In the fall of 2003, after speaking at a seminar in Santa Monica, California, a participant, Jackie Keller, approached me and said, “I can help you lose weight.” She is a wellness coach and founder of NutriFit, a company that delivers customized, nutritious meals. Her words sparked that hope I had always had of slimming down and enjoying a more active lifestyle. At first I thought she was promoting some multi-level venture and wanted to get me in her program. I thanked her, took her card, and told her I would contact her later. I knew I had a serious problem but, at the time, I just wasn’t ready to face it.
The Wake-Up Call
My wake-up call came that Christmas. I went to New York City with a friend for the holidays. There was so much to see and do, but my right knee was so weak I could hardly get around in a city designed for walking. We had to take taxicabs almost everywhere. I was sure that a knee replacement was in my near future. I had even considered getting a cane, but my pride wouldn’t allow it. I felt like I was falling apart. I was already sleeping on an elevated pillow to alleviate acid reflux at night, I was plagued with a heel spur, and my blood pressure was climbing. I couldn’t fit into a regular airplane seat without overflowing into the aisle.
The Turning Point
Toward the end of the trip, I was horrified to learn I was now at 320 pounds. I had so much pain and sadness. How could I, a disciplined, hard-working person, have let my body get into this shape? As I flew home I had a lot of quiet time to ponder what I should do. I decided that more than eating all the delicious food I encountered daily, I wanted my health back. I asked myself:
1. How did I get into this shape?
2. Can I really get myself out?
3. What will it take, and can I get the kind of help
I need, since I have not succeeded on my own? That little spark Jackie Keller kindled was still there. I told myself I didn’t have to live a life of pain, inactivity, and desperation. After landing at the Salt Lake City Airport, I resolved to do whatever it took to lose the extra baggage. I went right home, found Jackie’s card, and called her. She agreed to become my wellness coach.
The First Step Toward a New Life
That was the beginning of my new life. It had taken me many years to put the weight on, and it took many years to take it off, but it has been a journey worth every step, a journey back to a healthier, happier me.
