Nobody is immune from the downward pull of life; loss and struggle is something we all deal with every day.
How we approach this very human trait is up to us.
Now, to be clear, I am very aware of how much of a challenge this really is--loss of a loved one, death or absence, loss of one's own self image or faith--it's not easy. And it's with a note of seriousness that a I share my feelings, as I feel this can be the make or break it road to happiness.
One would think that going from 650 pounds to 350 pounds would be the cure to self doubt or self loathing. I admit that I believed that ideal myself, never thinking i'd need to stumble and rise to fight again. Life is still a roller coaster, even now. I battle weight regrets--is it ever enough?--and the struggle with procracination is never far, food addiction always lingers; the need to eat, in order to make myself feel better is an on going battle. I've accepted that this will be my long term struggle, but it cannot define me or rule my life.
We must have a mind set that pushes against the negativity that tries to rule. How? By finding that which will inspire you--what makes you happy? Start with a soul search within because understand "you" is important to the process.
Take time with yourself. We don't hear that much in this life. It seems like it's always about everyone else around us, but at some point, it has to start to be about you. So think about for a moment, what are a few things that rest your mind and soul; a book, a walk in the park, your grandkids, music? There is something there, I'm sure of it, and you must find it.
For me, when I was 650 pounds, I was living in a dump with a broken marriage, no job, surrounded by my empty dreams. But there was something! I loved my God. I loved music. I loved sunshine. I loved my kitty cats. I loved talking and helping people. So I focused on all those things and incorperated it all into my daily life.
The talking led me to Ann, which led me to Thomas, and the gym family that helped change my life. Friendships were formed, as I reached out to God in Pastor Randy and God's desire for me to be happy was understood once again.
And because I have a super power called the gift of gab, I reached out to a published author I had never met before, Patricia Garber, TL as we all know her now. I was completely unaware that her life was in the middle of a drastic change too! And all this forward movement was nothing more than me doing what I know makes me happy--talking.
Today, when the self doubt starts, and make no mistake it happens, I understand where I must go--I know what makes me happy. And I do much of the same thing as before; I focus on my pretty girl, TL, I think about how much she adds to my life. I visit with not just my cats but also my puppy-son, Brinkley, and they all round out the perfect zoo that is my house. And I'm still talking; too you, on the radio with Blue Suede Connection, in the Blue Suede Lounge, and my dreams are real!
I have a plan and I can now make energy go where positive energy flows. Sure, some days are harder than others, the forces may fight me. I have been tested! I know what works for me! And at the end of the day, believing is half the battle.
So as we run head-on to the holiday season , TL and I want to speak peace and joy into your life. We want to encourage you to take time for yourself, find what makes you happy--write it down, use it. Knowing the key to your own happiness is the best gift you can give everyone in your life.
PEACE
Dan
