A Swift Kick In My Determination

Are you a few pounds overweight? I am. Many of us can relate, and that’s why, when I read an inspirational story recently, I knew I must share. It’s from my friend, Turtle. Her post reminded me of a tragedy that occurred last year.

Turtle profiled Cameron, a man who recently lost quite a bit of weight. I don’t know about you, but when I see these stories, my heart sings. Many of us who have struggled with weight issues know exactly what it means to be able to do this, to lose weight, any weight. Never mind the emotional issues connected to overeating; to NOT eat something when you really, really want it, but you choose NOT to, is HUGE. His story is enormously heartwarming and uplifting. I clicked on his site and read words like obesity, overweight, bariatric surgery, and again, was taken back to that tragedy. Something on Cameron’s site–about having to stop half way when climbing a flight of stairs–reminded me of the man who bought the couch.

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Last fall, somewhere on the east coast:

My son and his wife had found a buyer for their couch. They were elated. The pieces were falling into place. They’d both completed their masters degrees after three long years; they were finally done. Their upcoming move home to the west coast was about to happen. It was the last night in their apartment.

When the man arrived, they were surprised he was a bit older. My son guessed early 40s. This is a small college town and they’d expected a younger student. After the couch was inspected and the money exchanged, my son helped the man carry the couch to his truck and load it in the bed.

They shook hands and my son returned to his apartment. He and my daughter-in-law were glad that was done.

About 30 minutes later, my son took out the trash. The dumpsters were located next to where the man had parked. What my son saw next is something he’ll never forget.

The man to whom he’d just sold his couch was lying on the ground next to his truck. Police, paramedics, and bystanders surrounded the scene. He’d collapsed after the couch had been loaded–after my son had returned to the apartment–and died of an apparent heart attack. There was no elevator in the building, my son lived on the third floor. The man smoked while carrying the couch down three flights. My son asked him several times during the move if he was OK, said they could get help, or stop; yet, in spite of profuse sweating and struggling to carry the couch, the overweight man insisted he was fine. Moving the couch had been too much.

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My son was pretty shaken; it’s something he’ll never forget. He’ll see the man lying on the pavement and think back, “What could I have done differently?” or “Am I responsible?” He knows it wasn’t his fault, that the man was not healthy. Still, it’s extremely hard to let go of.

When I read Turtle’s post about Cameron’s weight loss, I thought of the man who bought the couch. It was a horrible tragedy, and he’d reached his limit from something many of us do every day.

So, Cameron, while I don’t know you, I AM SO PROUD OF YOU! Your story warms my heart, and I hope it encourages others to do whatever they can to begin the process.

I feel for the man who lost his life that night. I sincerely hope his family will be OK. They will never know, but in a round about way, he has been inspirational to me. His life affected mine.

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I’ve known for a while I need to make some changes. We are all different, of course, and will respond to different methods of diet control. This is where I started.

1. Get moving.
2. Cut out evening wine.
3. Cut out evening snacks.
4. Drink more water.
5. Eat more protein.

Two weeks ago I started running again. When I don’t run, I walk twice a day. Trails nearby don’t cost me a dime. Don’t get me wrong, I am no marathon runner. Years of bending at work and arthritis have left me with a touchy back and fussy feet and knees. I have to be very careful. Daily. I walk, then run, then I walk, and run again. I run in stretches. Very short stretches. I mostly walk. I also do CORE exercises, and planks (when my back is behaving).

I started eating better, such as this delicious plate of fruit. This (and a hard cooked egg) was my breakfast one morning not long ago. Other mornings I eat my own version of egg salad. I’d started having wine in the evenings, or dessert (this and this are my weaknesses. I will still make an occasional dessert, especially a family recipe, and if it enriches my genealogy pages. On a regular basis: no). No more.

I keep a water mug full of ice water by my side all day. I fill it when it’s empty. Every day.

I realized I wasn’t eating enough protein. I had not been thinking of balance. I keep a supply of hard boiled eggs in the fridge. I love eggs. My vitamin D levels are low, so low that I’ve been on mega doses, twice. Vitamin D is hard to get from foods, but eggs contain some. Did I mention I love eggs?

These are basic but I try daily to muster my resolve. The funny thing is, it works! A few basics over a few days and I see results. I simply need a swift kick in the determination department.

The man who bought the couch will remain in my heart and has influenced my resolve.

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You can read about Cameron, The World’s Biggest Fridge Magnet, here and you can spy on Turtle here. Thank you, Turtle, for sharing.

❤ Thanks for reading. ❤