Choose the Right Thing

I ran this afternoon, but that's not the news. I want to talk about decision. When I got home from work I could think of a dozen reasons why I shouldn't run.

I was tired after a long day at work. I'll be tired after work tomorrow too.

It was pretty warm this afternoon, what if I overheat? That's the purpose of proper hydration.

I should take the garbage out. Done; next excuse, please.

After working through my mental list of all the reasons I shouldn't run, I made a decision. I laced up my shoes; took one last hit of water and headed out the door. After a few blocks of seventies rock banging in my ear-buds I settled into a steady gait and reeled off five miles in the mid-afternoon sun. When I was done I sat with a tall iced cola beverage and enjoyed the accomplishment. I can't speak for everyone, but sitting in the shade after a nice workout beats sitting on the sofa watch TV any day.

I had weight loss surgery. It was the best thing I've ever done for my body. But I still have to make smart decisions. I have to decide every day to live a new life and not to fall back into old patterns. Most days it's easy. Most days I can't wait. Once in awhile, like today, I have to choose to do the right thing.

The decision was the hard part, the run was awesome.

I Am Living Large!

Yikes!

It's been a week and I haven't written. Please don't take my lack of communication for a lack of motivation and progress; quite the opposite. It's amazing how quickly my body, and especially my mind, has settled into it's new reality. I no longer sit around wanting to do things, I go outside and do them.

I run. I cycle. I try to do something physical every day. I no longer lament what was lost and dream of a new day, I simply live. Every day is a new opportunity to feel my heart pound and the wind in my face. Every day takes me further from the depressed and frustrated soul I'd become.

My life is no longer defined by weight issues that held me captive for so long. My life is about new beginnings. My life is about others. My life is about body, soul and spirit.

I am Linn and I am living large!






   

New Life

Happy Independence Day!

This year I celebrate the birth of our great nation. This year I remember the blood and sacrifice of all those who serve to protect our freedoms. This year I celebrate personal independence.

I am 379 days post surgery. Yesterday I ran 6.68 miles. This morning I am down exactly 116 pounds. Today I'm going to be active, join the celebration, eat very little and be totally satisfied. It's going to be a great day.

Until June 20th, 2013, my life was defined by limits and regret. Today my life is defined by hope and opportunity. I know it sounds superlative, but I cannot over stress the positive impact weight loss surgery has had in my life. I dared hope for physical change, all though I grossly underestimated the impact to my physical well-being. The emotional and spiritual changes in my life only serve to illustrate the depressed state I was in and the positive direction I now move. My wife has said it many times, the surgeons operated on my stomach, but effects are in my mind.

Today I celebrate independence. Today I celebrate freedom. Today I celebrate new life.