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Michael Galli’s Story
September 2001 through 2006
"Is it really possible to eat yourself to death? I hoped so. Killing me with food would be an easier way to die than driving my car into a stone wall. Yet, every night on my way home from work, I would contemplate how fast I would have to be going to make sure that I would die. Knowing my luck, I would end up paralyzed because I drive such a safe car.
After my wife left me on September 10, 2001, I spiraled into a deeper and darker depression that only led to increased eating and the total loss of desire to do anything to help myself. I also was struggling in my relationships at work, and I only knew feelings of worthlessness.
During a yearly physical exam, my doctor asked me how I had been feeling. I responded that I was doing great at work and was making more money than I ever thought possible. She told me how happy she was for me and my good fortune shortly before congratulating me on being able to afford a really nice casket. She said that if I did not do something about my weight, I would be dead within a year. While most people would be startled by the news of a quickly approaching death, I was actually quite relieved. You see, I hated my life and I wanted out. I was almost 500 lbs, my wife had recently left me, and I hated my job. Why would anyone want to stick around and deal with this painful and worthless life?
Over time, I started taking painkillers to aid my aching joints. While they seemed to help the pain, I began toying with the idea of taking more pills to stop the pain for good. As I was questioning the purpose of my life, my thoughts were interrupted by the phone. My business consultant, Stephen McGhee, cheerfully said hello and asked how I was doing. At first I attempted to mimic his happy tone and pretended that I was feeling great. Of course, he didn’t believe me for a second. Stephen began asking me question after question, which eventually led to the first “real” conversation I had had in quite a while. I told Stephen about my conversation with my doctor, and after some time on the phone Stephen engaged me in a conversation that saved my life.
After admitting that I did not really want to die, I realized how scared and lonely I truly felt. I was afraid that I did not have the inner strength to make the necessary changes to help myself. In a few words from Stephen, my life went from bleak to believable. This conversation created the necessary shift that saved my life. Stephen asked me what I was willing to do to live, and I replied with relief “Anything.” He repeated back to me my words and asked me if he accurately understood me that I was “willing to do anything to live.” I boldly exclaimed, “Yes!” At that moment, my life changed. Affirming to Stephen and myself that I wanted to live and was willing to do anything to save my own life, I felt a physical shift in my body. Everything clicked into place.
Since our conversation on that day in 2002, Stephen has reminded me often of my exclamation of being willing to do ANYTHING to save my life. Th is has led to many changes. Three months after our conversation, I quit my job, sold everything and moved to another state to begin my weight release process. I have since released over 320 lbs!
I now realize that I have the power to create the life that I want and deserve. I eat healthy and take care of myself. I am also self-employed and love what I do. I have surrounded myself with loving and supportive friends, and I can honestly say that I love my life. I feel so blessed to have created this second chance at life, and I am looking forward to my second trip to Argentina and Chile where I will raft in Class IV & V rapids, climb beautiful mountains, and swim in glacier-filled lakes. My life keeps getting better and better!
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