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When it comes to overcoming the obstacles of life, it's important to have a healthy support system. And when trying to kick health troubles, like all other struggles, that support system becomes even more vital.
I was lucky to have had a few angels in my life when I needed them. First, I had an old high school friend, Ann Carbaugh, who reached out to Thomas Burge, the head of the athletic department at Hagerstown Community College. It was Ann's concern for a friend, who was now 650 pounds and suffering, that motivated her to seek Thomas' help. Then it was Thomas who reached out to me, offering the hand that I so desperately needed.
At the bottom of my existence, I could no longer help myself. Words like, "just do it, get on with it," did ring in my inner continence. But I was too far down to pull myself up, alone—no matter what my alter ego told me.
You're fine, you don't need anyone's help. You're an adult!
So, when people ask me now, how important a support system is, I can say with 100% certainty that for many, it's the most important part of getting one's life back. It's right up there with motivating and turning your own key for change, as well as building the confidence to stay the course!
Support is hard to come by. The world is harsh, everyone is busy, and sometimes even those that love us practice tough love after years of disappointment. They push us, but not always positively because they too are hurting. I get that now. I hurt my family, scared my mother and wore at my sibling's patience. After 10 years of watching me decline, they were preparing for a death not another intervention.
Often the support we need doesn't come from family. I had not seen Ann in years, before running into her while shopping at a Walmart. I remember, I was riding one of those carts, and horribly embarrassed at my morbidly obese condition! Thankfully, she did more listening than judging. Then, she walked away, and took action by reaching out to Thomas.
You may be asking; why am I writing about this today? Because I want to be that supportive voice to someone else in need—through my words, and because it stands as a good reminder to us all. We can impact someone's life when we don't even know it! With just a kind word or a moment of our time, like Ann, we have no idea how that can affect someone at the bottom.
What we do and say changes lives!
Ann was an angel when I needed one. And I will do my best to pass that spirit on to anyone in return. So, please, if you or anyone you know is suffering—it could be from obesity, body image issues, depression, or any addiction that eats at the soul—please share these words, direct them to my Facebook or YouTube pages. I am here to help.
PEACE
Dan
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| Guest host, Dan Hawthorne: 10/3/22 Born in the small-big town of Hagerstown, Maryland, Daniel dreamt of being a radio personality. His young dreams came true when he landed his first on-air job in the 80's. But fate had other plans, one filled with self-image troubles and depression.
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FIVE Star rating!Thanks to all those that have been reviewing The Giant in Me over on Amazon! We have been blown away by your words of support.
If you have not reviewed The Giant in Me as of yet, please considering leaving us a review on one of out retailers, like Barnes & Noble.
"We appreciate your words wherever you share them!"
~Dan & Patricia
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