Live Out Loud

I was recently inspired by a new friend.  He is motivated by – and lives by – the mantra “Live Out Loud”.  When I met him, it was one of the first topics of conversation because I saw it clearly tattooed on the inside of his wrist.  When I asked, he said it was the way he wanted to live.  To be honest and open, dream big and have a purpose.

I'm proud of how far I've come

In the days since our conversation, I have thought a lot about the idea of living out loud.  I would like to think that I live out loud, though that was not always the case.  There have been times – when I was a teenager and during a very difficult marriage – when I much preferred to be hidden.  I was unsure of myself and I did not want anyone to see my truth.  However, today I am proud of who I am and how far I’ve come. 

I am not perfect, but I own that.  When I look down, I see stretch marks.  But those stretch marks are a symbol of the 50 pounds I lost.  They make me proud because I used to be ashamed of my thighs.  Sure, the combination of my genetics and love for running mean I don’t have a lot of curves.  But, I like my legs and I have blood pressure that rivals a professional athlete.  So, I would never trade a Kardashian booty for my killer legs and life-saving blood pressure!  

My Pop-Pop lived & loved out loud

I have also learned to live out loud emotionally.  This is not something that comes easily for me.  If I am being honest, I usually expect people to let me down.  I have built up walls to prevent getting hurt.  But the thing about walls and fences – they don’t just keep people from getting in, they keep you from getting out.  Neither of these scenarios will lead to true happiness. 

One person who lived every minute of his life out loud is my maternal grandfather.  He earned a purple heart in WWII.  He earned my grandmother’s heart by singing “You are My Sunshine”.  He was known to flip a table if provoked, hug or curse you based on what you deserve, and love and laugh with abandon.  He’s been gone over 30 years, but he’s with me every day reminding me to fight for what I believe in.

My Granny lived out loud through food & flowers

Another person who lived out loud in a much different way is my paternal grandmother.  She was likely dyslexic, but was the secretary/bookkeeper for our family business and was able to keep track of names and numbers.  She cooked three hot meals a day from scratch, but never learned to drive so she relied on someone to take her to the grocery store.  She never rested or complained.  Instead, she would find peace by tending and talking to her flowers.  She truly shined through her food and her flowers.  She’s been gone over ten years, but she’s with me every day showing me that no matter what, I can always be vivid and life is worth savoring!

Isn’t that the way we all want to live?  Out loud doesn’t mean noisy.  It means living with honesty.  Showing your truth and seeking the truth.  Having a passion and the dedication to pursue it.  Turning your dreams into reality.  Loving yourself and others like there is no tomorrow. 

When you’re ready to live out loud and dedicate yourself to living life on purpose, I will be here for you.  When you look in the mirror, be completely honest with yourself.  Make a decision to seek truth, happiness, and health.  I will educate, encourage, and motivate you to live out loud.  Go to http://www.coachdconsulting.com  to see all the ways I can help you and those you love.  Obesity is 100% preventable and it starts by living out loud!