As I reflect on the life I’ve lived, the decisions I’ve made and the benefits & consequences of the choices I’ve made… I’ve concluded I always wanted to be included, accepted and recognized. Is that the thinking of all men? Sure, we think we don’t care what people think of us, yet, we tend to check mirrors, spend stacks on brands and our appearance. In some cases this becomes unhealthy and can impact us the opposite of what we hoped for.
In the months leading up to my arrest I was surrounded by people who I thought accepted me for me because of what I was or could do for them. Now that the dust has cleared and I’m locked up none of those people are around. Why? I think it’s because I can’t do anything for them or we didn’t connect as the person I was projecting.
In 2023 I want to connect, befriend, and care for people who treat me exactly the way I treat them. Today, I choose to lose weight, eat healthy, exercise, lower my cholesterol & BP because I want to be a better Dave. I want to have people in my life who support and encourage positive & healthy lifestyles. I want to be accepted not based on what I can do for people, but because knowing me somehow enriches their life. I’m not willing to just wilt away. Instead I’m choosing to make real relationships with people who I have common ground with and we can accept each other just as we are.
Photo by Total Shape on Unsplash
David,
First of all, I am so sorry for the way people treated you! If there is one thing I cannot stand it is so called “friends” that are absolutely two faced! As long as you are doing things, buying them things, providing them things, etc they are your best friends but as soon as you can’t or stop they don’t want anything to do with you! To me it’s disgusting, it just shows how much they are using you for their own selfishness and they are not a true “friend”! I’m proud of you for deciding to take care of yourself and do what you can to live a more healthy life, and not “wilt” away. I understand your health issues, I too have high blood pressure, high cholesterol along with low potassium. I’m on medication for all three and have been for approximately 8 years. Good luck and I wish you all the best! 😊