Happy I Gained??

I wanted to share with you an email that was sent to me from Linda (named changed) and my response to her:

-----Original Message-----
From: Linda
To: Mike
Sent: Monday, April 28, 2008
Subject: Thank you for gaining in Nashville!

Hi Mike! That might sound like a weird thing to say, but strangely enough, you gaining 3 lbs last week was inspiring to me! :) I am on this same journey to get healthy, and finally contacted Jimmy (Page) 3 weeks ago to help me the way he has helped get you started. Like you, vacations or going away, or even just going to my parent's can really mess up my healthy eating plans. I always think I am going to be fine, and that my new healthy attitude will get me through. HA! Inevitably I end up eating things I hadn't planned to, or just thinking...."oh, it is just one day, or one week, what can it hurt? I will get right back on the bandwagon." Then, in the past, I never did get back on the wagon, and thus my new way of eating died.

However, I can sense that this time, despite the gain, you WILL get back on board, and I know that you can do this! And seeing you do it has convinced me that I can do it! I mean you are out there in front of all of WRBS doing this thing....you have put yourself in such a spotlight. Jimmy said the accountability was a good thing...so yesterday I bravely told my entire Sunday School class what I am doing. Now they will be praying for me, and that always helps. I am praying for you too Mike! You will make it, and this is nothing but a bump in the journey. If you had been able to sail through the week with a loss, I would have been very jealous, and that would be a sin, so by letting Nashville win, you kept me from sinning! :) ha ha! Have a great week!

Linda - Thanks for your email! (I think! HA!) I totally understand where you are coming from. I made the same excuses and told myself the same lies time and time again. One of the things you have to do is be accountable to someone or a group of people...and here is the tough part: You have to ask them to call you out! Most people don't want to confront. But if you don't have people who care enough to confront you about your habits then you have a greater chance of failing. That said, those people should be chosen carefully as they need to be able to help and not hurt with their comments.

Wow! I didn't expect that. You know I did not start doing this to be a role model or to inspire anyone. I just wanted to document what I was doing to get healthy but I realize that in the same way "The Biggest Loser" has spurred me to get going - this little blog may be the thing that gets others to start on their path to wellness. I hope that you know that I do not do this on my own. God is helping me to focus on the correct things and is changing the way my mind views food and it's hold on my life. He keeps me on track even when there is no one around and I could shove down a whole double cheeseburger! He is the best accountability partner.

Also, thank you! You have prayed for me, posted and sent emails of support and encouragement. It has helped me and I really feel you lifting me up when I get in tough spots. Please keep it up! :-)

Please remember Linda in your prayers as she continues her journey to get healthy.

Live Well, Live Healthy!

Mike