Thursday, October 13, 2011

Lion-Hearted

It’s a myth, you know, that overweight people suffer from low self-esteem more than the rest of the population. In fact, psychological tests given to overweight folks have proven that obese individuals are, on balance, just as mentally healthy (or unhealthy) as anyone else. There’s no support for the idea that overeating is generally associated with poor mental or emotional health. Quite the opposite, actually; many slim people who were interviewed said they wouldn’t have the courage to go out if they were obese. They’d simply stay at home and hide their fat faces.

Think about it: you get up every morning, get out of bed and face the world head-on. You accept strangers’ stares, children’s cruel comments and friends’ “helpful” advice, all with a wane smile and gentle good grace. You’ve recognized the inner demons that have put you in the state you’re in, and you’re going about doing something about it. You’re getting your life in check, as well as providing emotional support for others who are also getting their lives in check.

Here’s my point: you’re not weak.

Here’s my second point (and this may sting a little): you’ve got to get stronger.

You’ve got to get stronger because this is a long, uphill climb, and it will take its toll on you, both mentally and physically. You’ve got to get stronger because time is not on your side, and Life will jump up and throw hurdle after hurdle after hurdle in your path. You’ve got to get stronger because me and everyone else that follows your story aren’t going to be satisfied until you reach your goals.

We’ve all got our own ways of fighting this fight, our own methods to this madness. You may cut carbs, she may count calories, he may swim 50 laps a day, I may simply try to eat smarter and exercise more. There’s no one way–no right way–to get there from here.

But ask yourself this: Am I really doing all I can to succeed?

If you can honestly say “yes,” then God bless you, but I suspect that you’re in the minority if that’s truly the case. I know this is going to sound… well, funny… coming from a guy named Jack Sh*t who spends half his day telling fart jokes and making kooky lists, but you’ve got to get serious about this if you want to find the success you claim you want. You need to shift it into high gear, and start getting it done, and I mean like, today. You can half-ass it for as long as you want, but the real results aren’t going to happen for you until you knuckle down. Until you get serious.

There is a lion in my heart, and he’s roaring at the fat that I’ve saddled myself with by being stupid and lazy. Roaring at the complacency that allowed me to put my own health and future in jeopardy. He’s roaring at me every day, filling my spirit with grit and reminding me that this is my day, this is my time. He’s pushing me to run wild and pounce on this chance, this opportunity to reclaim my life.

This journey is not for the weak or the meek; it is for the strong-willed and the lion-hearted.

It’s time for you to roar.

14 comments:

  1. I prefer a Zena "yee yee yee" as my battle cry, but, yeah. Agreed. We have to do better, not wallow in our perceived weaknesses.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Fantastic Jack!! Thanks for the inspiration.

    I think that so much of the battle I fight is along these lines. I mean, who doesn't know HOW to do it- jeeeeesh... I have read a thousand books, articles and blog posts about that. It is a matter of Getting Up! Getting Moving! and Getting a Better Life!!

    Oh, and as far as the low self-esteem thing... well, that WAS the case for me. I think it was more of a depression thing- if you can see that thin line.

    Thanks again Jack!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. RRRROOOOOAAAAARRRRRR!

    Wowza! Great post!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I know I've got a lion in my heart but can I have a real lion too! :D

    ReplyDelete
  5. mentally, I have decided to make every pound of equal value...that first 100 lbs...good...the last 20-30...just as good. lol. They are all important. And I have three exercise days left in this week to get some more calories out of my fat cells and into the dust bin of history. Great post jack.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Brilliant post. Just brilliant.

    Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  7. awesome post Jack! Thank you for the inspiration!
    ~RustiAnn
    www.texasgirlgettinfit.blogspot.com
    www.borrowerisslavetothelender.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Amen!! Thanks for the kick in the butt!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hope you don't mind I quoted you today....

    ReplyDelete
  10. Ahem...I quoted you today, too, and posted a link back here.

    Jack, you are truly amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Wow. Thank you.

    -Emily a la Blog
    www.emuf.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Was feeling a bit overwhelmed this morning -- reading your post made me feel I could get everything I needed to do done! I'm gonna get that workout in NOW not later!

    ReplyDelete

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails