We are taught when we are children that falling down is a part of life, and the getting up is what is important. We fall down constantly as children…. but as adults the falling becomes more symbolic than physical.
Through the last few years I’ve emotionally and symbolically fallen down repeatedly. I’ve let life beat me against the ropes hoping it would get tired so I could claim my glorious victory. And then… a few weeks ago I ACTUALLY fell down.
While vacationing at a theme park with friends on a hot summer day I ignored my body’s numerous signals and passed out from dehydration. That’s apparently a thing. The thought had NEVER crossed my mind. If it had, perhaps I would have made better choices. But hey, you’re on vacation, you don’t want to slow anyone down, you need to be the kick ass auntie and friend that always has a joke, a smile and will laugh at anything. Who has time to slow down and deal with boring stuff like drinking water!?!!
Of COURSE that didn’t stop me from making light of it all, and making sure the kids knew I was okay (that is, after the 2nd fainting spell, laying on the ground staring up at strangers, and the hoping I didn’t end up on YouTube panic had subsided — ps I’m still legitimately worried about that last. I was wearing a bright red shirt, and yellow leggings with dogs eating watermelon on them… Ah yes, clearly I was absent the day they discussed being a modest, subtle young lady…. nope HERE I AM WORLD …… *shaking my head* nice.)
(*hanging out in the Med-Bay rehydrating, and contemplating all the decisions I made in the last 48 hours.)
As the days pass, and focus on my hydration has been key I find myself still experiencing anxiety that this could happen to me again. What if I’m alone at home? Dear GOD! What if I’m alone in public??? What if I fall on something and really injure myself? The questions and scenarios whiz past and I become more and more anxious.
When did falling down become such a perilous and foreboding activity!??
Perhaps it’s the failure of this body that makes me so frightened. It certainly wouldn’t be the first time my body failed me- and sadly won’t be the last. However, I did not elect to lose ALL functionality it just happened. The complete and utter loss of control is probably the scariest thing I can think of! But… in the end that’s basically what life is all about.
Im doing my best to make sure this doesn’t happen to me again, and hope beyond hope that this is not part of some underlying issue that has yet to come to the surface.
For now though, to preserve THIS life, the one that’s worth celebrating I can’t let this one incident rule me and pin me down into a hole. I have fought so hard to make it here! Things before this incident had been remarkable!! I have lost a total of 72 pounds since March and I’m totally killin this!!! I have about 100 more to go to reach my optimal weight and seeing myself now and what I can overcome I know this will be no different! 
(This photo was taken after the big fall… it actively represents spreading your wings and not being afraid …. oh and also displays just how cavalier I am with my fashion choices.)
(This is my latest weight loss progress! The first photo was taken in March, the 2nd was taken Yesterday July 14th. Oh and clearly I am still “working on” my subtlety… sloth leggings!??? Yes please!!!)
So I fell down… but I got back up and everything was fine…. just like when I was a kid. I’ll dust myself off and it will all work out.
Confessions of an Angel Mom 