CHANGE IN THE FACE OF MISUNDERSTANDING

In my journey to my current state of being; to my new me, I have found that many people speak of change and what they would, could, can do to bring about the change they need to make some improvement in their lives however, the actual act of making the change is a whole other story entirely. I was much the same way before I was presented with a diagnosis for type 2 diabetes. For me that was my wakeup call; that and the fact that I had really not lived my life to the fullness of my potential.
My lifestyle changes included a whole new diet and a strict exercise regimen. The dietary change was for me, the much easier change as I had been coached while on admission in the hospital. The exercising on the other hand was a different ball game. At first, I was reluctant to start exercising because I had never taken any interest in strenuous physical activity and the mockery I feared I would encounter from the public. I should mention here that in Nigeria, seeing a woman taking a walk in the morning was and is usually met by passersby making snide, unsolicited comments – sadly most of these comments are from other women – who, I concluded, were either envious of the fact that you were exercising and wished they were you or were angry at you because their husbands had used you as an example in trying to get them to exercise.
I found solace in my telephone. I filled it with blood-pumping music and once my head-phones were on, I turbo-ed on regardless of any unsolicited comments or stares. I found a partner within me and have come to realize that change begins from the actions of one person. In the one year since my diagnoses I have been able to inspired three women in my neighborhood to take an hour every morning for themselves and I have been able to show them how this would be to the benefit of their entire family.
However, I am also convinced that my diagnosis is not meant to inspire just three women and as a result a forum like WorldPulse presents me with a unique opportunity to reach a much wider audience. So far, this forum has presented me with the inspiration to share my story with the readers of a popular blog run by a dear friend and I will be going on a popular radio station on Wednesday to speak about my journey so far. This in my opinion is the unique opportunity presented to me and for which I am eternally grateful.