Your Independence Day
As most everyone knows, today is Independence Day in the United States. The day we celebrate our freedom as a nation. While I am an extremely patriotic guy who loves Independence Day and everything it stands for, that is not what this post is about. Let’s talk for a minute about another sort of Independence – Independence from the things that bind us to an unhealthy life.
It has been almost a year since I started this journey, and as I review how my life has changed, I notice that I have gained a lot of independence over the last year. The number one thing I have gained independence from is a life that was destined to kill me. My unhealthy habits were slowly, but surely, placing nails in my coffin. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I would never live to be an old man if something didn’t change. I was on a number of medicines, including that for high blood pressure and cholesterol. Blood sugar medicine was also on the way. This has all since changed. I am now getting off this medicine, something I did not know for sure was possible. This independence has given me a brand new lease on life.
Another area where I have gained independence is the ability to go and do things I could not (easily) go and do before. For example, it is not a big deal for me to walk several miles if I need to. I can now bend over and tie my shoes without it being a strain. I can walk outside in the heat without becoming a nasty sweatball in just a few seconds (even though I am still a heavy sweater). I can now jump on my sons’ trampoline if I want to (haven’t chosen to do that yet). This independence has opened a world of new doors for me to enjoy this great world.
I have also gained independence in how I look. I am not necessarily talking about my fat appearance. What I am really talking about is style. I work in a business environment where I wear a suit on occasion and a tie every day. Dress clothes aren’t made for people the size that I was a year ago. I often had to order dress shirts because my neck was size 20. I always thought this was just because I had a big neck. While that was true, it didn’t have to be that way. I still have a big neck, but it is two sizes smaller than it was then. I can now buy my dress clothes off the rack. Another clothing issue I had was my neck was not proportional to the rest of my body. My shirts were often too big for me when they fit in the neck, but it was the only option. Pants never fit right and neither did jackets. Buying stylish clothes was out of the question. I am sure if I lived in a larger city, this wouldn’t have been quite as bad, but it was really bad here. Also, nothing for a fat guy is ever on sale. I had to wear extra long ties (presumably because of my neck, but I have since concluded that an extra large belly also contributed to that). These were always full price. I am almost to the point where I feel comfortable buying regular ties. They always have a wide variety of these at a great price. My independence in this area has given me lots and lots of choices.
I have also gained independence from discomfort. I had tremendous discomfort flying (still isn’t great, but it is much better). Coach seats are not made for fat people. I measured my width once, and it was wider than the seats. That is a real problem. I am sure I was the one everyone hoped they would not have to sit next to. I had discomfort in smaller cars. I had discomfort at restaurants where my belly was mashed against the table at a booth, if I could even sit at the booth. I had discomfort when chairs were not made to hold my weight, so I had to always try to sit lightly (what a useless endeavor!). My Independence in this area has made life much more comfortable.
The list goes on an on. Sure, I had to pay for this independence. That is always the case. I had to pay with a dedication to eat healthy food. I had to pay by giving up sugar and most processed foods. I had to pay by making myself exercise. I had to pay by watching my portions. Freedom from the things that bind us never comes without a cost – you can count on it. Just like the people of the colonies in what was to become the United States, a tough choice has to be made. Is the price of your independence worth the cost? The battle isn’t easy. In fact, for most of us it is very long and hard, but the rewards are great for those that stick to it. It will not be without some injuries. Whether that be hurt feelings over people you love and are around making comments or eating things right in front of you that they know you want, but cannot have, or whether that be the pain that comes from beginning a workout program. There is also pain in making yourself break those old habits and develop new ones. That pain can last a long time if you let it. For me, I knew the price of independence was worth what it cost, but going into the battle wasn’t easy. There comes a time you just know it has to be done. That is when you start walking toward the goal and never, never look back. For me, my independence began on July 14, 2008. I have not fully gained my independence yet, but I am getting closer and closer daily. I also know that the life that held me captive will always be looking for a way to take me back, so I feel I will always have to have my guard up. Again, a small price to pay for freedom.
How about you? Have you gained your independence yet? If not, make today the day that you pick up your arms and take it to battle. This is not a game. You can’t enter this without dedication. If you are playing with it, you will likely lose. The enemy is strong and powerful, but can be beaten. You cannot do it if you aren’t committed though. I, for one, have total confidence in YOU. I know you can do it. This is likely the most important battle you will ever fight, and it will only get tougher the longer you wait. The enemy gets stronger every day it controls you. Make today the beginning of your independence, then no matter where you live, you can always celebrate July 4th as the beginning of your freedom – your Independence Day!
This is such a wonderful post. I am actually about to post about how I hope to celebrate my independence from all these things by next July 4th. I’m honestly just sooo tired of it all. I’m glad you have more freedom these days. Thats just awesome.
[Reply]
South Beach Steve Reply:
July 4th, 2009 at 10:43 am
Thank you Mary. This has been on my mind for some time. I am here to support you – I want you to have your Independence!
[Reply]
What another great post on this great day here. I have to say “Dito” on all that you said. it’s amazing how much independence we get once we change our mindset and our way of living. All that you have experienced, I have too and it’s such an awesome feeling. The freedoms I now have are so much better than what they were last year. I especially like the fact that I can do more things now than I ever dreamed I would be able to. I sure hope others can get to experience it as well.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience on this as well.
I wish I had more to add but to be truthful I am extremely tired and need to get to bed earlier than normal. I probably won’t even blog today either, but I had to make sure I stopped by and say Hi and to wish you greater advancements in your new independence as each day passes.
[Reply]
South Beach Steve Reply:
July 4th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
Rob, thanks for the kind words and the link back here from your blog. It is pretty awesome the road we are both on and the successes we have encountered. I am confident we have both liberated ourselves from the controlling forces of our past and we are on our way to a very “free” future.
[Reply]
Great Post Steve! I’m so glad I linked over from @robfitness. You have such a fabulous outlook on life. It is amazing how lifestyle changes are freeing, bringing us measures of independence we never could have anticipated. I had many such experiences when I quit smoking. After 31 years of being a slave to tobacco, I quit. I was so ready for that change. Though it has been a number of years now, I still clearly recall the freedom of not planning literally everything around having a cigarette — not needing to light one in the car 10 minutes before reaching my destination; not needing to forgo a washroom visit on a conference break in favour of a smoke, not needing to scope out a smoking area before settling in to a hospital visit. And this is not to mention the financial independence related to not smoking 2 and one half packs of cigarettes a day!
So, there is part of my story. Thanks again for such an inspiring post.
Happy 4th, and 5th, and 6th, and…..
[Reply]
South Beach Steve Reply:
July 4th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
Wendy, thanks for stopping by, and thanks for the kind words. It is amazing how lifestyle changes are freeing, but we have to choose to make the sacrifices to get to that point. Being a former smoker, you no doubt know this. I have never battled that, but I understand it is quite a powerful controlling force. I am anxious to check out your blog.
[Reply]
I feel free! I know that the signs of the occupation are still visible, but the battle has been won! Now I’m just doing the job…
Great post!
[Reply]
South Beach Steve Reply:
July 4th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
Hanlie, I hear you. I still have lots of signs of the occupation too, but the new forces are gradually converting the land. Have a great day!
[Reply]
excellent post steve! its hard to understand just how iberating it is to get stronger, and thinner if you havent been trapped yourself. its so great to have these blogs to purge all the wonderful, and not so wonderful feelings and concepts we go through as we journey through our individual paths.
i used to be a slave, to food, to weakness, to cravings, to mood swings, all that learned helplessness starts to be a lifestyle after awhile.
im sure we all have that moment where we KNOW something has to change. mine was standing up after a talk in church to realize i had to grab the back of the chair in front of me to steady myself. my body was so big and my legs couldnt take it anymore. so happy to free of all that weakness!! your post helped to remember that moment. it was life changer!
[Reply]
South Beach Steve Reply:
July 4th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Rachel, it is hard to understand this if you haven’t been through it. There are so many people who are satisfied in their misery, but I believe it is because they don’t know any different. It takes something startling most of the time to shake them enough to wake them up. I had that moment. Like you said in your other comment, I was either on the cusp of, or already a full blown diabetic when I started this way of eating. Thankfully that is not the case now.
[Reply]
What a great post.
Most overweight people can barely imagine the freedom that comes with being “regular” size. Buying, clothes without a drama. Actually thining about being fashionable. Sitting in a resturant or on a lawn chair with worry. Flying without stress. Being free from innocent, sometimes unthinking and even malicious comments about weight. Not having your personality judged based on you obvious inability to push away from the table or Bar counter.
Good Luck to you.
[Reply]
South Beach Steve Reply:
July 4th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
Mike, I am sure that most people do not understand the freedom that comes with being a “regular” size. In fact, I am not sure who understands less – those who are overweight, or those who have never been overweight. Thanks for your comment.
[Reply]
Just surfing around and found your web site,you are a truly great inspiration and I love your independence day triology.Going back now to read your bio,youve got a new fan in me.VAngel
[Reply]
South Beach Steve Reply:
July 4th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment VAngel. I hope to see you around lots more!
[Reply]
Wow. Fantastic post Steve. It really sums up our travels together throught this battle. Thanks for taking the time to post such thoughts. They are appreciated.
[Reply]
South Beach Steve Reply:
July 4th, 2009 at 10:00 pm
Mark, thanks. It is apparently resonating with others as well. I surely thought of a lot of our journey as I wrote this. Do you remember “band shirts and airplane seats”? I wonder what ever happened to him?
[Reply]
Great post Steve, you have made so many great choices this past year. Keep it up!
[Reply]
South Beach Steve Reply:
July 5th, 2009 at 8:05 am
Thanks Ron. It has been a good year, but it is just the beginning.
[Reply]
201.5, oh my, you are so close to onederland. Tremendous. Re ‘band shirts…’
He seems to be doing well as of early June. See here:
http://www.southbeach-diet-plan.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=90018&start=60
[Reply]
South Beach Steve Reply:
July 5th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
So close is right Mark, but no cigars yet. Maybe next week. Thanks for the link for “band shirts” – I don’t visit that forum anymore, so I am sure I miss out on a lot.
[Reply]
What a great post Steve! You are an inspiration and have motivated me to get moving again. I am so happy to be on the move again with daily exercise. Being free of the mental, emotional and physical shackles of obesity is my goal. 50 pounds ago I used to enter into restaurants afraid that I wouldn’t fit into the booth or that the chair wouldn’t hold my weight. I don;t have those moments as often anymore and it is really a freeing not to have to worry about those things as much. It is definitely a process….
[Reply]
South Beach Steve Reply:
July 6th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
Thank you Kat. I sincerely appreciate it. It is definitely a process.
[Reply]