as just the rearing up of old ugly habits. It started about mid-way through our vacation. For the first half, I was very dedicated to getting up around 5:30, writing my pages, heading out for a jog, followed by ten sun salutations and a very healthy breakfast. Until Tuesday or so, I continued each day to eat as nutritious and wholesome as I could find (which, by the way, was made surprisingly easy by the Disney folks – there were at least as many healthy offerings as there was junk).

Even at the obligatory buffet dinners I was able to fill up on salad and then choose (mostly) good stuff in very small quantities of entree food.

But Wednesday I had pizza for lunch. Then a few fries at dinner. Then a bucket (literally) of mojito slushies. Thursday – a few more indulgences. Friday – sausage & eggs & fried potatoes for breakie. Lunch and dinner were MORE indulgent; which continued into Saturday, Sunday, and even though our vacation was unmistakably over and I was back to work, I made even WORSE choices Monday and yesterday!!

I don’t quite know what made me think that a couple of fries ought to open the door to almost a week of gluttony, but here I am. Full and puffy and feeling disappointed in myself.

I guess I might have anticipated such a set back on or after a vacation, given that I rely so heavily on routine to keep me even keel. Hopefully I’ll remember and be ready for our next holiday.

This morning, without much effort and sans fanfare, I got out for a short jog, wrote a couple of pages, took care of a couple of very small little chores, and ate a healthy breakie. I didn’t have to give myself a pep talk to do any of it either – I simply acknowledged the truth: when I engage in these self-care activities I feel better than when I don’t. Period.