We can choose to be healthy!

"When we came into this world, we brought with us from our heavenly home this God-given gift and privilege which we call our agency. It gives us the right and power to make decisions and to choose. (Wolfgang H. Paul, "The Gift of Agency," Ensign, May 2006, 34-35)

"Life's journey is not traveled on a freeway devoid of obstacles, pitfalls, and snares. Rather, it is a pathway marked by forks and turnings. Decisions are constantly before us. To make them wisely, courage is needed: the courage to say, 'No,' the courage to say, 'Yes,' Decisions do determine destiny. The call for courage comes constantly to each of us. It has ever been so, and so shall it ever be." (Thomas S. Monson, "The Call for Courage," Ensign, May 2004, 54-55)

"Success is usually earned by persevering and not becoming discouraged when we encounter challenges. Paul Harvey, the famous news analyst and author, once said: 'Someday I hope to enjoy enough of what the world calls success so that someone will ask me, "What's the secret of it?" I shall say simply this: "I get up when I fall down" ' (quoted in Marvin J. Ashton, Conference Report, Oct. 1981, 126)."

Several years ago, I struggled with depression. There were lots of factors that contributed to this emotional state, but one of the effects was that I gained weight. A lot of it! There were people who loved me and did all they could to help me overcome this challenge, but it finally came down to me. I had to choose to feel better. It wasn't easy and took a year to change, but by taking small steps I was able to start feeling better about myself.

Now, I am making the choice to eat healthier and live a more active life to strengthen my body, heart and lungs. We all have the ability to make our own choices, no one else can do it for us. Each of us has the strength to make the choice, now we need the courage to live it.

Good luck to everyone out there who is making the choice to be stronger and healthier. We are all going to fall down a few times, just remember to have the courage to love yourself anyway and get right back up!