What Do You See?

Have you ever held yourself back from doing something amazing? If so, why did you? Are you afraid of success? Is it easier to find comfort in past experiences? When you hold yourself back, do you make excuses to justify your actions? I have held myself back from many things because it has been easier to resort to what I know rather than exploring new territory. Well, it has been until now.

Last Saturday, I stared at myself in the mirror. Literally, I just stared. I examined every inch of my body. I wasn't concerned with my hair, clothes, or other things that can enhance my appearance. I am talking about body size. I was disgusted with the way I looked. The disgust isn't rooted from the images in magazines, on the Internet, and on TV. I know that celebrities are photoshopped and they have professionals who make them look good. What I faced in the mirror was something deeper.

I saw a little girl who went through puberty before all of her classmates: breast development, acne galore, and serious weight gain. Shopping was a pain back then because the only pants I could wear, at age 12, were stretch jeans. Boys were disgusted with the way I looked and it crushed me. Many peers were not tolerable of overweight peers. One minute, my clothes were too tight and I looked like a stuffed sausage. The next minute, they were too big and I looked like a sack of potatoes. In high school, I slimmed down in some areas and developed in others. I still wasn't thin by any means, but I started to look more like a feminine female. I received a few looks, but not from the boys I liked. I had a few friends, but always felt like the third wheel. My body size held me back from pursuing opportunities I wanted to explore, made me bitter, and sad.

Many years later, I have made considerable changes to my wardrobe, hair style, makeup, etc. However, there was still one thing glaring at me: my weight. Up until now, I made many excuses for my weight: genetics, slow metabolism, and the list could go on. However, my excuses were getting me no where. It was time to shatter the little girl that existed in my mind and eliminate the excuses. I can only let past thoughts hold me back from achieving a better body for so long. I have decided to start making life-changing health choices. It was time to eat foods that were good for me and eliminate the ones that weren't. Exercise was no longer a choice; it was a requirement for a long and healthy life. I can't say my life style change will be easy, but I know that it will be worth it in the end.

Now, it's your turn to face something that will dramatically improve your life. What is holding you back from achieving greatness? How can you change your situation? What steps do you need to take to ensure success? If you fear you will lose your way, don't be afraid. Find a support group, seek advice online, and do what you can to stay on the path of success. I cannot promise it will be an easy journey. However, if you stick out the journey, then success will come.