Discoveries About Myself

I have been thinking a lot lately about how we use truth in our lives. Sometimes we use truth to empower ourselves and sometimes we use it to justify our negative actions. It is still the same truth either way, but it makes all the difference how we choose to interpret it.

For example...I went out yesterday to walk my daily mile and a half at the track. Almost immediately I started feeling my legs cramping up. I said to myself, "You know man...you are really in pain here." My mind starting going through all the stresses and difficulties that I have been facing in my life over the last few weeks. I asked myself, "Are these things true? Or am I trying to justify letting myself off the hook for today?" The answer surprised me...because it was yes to both questions. Yes...I was hurting. Yes...I did have legitimate difficulties that I am facing in my life. But yes...I was trying to use those difficulties to justify giving up in that moment. I realized that truth is truth...but we can either use that truth to motivate ourselves or use it to justify giving up.

I chose to keep going. And the funny thing was, after the first 3 laps of my walk I began to feel all the physical pain melting away. It was replaced by a sense of happiness flowing through me. I was proud of myself for continuing on. I was proud of myself for using my truth for good.

Boot Camp 4 Life

Before the Boot Camp with Sione and Filipe, I hadn't worked out for probably around 4 - 5 years. On the first day of the Camp, when I started the workout with the cousins and the rest of the participants I couldn't believe how difficult it was. I can only describe it as grueling. Although my mind was determined to continue, my body was screaming at me to quit.

As I lay in my bed after each of the three days, I knew that I wasn't going to give up, but still that was exactly what I felt like doing. I had to keep telling myself that my mind and my will were strong enough to do this, I just had to catch my body up to my mind. Each day, whenever I felt like giving up, I would remind myself that my journey had truly begun and any step forward, however small, was better than a step backwards.

The Journey Begins

Many of you who will read this blog have already met me in person at an EvaZing event or a Boot Camp4Life with Sione and Filipe. I am lucky enough to call many of you friends. For those who have not met me...my name is Oscar Fakahua. Like Sione and Filipe Fa (the cousins on NBC's Biggest Loser), I am Tongan and was raised in this close knit culture. And, also like Sione and Filipe, I have struggled with my weight for my entire life.

When I saw the cousins working so hard to set an example for the entire Tongan community, I was inspired to start a weight loss journey of my own. I know that this journey will require hard work and committment...and I'm sure that there will be ups and downs along the way. But I also know that I have the support of my friends...here at home, on the road, and all of you who will join with me by reading this blog and hopefully sharing details of your own journey. Together we can accomplish great things.

Just the other day I had to punch a new hole in my belt. I can't express to you in words the sense of triumph I felt at that moment.

Come along with me and we will see where this road leads us. I welcome your comments and questions. I truly believe...it's gonna be alright!