MountainWings       A MountainWings Moment

#4254              Wings Over The Mountains of Life

Trying to Keep It Pretty
===============

My grandmother once told me that it didn't matter to her what
size I was, "just keep it pretty." Most of you know I have
tried to "just keep it pretty." Unfortunately the more I aged,
the more weight I gained, in spite of trying to watch what I
ate and trying to stay active. Keeping it pretty wasn't enough
to thrive in the world we live in.

One year ago today, I had gastric bypass surgery. My body has
changed quite a bit, but I've got a lot of work ahead of me
still. This journey has been both exciting and emotionally
overwhelming. But... I've learned so much about myself, people
(especially men) and relationships. It's really been amazing
and disappointing. :o)

Each of us is impacted by body image, whether our own or someone
we know. We place so much importance on what we see and what
we find physically attractive.

Don't get me wrong, we should all take good care of our bodies
but often we fail to consider the heart and spirit of the people
who live inside bodies that are challenged by obesity, physical
impairments or handicaps.

Most of the time perceptions are not the true reality. We make
a LOT of assumptions about people based on how they look, and
those who dare to get behind the shell of the physical still
struggle with what is seen.

Today I ask each of you to take a second look at the obese lady
in the grocery store, the man in the wheel chair or even a child
who has a physical or mental disability.

Look into their eyes, speak or just smile - it means a lot.


~A MountainWings Original by Antoinette Jackson, Jacksonville, FL~


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