YOU ARE TOO SKINNY
I had not seen Bud and Betty for some time when I bumped into them at Whole Foods Sunday morning. The first thing out of Betty’s mouth was, “Are you okay… you are so skinny!”
I feel defensive when people ask that, as if I am ill. Over the course of several years I have lost over 45 pounds because of my renewed interest in health and healing. I trace it back to October of 2001.
After leaving the Cross Church I had a powerful, but quiet spiritual experience. I felt the Small Still Voice within invite me to live a healthier lifestyle. I heeded the Voice and the result is a renewed spirituality and my weight is down and remains consistently at 195 pounds.
I exercise nearly daily with long walks and jogs, and several trips to the gym weekly. I eat well… that is I enjoy a healthy diet. I’m in as good condition as some of those NFL quarterbacks I see on TV… well… I bet I look better at 55 than they will.
I must say that, although they were sitting in a car, Bud and Betty were looking a little pudgy.
What about you? Looking a little pudgy?
I have a friend who is struggling with smoking (not you Chris, Debbie or Jack… geese… you guys are so defensive!). It is really more than a health issue for him. He knows that his kids are watching and are getting the impression that smoking isn’t as bad as “they say.” Which, of course, is not at all what he is trying to communicate.
The problem is the addictive nature of nicotine. It is a really tough drug to kick. But, consequently, the other message (“Smoking isn’t that bad”) is communicated. Wouldn’t it be better if he were to be more public about his struggle and admit that he hates smoking but is hooked on the drug and needs help to get over it. At least, then, the kids would see the struggle, know that smoking is not a virtue but something to be avoided and maybe, maybe not fall into the same trap.
Well… the same thing is true about unhealthy living. I mean being overweight, not getting exercise and living an unhealthy lifestyle. It communicates the same bad things to kids and people around us, “being a couch potato is okay.”
Frankly I would rather hear about your struggles, and failed attempts at Weight Watchers than to see you capitulate to unhealthy leaving. Sure… it’s tough of your ego to struggle with bad lifestyle issues… but what about the message you send with unhealthy living? Besides, it would be better for your ego if you lived a few extra years.
Today renew your focus on healthy living. Control your ego, swallow the pain of possible failure, and begin again your healthy lifestyle… for you and your loved ones. Listen to the Small Still Voice.
I love you-Bryan
