i came up with this title
before i had a theme for today
because i liked the way it sounded
and knew inspiration would come my way

so an idea popped into my head
that i think you’ll all understand
it’s something that i have often done
and that’s start things without a plan

leaping without looking
no instruction book for me
i’ll make it through whatever it is
i don’t need help with this, you see

i know everything and will go it alone
i could build a rocket if i tried
i like to do things on my own
why must i swallow foolish pride?

but dieting, that’s something else
a plan i've often done without
but i have failed again and again
which leads me to really doubt

that i can do this thing without a plan
that i can walk this path without a friend
that there isn’t a map to follow
that failure will not greet me once again

so i have gathered you all together
to share whatever i can
i am stronger with my armor
and my armor is this plan

my plan includes knowledge
and listening to what you say
and making changes to my lifestyle
that won’t disappear in a day

my plan includes much fortitude
all the strength my body will allow
a towel not to be thrown in
but to wipe the sweat off my brow

my plan includes camaraderie
and sharing all our fears
victories and lesson learned,
and perhaps a few sad tears

my plan includes failure
but not the kind that leave you numb
but the kind that leaves you motivated
to try again until you’ve won

my plan will take some molding
it’s not perfect to be sure
i’ll make changes as they are needed
i’ll look behind every door

to learn every trick there is to know
perhaps a secret you have for me
that i will tuck into my manual
as a constant reminder to see

so this time i am determined
to absolutely succeed
i don’t care how long it takes
i’ll follow my plan to where it leads

and this time it’s not a diet
and it’s not an attempt to trick fate
it’s not a quick fix or fleeting whim
and it is certainly not a moment to late

so let them eat rice cakes
in fact, i’ll eat some too
my title found this simple poem
and i found my plan to share with you