I want to take a stand against inevitability. There are only a couple of things that are truly inevitable – we’re all going to die, but pretty much … that might be it. We’ll all get older, sure, but a decline in health doesn’t inevitably have to follow. We were talking about this the other day, and saying that guys (me) choose to avoid (ignore) rather than face transparency. (i.e. I’d rather not go to the doctor; I’d rather not get my scope after 50 years of age, I’d rather not know news that could potentially upset me. I’m a delicate soul, and such information is troubling.)
So – this stand against inevitability requires transparency. Bottom line – if I am going to battle with a potential “decline in health” … I need to do things and know things that may be unpleasant. Because taking care of things early (colonoscopy to rule out colon cancer) increases my chances of living longer. Also, it may be unpleasant or a bother to exercise, put on sun block, avoid fatty foods and other vices, but these will make my life, as well, of higher quality.
With this in mind … I got weighed yesterday for the first time in 1 year and 11 months. Ugh. (Since then I’ve weighed myself twice, this is what I do. I obsess.) I got weighed at the weight loss clinic because my pants are tight and sure enough, I’ve put on a lot of weight.* We set up a plan of action, and I pledge to lose 25 to 30 pounds over the next six months – it’s doable according to my provider. It won’t be fun or enjoyable, (I blame my nephews for making me drink craft beer) but it is the right thing to do for my age and my health. Bottom line, ignorance of the facts is not bliss, it is death (or at very least fat and not happy). Fully aware, fully mortified, and fully engaged. Such is life.
*19 pounds
