Unfufilled: A childhood memory
As a child, I watched from the sidelines of the school playground while the other kids hung from monkey bars, teetered on teeter-totters, jumped rope, and played all the games that children play. At home, I watched neighborhood friends, hop on their bikes and ride freely and effortlessly. I was always fearful to join in, because, you see, being overweight prohibited me. My youthful heart wanted to be out there jumping, skipping, riding, but my over-sized body kept me from the fun.
So, instead of the magical memories most associate with being a kid and playing outside. My childhood memories are of not being able to ride a bike, flattening its training wheels from being over the recommended weight, and avoiding physical activities by any means necessary.
But, I’m not one to dwell on the past. Besides, like Eminem said: “I guess, I had to go, to that place to get to this one.” Here I am, today, and I’ve yet to learn to ride a bike. However, along my weight loss and get fit journey — I’ve lost the fear factor. I now have a burning desire to overcome all the things that once held me back. And riding a bike is high up there on my bucket list!
I’m super-excited that my friend, Angela, has offered to give me a bike that she’s not using. She’s even going to help me learn how to ride it! Oh, what fun this will be. Of course, I’ll update you on my riding adventures.
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!