I am a firm believer that I am the driver of my destiny…but I also believe that things happen for a reason and people come into your life to open your eyes, create change, or serve a purpose. It took me being sick for years to realize that I needed to slow down and make some changes in my life. It took getting walked on, taken advantage of, and mistreated to finally put my foot down and realize that I deserved better. No longer do I allow drama in my life or negative energy. I have worked really hard to get to where I am today and if the good energy I am putting out is not reciprocated, I walk away.
Throughout this latest journey to better my health, I have encountered crazy looks, doubt, concern, and negative comments. For the most part I have ignored it and focused on me…and when I stop and look at what I’ve achieved, I am happy to say that I am migraine-free, off all medications, healthy and loving life. It makes me sad when I run into people who are overweight, sick, and depressed and think that this is how life has to be. Everyone has a choice, a decision about how they’re going to live their life. You can’t sit around and wait for change to happen…you need to take control and make that first step.
A few days ago I watched Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead (if you haven’t seen it already…please do!)…it’s available instantly on Netflix. It follows the weight loss journey of two men. Joe Cross weighed in at 310 pounds, suffered from an autoimmune disease, and in the end, he got his life and health back on track. The average American diet, (and these stats come from the film) in calories, consists of 60% processed foods, 30% animal, 5% whole grains, and 5% fruits and vegetables. For 60 days, Joe moved that fruit/vegetable percentage to 100%! He traveled around with his juicer inspiring many people along the way. This is where Phil comes in…a trucker that Joe met along the way (which I think was meant to be) who weighed in at 429 pounds and also suffered from the same autoimmune disease as Joe. Both men realized that if they wanted change, it was up to them. Not only did they drastically improve their health and well-being, but also motivated and inspired so many other people to take on the challenge. Both men got a second chance at life!
So please, listen to your body! Don’t take Tums because you have heartburn…that heartburn is your body’s way of telling you to stop eating junk. Don’t wait for a heart attack, stroke, or diabetes to set in to change your diet.
“When it comes to eating right and exercising, there is no “I’ll start tomorrow.” Tomorrow is disease.” – Terri Guillemets
Be Sol-Ful Living 