THE PAST
Let's give you an image of what I feel like on the inside. My mind is attatched to the image of a body that is different than what I see in the mirror. I see myself as I was in the 'glorious' High School days..... Yuck! Here's the physical characteristics that I remember most. I had mousy brown hair, braces, a nose that didn't match my face (still doesn't, I hate it) I stood at 5'9" and weighed in at 135 pounds. I was 15 pounds underweight, but I was lean. Actually that is a nice way to phrase it. I was skinny and boney. (aka NO curves what so ever) I played Varsity Volleyball, Basketball and Track. So needless to say I was very active. I did well in school and was friends with my team mates. But let's face it. The girls I played with were beautiful and I definitely wasn't in the clique. A few of the girls were my closest friends. And then there was Amanda. She wasn't an athlete, but she was an athletic trainer and she was one of my best friends. A majority of my high school memories involved Rachel, Darcy & Amanda. They are still 3 of the most AMAZING & BEAUTIFUL women I have ever known in my life. Okay, back on track. I don't want to weigh in at 135 pounds again, but I would be happy with 150!
THE PRESENT
I look at myself now and turn away from the mirror. My self-esteem is in a constant downward spiral. I see that body from the past wrapped up in bubble wrap. I am tired all the time, bending down to get something that rolled under the couch has now been delegated to my 2 year old son, Treven. (Who, thankfully is in the stage where he LOVES to help Mommy!) Playing with my daughter, Emma (4 years old) and Treven leaves me out of breath and my heart pounding. And that is only after 15-20 minutes of goofing around. I am irritable because I am unhappy with who I am. I remind myself that I used to wear size 6-10 clothes. (6 was too skinny, I'd love to get back to 10) I wear 18-22 now. And yet I still haven't admitted to how much I weigh now.... so let's get the blimp of a number out of the way shall we? I now weigh 240 pounds. Ugh! That's more than I have ever weighed (including being 9 months pregnant, both times) I hate that number. I hate that my gut sticks out and around (guess that phrase 'spare tire' wasn't just a joke, huh?) As my 30th birthday approaches and my yearning for another child will NOT rest, I look at myself. THIS is NOT who I am, nor is it who I want to be. Over the years I have dealt with some
insane drama. I got pregnant, got married ( I wasn't ready for either.) Moved away from all friends and family, became depressed. Left my husband and father of Emma. That whole scenario was ugly, I behaved like a teen not an adult/parent. I started seeing someone right away (who turned out to be kinda psycho and manipulative as I continued to lose myself) I met my current husband at work (don't date people you work with.) Of course the rebound guy I also worked with who went about doing whatever he could to make my life miserable. And what do you know, I was pregnant again, still getting divorced, moving in with Justin, dealing with the crazy guy. Surprise surprise....things get ugly. I don't want to get into that part of my life too much because, well, I just don't want to. I am embarrassed about my actions. Long story short, I married Justin 8 days before Treven was born. I was reluctant to get married again because I didn't want to be in the same position. Getting married because I was pregnant. But this time felt different. Take away the pregnancy and I was with a man that would walk through fire, so to say. He proved over and over that he was with me because he loved me that was it. His love was unconditional. I didn't deserve it at the time. We got married when I finally realized that he was it. I couldn't imagine my life with out him as my partner. We went to the courthouse and got married. It was a small ceremony. "Shot Gun" But his family went out of their way, we went to their house for dinner and they made cake and had banners up. It felt like a huge ceremony. Treven was born the next week. I do not regret marrying Justin. There was no, "Why did I do this? I should have walked away.." Just a smile and love! (We've been together for 3 1/2 years now!) So, I am straying from the story. Let's bullet point shall we? I became depressed, the place I worked at had me so stressed it made me physically ill. I hated where I worked, the environment was hostile and negative. I prayed for something to make me happy. I wanted to be a stay at home mom. I hated depending on others to help care for my children, but we always said we couldn't afford it. Then in October I went in for overtime and forgot I was wearing my wedding band. Put it in my pocket, it fell out on the production floor, told management and the next thing we know I was fired and the union wouldn't do anything to help. We moved into a cheaper place. My stress levels are almost non-existent now, I am staying home raising my children. Wow! What a blessing.
THE FUTURE
I still want another child! Justin isn't ready...frustrating but then I look at myself, how can it possibly be healthy for me or a child when I am SO overweight? I need to be happier with myself, physically, mentally and emotionally. Not just for me, not because I want another child, (that may never happen) I
am going to lose at least 80 pounds for the happiness of my family and for Treven and Emma. Their lives will greatly improve having a healthy mother. I need to set good examples and show them how to love themselves mind, body & soul. This road I am about to travel is to show my children that even though things seem so messed up, you can still fix what was broken. So I am going to tear myself down to the nuts and bolts and rebuild myself. This road will be hard, frustrating and overwhelming. But I am up for the challenge. ( I hope so anyway)