Smile & Say Hello...

Jul 29, 2011

Have you ever wanted to meet new people?  Guess what, it is as easy as just saying "hello" to at least five strangers a day!  For those who are aware of me, know me, or just pop over to read my blog from time to time, I wasn't always "fearless".  Being fearless is something you can actually learn - or in my case - adapt into.

As a child, I hated being touched.  I had issues with people in "my space," so please, no "close" talkers!  It took trying to figure out how to deal with this, as I could tell from friends, I was not the normal one.  Making eye contact was my first big hurdle.  Yup, it is that simple, smile when you make eye contact - and be GENUINE with the smile.  The old saying, "Smile, it'll drive 'em nuts" also works to interest people -- "Why is she smiling?"  People will be drawn in, then you can say "Hello," and maybe make a new connection.

One of my dear friends has issues with shyness.  He loved going places with me, mainly because I easily meet new people.  I challenged him, "Tony, I want you to say hello to ten people a day - TEN."  He started doing this, and told me he sometimes had an easier time than others, but he was sticking to my challenge.  Not that I will take all the credit, but I will be his Best Gal at his wedding this Fall -- since he met his fiance after just saying "hello" to a pretty girl he didn't know.  Your results may vary, but trust me, you will make at least a handful of friends if you start saying "hello" to people.

During one of my support group meetings we had a psychologist come to talk to us.  I actually asked some questions that he didn't expect, as I am not the "normal fat chick".  Having a good self image is learned.  Sure, I was teased by lots of kids, but I actually was told years later, "We only tease you Brenda, because we LIKE you so much..."  To which I remember mumbling, "Well, could you LIKE me a little LESS?!"  I was the fat girl with the curly red hair.  Did I let my weight stop me?  Nope.  I somehow decided to work harder at being good at things - public things - and at meeting new people.  If you meet ten people in one day, the likelihood of making a friend is much greater than keeping to yourself.  Yes, it is that simple.  My problem that I brought to the doctor:  What happens to me as I lose weight & feel the loss of my FAT self image? 

I am carrying around at least two people, so I laugh when children ask me why I am fat, "My personality wouldn't fit in a smaller body."  What happens to my two person personality when I shrink the package?  I guess we are going to find out!  Part of me is looking forward to meeting new people in a smaller body, not having to explain why I can't do something, or just feeling like I am different.  If you are willing to take my challenge and say "hello" to at least five people a day, I will work on my self identity - and not be the "Fat" chick any longer.

Stay Positive!
Brenda : )~

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