What Are Your Gifts? (a little long...again)
The physical transformation that occurs after weight loss surgery is nothing short of incredible, yet I think it is what we discover about ourselves along the way that is the most shocking to us. The physical, emotional, and social limitations that confined us are lifted and we must reconstitute our lives under a different set of assumptions so that we can thrive as thinner people. Each of us has gifts of ability, or movement, or appearance, or of being that become more apparent as those limitations fall away. Utilization of those gifts can give us a sense of well-being, of wholeness, or perhaps even a feeling of happiness that we might not have experienced before. Conversely, not being able to more fully utilize our gifts can leave us feeling frustrated, lonely, and, without the comfort of food, unable to cope effectively with the new reality of post-op life.
In order to re-constitute my own life, it has helped me to assess my own gifts, those things that seem more prevalent in me than in other people I know, and then to contemplate what I might do with them. I am still working on the whole contemplation thing, but I have made some headway and I have begun implementing some changes in my life as a result of that effort. I thought I would share with you a list of some of my gifts as I see them in the hope of prompting you to think about and share your own gifts..... if you are comfortable doing so.
Some of my gifts:
- Physical strength. Even though I am in my late 40s, fewer than 1 in 50 men are stronger than I am now and I don’t lift weights. People who have only known me as a larger guy seem surprised that I have a muscular build.
- Insight/Intuition about people and problems. I often understand what is troubling people very quickly and without any objective evidence. This gift freaks people out on occasion, including me.
- Compassion for others, although this gift doesn’t distinguish me at all from most of my fellow OHers, who are the kindest people I know.
- A facility for conveying my feelings into words. I have been encouraged to write a book based on this gift and my WLS experiences.....I have been working on it sporadically.
So, what are some of your gifts?
RP
In order to re-constitute my own life, it has helped me to assess my own gifts, those things that seem more prevalent in me than in other people I know, and then to contemplate what I might do with them. I am still working on the whole contemplation thing, but I have made some headway and I have begun implementing some changes in my life as a result of that effort. I thought I would share with you a list of some of my gifts as I see them in the hope of prompting you to think about and share your own gifts..... if you are comfortable doing so.
Some of my gifts:
- Physical strength. Even though I am in my late 40s, fewer than 1 in 50 men are stronger than I am now and I don’t lift weights. People who have only known me as a larger guy seem surprised that I have a muscular build.
- Insight/Intuition about people and problems. I often understand what is troubling people very quickly and without any objective evidence. This gift freaks people out on occasion, including me.
- Compassion for others, although this gift doesn’t distinguish me at all from most of my fellow OHers, who are the kindest people I know.
- A facility for conveying my feelings into words. I have been encouraged to write a book based on this gift and my WLS experiences.....I have been working on it sporadically.
So, what are some of your gifts?
RP
Even though this has been the crappiest year I can recall, I remain an optimist. Faithful that as long as I keep putting one foot in front of the other, I'll be okay. My family will be okay. We'll get through all the struggles and hardships.
I love to laugh, and sometimes, I even succeed in helping others to laugh. I think that's a healthy thing! Even when they're laughing AT, not WITH me
My FRIENDS are one of my biggest gifts - and the closest friends I have are those I've met on this journey! They let me ***** cry, make an ass of myself and immerse myself in quiet thought when that's what I need. They allow me to be a friend to THEM when THEY need one. I know that's not quite the kind of gift you were referring to, but I can't deny - my FRIENDS are a gift!!!
I love to laugh, and sometimes, I even succeed in helping others to laugh. I think that's a healthy thing! Even when they're laughing AT, not WITH me
My FRIENDS are one of my biggest gifts - and the closest friends I have are those I've met on this journey! They let me ***** cry, make an ass of myself and immerse myself in quiet thought when that's what I need. They allow me to be a friend to THEM when THEY need one. I know that's not quite the kind of gift you were referring to, but I can't deny - my FRIENDS are a gift!!!
Imperfect does not = unsuccessful
Your gift is the ability to connect with people and make and keep friends, Darla! That is the gift.
and for the record - I think you are very funny!
and for the record - I think you are very funny!
Mary
"Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you CAN do." John Wooden
I'm down 120 pounds - thanks to RNY! Working on the next 25. Then I'll tackle more...
"Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you CAN do." John Wooden
I'm down 120 pounds - thanks to RNY! Working on the next 25. Then I'll tackle more...
What a nice post! This got me really thinking and since being banded and starting my weight loss journey I feel the need to try and educated people on weight loss surgery. I have often thought about writing a book and have always want to, but have not done anything other than think about it.
Thank-you for such a nice post!
Kristy
Thank-you for such a nice post!
Kristy
Kristy K.
Obesity Help Support Group Leader
"On the lighter side" Everyone and anyone welcome!
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