Wednesday, July 21, 2010


This morning the strangest thing happened to me perhaps a hidden message to remind me how far I have come and a reminder to celebrate my success. I woke up this morning remembering a very sobering experience. It was the morning of our trip to NYC to tape our first segment as the Healthy Housewives of Oz. We all gathered at the airport and were overwhelmed with different emotions excitement, nervousness, and the reality of all that was getting ready to unfold. In my mind I was still nervous about sharing my story on national TV and felt sort of exploited. Next came a very uncomfortable feeling for me.

It was our turn to board the plane, as I walked down the "valley of despair" as I called it - you know the walk way from when you turn in your boarding pass to when you actually get on the plane. As I walked for what seemed like miles all I could think about was if I was going to be able to buckle that seat belt! Seems silly I know but it was a major deal to me. I walked down the very narrow aisle towards my seat as my hips and butt banged each seat along the way and thought what would happen if the seat belt would not buckle. I was becoming nervous and anxious, my heart was racing and I was anticipating pure embarrassment as the flight attendant would apologize and tell me to move to a row that had two vacant seats so that I would fit. The thought of sitting next to a stranger and having my thighs overspill into their seat and feeling their body heat and having them be disappointed that they were sitting next to the "big chick." It's amazing all the things that run through your mind!

So the moment of truth arrived! We were getting ready for take off and it was time to buckle up. I took a deep breath, wiggled in that seat, jammed that buckle together and just barely got that seat belt buckled. Whew!!! Sigh of relief. That was a very empowering moment for me - I knew it was now or never to make a change and to take advantage of the assistance that was being given me. I did not like this feeling and all the anxiety that came with it.

It was that moment really that made me wake up and move to action. They always say if there is something about your situation that you do not like then do something about it, we all have the power to change our circumstances. I chose to run full throttle on getting fit and healthy and vowed to never be in that situation again nor look back. I am so happy with the changes I made and the direction I am traveling in. My goals are many and I allow nothing to stand in my way of success.

I share this story because I know that there is someone out there that had the same experience and is embarrassed and upset with their situation. What I would tell that person is that it's ok. YOU have the power to change, do not allow yourself to be a victim of that seat belt buckle. Instead join YOU Gals on their journey to health, wellness, inspiration and motivation and buckle up for this amazing ride!!