Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Biggest Loser... Bigger Realizations...

So last night was a sob fest for me on Biggest Loser. It is rare that I take time to look back. To see where I started, where I was, how I could change things, but last night struck me right where it hurt...

When I saw the overweight people of Texas walking the 5K, I was in awe of them. I was so proud to see people who so desperately wanted to change their lives that they would get out and do something so big, so far beyond their norm. I used to be one of them. My weight was no joke, but like some of them, one day I decided that I was not going to follow in the path of others before me... destined to be fat, blame it on genetics...

...and then the crusher, I mean the really ugly, uncomfortable cry where you can't catch your breath, and for a moment, you don't want to...

Did you see CJ finish the 5K? She was the last one in taking over 2 hours to complete the 3 mile walk. She said that she normally uses a motorized cart to shop at Walmart... but what got me was her daughter holding her moms hand, being a shoulder to lean on as she walked with her mom, and coached her all the way to the finish line. I wanted to be her daughter. I wish I could rewind my life by 10 years, and coach my mom across the finish line. I wish this change could have happened to me sooner, so I could have helped the one I loved the most before it was too late... but I can't.

And this is where my mission begins. TO NEVER WATCH IT HAPPEN AGAIN. To never sit by and allow someones obesity to kill them. It's crushing to me to think I may have been able to stop it for her. I'm not sure words can truly explain how deep this went into my soul...

...and as if God were preparing my heart for this mission, this afternoon, someone I care about almost as much as my mom came to me to tell me that her weight has caused her to have Type 2 Diabetes, and she needs help now. She has 90 days to lose 30 pounds to try and reverse this. So we will.

I will hold her hand, or be her support. We will work this weight off, change her diet, and cross the finish line, victoriously, so I can turn around and go back for one more.

This is your chance for change. Do you want it? You may only be 20 or 40 pounds overweight today, but as each day passes, and the pounds creep up, your life changes. You have to take control NOW... stay tuned, tomorrow I will have opportunities for everyone...

2 comments:

  1. Very touching post, Mandy! It sounds like your entire journey is not only going to benefit your health, but many other's health as well. I can definitely see your face in your mom's :)

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  2. How appropriate for "Pay It Forward Day" Mandy, I don't think you will ever know how many lives you have touched through your journey! You have been a friend, coach, mentor, and motivator to so many... and you continue to recruit more! I don't think there are words to describe the impact you have had on me...and I know there are others out there as well! Thank you for all that you do and congratulations on changing your life!

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