I know, it’s been a while since I last posted. In some ways, nothing is new, nothing has changed. I’m still working multiple jobs, trying to make time to keep up with my studying, not havint the time to exercise… no… not having the motivation to make the time to exercise like I should and overall not getting enough sleep or eating entirely as I should. Unfortunately my weight, while a it higher than I would like seems to be pretty stable as well. I say unfortunately because it makes it harder to get motivated to get fully back on track.
But on the other side of the coin, things have also changed drastically. My grandmother passed away just over a week ago, I think I’m being booked for a speaking engagement for a local WLS event in October, I haven’t been doing the social media thing much lately, which feels both odd and comforting at the same time. I’ve made some great connections when it comes to my business and radio show stuff. I’m also parting ways with an organization I’ve been involved with for nearly two years now… and I wish I could say it is happening on good terms, but…
The whole incident has been shaking me up a lot more than I thought it would. Which is weird, because it is like I can better describe how this situation makes me feel than I can tell you how I really feel about the passing of my grandma. Which in turn only seems to further indicate to me that I need to take the advice I recently shared with someone on Facebook; “get some therapy”.
Connie Stapleton’s new book, THRIVING! Triumph Over Trauma. Real Life Stories of Recovery from Obesity is coming out next week at the WLSFA Meet & Greet. It’s a collection of stories from folks who have tackled their obesity through weight loss surgery. Connie put out a call for submissions last year, and I didn’t really consider submitting anything. Honestly, as it relates to what I thought she was looking for, I wasn’t sure I had much of a story to tell. As her deadline approached, I guess she felt she needed more stuff, and from guys in particular so she reached out to me and asked if I could come up with something for the book.
We had corresponded a bit via email, but I finally met her face to face in Vegas last year and she has been a great supporter since. I saw her again when I was Portland last year, she joined me on my radio show once, and we’ve kept in contact via email and such. So when she said she needed some help, I had to try. I thought I didn’t have much to say, but once I got going… I ended up sending her a document that was just over 5 pages long. I don’t know how much, or what parts of it made it in to the book. I guess I’ll find out next week. While I would prefer to just get an ebook copy if it’s available, I’ll likely get a printed copy to have Connie sign for me.
Anyways, to tie this back to where I sort of started. I ended up writing a fair amount on the emotional side of things. I don’t recall off the top of my head if I’ve said this “out loud” here or anything, but … well, I guess in a number of ways I feel emotionally stunted. Ok, it sounds weird using the term “feel” when describing how I have a lack of feeling…? And I’m not saying there’s anything unique about me here. It’s just that the things that happened through my life to make me who I am, they just didn’t seem to foster the best of environments for emotional growth.
I’m not blaming anyone… not my mom or dad or anything. I know both of them had things that influenced them as they grew up, etc. It is just one of those things that… is what is.
Just as I sought the help of the surgery in order to get my weight to a healthy level, maybe it’s time to seek some professional help my emotional health as well. Only problem is, I don’t have insurance and I am trying to figure out how I’m going to afford the rent increase hitting me in July, let alone an additional expense such as that. More motivation to get my business rocking I guess.
So yea, that’s what I’ve been up to. With the Meet & Greet coming up next week, I’m looking forward to seeing a lot of friends, old and new, maybe spend some quality time with my Mom who is coming with. I’ll be leading a panel discussion – the Mighty Men’s Metabolic Panel – posing some questions to them about live as a guy who has had WLS as well as a couple participants who are the spouses of women who have had WLS. Be sure to come see us!
Always a good read that encourages reflection
Xoxoxoxox. That is all.
{{{HUGS}}} Rob, You have a lot on your tiny plate. I’m sorry for the loss of your Loved one….that’s always a hard one. As for the Organization, Change is sometimes good. As always, you write well and it’s a pleasure to read, just sorry it wasn’t on a happier note this time.
{{{ROB}}}