Out and About
I notice that I move around a lot better now that I’m 170+ lbs. lighter. There were so many things I could’t do as an obese person. Some of which I didn’t even realize I couldn’t do. Things that most people wouldn’t even give a second thought about. As an obese person it was an ordeal to just carry my purse. I was unable to get my purse on my shoulder and in a comfortable position — too much girth. Now-a-days, I carry my purse on my shoulder and it fits right nicely against my body like it should.
I was headed to class recently and I really wanted to take a to-go mug of coffee, but in the past carrying a mug, purse, and book bag would be a lot of work for me — too much girth. Just trying to get around was enough hassle. Never mind carrying extra stuff. Anyhow, I decided I didn’t want to face the day without the coffee so I brought along the to-go mug. Surpringsly, toting the coffee mug and other items didn’t cause me grief. Instead, I was pleased to be out and about moving around with stuff.
Chrisetta Mosley
I am a product – and now a survivor – of childhood obesity. As a child, my family always told me that my extra weight was merely baby fat and I’d eventually grow out of it. I never did. Instead, my childhood is filled with memories of not being able to ride a bike, flattening its training wheels from being over the recommended weight, and avoiding P.E. classes by any means necessary. For years, I wore my fatness like a wounded soldier wears a Purple Heart - with pride. I owned the look. I dressed it up. I worked the room. There wasn't a skinny girl who intimidated me. I made sure my hair was laid just right. Nails polished. Outfits coordinated to the tee. Accessories to compliment every outfit. But everyone has a breaking point, and mine came in the spring of 2004 when I tipped the scale at nearly 400 pounds 388 to be exact. I was MISERABLE trapped inside of that body. I no longer wore my Purple Heart with pride. Rather, I was ashamed and frightened. Ashamed that I had allowed food to become my everything – frightened I would die because of it. Drastic times called for drastic measures... Today, I’m bound and determined to live a better, healthier, active lifestyle. I realize I’m no longer a passenger in my life, I’m the driver. I’m overcoming my inhibitions and I’m slowly but surely saying farewell to my old childhood nemesis, obesity. For once and for all, Farewell Fatso!