Choose to Change

Four years ago I topped the scale at 309 pounds. I'm not overly proud of that fact. But it’s where I was. Through a series of challenges, inspiration from others, and a terrifying moment of self-realization; what people in recovery call "A moment of clarity," I made a decision. I began changing my habits. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary.

Unfortunately, my weight loss led to emotional issues I wasn’t prepared for which manifested in me abusing alcohol. After being confronted about those issues I was faced with another choice. I was more than able to stay on the path of addiction and balloon up again, burn down more relationships, and self-indulge. Or I could turn the corner and go a different direction. Neither of these journeys was pleasant. Both were necessary for my health and well-being. So I could be the person I wanted to be for myself, and my family.

Here’s the thing, though. They were both choices. If I had not changed either path, the consequences would be dire. Weighing over 300 pounds isn’t a great place unless you are an NFL lineman. The impact of addiction is terrible for those around you and your mental and physical health. But people carry on with those conditions for decades.

So why change?

Because I wanted to. I believe an old saying holds true: “When the pain of staying the same exceeds the pain of change, change will happen.” I'd had my "moment of clarity," and made a choice.

We all face choices in our lives. The question is how we respond to them, especially when that response involves discomfort, work, and pain. If you want to grow, evolve, and become a better person, then choices must be made. The only person who can make those decisions is you. Others can help you along with encouragement, insight, or even threats. But the choice and following up on it is ultimately yours and yours alone.

Assess where you want to be. If you aren’t there, you probably need to make changes. Then you are facing a choice. You. If you choose to change, take the necessary steps. Give yourself permission to go slow. Celebrate the small, incremental changes. Change takes time, and staying motivated is vital.

George Bernard Shaw said “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” Life is a journey. Take it one step, one day at a time.

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