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  If you ever want to impress your friends with the volume of mail you receive, put the word out that you’re looking for folks who would like a makeover for free. Not only would you be amazed by the number of people who’d write (to apply), you would also be deeply moved by their genuine, heartfelt pleas for help. The replies I received, for example, ranged from those who had "let themselves go," to those who had serious health concerns and feared that they might even die (stories like this are what made me regret that I couldn’t respond to them all). Here are some excerpts from only a few of the letters that I received: "Five years ago, my twenty-month-old son and I survived being struck by a tractor-trailer truck traveling 56 miles per hour. Eight people were killed, including my husband… I have successfully worked through much of my anxiety, depression, survivor’s guilt, and post-traumatic stress. However, my body does not reflect the work I’ve done internally. To me, this is a sign that there is more work to be done." "Significant milestones in my exercise history include getting rid of the Soloflex (that was in my garage) to make room for the Nordic Track (that was in my house). As my insight expands, so too does my collection of diet books, motivational tapes, health club newsletters, and unfortunately, my waist. I now weigh 195 pounds (leaning 15 degrees to either side of the scale)." "I’m scared that I’ll lose my husband because he is obese. He’s a warm and loving person who always gives so much. In many ways, he’s saved my life I want to help save his." "As my husband lay dying, I promised him that I would take better care of myself. But I can’t do it alone. To participate in your program just might save my life." "Someday I’d like to get married, or at least find someone to date. But most of my first dates are last dates, and I know it’s because of my weight." "I feel like the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel like this beautiful work of art that’s been fading over time, that needs someone to help define my edges, brighten my colors, and let me see again that I am a masterpiece." What saddened me most of all about these stories, and took me aback, was the fact that just about everyone said, "I’m ashamed of the way I look." Quite a few people sent photographs of themselves in loose-fitting clothes, making it hard to accurately assess their size or weight. Others sent photos in which they were just tiny specks in the midst of a crowd, or hiding behind other people, trying their best to avoid being seen. And some letters came without photos, from people who claimed they had nothing to send! Most of them said they were camera shy because they were so overweight, and never let anyone photograph them, not even at family events. Hearing, and seeing, this, time and again, confirmed an important truth — that getting in shape and developing self-esteem is an inside job. It also confirmed the need for a whole new way to achieve these ends, one where our bodies and minds aren’t viewed, and treated, as such separate things. It’s with great admiration and deep respect for everyone who applied, and also for you, the reader, that my vision takes voice in this book. I hope that it guides and inspires you, and helps you be all you can be. Visit Exercise Plus and learn more about The Mind-Body Makeover Project |
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© 1996-2006 Cheryl Richardson. All rights reserved. Artwork provided by Jean-Paul Avisse and Corey Wolfe.
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