"Wut-Had-Hap'n-Wuzzz..."

When I was young, I used to love watching sitcoms like "The Cosby Show," "Good Times," and my all-time favorite was "What's Happening." These were full of just good 'ole situations that everyone in black house holds could relate to, and laugh about. Some of my greatest memories are sitting on the couch with my family, watching these shows in our living room on 4327 Vermont Ct in Gary, Indiana. There would also be the smell of fried chicken in the background, and the sound of my mom snapping beans in a bowl for dinner.

The most hilarious episode, was on The Cosby Show. Dr. Huxtable (Bill Cosby) was told that he needed to lower his cholesterol and blood pressure in order to have a healthy heart. His wife, Attorney Claire Huxtable (Phylicia Rashad) would create a strict eating plan. Dr. Huxtable would adhere to it- as long as his kids and wife were watching. But his practice was in his house. So, when he had no patients, and the kids and wife were at their jobs / school, he would sneak into the kitchen to make his famous hoagie with every element he was supposed to abstain from. When the hoagie was perfect, he would turn on the game, set up his tv tray and place his favorite drink on the table. Then he would go to kitchen to get his overindulgent sandwich. Just as he was backing out of that swinging kitchen door with is famed hoagie, his wife, with her look of disdain, would be standing right outside asking him WHAT he was doing? "Wut-had-hap'n-wuz..." (which was hilarious coming from a man who was otherwise an articulate OBGYN doctor) would be how he started his long, but unsuccessful excuse! She, of course, would make him put the sandwich in the fridge and get the healthier options. Sometimes, he would watch his college aged children eat it for dinner. Sometimes, she would feel sorry for him and let him have SOME of his hoagie.

Those are funny memories. We would laugh so hard, but as I look at my life, I realize that I have had some "Wut-ha-hap'n-wuz" moments. Especially when it comes to my weight loss journey. As many of you know, I made the brave decision to have VSG weight loss surgery in May of 2023. Through the entire process, I have lost 112LBS. This is a lot of weight, and I am proud of myself, but there is more to accomplish to get to my best health. As I look back over my progress, here are some ways I could have done better:

1. Change my eating: Don't just eat smaller portions of the same things- Make the "hoagie" in a more high protein, low carb, high fiber way- Be creative, but if you can't do that- No Hoagie!

2. Enjoy the process of change- learn a new activity (skating, dancing, hiking)

3. Establish your accountability community. They must be encouraging but honest! Their are some great support groups on FB. They come with food ideas...join 'em- get into it!

4. Drink more water...goal 1 gallon daily

5. Lift weights during the 7 months BEFORE surgery

6. Establish a NEW health community- in other words, your FIRST goal at the gym is not "go hard" it's "Go faithfully" Your goal is to go daily (at the same time) so that when you are not there (or are late), the staff is asking where you been.

7. Go to Physical Therapy...the rapid weight loss effects your equilibrium and you will need to relearn how to walk and run so that you keep your spine safe and supported. Also better posture helps you get the results when sculpting.

8. Go to a Running store that tests your feet and suggest the proper shoes based on the way you walk. The tests are free.

9. Invest in good shoes and good circulation socks. You can afford it, take it from your previous food budget.

10. DELETE friends who shame your progress or make belittling comments about you choosing to get weight loss surgery.

11. Don't assume that Bariatric surgery is the easy way... There is a lot of work that needs to be done.

12. Accept that you are a food addict, therefore you need a therapist that deals with food behavior therapy. You will need therapy to train yourself to chew slowly and 30xs before swallowing.

13. DOCUMENT your eating- There is a bariatric food app, and MyFitnessPal is amazing too.

14. Reward yourself with NON-food items...use activities...like a POLE dance class, tap dance class, jump rope or skating time

Even as I am writing this, God is speaking to my heart. The problem is not about weight or food. It is about FAITHFULNESS. You see, I was on the right path, but then I got a job in a different country- my life changed. I allowed my circumstances to dictate my goals. I am not beating myself up, but the data shows that I need to do the shadow work, and deal with the real issue of unfaithfulness.

So here is my new goal to me: I will be faithful to me! I will make my goals my priority. I have an amazing community. I have all the resources that I need. My job came with a free gym membership. I live in a country with locally sourced meats, vegetables, and fish for cheap. AND I CAN COOK! Unfortunately, you can't buy faithfulness. I need to choose it and do the inner shadow work.

Therefore, today, as we recognize Indigenous People's day, I will cling to the resilience of my ancestors and choose to be faithful!

"Wut-ha-hap'n-wuz, I replaced faithfulness with complacency, and over-indulgence!" So, I am putting back the chips, croissants, Twix, full-sugar Starbies, White Chocolate Lions bars, and putting energy into the concept of FAITHFULNESS!"

Faithfulness TO my goals is THEE goal!

I can do this. I am ready. I am strong. I am resilient. I am humble. I am teachable. I am faithful!