Sacrifice, Second Chances, and Taking Control

Last season, I began watching The Biggest Loser. I’m not necessarily sure what prompted me to begin, but I have really enjoyed the emotion and the personal stories that individuals have provided on their journey to finding themselves and relearning the way in which they can live. In a way, I have been able to relate to some of the same issues that these contestants have battled during their time on the ranch and back at home.

In December 2010, I went into the doctor’s office for a regular physical. It was my second year of graduate school, and I knew that I wasn’t in peak shape. I felt bad, I was self-conscious, and one of the things I could control was my consumption of food. Nancy (I will always remember her and thank her for this) was the nurse who helped me during my appointment. She came back, pamphlets in hand, and told me that I was obese and was in need of some significant changes. I had high cholesterol, and the concern was that high cholesterol and blood pressure run in my family. I didn’t know what to do at the time. There were some recommendations for me to begin taking cholesterol-lowering medication. I was always a little competitive and combatant...

As of this past December, I went from weighing 245 pounds and living with high cholesterol to losing 75 pounds and living a healthy and active life (with normal cholesterol and blood pressure levels). Watching The Biggest Loser contestants is really inspiring. When they talk about losing much more than the weight, it really means something. I used to think these “inspirational” confessionals were a hoax, grabbing at our emotions. In most reality shows, I still think that. The Biggest Loser is about second chances. These individuals are taking control and making sacrifices and are embodying that idea of a second chance. Making a significant life change takes risks. I am proud of the risks that these contestants are making; I can genuinely say that I know how it feels. I know what pain feels like. I know what sacrifice feels like. I know what pride feels like when you reach a goal.

Waking up at 5:00 in the morning to workout is not fun. Spending additional time post-work can be rejuvenating, yet oh-so-difficult. We are taking control of our lives and our destinies. This post doesn’t just apply to weight loss, though this is one of the events in my life in which I am most proud. This means so much more. Finding control in our lives (even when it feels helpless) is hard. It’s really, really hard. Making change is about the support; it’s about setting goals. Making change takes hard work and commitment. Be proud of yourself and look for ways to take back control. You have one life to live.