I have to tell you about my good friend “Matthew” a housekeeper who I work with in the Emergency Department. Because of opposite schedules, I hadn’t seen him for a few months. One day, I noticed that his scrubs were hanging loosely on him like a cheap suit that was three sizes too big. “Hey man, why are you wearing such big scrubs?” He told me that he had lost over 100 pounds in the last six months.
As I absolutely love success stories, I had to know more. What was his secret? He told me that he weighed 302 pounds five years ago when he was in a toxic relationship with his ex-wife. He had experimented with every “drug in the book” basically, to self-medicate. Matthew had experienced all kinds of life trauma including tremendous emotional abuse. Three years ago, during the height of COVID lockdowns and despite amazing tolerance, he realized his ex-wife was never going to change. He made the painful decision to separate. During that period, he made some healthy life changes including starting to exercise and eat better. He struggled greatly and gained back almost all the weight. With time, he finally had an epiphany.
He completely flipped the switch! He told me “You have to start loving yourself and the potential that you have". You have to leave situations behind that are making you feel deprived and contributing to poor mental health. I learned that we have to "celebrate everything". To me, everything is a celebration.”
I told Matthew I was so incredibly proud of him. I told him he was inspiring me. I gave him my book and said “You are demonstrating Extreme Greatness. You are trying to be the best person you can possibly be.” I let him know how much we all appreciated his always positive and cheerful disposition. I complemented him on keeping the ER and the rest of the hospital in pristine condition.
“Absolutely man!" He told me, it’s all about mindset Doc".
I asked him to tell me more of his secrets. He gladly continued:
"The most important thing honestly is letting shit go! Set goals. Find something that you love to do and pour yourself into it. Do not sit idle. That does not work. For example, I am an avid poet.”
“Surround yourself with people that think the same way. But help other people who do not think the same way. I am a healer of broken things and broken people. I love trying to help them fix themselves. I told him this was true altruism, one of my core principles and the fuel that drives me as well.
If ever there was a poster child for someone continually pursuing Extreme Greatness, Matthew was it. Though we have vastly different backgrounds and life experiences, we both are seeking the same aspirations. I told him to keep up the great work and to never settle. He told me “Don’t worry Doc, I won’t!”
No doubt in mind that he’s right.
Let us all strive to be like "Matthew", no matter where we are in life and no matter the struggles or lack thereof.
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