( CNN ) -- You never know who 's watching . As a child , I always thought this saying meant I had to make sure I was on my best behavior when grown-ups were n't around to make me mind . Over the past year , however , the phrase has taken on new meaning for me . In January 2012 , I joined the Y and started the journey of my life . I had already been walking and working on small changes to my diet . I was determined to become the emotionally and physically healthy individual I deserved to be . I was beginning to figure out I was worth my own time and effort . The key to fitness ? Schedule it in . At first my decision seemed selfish to those in my family who were used to having all my attention . When I could n't pick up a prescription , pay a bill or go to the store for them because it was gym time , I was being self-centered . I was about to discover my family members were n't the only ones watching . I 'm blessed with close friends who are all health conscious and actively fit . One of my dearest friends , Anje , had been watching me for six months and said , `` Let me help you . '' Those are the four most powerful words I 've ever heard . I did n't know how much I needed help until she was there every day . She taught me how to work out effectively and safely ; she pushed me when I could n't push myself . But the best gift of all was her friendship . I was now the one watching . By the end of 2012 , I was at the gym six days a week . The weight was melting off , and everyone was noticing . The athlete I used to be . My co-workers would ask , `` How much ? '' My family finally realized that being healthy was a serious and necessary transformation . My friends told me how proud and inspired they were . It was one thing for people I know to watch , but people at the gym had been watching , too . One day Anje and I were working on biceps when one of the regular weightlifter guys came over and said , `` We are here every day and we see you every day . We just have to say your transformation is amazing ! '' That was one of my proudest and most humbling moments at the gym . A few weeks ago I was running . I had been sick earlier in the week , and it was n't a good run for me . I was thinking about walking my fifth mile when a stranger came by and said , `` You 're killing it . '' I ran that fifth mile thinking about mind over matter . My relationship with my sister Judy is strained , so the idea that anything I do could affect her is shocking . Judy decided a few months ago she wanted gastric bypass surgery . I do n't agree with it , but I never tried to talk her out of it . Trust me when I say weight loss is more mental than it is physical . The physical part is easy ; changing your mind is the challenge . Imagine my surprise when a few weeks ago , Judy told me , `` I 've been watching you , and I 've seen the weight loss . But I 've also seen how happy you 've become . I 've decided I need to work on my mind and not just on losing weight . You 've done it right , and I 'm trying your way first . '' She 's been watching the whole time . Getting fit for the family I love . I spent all of 2012 working to become healthy in mind and body . I 'm continuing that journey into 2013 with CNN Fit Nation , and it 's one I will continue for the rest of my life . I never knew simply taking care of myself would have such a widespread effect . Now when I hear , `` You never know who 's watching , '' I realize it means I need to live life by example . I may just change another life in the process . Follow Miller on Twitter @ TriHardAnnette .
Family and friends may not understand weight loss efforts at first . They 'll come around when they see the transformation , Miller says . Anje has lost more than 100 pounds since earlier in the week .