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I Choose

blogs/blog-0839451001340619218.jpgJust a short note. Who knows when I'll get back to this. I've gained weight since my DH's death. I won't blame anyone else but myself. I had a long talk with my therapist and we finally hit upon the catchphrase that seems to define how I'll lose all this weight-- I CHOOSE.

 

I'm a control freak whose life spiraled out of control the day my poor Randy died. Since then, I've made decisions where I felt there was no other option. For over a year, I had to decide based on bad vs good, not which one suited me. Finally, my therapist (Dr Marty Groble, for those in the Jacksonville area) pointed out that what went into my mouth was one of the few things I had a direct choice in making.

 

Well, my Band-Buds, it was an epiphany. There was my point of control, and I've been reveling in it for a couple of weeks. I've lost five pounds because I can look at the chocolate vs the peach and say "I choose the peach because I choose health." I have chosen to start walking again when possible. I've chosen to begin quilting again rather than sit on my butt playing mindless computer games. I've made so many choices, I'm smiling again.

 

Even the house I had to move into when Randy's death forced me into foreclosure is no longer a point of resentment and negativity. I've chosen to make it work rather than move to something less congenial if prettier. Sure, this is a 2-bedroom house 30 miles from my job. It's in a gorgeous neighborhood with a park, as familiar and comfortable as my favorite pair of blue jeans, and it's cheap. I can have my pets here. An apartment close to my work would cost $200 more a month and we'd have to get rid of our pets.

 

"We??" you ask? Yep, we. That gent who gave me the pearl ring? I chose not to marry him, but we're a happy pair of roommates. I chose him, too.

 

Lena

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Angie55

LAP-BAND Patients

I LOVE your blog! You have really inspired me to CHOOSE to work harder at my weight loss! I was banded in October of 2009 and I have lost 80 lbs...however have gained 20 of them back...GRRRR! So I went to my doc...she took all my liquid out and put me on full liquids for 7 days. Then she will refill to see if we can start the weight loss all over again. I feel so full of guilt because of the gain and because my dad helped me pay (im a selfpay) for the surgery ...that I wonder if it was really worth it :( I am 45 yrs old...and single and am beginning to wonder if my weight will keep me single forever :(...However after reading your blog I realize it is a CHOICE...I CAN choose the fruit over the chocolate and I CAN choose to walk instead of playing on Facebook...even tho I REALLY enjoy it! lol Thank you!

voiceomt2002

LAP-BAND Patients

Hi Angie! I feel your pain. Okay, I actually feel my pain. I'd forgotten how much being fat hurt. Just more incentive to choose health. Funny thing, it's easier this time. I choose to grill out, not because it's tastier (which it is) and cheaper (which it is) but because I like it. Not so much in this oppressive heat with the mosquito squadrons filing flight plans with the FAA, but even then this is more fun and less work.

I'm loving being single again. I choose to date when it pleases me, and anyone who can't see past this temporary weight gain isn't worth a second date. I've already had one guy tell me somewhat bluntly that he doesn't want to date anyone overweight. (Funny, he's sporting quite a few extra pounds, too.) At first, I was a bit hurt, but then I became more and more amused at his shallowness and hypocrisy. I don't want those traits in my life, so his name was scratched from the "amusing" list. I have standards, and he just fell below the bar. The things I find fun are an equal mix of solitary and social, so if I find someone to share those amusements, I'll find them where the fun stuff is already.

(Lifting my glass of water and toasting) Here's to choosing to have fun, be healthy, and take control of that which we once thought uncontrollable. Here's to loving life.

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