The Second Half of My Life

Have you ever wondered where destiny would lead you? Have you ever pondered whether the road you are taking would lead to fulfillment and happiness? Unlike so many of my friends and family, I have always had the sure knowledge of what was expected of me.

It was under a shade tree surrounded by my teddy bears and dolls that it came to me- I would have six children, write books that would help families, have the opportunity to speak and teach all over the world, and I would live to be 97 years old. That is pretty heavy stuff for a six year old.

I shared this epiphany with my mother, and she never doubted the message. She continued to encourage and support me through every milestone until she died in my arms at age 93. Even while nurturing my family of six children and following my husband's military career, I was gathering the skills to prepare me to "do my own thing." When my children were grown and my parents were gone, I realized that the portion of my life devoted to care-giving and nurturing of my family was complete.

I had 40 years of productive time left on this earth to accomplish all I had set forth to do. However, after carrying so much physical weight on my body for years, I was facing inevitable diabetes and arthritis. My future looked like pain, wheel chairs and doctor's offices. Unless I took action, medical complications would curtail me from fulfilling my destiny.

I approached this issue as I have the many books I have written. I investigated "one more diet" that I could live with for the rest of my life. I interviewed over 100 men and women across the country that had tried the same diets that didn't work before finally finding a method that proved successful. My mind was made up. I chose gastric bypass surgery as a one-time solution. On July 30, 2002, I underwent a procedure called laparoscopic Roux-en-Y. This surgery creates a small stomach pouch which holds less than a cup of food. A section of the small intestine is attached to the pouch that absorbs less food than before. Most patients lose over half their excess weight in the first year and a half. Since my operation, I have lost 115 pounds. This is equivalent to the combined weight of my three granddaughters, Amanda, Lexi and Melissa!

For the first time in years, I feel normal and in control when making food choices. Now I am able to enjoy life to the fullest and have the energy and stamina required helping other families raise their standard of living through my books and workshops. Finally, my spirit and body are in sync and I am ready to go forward. I am able to concentrate on my spirit's promptings during yoga because I am no longer concerned with whether my body will be able to balance, bend or straighten up. For me, this option was a success. It gave me the ability to concentrate again on my writing, and to feel confident when I facilitate workshops or speak to groups. Yes, I have met my goal of being an international speaker and writer!

To travel, teach, and fulfill my destiny I must be a woman of strength, and I must maintain that spirit and energy for the rest of my life. We each create our own reality by our thoughts, actions and belief systems. Hopefully that belief system will include guardian angels and a success team who will guide and assist us in our journey.

I have an obligation to that little girl under the shade tree who understood her life's purpose half a life time ago. The message that was shared with me and I now share with my children, my grandchildren, and the families that I work with is to listen carefully to the still small voice within that tells us we are important and have something of value to share with the world. The time to share your unique gift may not be now, but it will be someday and so always be in the process of becoming, learning and growing. Be open to possibilities that life and the angels have in store for you, and you will find the right road to fulfillment of your destiny.

This article was written by Judy H. Wright, Missoula, Mt for a book called Women of Strength and Spirit. Soon to be available on her website: www.ArtichokePress.com To sign up for the free e-zine, purchase books, tapes and workshops on human relations in the journey of life, please go to the website or call 406-549-9813

Judy H. Wright is an author of over 20 books and many articles on human relations. Although she does much work on a national level concerning Hospice and end-of-life, she works as a parent educator in her daily life. She feels strongly that her destiny is to touch the lives of young parents, internationally, to teach them common sense methods of child rearing that will enhance the harmony and dignity of the whole family. For more information please go to http://www.ArtichokePress.com

---

Weight Loss Problems? - Why The Gastric Bypass Surgery Does Not Stick!

Gastric bypass surgeries are temporary physical fixes to a long... Read More

5 Easy Steps to Help You Lose Weight

When losing weight, most of us don't have the time... Read More

The Hidden Truth About Diets

Quick, what's the first thought that pops into your head... Read More

Take Anything... Just Leave My Coffee Alone!

The pursuit of a healthier me (or you) shouldn't involve... Read More

Weight Loss Can Be Achieved In As Little As 5 Days By Increasing Your Metabolism

One-size-fits-all diets don't work....but then you probably know that already.... Read More

Using The Glycemic Index To Lose Weight After Pregnancy

The vast majority of postpartum women will not return to... Read More

Treadmill Weight Loss Tips

These treadmill weight loss tips are a great way to... Read More

Ive Been Dieting for Five Minutes - Am I Thin Yet?

When Instant Results Take TimeYesterday I decided to "get back... Read More

Why Low Carb Dieters Can Eat Chicken Skin And Meat Fat

While low-fat dieters and non-dieters may want to avoid chicken... Read More

Diet Information - Dieting and Weight Loss Myths That Will Keep You From Losing Weight

You've heard them before and may even have believed some... Read More

Serious Dieting Tips, Humorous Explanations

A few months ago, I set out to lose 22.6... Read More

Weight Loss Psychology- Sticking to an Exercise Program!

IT'S NOT ABOUT THE NUMBERS!The health clubs are always racking... Read More

The Psychology of Weight Loss: Part 1 - The INSIDE OUT Mindset

WHAT DOES BEING FIT REALLY MEAN?The "INSIDE-OUT" approach to fitness... Read More

Weight Loss Online -- The Fastest & Easiest Weight Loss Plan

My first article provided steps for fast healthy weight loss.... Read More

Understanding Bariatric Surgery

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity... Read More

Get Started Exercising Now, But Take It Easy!

So you're overweight, "fat"--to be honest--and you want to start... Read More

Fast Weight Loss - Can You Really Lose 60lbs in 30 Days?

Fast Weight Loss - Is it better to lose 2lbs... Read More

Losing Weight: Healthier Wallet

Lose Weight - Get A Break The American Obesity... Read More

Close Kept Secrets to Weight Loss Lesson #8

Life is extraordinary filled with wonderful people to show up... Read More

4 Keys to Weight Loss

First off, let me start by saying this list is... Read More

What Every Woman Needs!

As a woman, your body is very complex. Throughout every... Read More

NotOneOunce -- The Run-up To Thanksgiving

The 8-Week Campaign to Survive the HolidaysEating preparations in the... Read More

The Truth About Fat

Fat has had a lot of bad press and for... Read More

Loose 10 Pounds by Drinking Water?

Drink plenty of water. Our body needs a lot of... Read More

How Music Can Help You Burn More Fat

Browsing one of the Russian websites I have recently found... Read More

Weight Loss: N Y Millionaire Weight Loss ?Secret? Revealed

It is a fact that about 70% Americans are overweight.... Read More

Supersizing America

For some of us, food is warmth and love. We... Read More

A Startling Fact About Losing Dangerous Belly Fat -- Without Exercise

The story broke in the international press on October 4th,... Read More

Dieting? Upgrading Your Non-Conscious Mind ? Part 2

To upgrade the current software in your brain you can... Read More

Obesity as an Issue Today and the Half Ton Man

Following recent reports of a South Dakota man weighing half... Read More

Playing Games Does Not Help Your Weight Loss Efforts

Have you ever wondered why some fat people can be... Read More

Easy Weight Loss

A really easy, fast way to weight loss is walking... Read More

Cross Training

One of the biggest misconceptions about exercise is that there... Read More