Getting the tools we need

I won't belabor the point about my "come-to-Jesus" meeting with the doctor, other than to say that I've had to assess what tools I need to take the approach I need to take.

Here are some of the items I have purchased in addition to the prescriptions I've been given:

1. A black leatherbound journal. I appreciate quality materials and would much rather spend a few extra dollars for a special journal for tracking this journey than use a half-used spiral notebook I drug out of my files. For me, this elevates my mission to project status instead of doodles.

2. A special pen to be used only with the journal. Again, quality tools inspire me.

3. A Brita water filter pitcher so I can cut back on buying bottled water all the time and still be able to measure the amount of water I drink in a day. Good-tasting water goes down better than that with a twang.

4. A high-quality scale. I threw my old one away when I moved because it held so many bad memories. Now I have a spiffy new model that is very sleek and scientific-looking. It measures weight, percent body fat and percent body water. You know what I found out? One of my problems is that I'm severely dehydrated. We should have a percent body water of at least 50 percent, up to as much as 75 percent for those lean people with low body fat. I was at 41 percent. A quick test for dehydration: Pinch the skin on the back of your hand and see how long it takes to return to its normal state. Does it stay in a peak? DRINK!

5.High-quality food. Everyone has a plan. Pick one that appeals to you and makes GOOD SENSE following the food pyramid. We're all at a time in our lives when we need to make loving choices. McDonald's has improved but it's still not loving enough for us! Find someplace where you can get a great salad and visit them often. Or make your own, if you have time and great produce. Make it special.

6. Support. All I had to do was mention to a co-worker that things had not gone well at the doctor's. Now several of us at the office are able to get out for short walks during the day. Fortunately we work close to our downtown area and we can encorporate walks into our work day, too. For instance, for me to walk to city hall and back is about a mile, but it sure doesn't seem like it. We all need support, and God finds ways of providing it when we need it.

7. Prayer. Start the day asking for the strength to do things right just for today. This is one of the principles of the 12-step programs -- one day at a time. It's all we can live, so we might as well ask for spiritual help to make the best of that one day.