The biggest influence for me is my mind - good or bad. I could justify my "lack of health" for a miriad of reasons. I could convince myself that since my actual health was good (BiPolar (BP), sugar levels, etc.) then I was ok. But my mind was helping to distort my reality.
I had to have a really good "talk" with myself to adjust my mindset. My 50th year will be here in 23 months. I think about the time I wasted when I could have been healthier, lighter and more active with my life in general and with my kids. I have not, in the past, allowed my weight to dictate what I did or didn't do. Who cared who saw me in the bathing suit at the beach?
But over the last several months, I found myself becomming a less social person. When I really took a good look, I connected my changing life patterns with my health. Not wanting to walk long distances whether it was at the park or the mall, was my weight not my desire.
I had to stop kidding myself and think of myself first. I knew the best gift I could give myself was to change my outlook and actively work on my health. I have been so blessed with good health all my life. I knew that I was in charge of that continuing or not.
I knew what I should be eating and doing. It was not a matter of not having the ammunition, it was a matter of not using it. I'm not a stupid person by no means. I was just kidding myself.
I looked at my daughter and my son and realized that they are living my example. I am their greatest influence. Perhaps it would not be an issue with difficult child in the immediate future, but in the years to come it would be. easy child has always had a positive self image, she is actually one of the most secure people I know, and has been from middle school age. But I didn't want her to face my demons in the future as well.
I want to enjoy life to the fullest and my weight held me back from that. I don't want to have regrets. I could tell myself that I should have done this 10 years ago, but I try to get my mind in a place where what is important is what I am doing today, what I will do tomorrow, not what I did yesterday.
So, while not a real easy or quick answer, an answer to the question nonetheless.
Sharon