Peer pressure can be a good thing. Now, somebody talk me down....

Awhile back Eric posted about the Morning Call newspaper running a weekly thing about workout people and stories that they publish about it etc.  Here's the link to his initial post:

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/PA/4231966/Allentown-area- fitness-folks/

In case you haven't noticed...I'm not that fantastic with giving myself credit. Shocking.  I know.

But....I told him I would think about it, and I did....and one night in the middle of the night here at the heart I ended up filling out the damn form.  It actually took a LONG time to fill out because I was at a loss on how to answer the questions.  I mean...they were basically asking you to give yourself credit.  Again, refer to the second "paragraph" of this post.

So...I get a freaking email on Friday from the frigging Morning Call. They want me in the Allentown office for photos.  What the hell?  Apparantly they have decided to run my survey and want pictures to go along with it.

I won't lie...I'm totally freaked.  Friday and Saturday I was more freaked than I am today.  But still totally freaked.  Here are some concerns:

1)  Pictures.  Still not a HUGE fan...I don't mind in situations with friends and with you guys...but in a newspaper?  Freaking really?
2)  What if they want me in "exercise" type stuff?  Not gonna happen.  No way no how.

But....after doing a lot of thinking I think these are my BIGGEST issues with it:

1)  I've regained some weight
2)  I have NOT met my fitness goals yet
3)  I don't "look" like "those" people at the gym
4)  I struggle

Now, you ask...what do those four things have anything to do with running answers to a "simple" fitness questionnairre and having your pic taking?

Easy....the other voices in my head tell me that I'm not "worth" being published in a section like that.  I don't have the "right" to be "featured" as an inspiration to others.  yes yes yes....you all tell me all the time I'm an inspiration.  I get that.  I don't always believe it. 

I immediately told Eric, considering it was his post.  He of course is encouraging me to email the lady back like she requested.  His wife, Erin, has already offered to do my hair for me for the photo.

And I still have reservations.  Will I do it?  Possibly.  I didn't immediately delete the email...which is a huge step.

Go for it. I looked at your FB and stuff on here and you are perfect for it.  You inspire people here and now you will just have a broader group to inspire.

Move over Jillian Michaels here comes pole dancing Pam.

Here's some pressure........to not do it would be a disservice to all of us. We're counting on you!!!!

sigh...thanks.

Nice move....guilting me into it based on you guys....which, will, no doubt, make me do it just for that...cause as much as I don't give myself credit...I tend to do anything for anyone....lol

And Jillian Michaels can keep her spot.....I'll just be her side kick

I think its important for people to know that there are others out there who don't "look like" those people at the gym but who do exercise. Its important for people to know that you struggle just like they do but you keep going anyway. If you won't do it to give yourself credit, do it so that all of the other average joes in the world can see that they are not alone.

That being said... I don't know you (at least I don't think I do). You are probably looking fantastic :0)

Yea...I don't think we know each other, either.

Interesting perspective....and I really like it.

Thank you!

Well, Kristin beat me to it. 

WHY are you the perfect person to do it?

1.  You haven't met your fitness goals yet, but you're continuing to kick ass working toward them.
2.  You THINK you don't "look like" the other people at the gym.  Guess what, girl... you're fooling yourself there.  Yep, there may be some gym rats who look like Jillian Michaels, but frankly the majority of the folks at the gym look just like you.
3.  You struggle, as do every one of "us" ... where "us" is every person who cares about their fitness and health, whether they've ever been overweight a day of their lives or not.  That's not a WLS-specific thing. 

So what if they want you in exercise gear?  I've seen you in everything from jeans to revealing dressy dresses... you think exercise gear will look worse in some way?  Nope.  You'll still look great.  

You also need to do it because it's another instance of facing your fears and moving past them.  I think you'll be very pleasantly surprised at the result, even if absolutely  no one other than you ever sees the result of the interview.  Just the act of doing it is a positive step and an affirmation.

So get off your ass and CALL already. 

:-)

Karen

Thanks Ghandi

Pam--

I think you should definitely do it.  You are without a doubt worth it, and deserving, as you know somewhere inside since you ARE working out and exercising and working to meet your goals.  I only saw you briefly yesterday just before my husband and I had to run, (you were running to check for something you dropped) but I definitely think you are being way too hard on yourself.  You looked great yesterday after the ziplining and you clearly look athletic.  Plus you kicked butt yesterday, as I hear tell. I say go for it!!!

Dawn

Dawn,

ALWAYS to hard on myself.  I've been told that many a time before.

"Looked great and you clearly look athletic"....wow....funny you should say...because looking at the pics ppl have posted...I just feel quite the opposite...probably because I'm comparing myself to the pics from last year which, lets face it, are much different thanks to the 15 pound regain.....but I digress.  Thank you very much for your confidence....it's truly appreciated

You better do it!!!

I've seen you face adversity head on and WIN, you owe this to yourself!! Look at it this way, maybe knowing that the Lehigh Valley is going to know about your fitness routine will help to keep you accountable.

Let me know when it runs, I need to have a copy of that article!!!