Risky Business

Risky Business

 

Besides the obvious fact of having lost 150 lbs, one of the biggest changes I have experienced since my surgery almost two years ago is that I have become much more self-aware.  I have conscious thoughts about the choices I make regarding diet, exercise, taking supplements, consuming water and, increasingly, the emotional reasons for my behavior.  One particular aspect of my behavior has been puzzling me of late….that of taking more risks than I use to take as a larger person.  To be certain, I am much more active than I used to be, so I understand there is more inherent risk in being that way, yet there seems to be more to it than that. 

 

A couple of months ago I chased off a young man who was bothering some young ladies on a transit train late one night, not knowing if he was armed or intoxicated or psychotic.  I didn’t think about it, I just acted.  I am back to riding my bike again this spring and I am much more aggressive about it, accelerating into and with traffic unlike what I used to do even as a kid.  Last week I was down in Chicago visiting my new grandbaby and I rode my bike on very busy city streets with cars whizzing by at 40 + miles an hour only 2 or 3 feet away from me.  While I was watchful and remembered to wear my helmet, I could easily have chosen to take a safer route.  I could cite other non-physical examples of risk taking as well.  My concern is that I seem to have adopted a pattern of risk-taking that is as much choosing to take risks as it is now having the physical ability to take on riskier endeavors.  Have any of you been taking more risks?  If so, what do you think compels you to take those risks? 

 

RP

I think as heavy people we are risk-adverse.  I never took chances that may make me humiliated or hurt.  I'm talking some things people take for granted, too!  I am more willing to try things I wouldn't do the lighter I get.  Having said this, please don't get too fool-hardy - you need to be sure to use good common sense.  I'm sure you do.  We wouldn't want you harmed, RP!

    I am only 7 weeks out so I am not where you are. The biggest "risk" or choice I made lately was to go/no-go on my surgery. I have been much more engaged in life than i was in the past several years, but I don't sense a bent towards risky behavior.
   When I look back over my life, I was actually more willing to take risks then because I just didn't care about the future. Now I have a future so I want to savor each moment.
   Maybe it isn't the risk, it is just the Choice. Ride bike trails and streets other than rush hour Chicago!
   By the way I was there two weeks ago when the weather was nice, There were some motorcyclists on the Dan-Ryan lane splitting and crossing from the shoulder on the right to the high speed on the left, running at 25-30 MPH faster than all of the other traffic. Now that is risk indeed.
  Don't do that.