Most of us have stories. We've been through, well, a lot. If I challenged you to name one person you know that hasn't struggled, sacrificed, or endured a hardship, could you? I can't. In each of us, there's a fire that keeps burning. There's a desire that pushes us to do what we do and be who we are. I show up every day positive, smiling, upbeat, and ready to help. I don't do it because I have to. I feel it.

However, when I think I know what fuels me, I leave the Middleton WI clinic more inspired than when I arrived. It's your journey and your successes that inspire me to do, learn, and know more. Your story, your health, and your triumphs empower me, and yet together; we see that it's not bliss at every turn.

Maybe these Middleton WI stories will empower you as well.

Here's what happened recently:

One of our Shape clients lost 20 pounds in 4 weeks. Wow! That in and of itself is remarkable, but that's not what this story is about.

This client showed up at his first appointment, looked me straight in the eyes, and said, "Ok, now what am I doing? My wife told me to come." He didn't necessarily want to do Shape, but he wanted to support his wife, and yes, he admitted he needed to lose 20 – 30 pounds. He's the type that promptly told me what he wouldn't eat from the list. Got it.

We connected on the phone to discuss details after his fourth visit and analysis. Thirty minutes we spoke. He's excited by his results but more so, looking to achieving long-term success. Ok, now we're getting somewhere.

He's ready to transition to Phase 2, but his wife isn't. He's a farmer, grew up eating dairy often, drinking soda while working, and eating quickly because taking time to eat when you're a farmer is inefficient. He still craves sweets and said he could eat a half pan of brownies in one sitting. So you know what he did? He made a sacrifice to God and decided to abstain from alcohol and all sweets during Lent. His body is ready to transition and add more food back in, but he realized he's not prepared to experience free reign. He said to me, "I've reached several of my short-term goals, but my wife hasn't yet. I'll do whatever I need to do, just put all of your energy into her. I'm doing this to support her and will do so as long as it takes." Wow! A commitment to your wife and another to God. He told me those two things were more motivating to him than any medical advice. I understand. We all have our "whys." His wife shortly emailed me, letting me know how excited he was after our conversation. Funny, I felt the same way!

If I challenged you to find someone who wasn't motivated to enhance their health by either God or a significant other in their life, could you? I couldn't. What's fueling you this week?