I wrote a comment to a fellow blogger this morning, and thought I would share it on my blog also. Not because it’s great writing, but just because it is MY truth.
When you’ve struggled with weight your entire life as I have….. It’s very easy when you reach your 30’s, 40’s, 50’s (and beyond) to believe…. This is it! I will Always be fat. Not only do I feel that I can’t do anything about it (I mean, How many times should a person try to diet and Fail before giving up???), but at this point in my life, I don’t think I have the desire or even the energy to make the changes necesary to lose all the weight.
Anyway, below is my comment to a young woman who has battled with her weight as I did. I hope if nothing else, people will take from it- this average, ordinary lady, named Mina, felt as though she had lost her fight with fat, yet she continued to fight…and finally won. If SHE can do it at 46, then So CAN I!
…….. I don’t know your name, and I’m new to “Wordpress”, so forgive me if I call you…Cat.
Cat. I think I know how you’re feeling, because I used to feel the same way.
Eight years ago (it feels like a lifetime ago), at 5′1, I weighed two hundred pounds. I’d cry as I’d watch my boyfriend tie my shoes for me, cause I couldn’t. I would huff and puff and struggle for my next breath after walking DOWN a flight of stairs.
Thinking back, the weird thing is, although I was oftentimes the largest person in a room, I felt invisible. Store clerks and people in general….just kind of looked right through me, or past me, like I wasn’t even there.
Probably like you, I’d tried to lose weight. Sometimes I would, and gain it all back with Interest. And other times I couldn’t stick with it for more than a few Hours or so before I binged INSIDE the grocery store in the Potato Chip aisle.
Most of my life I KNEW that I would always be fat.
When I read posts like yours, it brings all those painful memories back. (even now, I can feel the tears coming).
I want you to know Cat, that you are capable of losing all the weight. I know it may feel IMPOSSIBLE to turn things around….but it’s Not!
Eight years ago, when I was 46, I made a decision that THIS IS IT! It sounds cliche, but I told myself that I AM Sick and tired of feeling Sick and Tired all the time!
I don’t know if you’ve seen the movie G.I. Jane with Demi Moore, or not, But I felt like her character in the movie- I was PI_ _ED OFF!
It was NOT a perfect journey. I’m a binger. When life used to get tough (which was an everyday occurrence for me, I would eat to feel better, and when I say eat, I mean E A T!!!
It took me about ten months. I lost just over 100 pounds and now, at 53, I have washboard abs and “girls” at the gym tell me they would Love to have my arms.
I love the last sentence in your post…You’re not going to take “this” Anymore! You’re going to go Out into the world! Love it!
You Can Absolutely change your Body…and your life!
If you’d like help, I have a newsletter, it’s free, that I talk about my journey and what I learned, etc….
You’re welcome to join. You’ll find it at MinaHobbi.comYou Can Do This!
Honestly, if someone had told me 9 years ago, “Mina, you’re going to lose all the weight, you’re going to be written about in books, you’re going to wear a bathing suit On the Oprah show, and Oprah is going to give you the Best and Biggest hug of your life!…..” I would’ve told the person telling me this….YOU ARE CRAZY!!! LOOK AT ME, I Have No Life! I have No Ambition! I’ve Struggled with this fat My Whole life…..This is NOT going to change!
and you know what……? I would’ve been wrong!
Keep me posted on your progress, ok?
love,
Mina
If you get a chance, check out weighins.com. It’s a supportive close-knit community for people wanting to lose weight. With a free membership you can join a weight loss challenge (like the Biggest Loser tv show). You also get a free calorie counter and personal diet journals. I like it much better than sparkpeople.