Yes, summer is a lot like New Year's Eve. We make resolutions, lists and goals. Most women usually start summer with a weight loss goal. Sure, we clean our closets, get a cute haircut, but losing ten to twenty five pounds is most likely in our top five priorities.

Like most women, we work tirelessly to achieve summer weight loss goals before summer fully arrives. We can buy the new sandals, purchase the shades...but goal number five, which happens to be losing ten pounds, seems ever so elusive.

We think, if only I could check off goal number five from the list, I would be truly happy. I would walk down the streets of New York city, light as a feather, with my iPod and flip flops, sporting some fabulous new perfume from Sarah Jessica Parker. If only it wasn't for the guilt the extra weight carries with us. It follows us wherever we go, holds us back. Wear a bathing suit? No, can't! Can't do that it till I lose the ten pounds. Go to the beach? Nope, don't buy anything till we meet compliance with G5. Hey, that's okay. No really, I enjoy grilling in a turtleneck! And after all, who doesn't get a bit chilly in 95 degree temperatures.

For some of us, this demon works the opposite way also. Want a third helping of Rocky Road, go ahead....it's not like we've reached our goal. Going to hell with yourself at a friend's wedding....so what, people only get married once a lifetime--we can worry about G5 tomorrow, and everyday after that... till we reach the damn thing.

Goal number five--it's everywhere, it's nowhere, it's all consuming. And unattainable. Not that loosing ten pounds is unattainable, but it's goal number five that is unattainable. You see, when we finally reach that goal, we then make a new one for ourselves. And our reasons for waiting to live life just go and on. Thus, goal number five is always out of reach, just like our happiness.

Let us live life today, right now, as if we've already reached our goal. Why wait to live your best life until you've reached your vision of perfection? In this world, perfection doesn't exist. Be happy with who you are right here, right now. The rest will follow.

by Mary Dimino