Be Worthy of Your Journey

A dear friend has troubled herself over the thought that she has hurt me deeply. My friend, do not give it one more thought. I am worthy of my journey and it does not stop with weight loss. I learned quickly that making a public blog and allowing family, friends and complete strangers to have access that I would need a “thick skin”. Yes, sometimes I hurt by the things some people write, say or do, but it is also enormously educational. I knew in advance for me to complete my journey of weight loss and beyond, I would need to learn to control my emotion. Professors have told me that I am a “red” personality. The first time I took this test in college many years ago; I stayed after the class and spoke with the professor. I explained that I felt that I was not a “red” personality and I thought I leaned towards being blue. The entire time I spoke, he just grinned. The more I spoke, the larger his grin grew. When I finished speaking, he responded. Todd, this personality test is one of the most accurate personality assessments I have ever come across. In fact, I know it has accurately assessed your personality because you are the only person in the class debating the results. Respectfully, I must inform you that is reflective of a “red” personality trait. However, understand that a red personality can also possess part of a blue personality and I believe you do. In your written papers, I see many blue personality traits of creativity. In our group exercises, I see your more dominant red personality as you take charge and want to get things done. It is common for people to go back and forth between personality traits and left and right brain thinking.

Now back to the red personality that I possess. This part of me tends to be reactive, instead of proactive. It is emotional and at times gets the best of me. Have I had my red exorcised? I am saddened to respond that the “red” still flows through my blood and always will. I am learning that it is quite possible to coexist with my red side. During my journey and all the books and positive information I have absorbed, I have learned how to cope with my demanding, impatient, reactive side. I believe I mentioned once that the newest version of “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People”, by Stephen Covey explains how to tame this red beast. When people make us angry or hurt us, we have the power in determining the outcome. When someone says something deeply hurtful, only we can allow this to hurt us. We (ourselves) are the only people that can allow hurtful or angering things to influence us negatively. There is enormous freedom and liberation in that comment.

In my journey, I have experienced all types of emotions and incidents. None of them is more powerful than my why, nor my resolve. My journey will continue beyond weight loss as I am transforming from living by default to living by design. I have grand visions of where and what I want to do and it will require a very tough skin as I believe many people will scream I am under qualified and inexperienced. I am realistic and understand that no matter what I choose to do that there will be many screaming from the rooftops that I am not worthy. However, only I can allow it to hurt me and influence me negatively. I started this journey to rescue myself and teach my children that life is worth living to the fullest. I will finish this journey in hopes of making an impact on my children that quitting is not acceptable. Living by design and pursuing your dreams does not come easily. It is a long and bumpy road with detours and the occasional breakdown along the way. However, as long as you do not quit, you will not fail. Living a full and abundant life is worth the effort. We (ourselves) are worth the effort.

Be worthy of your journey and become all that you desire. Only you can allow others to hurt you and interrupt or sabotage your journey. I choose to coexist with my red side. I will not allow others to derail me from my destination. My dear friend, you have not offended me nor has the individual that made the comments. I am extremely honored that you choose to defend me and that is what I define as a true friend.


"Anybody can sympathise with the sufferings of a friend, but it requires a very fine nature to sympathise with a friend's success." ---Oscar Wilde

"When true friends meet in adverse hour; 'Tis like a sunbeam through a shower. A watery way an instant seen, The darkly closing clouds between." ---Sir Walter Scott