Have you ever been in a room where there is an uncomfortable feeling? We often call it "the elephant in the room." The elephant can be something BIG that everyone knows about, but no one wants to talk about.
Ryan Pilkington is a graphic designer, podcaster, business owner, husband, and friend. He also weighs over 400 lbs. Ryan talks about the struggles of obesity and feeling like he is the "elephant in the room." He shares feeling shame and judgement for his size. Ryan is vulnerable about his struggles with his weight and the physical, emotional, and mental strain.
After being hospitalized with a fever of 104 degrees, having to wear compression socks, struggles catching his breath, being diagnosed with sleep apnea, and not being able to walk, Ryan had a what he calls a "wake up call."
He then did a very courageous thing. He posted on social media about his struggle and asked for support in his goal to release weight. Ryan shares how a village of people reached out to help him.
Ryan talks about his history of using food for comfort and support. He calls it a "quick fix" with an instant dopamine rush and a high, with the feeling of "shame" after. Ryan shares with us how his relationship with food began at home with food being equated with love. Ryan says food was comforting to him during stressful, sad, and difficult times. Ryan says he is on a journey to change the way he thinks, acts, and behaves. Not an easy task to change habits.
Ryan now says, "I'm on a journey of sustainable health" and shares the progress and celebrations he has noticed, easier breathing, sleeping better, more energy, and his pants feeling looser. He reports having a commitment to himself and to his health that has sustained him through the cravings and difficult times.
Ryan shares how important it was for him to... 1) Educate himself on health and food 2) Find budget friendly options 3) Simplify Eating Well so it wasn't complicated 4) Work daily on his Mindset and 5) Have a community of support.

Join us for an episode each month on Wellness Wisdom as we follow Ryan's health journey.
You can also follow him at 'chargingelephant.blogspot.com' and on his podcast, "The Charging Elephant."
"It takes a Village to Be Healthy"
Ryan shares gratitude for what he has learned, his progress, and for his wife, Linda who has joined him in the journey toward improved health!