has.

What did the scale say to me? It said "job well done" and "thanks beautiful."

At least in my heart it did.

What can you do to help change a young girl's self image?

*I received a free month on the Jenny Craig program and a discount on food products. There was no compensation. All opinions are solely my own. NOTE: Members following the Jenny Craig program lose, on average, 1 -2 lbs. per week.

When Life Keeps Handing You Lemons: Handling The Difficulties Of Life

Lately I've been thinking about this quote from the Bible:

"God only gives us what we can handle."

While it's often said that this quote appears in the Bible, that is a fallacy. Instead, the actual verse goes like this:

"No temptation has seized you that isn't common for people. But God is faithful. He won't allow you to be tempted beyond your abilities. Instead, with the temptation, God will also supply a way out so that you will be able to endure it. "~Corinthians 10:13

SPOILER: Don't worry. I'm not going to start preaching about religion, the existence of G-d or espouse my personal beliefs.

Life throws us curve balls

It's inevitable that life will throw us curves as we age. If we're lucky, we live a life filled with many blessings, and the darkness of illness, financial hardships or despair rarely comes our way.

But unfortunately that is not always the case. While it seems as if some people sail through life unscathed by darkness, others seem to have darkness dumped on them. When that happens, it feels as if a pitching machine is throwing curve balls at you while you stand still, too paralyzed to move.

"Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn’t learn a little, at least we didn’t get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die; so, let us all be thankful." ~Buddha

Life has been throwing me many curve balls lately, and although I try to stay strong and positive, there are times when I just give up.

I give in to sadness, and begin to feel sorry for myself. I'm only human.

I see friends traveling around the country and wish I could join them. I see healthy, vibrant people not being weighed down by the worry of illness. I'm jealous of anyone living in a warm climate and not having to deal with this unnerving winter weather. (How many more days until spring???)

Feeling this way won't change anything, and it's a destructive and useless way to be. But what can I do to change it?

How I focus on the positive while living (and aging) with MS

As we age, it's important for us to learn how to focus on getting through the difficulties of life as best as we can. There are a myriad of ways to do this. Here are some I'm going to try. How about you?

Do what you love. Playing a sport, spending more time with your children, joining a gym, writing or knitting, or picking up a hobby you've put aside are some ideas. Refocusing your attention can revitalize and refresh your mind, body and spirit.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Replacing negative thoughts with positive ones is invaluable. "Cognitive-behavioral therapy is based on the idea that our thoughts cause our feelings and behaviors, not external things, like people, situations, and events. The benefit of this fact is that we can change the way we think to feel / act better even if the situation does not change." ~National Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapists
Acknowledge your blessings : Acknowledging the blessings in your life - family, friends, accomplishments at work - is a powerful tool. Focus on them. Then let the people in your life know how much they mean to you. You'll be surprised at how good that will make you feel.
Take time for yourself - Take a bubble bath and light some candles for a relaxing getaway from the world. Get a hot stone massage. Take a walk in the park to surround yourself with the beauty in nature. Watch an old movie that makes you laugh. Do something that feels good and rejuvenates you. You deserve it.
Set daily goals for yourself - Use the ease of a program like Google Calendar to schedule daily personal tasks that make you happy. These personal goals will help you feel good, and are important for your well-being.
Don't allow any disasters to pull you down - Remind yourself of your successes, and remember the people who love you unconditionally and support you. Life is filled with ups and downs. What's important is how you handle them.

The miracle of everyday blessings

My fabulous cousin Gabrielle always knows the right thing to say. She empowers me with her wit and wisdom, especially when she says that when we're tested in life, it only means something awesome is waiting to happen.

I think Gabrielle's advice aligns itself with the quote from the Bible that's been on my mind. I finally understand that the strength we need to endure lies within ourselves. We must believe in the miracle of every day blessings, and the knowledge that we have the power to change how we think and feel.

How do you stay positive when life gets you down?

How To Lose Weight During Midlife: One Pound At A Time

“She threw back her head with a laugh that made her chins ripple like little waves.” ~Edith Wharton, The Age of Innocence

As I forge ahead on the Jenny Craig program, I've become more mindful of what I eat, trying to keep my eye on the prize of feeling and looking better.

The phrase "lift and separate" takes on a whole new meaning during midlife.

In midlife it's not as easy to lose weight as it used to be. Our metabolism has changed, and being in menopause doesn't help. I can't simply cut back on the calories and poof - the pounds magically disappear.

No, no, no.

Now that gravity has taken over, it's not uncommon for my friends and I to discuss exactly what is, ungraciously, happening to our bodies.

Boobs somehow need to be picked up off the floor with wired four-hook contraptions that promise to lift and separate, while minimizing any "back fat." (Ew)

Extra fat appears around our midriff, mimicking someone who's had one too many beers.

You can no longer see your toes.

Today there are some not-so- lovely new names for extra fat that are enough to make you want to lose weight:

Jiggly fat, turkey twaddle, chubette, fattux, chunky, fatass.

You get the idea.

Every single pound - every single ounce - is a battle to lose.

Smokey and Jenny Craig and Eating Weight

Who's that sitting in my chair? Smokey is dreaming of Jenny Craig's Chicken Fajitas!

I'd love to, once again, be able to get dressed without the need to check and re-check the mirror to decide whether or not I look good in an outfit.

I gave up trying to ask my husband what he thinks. He's learned over the years that answering my questions are a lose-lose battle.

"Honey, do I look alright in this outfit? Do you think my butt looks too big?"

"No, your butt looks the same."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing. I'm just answering your question."

"I don't think so. You said my butt looks the same. I saw the look in your eyes. I heard that inflection in your voice. You think my butt is too big."

"What are you talking about?"

Fade out. (It gets ugly.)

Losing weight takes more effort these days than it used to, so I'm reverting back to some old tricks I learned a long time ago.

I took out a few photos that I like of myself to remind me how I want to look again.
I've made a pact with myself not to buy new clothes until I feel more comfortable with my weight.
Every time I walk on the treadmill or outdoors I write it down, and tally up the miles I've walked at the end of the week. (I used to mark it on a map, making pretend I was walking down south. I think I got as far as Baltimore..)
I remind myself that I'll soon have my yearly physical, and how good I'll feel when I don't mind stepping on the scale.

I hope these tricks work for me, because feeling healthier is the ultimate goal. In the new year, it's the best gift I can give to myself.

Are you following any new healthy regimens this year?

*I received a free month on the Jenny Craig program and a discount on their food for this review. There was no monetary compensation. All opinions are solely my own. NOTE: Clients following the Jenny Craig program lose, on average, 1 -2 lbs. per week.

During Midlife Exercising Is Even More Crucial For A Healthy Weight Loss

There are many reasons why I enjoy being a woman in my fifties. The freedom to be myself and the ability to chase the rainbow of my passions are the first two reasons that come to mind.

But trying to lose weight? That is not one of them. Why? Because nowadays it’s harder to take the weight off than it used to be.

When I was in my twenties or thirties and needed to lose a few pounds, I’d watch what I ate and burn up calories at the gym. The weight came flying off.

Now? It’s a ~~hard~~ s---l---o---w process.

I have to admit a big part of the reason the weight is coming off slower than I'd like it to is my own fault. I am not getting any exercise. These days it’s harder for me to get the exercise I need, and my job as a writer doesn't make it any easier.

Sitting in front of my laptop for long periods of time is not healthy.

Yes, I know. I have MS. For me that means I can’t run or walk fast or far, and my balance is shaky at best. I also have a frozen shoulder that, even after 8 months, is still very painful and limits my physical activities.

Those are all excuses. Because despite my disability I still have many abilities, and those are the ones I need to focus on and use if I want to keep losing weight and, in turn, feel healthier.

Tools from Jenny Craig to help me get active

Leslie, my Jenny consultant, and I discussed how I could become more active. Walking seems to be the best option, so we decided I need a pedometer and begin a walking program to try and reach those golden 10,000 steps a day.

In the meantime I still have Jenny Craig in my corner. Not only with my weekly consults, but also with their delicious cuisine. This week their newest meal of Pizza Bites was not only delicious, but I also loved that there were three individual pieces. It felt good to know that after I finished one piece there were two more waiting for me!

Jenny Craig has made it easy to stay in control of my diet while learning new ways to become a healthier me.

So I’m ready for another week of Jenny Craig, and although I have a few social engagements, I feel confident that my week will be a healthier one because I'm stepping up my exercise routine and putting what I’ve learned at Jenny to work.

Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. I lost another pound last week!

What healthy changes have you made for yourself lately?

*I received a free month and discounted food on the Jenny Craig program for this review. There was no compensation. All opinions are solely my own. NOTE: Clients following the Jenny Craig program lose, on average, 1 -2 lbs. per week.

Now That The Holidays Are Over, Was I Crazy To Start A Diet Before They Began? The Battle Of Cookies, Carbs And Carrots

Saturday was the big day. The day I looked forward to with equal parts of dread and excitement.

Sage advice from Jenny Craig

Saturday was weigh-in day.

It was the first time I’d step on the scale now that the holidays were finally over. The time when the moment of truth had arrived to find out whether the combination of celebrating the holidays, battling stress and journaling my daily menus would affect my weight loss one way or the other.

The holidays were admittedly a diet struggle for me, with a daily battle between cookies, carbs and carrots.

Our New Year’s Eve plan was a low-key one, with an early dinner and a movie. Although our plan was simple, it was fraught with delectable temptations to celebrate the incoming year with mouthwatering food.

I was tempted to throw my recent Jenny success out the window, and replace it with an order of a pulled pork sandwich, a side of cole slaw and some freshly baked cornbread.

I could almost taste the extra calories and fat. But when it was my turn to order dinner, it was like an out-of-body experience when I heard these words come out of my mouth:

“I’ll have the roast chicken special with a side of broccoli and some roasted potatoes, please.”

Success! Not only was my dinner delicious, but I felt satisfied after eating only half of the large portion.

When I finally stepped onto the scale, I had no idea what the outcome would be.

Before I did, I took a moment to be quietly mindful of how I felt at that moment. I inwardly told myself that no matter what the outcome was, I was proud of the steps I was taking to become healthier.

My Jenny Craig Consultant always encourages me to think about healthy eating and not dieting

Leslie, my Jenny Craig Consultant, placed a paper towel on the scale and I took a deep breath.

May I have the envelope, please? Drumroll…

I lost another pound!

Okay, so one pound may not sound like a lot to you, but I was ecstatic. It was the first time in years I didn’t gain weight during the holidays.

With the help of Jenny Craig, I have now lost several pounds. My pants fit more comfortably and I began to feel proud of myself.

That was the whole point of joining Jenny Craig. To feel better physically and emotionally.

Leslie was so proud of me. Her face was beaming as she reiterated that losing weight slowly was the healthiest way to lose.

We talked about my dinner out that night, and created a game plan of eating at a Thai restaurant.

"Don’t go to a restaurant hungry." "Eat a salad or soup before you leave." "Order lots of vegetables." "Watch your portions."

These Jenny Craig booklets offer inspiration and guidance

The Jenny Craig entrees are delicious, but it’s nice to know I can continue my social life of dining out with friends without having to compromise my Jenny Craig success.

Was I crazy to start a diet over the holidays? No!

*I received a free month on the Jenny Craig program for this review. There was no compensation. All opinions are solely my own. NOTE: Clients following the Jenny Craig program lose, on average, 1 -2 lbs. per week.

How Jenny Craig Helped Me On Christmas Day

The Jenny Craig program has been good for me after my first two weeks. I’ve already lost a few pounds by eating their pre-planned meals, listening to the advice of my consultant and beginning a mindful approach toward eating.

But last week's question, “Am I crazy to start a diet before the holidays?” still looms large for me. In our family, December 25 is a double whammy – Herbmas (Dad’s 86^th birthday) and Christmas.

This day was going to be a challenge.

It all started out fine. I ate my Jenny breakfast along with a small apple, coffee and several glasses of water to fill me up. I worked out a healthy eating plan, in my mind, before we left for our party because I knew there would be lots of tempting food that might derail my diet.

Jenny Craig's Breakfast Scramble
Photo: jennycraig.com

My goals of weight loss and feeling healthy are important to me, and I wanted to be mindful of those goals.

We left for the party, and when we arrived at my brother’s house there was food as far as the eye could see. Not only were we going to be treated to delicacies such as smoked salmon, whitefish and fresh bagels, but also to his girlfriend’s luscious-looking ham.

The table was set for 18 guests, and every inch of it was covered with some holiday delicacy just begging to be eaten.

It was going to be a true test of my willpower. When it comes to food, willpower hasn’t always been my forte.

I was glad I arrived somewhat satisfied, and avoided doing what I usually do. Grabbing pieces of this food or that and sticking them into my mouth “for just a little taste.”

Those little tastes always add up to a higher daily caloric intake than I should have. I want to keep the pounds I’d taken off….off!

When it was time to sit down and eat, I followed what I planned out that morning. I put a pile of vegetables on my plate, along with half a plain bagel, a piece of lox and a smidgeon of whitefish. (They are fish - okay a bit saltier than I should have- but they are healthy Omega's right?)

Then it was time for dessert. Uh oh.

The fruit salad my husband prepared looked tiny (and lonely) compared to all of the other desserts being offered.

Being a chocoholic, this part of the meal was going to be my most difficult battle.

I tried to repeat to myself that later I’d have my delicious Jenny Craig Triple Chocolate Cheesecake to look forward to, making Friday’s weigh-in a happy time for me.

When the desserts were cleared, I felt proud of myself that I skipped dessert. But I still felt hungry.

When my nephew sat down next to me eating a plate of bagel chips, they looked yummy. So what did I do? I got my own small plate, thinking what harm could come from eating them?

After eating the last one, I wondered if I should have opted for more fruit salad instead.

Being on a weight loss plan is not only about losing weight, but it's also about being mindful of what you are eating. That includes knowing how to stay full by making smart food choices instead of filling up on empty calories.

When I go to my Jenny appointment tomorrow, I will thank my consultant for her sound advice, discuss the challenges I faced during the week, and plan the week ahead with her, including New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Losing weight and feeling healthy are two goals I’m serious about. So was I crazy to start a diet over the holidays? I'll keep you posted!

*I received a free month on the Jenny Craig program and food products. There was no compensation. All opinions are solely my own. NOTE: Members following the Jenny Craig program lose, on average, 1 -2 lbs. per week.

Am I Crazy To Begin A Weight Loss Program Over The Holidays?

The “W” word. The one word my husband is never allowed to mention to me. Not only because he’s been the same weight for his entire adult life, but also because he knows nothing about weight gain or the need to diet. I think if he ever tells me I’m overweight I might be forced to begin divorce proceedings.

I, on the other hand, have struggled with weight issues my whole adult life. I’ve gone up and down and all around the scale.

I clearly remember my first job in Manhattan when I competed daily in a fierce battle (think “The Devil Wears Prada”) with other young women vying to be noticed by executives. We all starved ourselves to stay as thin as we could.

Vacationing in Acapulco the year I began working in Manhattan, 1981.

Madison Avenue is a jungle.

After perimenopause, I lost control over pounds creeping up on me, and what gravity did with them after their invasion.

It’s such an ugly process.

But after reading my friend Lois Alter Mark’s blog, Midlife at the Oasis, and learning about her success story on the Jenny Craig program, I decided I’d try to take weight matters into my own hands by signing up with Jenny.

It was an Aha moment.

After all, Jenny Craig was the one weight loss program I haven’t tried, so I thought I’d give it a whirl.

I scheduled my first appointment, and before that day arrived I received not one but two phone calls from a Jenny employee. They wanted to offer me words of encouragement.

I was thankful but, admittedly, a little nervous.

My Jenny Craig Manager, Jennifer, greeted me with a big smile. She was encouraging and lovely.

When I first walked through their door they made me feel like a rock star. Four smiling faces greeted me, including Jennifer, the lovely Manager. She gave me a tour of the place and introduced me to my personal consultant.

After taking my (agh!) measurements and then (ugh!) stepping onto the scale, I sat down with my consultant to discuss the entire Jenny Craig program. I learned about their wide variety of health conscious food choices, the fruits, vegetables, heart healthy fats and reduced-fat dairy I would be adding to my meal plan, and the importance of scheduling in some daily exercise.

I talked about my love-hate relationship with food and weight, and she listened intently as I discussed my goals and anxieties about success with weight loss.

This is only a small portion of my weekly Jenny menu. Honestly, I haven't felt hungry yet!

When we finished our discussion, we decided on my meal plan for the week. They were more than happy to substitute meals when necessary (I don’t eat beef), and offered suggestions on how to stay on track while attending various holiday events.

Could I have picked a more difficult time to begin a new weight loss program? Probably not. But I had to start sometime, and I’d rather jump in now rather than gaining five more pounds by the time New Year’s Day rolls around.

So I’m off to a fresh start, with the help of Jenny Craig. I’ve already enjoyed my first days of delicious Jenny entrees, and feel good I’m taking some time to do something positive and healthy for myself.

I’ll keep you posted on how I’m doing. Wish me luck!

The Best Gifts Are Passed Down From One Generation To The Next

Someone asked me what was the best gift I ever received. I've been stumbling over my response to this question ever since.

I didn’t want to answer by saying something obvious, like a happy marriage (which I never take for granted) or something tangible like a beautiful piece of jewelry.

Then it hit me. Of course. It was right in front of me all the time.

The best gift I ever received might sound strange to you, but its the lessons I learned about myself, and from those around me, after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.

Being diagnosed with an incurable chronic illness is not only about the patient. It's also about those who love and care about you. The courage and love shown by family and friends while the sting of the diagnosis is fresh and raw is a true lesson.

And a gift.

My family showed courage the day of my diagnosis. My mother had the unenviable task of telling me about my diagnosis, something no mother should ever have to do. My brothers hugged me, and my father quietly kissed my forehead while gently stroking my hair.

My boyfriend held me close, and whispered he was with me for the long haul.

My three best friends cried and laughed with me as we listened to each other's words of wisdom.

This is how my journey began.

Over the years I’ve had friends drop off the radar. Because of their ignorance and inability to understand illness, I’ve been hurt, questioned and misunderstood. This served to strengthen me, and was the catalyst in my need to educate and spread awareness about MS and that, despite having a disability, my abilities are what define me.

The gifts I received of love and understanding are the ones I've tried to pass on.

When my son was born we decided to always be truthful with him, even about my illness. Mommy can’t run, Mommy gets tired, Mommy has good days and bad. We also wanted him to learn the importance of a positive attitude, tolerance and being compassionate.

When my MS Center was celebrating their 10^th anniversary my son was 3 years old. A popular local newscaster was attending their celebratory event, and my son and I were going as well. While the newscaster was speaking, I noticed my sweet little boy climbing up into the lap of one of our dear friends who was severely disabled and required a wheelchair.

I smiled when I noticed the joy on the man’s face. That tiny act from our big-hearted, innocent child stayed with me all these years later. I knew in my heart that we had, indeed, instilled in our son the best gifts I ever received: love, compassion and an understanding heart.

My "best gift" was being passed down from one generation to the next.

My Story: Life Through A Lens Or How I Finally Made Peace With My Glasses (Includes My First VIDEO)

The following is a sponsored post. I received compensation and merchandise. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

My journey of wearing glasses began a long time ago. "Let's start at the very beginning. A very good place to start."

http://youtu.be/uZ6B7FAtPlY

(Don't judge me too harshly. This was my first video for An Empowered Spirit. NOTE TO SELF: Stop saying "ANYWAY"..)

When I first dated my husband I refused to let him see me wearing my "coke bottle" glasses. My nearsightedness required the lenses of my eyeglasses to be quite thick. I was used to wearing contact lenses and felt self-conscious wearing glasses.

Photo: Etsy

A few months after we began dating I developed an eye condition preventing me from wearing my contacts. One night, we decided to go to a local restaurant for dinner that, coincidentally, my future in-laws were dining at as well. After spotting us, they began to walk over to meet me and I quickly took off my glasses and hid them. While being introduced, I attempted to look as upbeat and casual as possible.

In reality, all I saw were two complete blurs. I had no idea what they looked like.

Reading about cute puppies and kittens puts a smile on my face.

Eyeglasses have come a long way since 1985. They are not only functional, but have also become a fashion accessory. You can express your style and personality through chic, trendy or sophisticated lenses.

I no longer think twice about wearing glasses in public.

When I work I need to wear contact lenses and readers

As I age, all print seems to be getting smaller and smaller. I can't shop in a store without the need to pull my readers from my purse so I can read a list of ingredients or the fine print in a circular.

I have a pair of readers in every room of the house, a pair in my car, one in my purse...

When I read outside it feels good to wear fashionable sunglass readers

After Readers.com reached out to me to try their product, I was surprised not only at the wide selection of readers and eyeglasses they offer, but at their affordable prices. Their guarantee of satisfaction is important, because I know firsthand how crucial it is to find the right pair of eyewear.

I love having different choices so I can express my individual style with the readers I wear.

Whether I'm writing, reading or shopping, a comfortable and stylish pair of readers makes my life easier while giving me a chance to express myself.

Hmm. Which pair will I wear today?

Do you wear readers?

Tomorrow is #GivingTuesday. What Will You Do To Give Back To The World?

I got the email. The one in October from The Mission List asking me to join their efforts as Ambassador for #GivingTuesday. I never responded. As they say these days, "My bad."

I promised myself that after I turned 50, my Second Chapter would be dedicated to paying it forward to those in need.

#GivingTuesday fit perfectly into my plan.

My life was terribly busy when I received the notice from The Mission List, and their notice blended in with all of my other emails. I should have stopped whatever I was doing to read it, because I know that ANY email from The Mission List is an important one.

I may not be an Ambassador for The Mission List, per se, but I wholeheartedly believe in their mission of #GivingTuesday.

I give because I care about the people I love. I give because I want to make the world a better place. I give to, among others, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, The American Cancer Society, The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and our local police and firemen.

All I know is I want to give back, and spread that message, on the same day that thousands of others are giving back worldwide.

Tomorrow is THE day. Tuesday, December 3 - #GivingTuesday.

Tomorrow is a call to action to "celebrate giving and encouraging more, better and smarter giving during the Holiday Season. It's an organizing principle to encourage creativity and energy of people all over the world to work together for good."

Max, Newton, Whitey and Smokey are my reasons to give to stop animal abuse, and to help find warm and loving homes for all of our furry friends. My newest charity is where Heaven is being cared for after being brutally abused - NJ SPCA (www.njspca.org) They are doing G-d's work and are in need of donations.

For me, giving back has always been a very personal experience. The organizations I donate my time and effort to are organizations that have touched my life in some way. There are also organizations whose work and dedication for a cause has touched my heart.

Let's all put philanthropy back into the giving season. The whole idea is about ordinary people doing extraordinary things, one person at a time. United, we can make the world a better place. We can make a difference.

FYI: In case you are interested, this is how the idea of #GivingTuesday began:

New York's 92nd Street Y was the catalyst and incubator for Giving Tuesday, with the United Nations Foundation providing their stragetic and communications expertise.
A team of advisors, including Adam Hirsch (Edelman), Rob Reich (Stanford) Sharon Feder (Mashable advisor) and Mathew Bishop (The Economist) played a critical role in shaping GivingTuesday's strategy.
Facebook, Groupon, the Case Foundation, Variety, the William Morris Agency and Mashable brought together leaders in the social good world for a series of influencer meetings nationwide.

What will you do on #GivingTuesday? Leave a comment here, or spread the word through social media. Let's take a step forward by giving something wonderful to one another.