I have a rare talent, if you want to call it that. I can remember people's sports team, even if I can't remember their name.
A few months ago, a former co-worker came in and I could not for the life of me remember his name. I did remember that he was a Philadelphia Eagles fan, though. It made the conversation a little less awkward since he thought I remembered him, since obviously I remembered his team.
There's a kid from elementary school that I can't even remember what he looks like, but I know he liked the San Diego Padres.
I'm sure it's the same with you. Maybe not football and baseball teams, but you may remember their favorite color, car or even musical group.
When it comes to me, most people will automatically think of a stocky guy who loves the Pittsburgh Steelers, and eats a whole lot of meat - especially bacon - for every meal.
And let's be honest, that's who I was.
Four years ago!!
I haven't watched a Steelers game - or any other NFL game - since Super Bowl XLIII. (Steelers vs. Cardinals, February 1, 2009)
And, even though my vegetarianism is a fairly recent thing, I can count on one hand the amount of times I have had real pork bacon in the past four years. (My wife & I switched to turkey bacon because not only is it healthier, it's cheaper.)
Even though my co-workers know both of these facts, I am asked every week during football season what I think the chances are of the Steelers going to the Super Bowl.
Oh yeah, and I receive at least one bacon-related gift for my birthday or Christmas every year. (Soap, adhesive bandages, wallet, mints)
It's like that line in A Christmas Story: "Aunt Clara had labored under the delusion that I was...perpetually four-years-old" Except in my case, "Aunt Clara" is my co-workers and instead of being "perpetually four-years-old", I am a gluttonous football fanatic the will wrap bacon around anything.
Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that I want people to go gaga about my weight loss and tell me how great I look. In all honesty, my physical appearance is not the reason I am trying to lose weight. (Granted, I would love to be able to jog without feeling like I need a sports bra, but that's not the point.)
I guess I would just like people to see Eric the way I see myself now and not as some memory in their mind of an Eric dressed from head to toe in Steelers gear, eating a bratwurst, hamburger and ribs at the company barbecue, and still going back in line to get some chicken.
That Eric is dead. He died of a heart attack at the age of 36.
The point of this is, you can change. Even if other people don't see the change in you, you know you are making that change. (Would someone please get Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror" out of my head?)
And even though it's frustrating at times that nobody else sees it, you can see it, and you should be proud of yourself that you've come this far.
A few months ago, a former co-worker came in and I could not for the life of me remember his name. I did remember that he was a Philadelphia Eagles fan, though. It made the conversation a little less awkward since he thought I remembered him, since obviously I remembered his team.
There's a kid from elementary school that I can't even remember what he looks like, but I know he liked the San Diego Padres.
I'm sure it's the same with you. Maybe not football and baseball teams, but you may remember their favorite color, car or even musical group.
When it comes to me, most people will automatically think of a stocky guy who loves the Pittsburgh Steelers, and eats a whole lot of meat - especially bacon - for every meal.
And let's be honest, that's who I was.
Four years ago!!
I haven't watched a Steelers game - or any other NFL game - since Super Bowl XLIII. (Steelers vs. Cardinals, February 1, 2009)
And, even though my vegetarianism is a fairly recent thing, I can count on one hand the amount of times I have had real pork bacon in the past four years. (My wife & I switched to turkey bacon because not only is it healthier, it's cheaper.)
Even though my co-workers know both of these facts, I am asked every week during football season what I think the chances are of the Steelers going to the Super Bowl.
Oh yeah, and I receive at least one bacon-related gift for my birthday or Christmas every year. (Soap, adhesive bandages, wallet, mints)
It's like that line in A Christmas Story: "Aunt Clara had labored under the delusion that I was...perpetually four-years-old" Except in my case, "Aunt Clara" is my co-workers and instead of being "perpetually four-years-old", I am a gluttonous football fanatic the will wrap bacon around anything.
Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that I want people to go gaga about my weight loss and tell me how great I look. In all honesty, my physical appearance is not the reason I am trying to lose weight. (Granted, I would love to be able to jog without feeling like I need a sports bra, but that's not the point.)
I guess I would just like people to see Eric the way I see myself now and not as some memory in their mind of an Eric dressed from head to toe in Steelers gear, eating a bratwurst, hamburger and ribs at the company barbecue, and still going back in line to get some chicken.
That Eric is dead. He died of a heart attack at the age of 36.
The point of this is, you can change. Even if other people don't see the change in you, you know you are making that change. (Would someone please get Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror" out of my head?)
And even though it's frustrating at times that nobody else sees it, you can see it, and you should be proud of yourself that you've come this far.
The Eric I know? He was a sports fan when he was little. He also stuck himself in the corner at recess with his arms around his back and pretended he was "making out" with a girl. So much fun to be around, so kind, always happy and positive and is a music trivia wiz. I love ya buddy- hang in there and stay positive!!!
ReplyDeleteTami A.