What Do You Think?

Posted Apr 6, 2006 by jriley

Updated Apr 6, 2006 at 10:00 PM

Alright, my turn to answer this question…how do people respond to the news that I’m doing this challenge?  Shortly after the blogs were up and running, I decided to shoot an e-mail to my mother, father, and in-laws to let them in on what I was doing.  After about 10 minutes of pacing and talking to myself (and a couple of big *GULPS*), I sent a second e-mail to some friends as well.  The result:  I have gotten gobs of kudos and support.  One good friend of mine said that he thinks it takes a lot of courage to go public with something as personal as weight loss (more on that later).  He also said that he believes there is nothing I can’t do and I have his support.  Two other friends were very quick to send me their support and told me they were looking forward to watching the challenge unfold.  My mother-in-law also gave me her support and said she hopes that this experience will motivate her.  I even had a total stranger wish me the best of luck.  I met her while taking care of some TBO Challenge paperwork.  She told me that she had hoped to be chosen to participate.  But here’s what’s got me scratching my head…neither my mother nor my father have said a word.  They haven’t even acknowledged the e-mail.  They haven’t asked one question.  Nothing.

I’m not quite sure what to think about that.  Do I assume the e-mail somehow got lost amidst the sea of spam?  Are they uncomfortable asking about it?  Do I bring it up again and if so, how?  It doesn’t really bother me.  I mean, I’m not hurt.  I just find it curious.  It’s not your typical, run-of-the-mill, everyday news.  By the way, speculations are welcome.

To get back to my friend’s comment about weight loss being personal…it is.  How someone looks, how they feel about it, how they perceive themselves – it’s all very personal.  You really have no idea how others think and feel about themselves or what thoughts run through their minds.  You never know if the beautiful model hates what he/she sees in the mirror.  On the flip side, that person you find unattractive might be completely content with how they look.  What type are you?  What type am I?  Does it really matter or is it all just vanity?  Anyway, it got me thinking about the whole private vs. public perception.  I could go on and on about my thoughts and theories, but I’ll stop boring you (if you have made it this far).  My next post will be lighter.

My point is this:  it is personal, but like Kaye said, it was the public scrutiny that I was hoping to keep me motivated and hold me accountable throughout this challenge.  And so far, it’s working!  I managed to drag my tushy to the gym 3 times since Monday.  I hope I can keep up the pace…

Don’t let the bedbugs bite.

Today’s quote:  “A person will sometimes devote all his life to the development of one part of his body – the wishbone.”  -Robert Frost