Where You Are
I talk to lots of folks through the blog, Facebook, and every day interactions. Recently, I was chatting with a friend who told me of his desire to get in better shape. He has big plans to exercise and eat healthier — beginning in the New Year. Me being, who I am asked, “Why wait until then?” After all, no one is promised tomorrow. Harsh, maybe, but it’s true.
I hear these types of comments from folks all the time. I use to talk the same way, so I can relate. Change is hard. Change is scary. It requires us to move outside of our comfort zones. What I’ve learned from my Wellness Coaching class is that type of talk is what professionals call the “Contemplation” stage. The individual recognizes there is an issue and is talking about making changes, but has yet to commit to the changes.
As a Wellness Coach, I would not be able to speak my opinion so freely. Instead, I’d be there to guide the client to finding answers. But, I’m not a wellness coach so here’s what I say to you…If you are contemplating a change. Start where you are and start today. You’re not promised tomorrow. Life is short. Live it to the fullest now.
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!