I work for a health and wellness company. Yes, its shocking, I am 180 pounds overweight and I am surrounded by health foods, vitamins, supplements, doctors, and nutritionists. What's also funny is my mother is a National Health and Wellness Educator and has spent much of her time studying and teaching nutrition. In fact, I have been involved in the Health field as long as I can remember. My first job while I was in college was at a health food store. I have always been interested in health and nutrition. I love healthy foods. (Downside:I love not so healthy ones also.) I love reading about new science findings in the industry. I love helping people attain better health but I have been unable thus far to achieve this for myself.
I work mostly over the phone with my accounts and I love my job! The stress and anxiety come into play when I have to set up face to face meetings with a couple of my biggest account a few times per year. Of course after getting to know me on over the phone and knowing that I work for a health company I know that have an image in there head as to what I look like and they are completely wrong. Some take the shock much more gracefully that others. No one has been able to hide the surprise completely. Luckily I can still get by with my sparkling personality. By the end of the meeting they are far less concerned with my weight and much more enthralled with me. (Most of the time.) I hate having to go through it time and time again though. I want to feel confident for once as I enter those meetings, knowing I AM the person they envision: A girl worth losing = a thin vision of health and wellness. No matter what industry I was working in I know this would be a challenge but I know I am judged a little more because of where I work. I guess I thought about it today because I have a new meeting next week. What fun.
That was an honest and lovely blog....;)
ReplyDeleteAh, I can't even imagine how frustrating it must be to see those looks...but know you're not alone!!!
ReplyDeleteI think it's great that you're able to win them over--that's wonderful! So many times, people look at those of us who are overweight--and just see the weight. They don't see our brains, our senses of humor, our personalities...they just see fat. It's great to know that in your world, you're conquering that!
And I hope as you continue this journey, you're tapping all those great sources around you for information and tips ;) You've got a huge advantage there...use it!!!
Strange how that works, isn't it? My Mom is a professor of human development and family studies but (like all of us) has perpetrated some pretty significant acts of dysfunction. Funny what dissidence there is between _knowing_ and _doing_.
ReplyDeleteHey I just started reading your blog. (linked from another blog)
ReplyDeleteKeep up your hard work!! I love reading about other people's lifestyle changes, motivates and inspires me! Thanks for sharing :)
Good luck with your journey.
We all know better. We all say "I would give ANYTHING to look like her" but the truth is we wouldn't give up dessert and give more time at the gym, the things that actually would make us look like her. Frustrating, I know.
ReplyDeleteI also know what it feels like to go on professional meetings. You feel like they are expecting something/someone other than who you happen to be that day - or ever. It's like being in middle school again, or on a blind date. The good news is that this too will pass and you won't have to face another client for awhile when you'll have an opportunity to feel like @#%(* again. Ay! The circle!
Keep up the good work, you are such an inspiration!
d.
Isn't that so true how the one thing you help people with is the one thing you struggle with yourself. I can't imaging what it must feel like to know that people have a preconcieved notion of you and then to feel like you have let them down. Oh well, you are a beautiful girl still. I am trying to lose 180 lbs too. Maybe we can encourage one another.
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