I’m fat. There I said it. I am fat yet I am the principal of a college that offers a demanding development program in both football and tennis. I can’t play either of these sports because I am unfit and have never challenged myself to give them a go. That doesn’t mean to say I don’t love those sports. I am an avid spectator of both – I treasure my photo with Goran Ivanisevic and my father’s extensive AC Milan memorabilia. I have just not been that into sports. But things are about to change.
I was horrified when the photo of staff boot camp went on FB a few weeks ago. I was so embarrassed. But my discomfort has led to a shift and I am doing something to make a change.
I could give you a thousand excuses as to why I am fat, trust me, I could talk about them all day. I could also share my knowledge of nutrition and exercise – things learned so I could speak like an expert to distract attention from my weight. I have no excuse for being fat. Instead of dealing with stress by going outdoors, I have dealt with it seeking the inside of my fridge!
So what has changed? Why am I not making excuses anymore? Is it really easier to watch from the sidelines and not push myself out of my comfort zone? My weight is becoming more of an issue. It is slowing me down, zapping me of energy, forcing me to be an observer rather than a participant. I’m starting to question, how can I truly understand my students’ passion for sport if I am not actively exercising and participating? Who am I to judge their level of commitment to training if I do not understand the concept of challenging my own body? How can I expect my students to take what I say seriously about nutrition, exercise and commitment to our development programs if I am not actively participating in my own life?
A few weeks ago, I made a decision. I decided to change my lifestyle and reclaim my health. I will be honest, these changes have plunged my body into an absolute world of pain but I’m seeing a change. In the past, I have refused to run, but I am finding myself wanting to give it a go – even if it’s just a joggle (jog cross wobble), it’s a start. The dread of attending exercise sessions is shifting so that they are becoming something I look forward to. What I am loving, is that it is forcing me to focus on me, and I have been ignoring me.
Just like the students who attend our college, I, too, have been given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I can say, hand on heart, that I will give it my all to be the best version of myself I can be. I have an awesome support network in my colleagues whose words of encouragement are priceless. The time has come to make a change. Who is with me?
WOW! What an inspiration you are!!!
Congratulations to you! Stepping out of the comfort zone and putting yourself out there would have to be one of the hardest things to do and you have done it! You are awesome and I am glad to be friends with an awesome person like you! You are a shining example Laura!
Way to go Laura , you are a awesome principal and I’m grateful that Jude has such a encouraging guide through college . There with you, fat as well , been way on the sideline to long , it’s time to join the game
Wow how exciting im in too how about a bootcampafter college or catch up for a jog around college ovals byo water carrot sticks
You’re not alone Laura. I’m in the fat club too!
After seeing my staff photo I was mortified as to how big I’m getting. I was once fit but since becoming a wife and mother I now don’t have any time (or motivation) to look after myself. Things are changing and I’m making sure my little family are changing too. We’re not making massive changes, just baby steps to start wit, as I want these changes to be life long.
Thanks for sharing your journey 🙂
Your drive and ambition has always impressed me. Friend, mother, wife, daughter and principal all wrapped into one gorgeous person. I like that you are finding time for yourself. Love you! Teresa xx
Bravo Laura, one of the biggest challenges is making a change is being brave enough to shout it aloud and you have done so. Now you have accountability not just to yourself. I think that weight loss is about so much more than just exercise and clearly you know that. I too am starting back on the baby steps to my health goals. Balance is my aim. Balance in food, balance in time for myself to process my life, my emotions and my physical feelings. Balance in rest. Balance is physical activity. The freedom of losing weight so that you feel you are allowed to do physical activity and enjoy it is a wonderful process. Good luck with your journey back to your self. She is waiting in there to come out and play.
Thank you all for your encouraging words – it is appreciated! It is not easy putting it out there. I am also thankful for the love and support of my family and friends, especially their never- ending support is something I am forever grateful for and the fact they don’t eye-roll because I am “at it again.” XXX
Just catching up on last weeks blogs, when I stumbled across your post Laura. Very inspiring indeed and hit a bit of a raw nerve as the stresses of life have also driven me to the fridge as opposed to the gym, so I am acutely aware of what you are saying and have also decided to take action. The only difference is that you have gone very public with your decision while I have very conveniently kept it to myself, that way if I stray or, heaven forbid, completely abandon the crusade no one is aware of my failure. Your blog has inspired me to ‘come out of the closet’ so to speak and close that escape door I had in place. So to answer the question you posed I’m with you. Are you going to post your progress somewhere? I will if you will:)