Just a Little Change...

March 2019 to July 2019

If you've read my book Asylum, you know I'm not a big fan of doctors. I know a few personally, and they are awesome people, but in general, I've not had the best of luck with them. Let me share a couple examples...

After I had my second child, I went to a doctor to see about losing weight. He labeled me morbidly obese and said he couldn't do much for me, but I was on the path to having a heart attack. "In fact, it would be easier for me to treat you if you had one," he had the nerve to say.

When I asked another doctor about losing weight, thinking I'd probably be recommended for bariatric surgery, she said, "Weight Watchers is a great program. You should join that."

I was in a tailspin of eating my feelings for way too many years. I hid behind depression, fear, anger...and comforted myself with cheesecake, pizza, and ice cream.

But there's been a major change.

After my last onstage performance, I was inspired. Inspired by the way I felt after seeing myself on camera. Inspired by the hope of the next production. Inspired to get healthy for myself and for my kids.

I changed my diet. I started eating single-ingredient foods--vegetables, fruit, meat. I stayed away from sugar and carbs (knowing fruit and veggies have healthy carbs). I drink only water. I forced myself to get up and start walking. Instead of sitting and watching a Netflix show, I pulled it up on my tablet and rode our stationary recumbent bike.

As of today, I am down 51 pounds! And that's not the end of it. I've discovered a lifestyle change. I like the way I am eating. I feel good. My brain fog is gone. Depression is gone. I can deal with and work through the feelings that come my way. I no longer have to take my daily prescription for heartburn. I like the way I am exercising. I feel strong. Energetic. Ready to take on the world. I finally like myself, and I haven't felt that way in a very long time.

I've done this without doctors, without Weight Watchers, without a gym membership. This has been a partnership with God Who's given me the strength and courage and will to keep going. Looking back, the journey hasn't been that difficult. I wish I had done it sooner. But the timing is right. And I'm grateful.

---