Lose Weight and Build Houses

On October 2, 2005, Matt McKenna weighed 500 pounds. In December of 2006, Matt had reached his goal of 240 pounds. Maybe for some this isn't such a life altering, local hero, awe inspiring story. But to me, it is a reminder that people all around us are facing challenges and having to make hard choices that can be kind of scary, or maybe just a bit embarassing, or maybe simply uncomfortable. For Matt, it might have been all of these things, but he did it.

I've known people who haven't been able to control their weight. Some people who talked about it and were a bit overweight, maybe. Some people who didn't talk about it at all, but maybe should have been. Some people who made people laugh about it. Some people who had their stomach stapled which ended up causing some serious harm (although they are OK now). Some people who have died from their excessive weight because they suffocated during their sleep they were so heavy. Truth is, we all have at least one demon that stops us from being better. For some, it is eating too much -- or excercising too little depending on how you look at it. For me, one of my demons is I have this bad habit of picking my face. I'll do it in the mirror some days, or maybe just absentmindedly pick at my face while I'm sitting around. For me, picking is not a serious health risk, but it's not good for me. I need to stop.

Matt's story is a reminder that I need to stop doing things that aren't good for me. And, I need to start recognizing the little ways people are changing so they can have a better day tomorrow. Hats off to those of you who are working for change. Congratulations for every little step you took today and this week, and throughout your life to turn the corner into a new world. I celebrate your resiliency and your willingness to face the uncomfortable. And if you haven't felt strong enough to do what you think you need to do, know we are behind you supporting you and silently cheering you on. Here's to a new today. Not tomorrow. We really shouldn't wait any longer. Here's to a new today.

Oh, and p.s., for inspiration, Matt had a fundraiser while he lost weight. For every pound he lost, he raised money and donated the proceeds to Habitat for Humanity. A little pressure and a good deed all in one.