They had the perfect hair, perfect makeup, and always knew what to say. They were popular girls and had the friends to show it, but they were all nice and kind and I am still friends with them today. Maybe being friends with them made me popular by default, but I never felt like it. I constantly stacked myself up against them.
Was I as pretty? Was I wearing the right thing? Did I have the right shoes?
I scraped by through my middle and high school years avoiding the finger of teasing and bullying but I always felt I was lacking in one area: my body.
Looking back on that time in my life I've realized a few things.
It didn't matter how popular I was. I made good decisions and found amazing friends.
It didn't matter how pretty I felt. I had (and still have) a boyfriend who loved me and thought I was beautiful.
And I certainly was not fat.
I still am not fat. But I've grown into my body and a few sizes higher up in my pants. This probably has to do with a few things. The first being I'm older and naturally bigger. The second being I'm in college and under a considerable amount of stress that causes me to occasionally over indulge in pasta, grilled cheese, chicken nuggets, ice cream and the ever taunting treat chocolate.
I am comfortable with who I am... but I am capable of being better. Not skinnier or thinner but stronger.
I'm in nursing school and for the past few years I have been bombarded with information about unhealthy habits, how your body works, and the effects of obesity. I've been hit with the freshman 15, jealous of the skinny girls on campus who get trashed every weekend and manage to avoid weight gain, and overtly aware of the flashy wrappers plastered with "low calories, low fat, low carb, and low sugar".
But things have changed for me. The past year has shown me the effects of living your life eating a little more than you should, over indulging in sweets, smoking and a whole mess of other things.
Fact: It lands you in the hospital when you are 60.
I've seen countless adults come in every 2 or so weeks for treatment in the acute setting because they can't breathe, or move, or for my favorite, having "chest pain".
“Those who think they have no time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness” -Edward Stanley
When you eat like crap, smoke and don't exercise you blood vessels harden and get all "crunchy". When you become "crunchy" blood
Chest Pain is your heart gasping for oxygen just as you would if you were being strangled.
So why do I want to change my lifestyle? Why now?
I don't want to strangle myself.
I don't want to be in the hospital at 60.
I do want to enjoy the world and all it has to offer and its a lot of space to cover. I figure it's going to take me a while so I better make sure I am around to enjoy it all.
And the kicker... My brother is getting married in a year and I'm a bridesmaid so I'd like to look good in the pictures.
(Okay, a little vanity never killed anyone!! Right?)
It was my friend Laura's idea. We have teamed up for our adventure!! I encourage everyone reading to follow her journey at: http://fenton888.blog.com/ AND to start your own fitness blog.
As a nurse one of the most important tools we offer patients is education and lifestyle changes to make that will not only improve quality of life but prevent future hospital stays. I know what to do and how to do it. Its time for me to be an example for my patients and start taking my own advice.
There is no time like the present. No time for excuses. I have tried and failed before and I am making a promise to myself to never stop. This is not my story of a diet but of a whole new lifestyle.
live strong.live well
