I see you over there….

Dear Fat Guy,

I see you over there on the Elliptical.  It’s ok; don’t worry, I’m not judging you.  I’m proud of you.  I know *exactly* what you are feeling right now.  I see that you are sweating like a hog; feeling like you look like a fool; embarrassed by the slow pace at which you are moving.  I know what its like to walk into the gym for the first time, and see all the “meatheads” and feeling the hot glare of their judgmental eyes.  Here’s a little secret for you:  many of those same meatheads were fat guys just like you.  They went into the gym for the first time and felt embarrassed that they didn’t know how to use any of the machines or free weights.  I know that I felt that way!

If you would just look around, instead of focusing on your feet while you workout, you would see how many people are watching you in awe.  I realize what a huge step you have made just by showing up and facing your fear.  You have begun your transformation already.  You aren’t accepting a life of passivity.  Every hard breath you take will be a bit easier than the one before.  Every step you is a little bit lighter. Each drop of sweat is shedding a little bit of your former self.  Be proud of what you are doing; and tell everyone about it!  Every push forward is a step toward a stronger, healthier you; one who knows that anything is possible.

Enjoy how hard it is now; and how much work it is.  Eventually you will look back and say to yourself “I cannot believe that I could only jog for 2 minutes at a time and felt like death”  Fitness and good food choices will be the new normal for you.  A trip out for a greasy cheeseburger will be a special treat, not an every day habit… AND YOU’LL LOVE IT.

I believe in you, and I want you to believe in you as well.  You’ve started your journey, now you just need to keep going.  Don’t stop and you will get there!