amysuds’s BodyBlog

This is probably the most often asked question to me outside of this site. My friends, family and neighbors sometimes just don’t understand. Why do I put myself through this? How do I not pig out at the neighborhood BBQ? For me, it goes way back in my life….all stemming around my work ethic. There is no "big head" syndrome in me writing this. I want to share more about me.

It all started when I was 13 years old. I worked on a tobacco farm where I spent the day tying up tobacco plants to a line and getting completely filthy everyday. As soon as I was shown how to tie, I went like a bat outta hell. I was working on a peace work deal( paid for how many rows I tied) and was able to make a few hundred dollars a week. Way back then, it was alot of money. I would fly by everyone..in my own little world, just competing against myself. I wanted to see just how much I could do. This love of hard work followed me into a retail job where I started out as a stocking clerk and worked my way up to assistant store manager. I loved to work all night, unloading trucks and packing out freight. As a manager, it hurt me a little. My reviews would be great..except that some of my bosses felt as though I did too much physical work instead of more time managing the business. But, the people working for me respected me much more…we were a team. When stuff had to get done, I was the salaried employee working 15 hours some days. I lead by example..if I could bust my butt, so could most everyone else.. And they usually did.

I worked for almost 10 years at this same job. I then decided it would be best to stay at home and be there to raise my younger children. I wasn’t able to do that years ago with my now older children…I needed the money. Part of my problem with depression had to do with self esteem. I felt like I hadn’t figured out what I was good at, and well into my thirties. As I began working out, I realized my work ethic was helping me tremendously. I could get in "my alone zone", and really push and challenge myself like I used to. Now that I am competing….the work challenge to beat my goals is the driving force. It is not so much winning..it never has been that way with me. I work hard because I love it. When I am at home, I go non stop. I enjoy seeing how much I can get done in a day. I would rather iron clothes than watch tv. I get antsy sitting still. This is one thing my hubby and I have in common…probably what brought us together initally. He has the same passion for any job he tackles. There is never a short cut with him.

My hubby said to me the other day…"Amy, I remember a lady years ago tell me she wasn’t really good at anything." " Look at you now." "Live your dream Amy". I finally found what it is that makes me feel good on the inside. I have the drive to do anything possible to keep going.

So that’s a little more about me….I leave you with this quote that my hubby uses all the time. It is from The Shawshank Redemption movie (which is one of the best ever). "you can get busy livin’ or get busy dying…"

This entry was posted on Monday, May 25th, 2009 at 10:09 am and is filed under Other. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.