When I was out walking, I saw a man wearing a great t-shirt. It said, "Eat Right, Exercise, Die Anyway."

I laughed at the reminder that no matter how hard you may try to avoid it, this journey has an inevitable conclusion.

I am as guilty as many who try to do everything in their power to find short cuts to good health and fitness. It is amazing the lengths we will go to in order to avoid the simple truth that to lose weight and get fit, you must "eat less" and "exercise more." The world of fitness, diet books and the health craze have been financed by our desire for a miracle, magical quick fix. Even Oprah who could afford to pay any price hasn't found the "miracle pill" yet.

It would be nice if broccoli was as succulent and fun to eat as a hot fudge sundae. Or if pizza, cheeseburgers and fries increased metabolism and resulted in burning more calories than what you get from eating them, but alas that special power belongs to the (delicious?) celery.

My sister Wendy has discovered that Yoga is the direction for improved health and a state of well being both for her body and her spirit. I have found that my path is walking. As I walk, I also get a feeling of well being and it reflects positively in both my body and spirit.

I guess the real discovery is that each person needs to value themselves enough as a product of god's creation to do something. There isn't a "one size fits all" solution. Everyone needs movement. Otherwise we become stagnant and both our body and mind suffers. Maybe the best way to eliminate the guilt you feel by taking care of yourself is to realize that it is a gift you are giving to those that care about you.

If you say no one cares and are immersed in a pity party for yourself, "there isn't enough time, it doesn't matter, etc., etc." Then you may need to get moving more than anyone because there actually is a magical side effect to taking better care of yourself. You begin to feel better, less negative and people who care will no longer feel that it is a lost cause to reach out to help you because they will see that you are taking positive actions to create positive change and that is reason to celebrate.

My favorite t-shirt, "Eat right, Exercise, Die Anyway" is absolutely true but it is worth noting that the gentleman wearing the shirt was jogging. He aspired to a healthy quality of life while it lasts.