Ever say “I can’t do that”? I believe all of us are guilty of that from time to time. We all can defeat ourselves before beginning a task. We may struggle with self-esteem issues, struggle with the way we look or not know how to treat others kindly. Some people are born with the “I Can Do It” ability and others, just need to train themselves to think this way. It is a doable feat that everyone, who wants to change something or become better, can accomplish!
I believe self-esteem and exercising actually go hand in hand. When you look better and have more energy you look at yourself in a different way and your self esteem goes up! I had the privilege to interview an amazing young man, who, at the age of 12, had lost 85 pounds in one year. His name is Mason Carter Harvey, from Oklahoma. He is a remarkable kid with an “I can do” attitude that is not always seen in such a young age. He had been bullied by other kids, since the 3rd grade, because of his weight. “My teachers kept them away, but not on recess or after school, “ according to Mason. He took it upon himself to do something about his weight so he wouldn’t be bullied anymore. He began the journey to lose weight in March 2011. He told me “the start of 6th grade I kept running into the same bullies that had picked on me since the 3rd grade.” Mason was determined he could do this and make a change for himself that would not only change his life but his parents’ and family’s lives as well. “I decided that since I was going into the Jr. High the next year I didn’t want to deal with it anymore”, Mason said.
Meeting people that have changed their life in one way or another can inspire us that we can also do that. The big difference between people who succeed in changing and those who don’t is people who change, try and don’t give up until they have won. Mason exclaimed, “I feel AWESOME! I use to be sick and miss school. I haven’t been sick this year at all. I am also way more outgoing!”
Mason’s weight loss not only changed the way he looks now but also his self-esteem. When we look, and feel good we also gain a sense of self worth. Mason now feels good about himself and now wants to help others feel good too. Mason has given his father the inspiration to exercise and lose weight. Mason said, “I’m that little voice that says. keep going Dad, you can do it, keep trucking!” Mason’s weight loss has also prompted the entire family to make healthy decisions when they shop for food. Gone are the days of eating a lot of pizza, cheese burgers, soda and junk food. “I would eat several bags of chips (the small snack size) at a time. I would not have portion control either”, said Mason. Now his diet includes plenty of veggies and fruit! “No more third and fourth helpings.” Along with motivating his dad to exercise, he is also encouraging him to make healthy food choices. Mason told me, “we are helping him make smart decisions with eating, even fixing him smart lunches and snacks to take to work.” It’s amazing when just one family member makes a decision to live a healthier life, it can impact the entire family. Mason is making that difference for his family and for his community in Oklahoma.
Child obesity is very prevalent these days and is very alarming. These kids are teased, bullied and often feel alienated. Kids like Mason can make a difference for them. He is a kid who has been in their shoes and can show them how they can take it upon themselves to lose weight and live a healthier life. “I have several new friends that are attending my events with me. One specifically has lost 20 pounds so far. I have others that hang with us because they feel they fit in and we don’t make fun of them,” he said. Mason, (along with his family’s help) is organizing events to make awareness of childhood obesity. These events include walking, running, stair climbing or anything else he can think of that is fun but keeps the crowd moving. His goal is to hold 85 events. He lost 85 pounds so he incorporates that into his events, for example, 85 people to climb 85 steps for 85 minutes. Now that would be a workout! The story of him conquering childhood obesity is being shared with many people through his events, local media and national television. He also shares his story on his blog, Strive for 85
Hearing the story of Mason being tired of the way things were in his life and deciding on his own to do something about it, is inspiring for anyone of any age. It shows that once you make up your mind to do something, the steps to accomplish it fall in place. It’s those of us who persevere through the tough times, to get to the good times, who come out ahead. Mason’s grandfather was very proud of him and was amazed at what he was doing at such a young age. Mason lost his grandfather last month. Mason told me, “one of the last talks I had with my papa Mike he told me “If your doing this much now, I have no idea what big things your future will hold” so I do hope that I can keep doing things and making myself and others proud.” Take it from Mason, if you are tired of something being the way it is, make up your mind to make that change and challenge yourself to do it. You can’t until you say, “I can!”
Read the complete interview with Mason Carter Harvey.