4 Things I Learned About My Journey From a 90-Year-Old Man

Did the fact that a 90-year-old was able to teach me something about weight loss cause you to click on this post? Then you can only imagine how much my mind was blown when I took it all in.

I don't know much about this man's early years, but I do know he wasn't born into the best of situations. However, it's not his early years that taught me key tips for my journey. It's his latter years.

• The first thing I learned from this man's story is "Age Ain't Nothing But A Number." We often hear that phrase when there's a significant age gap for couples. But for this man, it appeared when he was selected to lead a huge life-altering mission for thousands of people. When younger, maybe stronger and/or more agile men were available, this man was chosen to lead this mission at nearly 90-years-old.

• The second thing this man taught me was how to face a challenge - "Head On With Courage." He didn't let fear of failure, the size or responsibilities of the mission or the fact that he was constantly bombarded with the voices of others, take away his momentum. His faith to overcome was in God. If a man in his nineties can take such a huge responsibility on his shoulders and solely rely on God to guide and help him fulfill his mission, then why can't I?

• The third thing this man taught me was "Keep Moving." When he was selected to lead the mission the plan and the final goal was clear. All he had to do was take each step, guide and encourage those in the mission with him to keep moving and trust God. Sounds easier said then done? Well, I learned it doesn't have to be.

• Lastly, this man taught me to "Divide & Conquer." This man divided the plan and shared it with key people working with him in the mission. The final goal was a huge one and while I believe because he trusted God so much, he could have made it to the end. Dividing the plan and having others help work the plan became a life-changing moment and a lesson for the other people in the mission.

After hearing this man's story, it got me to thinking. What's stopping me from conquering my weight loss? Yeah, I'm getting older and science says with an increase in age it's harder to lose weight, to find a decent mate or to have children. But I'm looking at a man that led a mission and succeeded, not from behind a desk but on foot. If he can do it, then I can lead and conquer my mission to lose weight as well.

I already know I want to lose 100 pounds. I know I need to change my diet and select better food options. I know I need to get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. I already know the steps to get me to my final mission, I just need to keep moving and trust God.

Before: April '15

In Progress: Oct. '15

I will take this man's life and look at my 100 pound weight loss journey differently. I'm breaking each part of this journey down. Currently, I'm working with The Fit Tutor, which has been a major part of this journey for me. For $8 a month, a health coach has been helping me to eliminate unhealthy habits and replace them with healthier options. And we don't move on until I master each habit. This divide and conquer then becomes a lifestyle change and it's one that takes me to my final goal. It also helps me to appreciate my NSVs (non-scale victories) such as getting into smaller size clothes.

One thing is for sure, if a man who led a mission that included thousands could do it in his 90s. Then surely I - in my late thirties - can conquer my own journey as well.

So here's to defeating all the negative comments and statistics that say I can't. And embracing one of the key things this 90-year-old man taught me: "For a conquest to be successful, it has to come from God's power, and not my own ability."

Thanks for joining me again,
LaWanda a.k.a. @Fattieontherun

Oh, still curious about who the 90-year-old man is? Well, I learned he died not too long after completing the mission at 110-years-old. And he is known in history as one of the greatest leaders in the Bible - Joshua.

I'm a Fattie & I'm Okay With That

The word "fat" is more often perceived as a negative term. Any man will tell you if a woman ask the dreaded question, "Does this dress or pair of jeans make me look fat?" Then whatever is on the T.V. becomes very interesting.

And I will agree that I felt the same way. I saw myself as "fat." And it was this vision of myself that caused me to deny myself the benefits of life because I was too fat to do this or that. One of those things was running. I was never much of a runner and never really had an interest in it growing up. However, somewhere at some point and time in my adulthood, I became intrigued with watching people run - rain, shine, hot or cold. And I always wondered how long they'd been doing it and what inspired them to do it? Then one day my intrigue went from focusing on them to wondering if I could do it.... "Naw, I'm too fat. I'd have to lose a bunch of weight first."

But one warm summer day in July 2014, that all changed. I joined a running school and saw women of all sizes, races and ages hit the pavement. From day one my run coaches saw me as a runner, when I only saw a "Fattie."

As I continued the run program, I realized who said Fattie had to be a negative thing. Yeah, I had a lot of extra weight that I needed to lose before I developed serious health issues, but being overweight isn't to be a negative ball and chain I wear.

After all, fat isn't all bad. While there are negative consequences to consuming too much of the incorrect fats. There are some benefits to eating the right amount of good fats. You know the ones found in nuts, seeds, avocados, cold-water fish and olives.

According to experts, these fats can:

• Reduce LDL levels, which decrease risk of stroke and heart disease.
• Help with blood clotting and building cell membranes in the brain.
• Help fill you up and give you a lasting full feeling - like in a single ounce of almonds.
• Work as an energy source.
• And vitamins A, D, E and K are fat-soluble vitamins that rely on fat storage and transportation throughout the body.

So yes, I'm a Fattie On The Run - a woman who has fallen in love with running and is decreasing her risk of life-threatening diseases, is filled and satisfied with life and absorbing all of the mind, body and spiritual health benefits that is sparking a lifelong transformation.

So, why my name doesn't sit well with a lot of people because they see it through the eyes of negativity. Don't Worry! I'm the Good Fat: Changing and Benefiting my life one mile at a time!!