I have wellness on my mind. My least favorite season is almost here and with it comes the frigid temperatures that forces me to stay indoors. The need to bundle up takes all the joy out of my daily walks. I miss the spontaneity of walking out my front door whenever the mood strikes, without the need to throw on a hat and coat, to stroll around my neighborhood and enjoy the colors of the other three seasons.

Winter puts a dent in my exercise regimen.

Wellness. That one word means many things. Good health, being mindful, a sense of wholeness, strength and vigor, staying in shape, feeling robust and having an overall sense of well-being.

Sometimes I stray from my wellness path. My meal portions get bigger and bigger. I talk myself out of exercising, and then work long hours on my computer without standing or taking a break.

Last week I tried staying focused on my eating habits. I shut down my laptop and cell phone to stroll around the block during the unusually mild November temperatures we had here in New Jersey.

I was in a fashion show for a charity near and dear to my heart: The National Multiple Sclerosis Society. When I was first asked I did what I always do before I'm about to step out of my comfort zone: I panicked. I went to try on dresses at a chic dress boutique where the owner was loaning apparel to all of the models. The styles I saw on display were stunning but, unfortunately, they were size 0 – 12.

Uh oh.

One designer offered a line perfect for my curvy figure. I found one that fit and looked nice. Now the question was how to accessorize. I turned to the community of midlife bloggers I’ve come to know and respect. They calmed my introverted nerves about walking down a runway in front of 300 women.

The number of responses I received, including quite a few back-and-forth notes, overwhelmed me. There were messages of advice and support that truly touched my heart.

Take a risk, flaunt your stuff, work that runway, turn on your smile and enjoy.

The audience cheered and applauded as I made my way up and down the runway. Their smiles and encouragement helped me begin to break free from my lifelong fear of standing up in front of a large audience. It felt liberating.

Wellness is also a state of mind. It's about embracing our bodies that are changing as we age. We may have wrinkles, brittle hair, dry skin, or a bit of weight gain. But we’re still vital, beautiful, sexy, bright, chic and full of confidence. No matter what our size, shape or abilities, always stand tall and be proud of who we are.

(NOTE: I’d like to thank two of my friends who were particularly kind and helpful in my time of sheer panic. They are amazing women who have successful fashion blogs you should check out: Still Blonde After All These Years by Shelley Zurek and Over 50 Feeling 40 by Pamela Luttrell.)

Wellness is always on my mind, but now even more since I went back to Jenny Craig.

My weekly one-on-one meeting with my consultant helps me stay on track. We discuss that it’s not about the number on the scale but about how we feel in our clothes and about ourselves.

This week I didn’t lose any weight. How could that be, I thought to myself?

I was good all week except at the fashion show. Arriving at the venue early in the morning (after eating a small breakfast due to nerves) I ate my packed carrots, Jenny snack bar and then waited for lunch. I waited and waited. And waited. Then I saw them. Tray after tray of delicious looking hors d'oeuvres that my stomach was growling for. My stomach talked me into devouring them.

Jenny Craig Anytime Bars (Photo: Jenny Craig)

My Jenny Craig consultant saw the look on my face when I stepped off the scale. My clothes were fitting better so how could that number be true? She suggested we re-take my measurements.

Success! I lost 7 inches from the time I started Jenny. I’m doing a Happy Dance!

Thank you to my wonderful Jenny consultant and to Jenny Craig for providing not only delicious meals but also for helping me move forward in my plan to look and feel as best as I can.

Yup, wellness is on my mind. I put my treadmill back up so I can still take a walk on winter days. I faced another fear on the runway and stepped out of my comfort zone. I'm eating healthier, feeling better and looking forward to reaching more of my personal goals.

Happy Winter Wellness Days to you.

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DISCLOSURE: I was provided a free trial program and discount on the Jenny Craig meals. As always all opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Disclaimer: Results not typical. Members following our program lose, on average, 1-2 lbs per week

Jenny Craig just launched more than a dozen new fall foods and seasonal items and is sharing their latest offer with you! 

The new foods include, Loaded Baked Potato, Italian Style Pasta Bake, Classic Waffles, Chocolate Peppermint Cake (seasonal), Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich, Pumpkin Loaf (seasonal), Pumpkin Spice Cakes (Seasonal), Homestyle Beef Pot Roast, Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce, Turkey & Wild Rice, Apple Crisp, Chocolate Lava Cake and the Strawberry Yogurt Anytime Bar.

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