Fat Ass: When things don’t work

I have to be honest, I am stuck in a rut. Several things seem to be contributing to my overwhelming sense of malaise. For one, the weather has started to irritate me. I have never been one to complain about snow, ice, rain, or cold weather. In fact, “difficult” winters (and I use the term in jest) are so rare in North Carolina, there is very little to complain about. This year is different. I have had my fill of schedules being interrupted. I am tired of passing the same cold between my classmates, my partner, and me. Jogging, a class that I truly enjoy is increasingly difficult to manage. The air is so cold that it irritates the back of my throat and sends me into a hacking fit. My golf class has been ruined on numerous occasions because of soggy grass, standing ice, and frigid winds. This past week, I stood outside practicing my putt, coughing, and worried that at any time I was going to drown in my own bodily fluids. It’s enough for anyone to throw up their hands and say, “What am I to do!”
After a month, I acknowledged there is a problem and put together a plan of action. First, I accepted that what I am currently doing is not working. Second, I accepted change. Third, I sought help.

It is often said that acknowledging a problem is the hardest part of dealing with it. In my case, I have to disagree. I readily accept responsibility and acknowledge problems. The real challenge is following through. With that said, I looked at my situation and realized that I am not getting out of my house enough and that I am not active enough. This may sound weird considering that I am enrolled in two activities courses and have access to UNCG’s state of the art exercise and sport facilities. Still, these things were not working for me. In years past, I have enjoyed membership at a local sports complex. The facilities are very nice. In fact, they quickly spoil their members. I knew that membership does not come cheap and being a fulltime unemployed student does not pay well. I contacted this particular club and because of membership in year’s past, they allowed me to return and will begin billing me after I have finished school this semester. Now, I have a place to go to both exercise and relax.

As I said before, admitting that there is a problem is the easy part for me. I need help following through. I contacted UNCG’s Counseling and Testing Center. I found a wonderful counselor and made a regular appointment. As students of UNCG, we are entitled to eight free visits to the Counseling and Testing Center each semester. Having a counselor is a like having a professional friend. They are knowledgeable, helpful, and it is there job to listen and not to judge.

If you are like me and you find yourself fighting to get out of bed each morning, you are tired of fending off illness, and you are just plain sick of the weather, then look to make a change. Identify what is bothering you. Put together a plan of action. And make an appointment with the Counseling and Testing Center. I know they would love to see you. If you are so overwhelmed that you simply do not know where to begin, start writing your thoughts in a journal. Over time, look for patterns to emerge and then take action.