Growing up, many of us were taught to “tough it out.” I remember carrying firewood with my siblings and falling, only to be told to shake it off when I told my parents my hand hurt really bad. It had been a long day and it happened at bedtime, so everyone just wanted to go to sleep.

The next morning, I found myself in the emergency room with a hand full of fat sausages, my fingers so swollen they were touching. My mom felt terrible, but that “tough it out” mentality stuck with me, and I’m sure a lot of you suffer the same problem.

Years later, this mentality nearly cost me my life. I felt off for months. I was working a lot of hours at the 9 to 5 and trying to write my third novel. I kept shaking off the fatigue and general sense that something was wrong, blaming it on my hectic schedule.

When I finally went to the hospital for anemia, they couldn’t believe I was walking; my hemoglobin was dangerously low. I had been so conditioned to push through that I ignored the signs, and my body was trying to tell me something important.

So many things impact our weight. When I was anemic, I was constantly hungry, trying to find energy. It wasn’t until I started getting better that i realized it felt as though I’d been walking in wet concrete for months. I gained some weight back during that period, blaming myself for not being organized enough.

It’s a reminder that weight struggles often have deeper roots beyond willpower or self-control. Society has this nasty little habit of thinking people who are overweight just don’t have willpower or are lazy. Those people can go to hell.

Sometimes it is our body signaling that it needs help. We need to listen, really listen to what our bodies are saying.

Tips for Navigating Health Challenges:

1. Listen to Your Body: Don’t ignore persistent symptoms. Your body knows best, and it’s crucial to pay attention before things become dire.

2. Reach Out for Help: Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or professional, it’s important to reach out.

3. Prioritize Your Health: Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s essential.

Finding Support Online:

Sometimes, reaching out in person can feel daunting, or maybe you don’t have someone to talk to. This is where online communities can be a lifeline. From Facebook groups to subreddits, there are spaces filled with people who understand what you’re going through. It’s a reminder that you’re not alone in your journey.

Share Your Story:

Now, I’d love to hear from you. Have you ever experienced a time when you should have asked for help but didn’t? Share your stories in the comments below. Your experiences might help someone else feel less alone.

Let’s create a compassionate community where we can support each other. Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength!

-Kelly

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The odds are stacked against Becca, small towns being what they are.  Her 25 year old secret is about to be exposed, and she just might get a second chance at love.

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