Have you been trying to implement positive changes in your life for about as long as you can remember? Swear that you will start a new diet and exercise routine on Monday, give up coffee on Tuesday, start writing your book on Wednesday, make more time for friends on Thursday, and then on Friday kick yourself once again for not keeping your word and promise yourself you'll start again next week, or after the holidays or after you return from your summer vacation?

Life is kind of like that. Rinse and repeat. Coming from one of the guiltiest of the bunch, my intentions are so much more ambitious than my actions.

I’m the type who never liked group activities. I was even kicked out of my Bluebird troop at a young age for not being “a team player.” I never liked joining clubs of any kind. It’s not that I don’t like people; I just never liked rules, or having to abide by them.

But now at 58, I’d have to say that one of the most valuable lessons I have learned so far, much to my chagrin, is that it really does take a village. That support, friendship, encouragement and group hugs are extremely important. We can go it alone, but in all honesty, why would we want to? It can make the trip so much more uncomfortable ~ kind of like being in coach when you could’ve flown first class.

If you’ve been trying over and over again to reach the same goals, to feel a certain way, to live a life that you are passionate about, but it just seems that you’ve gotten nowhere, embrace the help of a coach, or a friend, or an accountability partner. Someone. Someone that can motivate you, inspire you, cheer you on, and keep you on track. Because in reality, how much fun will it be when you do finally win the race and no one is there to cheer you across the finish line?