One step forward, two steps inward. That phrase says volumes to me: Acknowledge that you are making progress, step it back if necessary, get moving forward, keep positive. I get it. It doesn’t necessarily make it easier, but I think I’ve come to understand it better. So, this is my new motivational slogan: One step forward, two steps inward.

Thanks for the continued inspiration.

My story is a bit different. I was a fit and athletic person all my life. The military life kept me that way up until about 1999. The pressures of the work I was doing, the tragic consequences of a failed mission, and the slow disintegration of my marriage as a result led to a series of health issues. I was in constant pain from neuromas, muscle and joint pain, and picked up stomach issues somehow along the way. I endured 9 operations in 5 years for various issues ranging from neuromas, disintegration of disks in my back, to diverticulitis surgery. At first I too was diagnosed with RA. Later it could be Fibromyalgia. Military medicine, being what it is, fed me pills and injected me with corto-steriods for years. Overnight, or so it seemed, I blew up like a balloon. I went from a strapping 190 to 260 in the blink of an eye. They couldn’t explain it until by chance I saw a doctor from the NIH who was doing rounds at Bethesda Naval Hospital. He is a specialist in endocrinology and of one disease in particular. He took one look at me and knew exactly what happened. “You have Cushing’s disease,” he said rather casually. Ok, so what another pill? Nope. Nothing you can do, it’s who you are now. Have a nice day.

Cushing’s is normally caused by a tumor on the pituitary or adrenal glands. The tumor that can cause the onset of Cushing’s can be so small it can’t be seen on MRIs. The only option to “correct” Cushing’s is to have a rather brutal surgery (today, advancements have made it not so brutal) to remove the suspected area of the offending gland with the tumor. But in my case, one couldn’t be isolated. So, I continued my life in agony, depression, and an overwhelming case of “why me” syndrome.

So, what changed? Two things. First, I gained custody of my two boys. Now I had something to live for. I began a rigorous study of Fibromyalgia and Cushing’s and decided they would not control my destiny. I started to make some changes. But, it was slow and results where fleeting. I continued to struggle until I met someone who inspired me with her story of positive change. Someone who showed me there are other answers if we are just willing to take action and do something. You guessed it, her name happens to be Mary.

I’m not a marathoner yet (I am so jealous!), but I will be. I’ve lost 30 pounds and am running 2 miles (not without pain, but its improving). My diet is great (by the way, I’ve always hated the word diet; I just choose to eat smarter). I’ve set goals for myself, developed a plan…wait, that sounds familiar! But, this is why I am telling my story too. Like you I would like to see others take action to overcome personal obstacles and learn to love life again. But if people can’t do it for themselves (we all don’t have that inner courage), do if for those you love. It’s really what makes the Power of DO work. I am grateful for the inspiration and example you have given to me and I hope others will also benefit from this terrific concept.