When you’ve succeeded on what you set forth to do on this interesting and ever-changing journey, I had retrospectively looked back on what I was to what I’ve become and continue to be as I move in a direction of growth and expansion. Each day and moment of the experience has given me a lot to be thankful and hopeful for as acceptance and closure has come to be, and allowing my new lifestyle to be the only path to be taken for the remainder of my life as I know it today.
In my primary job, I have many comparison charts to provide and submit to each new employee who becomes part of our agency. The same concept applies in my personal life. I’ve taken personal inventory and thought about the comparisons of when I was morbidly obese, which were hurtful, harmful, and unhealthy; and have finally become beneficial, soothing, and a healthy way of life, that I now live by.
When I was morbidly obese, and weighed 330 pounds, there were many obstacles to overcome. It was a painful experience. After having weight-loss surgery seven years' ago, I not only overcame, but have become a mentor for many people, who are suffering from this debilitating and life-threatening malady.
I look into their eyes and I see their soul yearning for change, and wanting to become independent and free from pain. I share my previous life story with them and explain the changes by comparing what I was able to do to what I am able to do today.
I begin by telling them how I felt and how I feel now. These are the comparisons of the past and the present:
I couldn’t climb stairs and now I walk up to five flights with ease. I couldn't walk without a cane, and now I walk and power walk as frequently as possible. I walk 1.5 miles during my lunch break with a walking buddy for 30 minutes. I had difficulty breathing and had developed sleep apnea, and now I no longer use a C-PAP machine and my breathing improved significantly.
I had developed psoriasis all over my arms, legs, and scalp. Now my skin cleared up 95 percent. I could not sit in a standard-size chair and now I can sit and fit into any and all chairs. I also couldn't fit inside a standard-sized bathtub to enjoy a nice warm bath, and now I can enjoy soaking in a bathtub after a strenuous workout at the gym. There was a lack of energy and stamina, but now I'm energized and work out every day, which consists of cycling every other day for 6 miles in 25 minutes. Weight train for 45 minutes. One day arms, the next day legs, every day abdominals and every other day back and chest.
I had taken medication for cholesterol, and now I take no more medication. I used to wear orthopedic shoes valued at 300.00, and now I wear fashionable and practical shoes. I've eaten a high carb, high fat diet and now I eat organic, clean, and from never drinking water to now I intake 74+ oz. of water per day.
These are just a few comparisons that I mention and it gives people enough motivation to begin step by step, day by day, week by week, month by month, a reason, a purpose, and the nudge they need to begin their own personal journey. I’m blessed to be playing a role in each of their lives. It also reinforces my own mindset to remain an example for them to follow and keeps me honest as well. We all have something to offer, and when you realize what gifts you were given, use them to benefit someone else. Pass the torch to the next person and help them keep the flame burning brightly.
Linda Hegedus ©
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