We often talk about all the reasons we hold ourselves back on this site. Today I want to share a few thoughts on my friend and original PNP client, Bill, who has lived a life of obesity and is now a two-time body building competitor.
This weekend he competed at the HUB City Classic in Jackson, TN. He did it this year for one reason: he wanted his two little girls see why Daddy works so hard in the gym and why he has to eat so much fish. All of it paid off because he looked fabulous.
The morning of the competition we met for his pancake with REAL syrup meal before going on stage. It was interesting because whenever I am around anyone it seems to lend itself to some pretty deep thoughts on the subject of being fat.
Both of us have this "issue" and that is we will always be a fat girl or fat boy. We believe this person never dies in you even when you don't LOOK the part any longer.
Bill likens it to an alcoholic. When you are no longer drinking it doesn't mean you are "cured." You just aren't drinking at the time but the drunk is still on the inside of you.
The same goes with people who have been overweight; particularly those who have a lifetime of significant fat to draw upon. Once you have lost the weight it doesn't mean you aren't still a "fat person". You are just an outwardly thin person with an inner fat person.
Most of us who need to lose weight, especially significant weight, do so because we really like food. We like the bad stuff A LOT. If we didn't, losing weight would be easy and we probably wouldn't be fat to begin with. I like healthy food NOW and will eat it but, seriously, if I thought I could look just as good eating pancakes and peanut butter for breakfast, a burger and fries for lunch washed down with a shake, and then go out every night to a new Mexican restaurant for margaritas and nachos I WOULD! See, I know how to roll LARGE.
What was I talking about? Oh yes, alcoholism. I will always be the fat girl just like a drunk is a drunk. Every day I have to choose to eat what is good for me versus what gives me pleasure. I have to make time to exercise when TV is tempting. I have to stop eating before I feel round and full and I have to say no to going out or parties sometimes because I just can't fit it into my weekly plan.
Do I like healthy food? Absolutely. Do I like junk food? Absolutely. I'm proud to be on the road to recovery. I call it maintenance and while I maintain I am sober. You know what? It's OK, too. I don't mind it being hard, "unfair", or anything like that. Rather than wallow in the unfairness I choose acceptance so I can be successful.
Bill is like me. He has every reason to be a fat guy - bad history, genes, habits, etc. - but he chooses to accept his demons and live his life to the fullest. Enjoy this video of his competition. He worked hard and made everyone proud.
Corinne, this is awesome! Can you turn the music down on this video? It's hard to hear your conversations! Thanks!
Posted by: Autumn | June 22, 2009 at 06:51 AM
I am making one now and will post the link when it is uploaded. :)
Posted by: Corinne | June 22, 2009 at 06:58 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MneenSs1OTc
Here you go. No music. Sorry the sound isn't great but that place was sort of "busy." LOL.
Posted by: Corinne | June 22, 2009 at 08:06 AM
CONGRATULATIONS BILL!!! I cried through the video for your success, because I know your struggles and I know what it's like to eat talapia everyday. I'm so proud of you and can't wait to meet you and Lori at PC!! You're an inspiration!
Posted by: Beth | June 23, 2009 at 06:20 AM
This is truly a wonderful achievement. I am sure this will motivate a lot of other people. Well done Bill!
Posted by: Health Advocate | June 29, 2009 at 02:19 PM