Was at the pharmacy the other day, and an elderly, overweight woman came in. She immediately announced that her doctor told her she would die if she didn’t lose weight. She also revealed that she’s smoking, and her doctor would like her to quit. As she was standing beside me, she began chatting to me about how difficult it is for her to eat healthily and how addicted she is to smoking. It was clear that this woman was taking a whole host of medications to manage her health problems. My heart went out to her, and I offered her some tips on how she could lead a healthier lifestyle. Make a grocery list and stick to it. Don’t venture down the junk food aisles. Buy whole grain bread, not white. Stick to fruit for dessert. I sincerely hope she will take some of my advice. All she could do after my suggestions was say, “I wish I had a slim figure like you. Don’t ever get fat.”
I think my heart broke a little for her. But this encounter also made me appreciate my good health and my predilection for things that are good for my body. And yes, I am thankful for maintaining an ideal weight. I’m determined to stay this way, and I hope I’ll be able to. Everyone has had body image issues before, I’m sure, and I’m no exception. But I’ve come to realize that I’m quite happy with the way I look. I’m proportionate, and that’s good enough for me.
