We all have options, even if we don't know it. We have the option to remain entrenched on the sofa with our bag of chips watching reality TV. We have the option to blame our aches and pains and failing health and widening waist line on genes, age, and metabolism. We have the option to get up on our feet and do something to make ourselves feel better.
Here's a sad story with an important message. About 10 years ago, I met a brilliant guy, married to a nice woman. The guy, I'll call 'R' weighed about 350 lbs. He used one of those scooters you see advertised on TV all the time. He refused not only to diet or exercise, he refused to walk farther than from his bed to the toilet or kitchen. He refused the advise of his physician (reluctant tho' the doc was) to go to Barnes Hospital to have bariatric (weight loss) surgery.
Over the years, he grew progressively more obese, more dependent on the scooter, and more dependent on his wife to walk (they have no car) to the grocery store to buy the enormous amount of food he must consume each day to maintain his weight. His wife had no insight. She was dependent on him for most decision making - a whole other blog somewhere on the internet.
Last week, R became bedridden because he could no longer make it to the toilet. His wife left him. She had finally figured out that she was part of the problem. Within 3 days of R's inability to get to the toilet and less than 24 hours after his wife left him, sobbing the entire day as she called me and several other friends to inform us of her departure, R was found dead in his bed.
He was 50 years old. He spent all of his adult life addicted to food and blaming doctors and others for the bad outcome of his mother's health, naming that the reason he would not seek medical or psychiatric attention for his own health issues which included legs that weeped serous fluid constantly, breathing difficulties, and finally the tremendous burden his heart had to bear to pump the blood throughout his body.
R was a very intelligent guy. He had a trade in which he was a true expert. He was a great conversationalist. He let himself die in a horrible way. His wife, siblings, nieces, and nephews mourn the loss of their beloved R who was always generous with his time and skills. He was generous with everyone except himself. He never gave himself a chance at a normal, healthy life.
At any time, at any age, at any weight, at any level of debility, we can make a single decision that will improve our quality of life - and perhaps give us back our health and wellbeing. AT ANY TIME. No one has an expiration date. No one is ever beyond the point where s/he can't make a decision, ask for help, turn the page.
I hope that anyone who reads this will take away my message. R didn't have to die at the relatively young age of 50. He didn't have cancer or even high cholestrol. His blood pressure was slightly elevated. His biggest obstacle was his inability to decide to take care of himself in the most basic way.
Step One - Admit there's a problem.
Step Two - Seek a solution.
Step Three - Put yourself into action.
No one else can do this for us. No one else can make us feel worth the effort. No one else can do the exercise for us or change our eating habits or make the decisions we need to make to improve our lives.
Take the steps. Do the work. Enjoy Life. Life is GOOD.
***************************
Remember my 100% GUARANTEE. Should you decide to stop walking and resume your old habits, I personally guarantee that you'll get back 100% of your former life - your pain, your lifestyle, your attitude.
Posts
