ABOUT DR. TERRI A. SIMMONS, ECE

 For 40 years, I lived with private anguish while publicly appearing unfazed by my 300-pound frame. The moment of realization struck while watching boxing—I weighed more than Mike Tyson, the heavyweight champion of the world. This jarring insight marked my turning point, and I knew I needed to initiate change.

However, transitioning from simply portraying happiness to actively seeking personal growth took years. 

True transformation began years later when I embarked on a journey of facing my childhood traumas and incorporating micro-habits. Instead of attempting drastic overhauls, I adopted small, manageable changes—daily habits that gradually reshaped my mindset and lifestyle. This methodical approach did more than help me lose weight; it fundamentally altered my entire life, progressively transforming me through consistent, incremental habits.

 I was traveling for a network marketing convention in Atlanta when I encountered a profoundly embarrassing moment—I couldn't fasten my seatbelt on the plane. As the strap failed to meet around my body, the woman in front of me requested a seatbelt extension. Determined not to do the same, I managed to fasten the belt by uncomfortably lifting my belly, enduring discomfort throughout the flight to Atlanta. In that moment, I resolved never to experience that again.

Upon returning home, despite my strong declaration, I struggled to take action. It wasn't until years later when I embraced the concept of the micro-habit journey that I began to see a path forward. Rather than drastic, overwhelming changes, I started with small, achievable adjustments to my daily routine. These included walking for a few minutes each day, swapping out one unhealthy snack for a healthier option, and setting regular reminders to stand and stretch. These micro-habits gradually built a foundation that transformed my approach to weight loss and health, steering me away from the pain of that flight and towards a healthier, more comfortable life.

I remember standing in my closet on Sunday mornings, faced with only "tents" as outfit options for church service. The decision between the orange tent with red dots or the red tent with white stripes often left me in tears. My other clothes were nearly unwearable, with buttons straining to their limits. It was clear I needed to make a change, but what could I do when diets had repeatedly failed me?

It was years before I discovered the power of the micro-habit journey. Instead of overwhelming myself with restrictive diets that never worked, I began implementing small, manageable changes to my daily routine. These micro-habits—like choosing healthier snacks, taking short walks, and practicing mindfulness—gradually led to sustainable weight loss and a deeper sense of well-being. It isn't just about shedding pounds; it's about transforming my life one small step at a time, leading to lasting change.

I once mustered the courage to tackle a water slide during a cruise, carrying my 300-pound self to the top after a daunting climb. As I took my turn, I positioned myself, crossed my arms, and braced for the thrill—only to find myself stuck. The water couldn’t propel me forward; I was simply too heavy for its flow. A line quickly formed behind me, and as I struggled to scoot down, my skin clung to the slide’s sides, immobilizing me further. The situation was humiliating, with onlookers making disparaging remarks. It was an absolutely terrible experience.

That mortifying moment became a catalyst for change. I decided to embark on a micro-habit journey, focusing on small, incremental changes in my daily routine. I started with simple habits like drinking more water, taking short walks, and gradually increasing my physical activity. Each small habit was a step towards a bigger goal, transforming a painful memory into a motivational force. This journey of micro-habits didn't just aim to reduce my weight—it was about reclaiming my confidence and joy in life’s simple pleasures, like enjoying a water slide without fear.

 In my desperation for weight loss, I turned to pills prescribed by my doctor that blocked the absorption of fats and oils from the foods I ate. However, I soon discovered an embarrassing side effect: the unabsorbed oils left noticeable stains wherever I sat. To manage this, I resorted to wearing adult diapers, which back then were lined with plastic and made a conspicuous "Swish! Swish! Swish!" sound as I moved. One Sunday morning, after giving my offering at church, the noise of my movement was unmistakable. Feeling mortified, I didn't return to my seat; instead, I walked straight out the door and headed to my car, vowing never to take those pills again.

This experience was a turning point. I realized I needed a more sustainable and less embarrassing approach to weight loss. Not to many years later did I discover and embrace my micro-habit journey. Once I understood it, I started with small, practical changes, like incorporating more vegetables into my meals, taking daily walks, and practicing mindful eating. These changes weren’t just about losing weight—they were about creating a healthier lifestyle step by step, without the need for drastic or humiliating solutions. Gradually, these micro-habits led to lasting changes, helping me regain control over my health in a dignified and sustainable way.

  The final straw came during a car ride with family members. Once again, I was unable to buckle the seatbelt; it just wouldn't fit around me. We had an hour's drive to dinner, and throughout the ride, I was overwhelmed with frustration and disgust at my situation. When we arrived at the restaurant and I was hurrying out of the car, one family member commented on my outfit, joking, "Oh, I see you've been to Omar the Tent-Maker again!" followed by a loud laugh. I felt so humiliated, wishing I could just disappear.

That day, I firmly decided: I needed to change. The 300 pounds had to go. But instead of looking for quick fixes, I committed to this micro-habit journey. I started with small, manageable changes that I could consistently apply every day. This included using a smaller plate for meals to reduce portion sizes, taking daily 15-minute walks, and choosing water over sugary drinks. Each micro-habit was a step towards a healthier lifestyle, not just a lower number on the scale. Gradually, these habits build on one another, transforming my health and boosting my confidence. This approach turned moments of deep embarrassment into the catalyst for a sustainable transformation.