This week marks my 3rd week of the Challenge.  I feel great and I’m enjoying focusing on myself for a change, especially in a positive way. It’s an amazing feeling to finally take control: change my schedule and have the willpower to say “no” to all those temptations and obligations that surround us constantly. It is difficult to make so many changes to life all at once; especially when we have kids and jobs and spouses, and a life that continues around us. I found myself this last weekend slipping into an old familiar pattern. It's so much easier to sit on the couch with my kids on Sunday morning than get to the gym: easier, but not better. I found myself making the same old excuses (we all know them; I work hard all week, I have errands to run, my kids miss me, I need to clean the house, blah blah blah).  It suddenly hit me that I deserve to take care of myself, my husband wants me to take care of myself and that it's teaching my daughters a valuable lesson as well. There is an old saying, “People will treat you how expect to be treated.” If you set the example and treat yourself well, everyone else will too. So no more excuses: I found my running shoes and enjoyed the beautiful sunshine! And when I got back, my daughter actually asked me if she could go running with me next time! And that is the type of behavior I was hoping to encourage by starting (and finishing!) this challenge. I keep telling myself to hang in there--it's a marathon, not a sprint to the finish--and enjoy the time that’s passing. It’s worth it!