The truth is, you can try all the diets and exercise programs you want. You can try the grapefruit diet, the Adkins diet, the South Beach Diet and the potato soup diet for all I care. You can hit the gym at 5:00 AM every morning or "Sweat to the Oldies" (good old Richard Simmons) on a daily basis if you want. The fact of the matter is that if you truly don’t love yourself, then you will ultimately FAIL.

Loving yourself is not some ego trip either. It is really embracing who you are as a human being and knowing just how special you are. It’s funny…we so easily define ourselves by what possessions we have, by what other people think of us (aka our "reputation), and our behaviors. Let me say this in the simplest of terms. WE ARE NONE OF THESE!!!

If our possessions define who we are, then what happens when we no longer have these things?

If our reputation defines who we are, then aren’t we constantly worried about what others think of us and always saying what we think others want to hear?

If our behaviors define who we are, then what happens when we make mistakes and act inappropriately? Does this weaken our ability to love ourselves? I think not!

At the end of the day, there is only one person you need to answer to, and that person is yourself. If you look in the mirror and are truly happy with yourself, then you are well on your way. Remember, ultimate health, energy and vitality is not a destination. There won’t be a single time in your life where you look at yourself and think, "I have completed my journey." Each day, try to improve upon one thing. Just one thing! We can all certainly do that. Remember…baby steps are OK. Your are looking for consistent progress. Just show up each day and "push play" on the DVD called "your life".

Live Healthy and Be Happy!