Today, I would like to discuss why I'm losing weight. A couple of weeks ago, I saw my reflection in the mirror. I didn't like what I saw. The blame is on me for letting myself go.

Having rheumatoid arthritis makes it harder to lose weight for different reasons. For me, it is money and mobility issues. I don't have the extra funds to join a gym. Because of the joint damage, my mobility is limited, and I need to be careful how much I can push my body. Now, living in a world dealing with Covid, so, I'm avoiding crowds.

So, I plugged in my WII video game system and started playing some sports games, but soon realized that I needed more exercise games for my lower body. I found and brought a WII Fit Plus at a good deal. And I love it! 

When I mentioned to other people; I'm trying to lose a few pounds, and their reply is I don't need to lose weight. The clothes that I wear hide my extra pounds and maybe people think I don't need to lose any weight. That is not the case at all.

I have been thinking about that statement lately. I wanted to ask others: don't I deserve a healthy body to the best of my ability? Do you realize I am on a quest to save my joints? Just because I have RA, and why can't I look attractive?

Yes, I deserve to have a healthy body that my circumstances allow. By losing weight and watching my calorie intake, I will lower my high blood pressure, reducing my chances of developing diabetes, reducing my asthma symptoms, and improving my quality of life.

By exercising, I am saving my joints by reducing my weight. The extra weight causes more stress on my joints, preventing the normal wear and tear, and more inflammation produce throughout my body. By losing, weight will reduce the stiffness and soreness in the mornings during the winter months.

Look, I know what my body looks like, and I know how I move because of the limited mobility. Just because I have RA doesn't mean that I am broken. I want to present my best self to the world. Attractiveness means to me by looking my best and feeling great about myself.

When someone tells me I don't need to lose weight, that person is telling me my life has no value because I don't meet society's expectations. 

I should accept it and move on.

I am an intelligent, problem-solver, and creative person that brings value to this world!

It is time for society to stop devaluing people with disabilities and start seeing us for who we are as strong and intelligent individuals!