"Breaking Through"

      As I walk down the hall, I can see the looks and laughs. I think to myself that I shouldnt have worn a white shirt. I pull it away from my corpulent body. Useless, I think to myself, "This isnt right. Im not supposed to be like this." I continue down the hall feeling very sad and lost.

      Its hard to believe that was really me only four years ago. At that time, my life was hopeless and out of control. I felt as though I couldnt change anything. I felt isolated from the rest of the world because Id built a wall around myself to protect myself from the pain. However, this only enhanced my pain because I was alone. I had people who cared about me but to whom I couldnt really talk. However, soon the wall would begin to come down and through a lot of hard work, I would emerge as a new person.

      It all began over lunch with some relatives. I had just finished eating when, like a bolt of lightning, I had an epiphany. I said to myself, Im going to do it. I am going to eat healthy and lose this weight. Thus began my long journey. It was, and still is, the hardest feat Ive had to accomplish. All the doctors telling me I wasnt healthy and people making fun of me didnt do it. It had to be my own choice and in that moment I made it and committed myself. And I did just that. I began running, drinking a lot more water and a lot less soda. I also began eating healthier than ever before. There were many times I felt quitting but I didnt. Even if I felt like quitting, I had my mother there to encourage me. She had lost 50 pounds three years before and she was my inspiration. I continued through the months and eventually I succeeded.

      Soon my whole life began to change. I was getting into smaller clothes, others were noticing and complimented me, and I became much more positive. I really believed in myself for the first time in my life. It felt as though there was nothing I couldnt do. Then on January 10, 1998 my proudest moment came. I stepped onto the scale and it read 149 pounds. I had hit the mark for losing 71 pounds. I had accomplished my goal.

      Consider this: in life there are three worlds: the physical world, the emotional world, and the intellectual world. I have conquered the physical world and the emotional worlds. I was able to change my physical appearance and understand why I was unhappy and change at the emotional level. A mirror was put in front of my face and I didnt like what I saw so I changed. Even now I havent completely conquered the intellectual world, but I am going to work hard. Ive already conquered two out of three. I know that I shall do it because I feel like I can do anything if I put my mind to it.

      It has been a long and hard journey but it has been worth it. My life has changed so much since I began. I became Thespian president and took on a more active role in my school and have a wonderful job all while continuing to lose weight. My life has certainly changed. I am continuing on my journey through life like the rest of us. The road ahead will not be an easy one but I am ready to face whatever may come.