Life Happens

Life is what happens when you’re making plans. I don’t remember who said it. It might have been John Lennon; although, I feel like whenever anyone can’t think of who said some profound quote we give John Lennon the credit. As if he didn’t have enough to do, he sat around saying profound things. Of course, isn’t that what I am trying to do? Although, who am I? I am not ¼ of History’s most popular Music Band. I am just me. I am a girl on a journey; weight loss, getting healthy, discovery, reinvention, or just life.




This is what this journey is about; my life. It’s about enriching my life. It’s about extending my life. It’s about making my life possible. Of course, what I didn’t count on was that life would become the greatest obstacle in my journey.



Inevitably each of us will run into obstacles. Whatever our journey. Something will pop up in our path. I don’t say this to be pessimistic, but realistic. I don’t believe cautious optimism is bad. It allows to us to continue to look forward with hope; however, prepare for what may happen to derail us. It’s preparation, not pessimism. When I think pessimism I think; already giving up. Cautious optimism is hope with a plan. Of course, what happens when the plan fails? What happens when we lose our plan? What do we do without our plan?



One cannot say ‘til they are in that moment. My moment happened over the last several months. I moved hundreds of miles away from my family, friends, home, and life. In a new city living with a new family; my boyfriend Liam, I would start anew. New job. New home. New everything. My plan seemed to slip away. I was in uncharted territory trying to deal with the new.



While trying to deal with and build a new life in Independence, MO I lost pieces of my old life; namely some of the very good habits I had forged through the last year of my journey. I was a little sad and alone. Rather than forging ahead, I wallowed. I slipped back into bad habits. Food became comfort. Granted I wasn’t eating as poorly as I had once been, but indulged far more than I should. Exercise became a long distance lover I only meet once or twice a week.



Then the unthinkable. No, I didn’t gain weight. My life took another unplanned turn. The man I thought would never die, died. My grandfather. He was the most important person in my life. He was my father and best friend. He gave me the strength and support along my journey; my entire journey, not just the last twelve months. On November 12th, the day after Veteran’s day, my own personal hero died. It seems strange to write this, even stranger to stand over his casket and say goodbye.



Though it’s been a few months, I still reach for the phone to call him and tell him about my day. He cheered for me my entire life. He said how proud he was of me, especially in the last twelve months. He said he was happy to see me so healthy, happy, and beautiful. He always said I was beautiful, but seeing the new glow and smile on my face announced my beauty to the world. He loved having the world finally see me as he had always seen me.



What does any of this have to do with weight loss? Perhaps, it doesn’t. Then again, I think it does. Our weight and health is entangled in every aspect of our lives. When we’re happy we gain or lose. The same when we’re sad, angry, or stressed. For the last several months my life has felt out of control. Their has been so many changes, which I have not embraced. I was happy and excited, but not prepared for how it would alter my journey.



Although, that felt like I was blaming life. Things happen. When things happen they happen for a reason. It’s part of my journey, not just an obstacle to get around. It helps me grow and provides me with maps for my continued journey. That’s what I have learned over the last several months. My journey was not derailed or stopped. I am still marching along towards an unknown destination, after all is is about a journey but a destination. So, I’ll enjoy this journey and grow from ALL aspects; good and not-so-good.



That’s what I am doing now. I am back on the path and doing fantastic. I have taken back my good habits to fuel my journey; 5lbs down and feeling great. Here’s to losing 41lbs in 2011 and continuing a life of healthy living!



Thank you.