My weight is back up after the Las Vegas trip. I knew it would happen, and I was ready to accept the consequences. So, here we are.

I’m eating right, exercising, and the one thing I haven’t been able to do is get a good night’s sleep. It’s not from lack of trying; I’ve gone to bed at 9 pm every night this week except Sunday night (because our flight didn’t arrive until 11:30 pm). I just can’t fall asleep. I don’t know if it’s the pain in my jaw from the bone graft/implant, or something else, but I’ve been unable to fall asleep and then, I wake up super-early.

Sleep is one of the most important factors in weight loss. Without good sleep, weight loss is almost impossible to achieve for me. I took a nap yesterday afternoon because I was exhausted; maybe that’s why I couldn’t fall asleep last night. Hmmm.

Whatever; the real thing I need to hold onto is perseverance. I need to continue to do all the right things. Even though my arms and legs are sore today, I will do my push-ups and my run. Even though it’d be more comfortable to go home and sit down, I’m not going to do that. The only way to get stronger to face obstacles in the future is to face them and defeat them today.

I cannot and will not accept defeat. Heck, I won’t even accept the status quo as it pertains to my weight, health, and fitness. I want to improve, and I want to make progress. I’m going to keep working until I see the results I want, and until I can reach the goals I’ve set for myself.

You own your experience. You’re the driver of your journey. It’s up to you and no one else. I can’t do this for you. Nobody can do this for you. Your success rests upon your shoulders. Make today count, and never surrender!