A Story to share and make us think and reflect
Trying to Keep It Pretty
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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. 
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~
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~ 
Beautiful story Susan.. Glad to see you on the message board I have been wondering how you were doing with the whole Insurance thing.
im happy to see things are finally going your way 
My surgery went fine if you have any questions feel free to ask.. and Ill be thinking of you in Dec when you are ready for surgery Dawn
My surgery went fine if you have any questions feel free to ask.. and Ill be thinking of you in Dec when you are ready for surgery Dawn Most Active
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