CHANGE, WHETHER IT'S FORCED OR NOT, IS SOMETIMES A BLESSING

This testimonial and moment of gratitude is about how one of our many EPIC members has responded to our current Shelter and Stay life.

I used to spend 90 minutes a day commuting and I worked out 2-3 times per week for an hour.   I now spend an average 30 seconds commuting.  According to my IWatch trends I’m working out an average of 62 minutes a day, burning 732 activity calories/ day and I just completed 52 straight days of meeting or exceeding my daily activity and workout goals (during which time I raised my goals 2 times)

I used to go shopping and spend $300 a month on clothes I didn’t really need.  I haven’t bought any new clothes in 2 months - why would I?  I wear yoga pants, jeans and shorts With T-shirts. I’m saving that money.

We used to go out for dinner 3+ times/ week.  I just didn’t have the desire to cook. Now I have more time and energy to focus on cooking.  I just made whole wheat bread!  And besides.  If I can’t enjoy the full restaurant experience why spend the money?

My garden is gorgeous. My closets are clean.  I wanted a LOT of time at the office that I’m now investing in making my personal environment better.   I’ve taken lots of conference calls from the garden.  I deadhead while leading project calls.  It keeps my stress level down.  

My friend had a minor stroke.  I’ve been putting off going to the doc for my checkup because I didn’t want to face up to my high blood pressure.  I went. It was 153/114. My thyroid was a mess.  I’m on new meds now and managing my diet.  It’s been 116/80 the last 3 times I took it. 

It’s unlikely that I’ll ever be skinny again.  That train left the station when I got thyroid cancer and menopause/fibroids/hysterectomy in my 40’s.  But I’m strong, I’m healthy and I’m happier in my life than I’ve been in years.  

This past half-year has been a great dry run for my transition to semi-retirement in January.  

Why am I writing this?  First, I never believed I was capable of being an athlete until I got involved at FUELhouse.  I still stumble over the use of that “A” word.  But my doc told me I’m an ATHLETE.  ME.  IMAGINE THAT !   I’ve started to take care of myself like an effing ATHLETE. You can be an athlete even if you aren’t fast, if you have arthritic hands and the grace of a juvenile elephant.  An athlete is someone who is strong, healthy and active and had cardiovascular capacity.  

So if I can become an effing athlete, it’s proof that anyone who wants to invest in themselves can do it too.   

Second I wanted you to know that you and your team make a difference.  You meet me where I am.  No shame.  100% validation that everyone and every day is unique and you just have to show up.  The rest is easy.  

Stronger together.  Acceptance every day.  You are EPIC.  

-Anonymous FH Epic Member/Athlete