REACH OUT AND TOUCH SOMEONE!

 “Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us every day.”

Sally Koch

We never know when we will touch the life of another! And, we also don't know how that touch will affect our own life.

This has been an amazing two weeks.  We were able to accompany our son, Jack, to Kamloops, BC, and meet his new boss and co-workers.  We did many things, but best of all - I walked!  Uphill and downhill - and although I was really tired, I felt wonderful. 

Since my last post, I have some wonderful news!  Bob (my husband) started the program.  He doesn't have nearly as much weight to lose as I did, but he is doing fantastic!  I am so happy that he has made the commitment to join me in this venture.  He has only been on program five weeks, and already had to buy new clothes - a size smaller.  He has lost 25 pounds and 4.5 inches around his waist.

The quote I love is:  "I was shaving this morning and noticed a lump on my throat.  I haven't seen my Adam's apple for years!"

I told Jack that one of the best things about the program is the empowering feeling of success that one feels when they begin to shed those extra pounds and know that they are looking and feeling so much better.  And, it is wonderful to be able to share that feeling with the one closest to me - the one who offered such support and encouragement throughout my journey.

“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.”  Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965); Philosopher, Physician, Nobel Peace

Right before we left, a good friend called and asked about the program.  She has been on program for a little over a week, and is beginning to notice changes already.  Her quote:  "I am just tired of always being the fattest person in the room!"  Oh, how I know that feeling!  All too well!

“You will rise by lifting others.”  Robert G. Ingersoll (1833-1899); Orator, Attorney, Politician

I have felt extremely helpless at times.  Whenever I see an overweight person, I have a terrible urge to go up to them and tell them that there is hope.  There is something that works to take off those pounds.  Of course, I know I cannot do that, and that makes me sad.

“If something comes to life in others because of you, then you have made an approach to immortality. ” Norman Cousins (1915-1990); Editor, Writer

So, now to what happened this week!  As I said, you never know when you will touch the life of a stranger.  It was a long day - we were up at 5:00 a.m. and on the road to Spokane by 6:00 a.m.  We worked all day and were on our way home.  I was nonchalantly playing games on my phone when I received a notice that there was a comment on my last blog post.  I went to the post, and what I read brought tears to my eyes.  I read the words again, and could hardly speak as I shared them with Bob. 

“The life I touch for good or ill will touch another life, and that in turn another, until who knows where the trembling stops or in what far place my touch will be felt.”  Frederick Buechner (born 1926);  Educator, Writer, Theologian

I am so grateful to this stranger for sharing her thoughts with me.  I know she will be successful on her journey.  There will be detours and rest stops along the way, but when she reaches her destination, she will be able to experience the joy that accompanies her new life.  I have shared her comment below - leaving out her name and home town. 

"Hi, Peg!

I started the Ideal Protein program last Monday and as I was searching the web for more information about the program and success stories, I found your blog. In two days I had read it through from beginning to end

Your story was such an encouragement to me. I have tried again and again to lose my excess weight with very little success and was doubtful the program would work for me. I am a morbidly obese 44 with bad knees and the mobility of an 80 year old - I felt I was a lost cause. After reading your story, seeing your photos and witnessing your positive approach to the program I knew I could do it, too

So thank you for posting your wonderful blog on the web for strangers to stumble across. When I started last week the scale read 288 and today I weighed in at 276. My knees thank you for the encouragement, too! I'm on my way!!"

Everywhere you look, someone is poking fun at obesity.  It is  true that so many of our ailments are self inflicted.  Over eating, alcoholism, drug abuse, to name just a few. 

It is in Your power to change - Each of us has the power to take control of our lives.  Not your family, not the government.  YOU!  Enhance your life!  Take the opportunities that are at your fingertips and live your life to the fullest.

My hope and prayer is that today another stranger will find my words and use them to help in their decision to start down the road to a healthier, happier life!

"When you dance, your purpose is not to get to a certain place on the floor. It's to enjoy each step along the way." -Wayne Dyer