FEAR (just a 4 letter F word)

We fear the thing(s) we want the most. Why is that?  Have you ever been so afraid of failing at something that you decided not to try it at all? Or has a fear of failure meant that, subconsciously, you undermined your own efforts to avoid the possibility of a larger failure?  I mean I am sure most of my readers have experienced this at one time or another. The fear of failing can be immobilizing – it can cause us to do nothing, and therefore resist moving forward. 

But when we allow fear to stop our forward progress in life, we're likely to miss some great opportunities along the way.

A few weeks ago- one my former co-workers asked me if I wanted to work out at D-1. For those of you like me-allow me to explain--- D-1 Sports Training (A Place For THE ATHLETE) is an athletic training complex that does like NFL combines  and they are generally owned by athletes like Peyton Manning, Michael Oher, Tim Tebow and the one in Little Rock is co-owned by Jermain Taylor. I am not an athlete. No one uses that word to describe me. 

And then the stories begin in my head.. I don't have the clothes to work out. What if I am the fattest girl ever to work out at D-1? What if the people there think I took the "easy way" out?  What if I collapse after 3 minutes? What if...... Wait- what am I scared of? Failure? Failure would be not trying. It's mind over matter.  I need to become...

Andrew (who was a UCA soccer player and works at D-1) has faith that this is good for me. He believes in me. Actually, everyone I tell that I am considering this-says that's awesome and I can do it.  When I tell Andrew my fears.. he says just the words I needed to hear:  "Don't. Worry. About. It. Seriously. People come in all sorts of different fitness levels and strengths. As long as you can beat your embarrassment you'll fit in perfectly".  Deep breathes.. tomorrow at 11:00 I have a date at legit gym.. with a real person and a whole lotta work out....

We all know my end goal is to be healthy. Not to be perfect.  One step- one day- pound by pound- the transformation will continue... 

and so As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

You are taking the easy way out..

According to the CDC  did you know that 70% of america's adults are considered overweight?

I don't go around telling people I am weeks maybe days away from my first surgery. I am not telling everyone that I am preparing to say good bye to my fat. But, I want to. I have not shared my blog with Facebook  I feel like I am keeping a secret. But, I am not. It comes down to this. I like to have a solid plan. When I don't have a plan and it's not set in stone- I over think it. I BELIEVE this is going to happen.  Am I really going to post a blog about this? If I am going to post on Facebook  I need to address something before I tell Facebook  (My friends and supporters- I love you and thank you for your continued support). 

Believe it or not- this is my LEAST favorite thing to hear:  "You are taking the easy way out by having surgery." (I have heard it 3 times). And this is when I say this "I have been considered overweight since 1992. That is 21 years. Way over half of my life. I have tried dieting- I have exercised- I have taken supplements- I have taken pills- My last 50 pounds was gained while on birth control. 

Choosing to change my life is not most people's business and I assure you that nothing about being unhealthy is easy. This decision is right for me and my family. We welcome your support and prayers. While your approval is nice- it's not necessary. 

My therapist says if the disapproving folks mean something to me then you have to educate them. Tell them your journey- Share with them how they have improved complication rates and mortality rates when bariatric surgery is performed at a Center of Excellence. 

Pam Davis says this: We have to remember there are many environmental, societal, hormonal, physiological and genetic factors that come together to impact our weight. We as a society cannot be so naïve as to think behavior change alone will be a successful treatment. We have to be ready, willing and able to educate the naysayers regarding obesity prevention and treatment. We have to be willing to stand-up for ourselves and others. We have to be willing to educate those who think any treatment for obesity, including surgery, is an easy way out.

After being a “fat” kid, teen and adult, my physician and I determined that bariatric surgery is the best course of treatment for me. I am having bariatric surgery to treat a chronic, lifelong disease and I am not taking the easy way out. I assure you. Thanks Pam Davis for reminding me of this.