Busy living
In 2009, when I set off on this journey it was about losing weight, all about losing weight. It’s still about losing weight, but there is so much more. This is a journey of self-discovery, love, passion, experience, and living life to the fullest.
Yesterday, I spent my 40th birthday paddling down the White Salmon River. It was my first experience White Water Rafting and what a spectacular experience it was! It was one of those experiences that made me glad to be alive. Traveling down the sometimes calm, but turbulent river, sun gently kissing my skin, and surrounded by nature. Awesome. Simply awesome.
My 19-year old daughter, Jasmyn joined in on the adventurous fun. Jr. was our guide for the day and two fabulous ladies, Susy and Leah, all the way from Amsterdam were also in our group. The five of us had a blast — talking, laughing, sharing stories as we paddled our way down the beautiful river. It was so cool! The water would be relatively calm and then all the sudden we’d hit a rapid — the raft would move erratically and then a big burst of cold water would come splashing in. Aaaaaa…
I’m always blogging in my mind. Subjects are everywhere. So as I was paddling down the river taking in the beauty, the splendor. I was thinking of how I could share this experience with you. What I wanted to write, to convey how special, truly special this experience was. This quote from the movie “The Shawshank Redemption” came to mind: “Get busy living or get busy dying.” It was an aha moment! That’s what this is all about folks! I’m so busy living that I don’t particularly obsess over the scale, how I look, or every bite I put into my mouth anymore. Sure, I still work out, want to achieve a certain goal weight, build strength, and eat healthy (most of the time), but now I realize there’s so much more to it. This journey isn’t about what I’ve lost, but rather it’s about what I’ve gained. My life isn’t defined by moments. It’s the sum of the moments that matter — the days, weeks, months, experiences. Surely, I will continue to set goals as they keep me focused, grounded, but ultimately I’ll stay busy living and the rest will follow.
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!