Happy New Year! I am excited to introduce a new series called #WCW aka “Weight Confident Women” (I know it’s not Wednesday, but I figured this would catch your eye). Monthly, we will celebrate a woman committed to a healthier lifestyle the Weight Loss DIVA way–through Discipline, Inspiration, Victory, and Acceptance. First-up is my mentor and one of my favorite people in the world, Marcia Myers! Check out this interview to learn more about her journey. I know it will inspire you.
Where are you from?
Philadelphia, PA
What is one fun fact about you?
When I was a little girl, besides being an actress when I grew up, I dreamed of becoming a Philadelphia police officer. Secretly I still dream about it:-) Now that I am an actress I would love to play an officer or private detective in a movie or TV show one day.
What does a typical day for you look like?
Well, I’ve been pursuing to be a professional actress, so I’d love to say that my typical day is spent on the set of a hit TV show or on location of my next movie, but while I’m waiting for that to happen, my days are spent caring for my lovely family (which is super cool!), substitute teaching, and going on auditions when the opportunity arise. I also spend some of my time performing for elementary school children with Jubilee Children’s Entertainment. Kids are so precious to me! But my favorite thing to do (and I do often), is take long walks with my husband Curtis. It’s the best! I laugh so much on those long walks. When I’m not walking with him, I try to get a run in here and there.
How did your journey to a healthier you begin? Where are you currently on that journey?
As a person who battled with depression, my journey to a healthier me began shortly after one of my daughters described my favorite thing to do as “getting my rest.” In short, my mind was sick; causing me to NOT want to get out of the bed. I could lay in the bed for hours…just me and my negative thoughts. Currently, I’m doing well. I sleep because I need to; because it’s late, and it’s time to go to bed, or simply because I’m tired, and I need a good comfy nap.
What is one healthy goal you have for 2016?
In 2016, I desire to think about and serve others more. I found that it’s really hard to be in a bad place when I’m not thinking about “me” and “my stuff”.
What tips/advice/inspiration can you share with others looking to get healthier?
My advice would be to number one, learn to laugh at yourself. At times, I can really be hard on myself for no good reason. I literally laugh out loud at some of the things that use to bother me; things such as looking in the mirror and asking myself “how did my hips get this wide?” Now, I can look in the mirror and still ask the same question, but instead of beating myself up, I answer my own question with, “Ummm, LOL, because you had a few helpings of mac and cheese a few times too many on several occasions! Just relax, it’s not the end of the world. Walk or run a little longer the next time you go out…if you have time; if not, no worries.” Yep, I ask the question, answer it; then keep it moving.
Also, I’d like to share my 5 second negative thought rule. Yeah, I made it up, but it works for me. When a negative thought tries to bombard my mind, I give it 5 seconds, then it has to “talk to the hand”. In other words, it has to go! And I really do count. I say, “1-2-3-4-5. Now, talk to the hand and get out of my face!” But then I also replace that thought with laughter and/or a positive thought. God wants me/us to think about good things! (Philippians 4:8-9)
But probably the most important advice I can give is to do this: Invite someone else into your situation other than yourself. Whether you battle with depression like I did, or perhaps another type of mental illness, or you need to lose a few pounds, or if you’re just not feeling like yourself for whatever reason, share it with someone you trust. Exposing the problem makes you accountable to move towards fixing the problem. Keeping it to yourself only allows the problem to fester and get worse. I have faith in God. Period. I know without a shadow of a doubt that God Loves and cares for me very much! I also know that he placed people in my life to help me get through this thing called “life”.
What tools or resources can you refer to others?
My stage play entitled 24 Hour Mind Battle is a great resource if someone is battling with depression or know someone else who is. This play gives the audience a glimpse into my life, and identifies some of the common symptoms that a person battling depression may go through. To learn more, go to www.24hourmindbattle.com
Joyce Myers’ book “Battlefield of the Mind” is a great book! My friend Jill Mossop gave this book to me years ago. I take it out whenever I need to revisit some of the principles taught.
Also, I am a huge supporter of support groups. I attended a support group in Winslow Township called “Think Pink”. It’s a peer based support group for women who may be battling depression themselves or is caring for someone who is. I learned a lot! Mainly, I learned that I was not alone. “Think Pink” has expanded to Burlington County as well. To learn more, go to awomansbusiness.org