Hi. My name is Barrett Smith, and I'm a "big guy." Funny how people so often use those words to describe me. I know they mean well by it. But so much of me wonders why they don't just say what they are really thinking about me. They don't call me "big guy" cause I've got NBA height, even though I'm above average at 6' 4". They don't call me "big guy" cause I'm the boss, or in charge of anything important. They don't call me "big guy" cause I'm muscular. No. They call me "big guy" cause I'm a fat ass. Children don't have that problem. They say what they think and don't worry about being politically correct. Often I hear children referring to me as "the fat guy." My own daughter has asked me about the baby in my tummy, or laughed at the size of my "boobs." Children tell you like it is and aren't afraid of feelings.
I've never really been into pushing myself physically. In high school, I was a decent soccer player and had no problems playing back to back games on any given Saturday, but I was never one of the faster players on the field. I could play pick up basketball and run the court fine, but I was never going to fake someone out with my quickness. For some reason, I was always ok with that. I never really cared that much to make myself better. Ironically, at the same time, I've always had body image issues. I thought I was fat in high school even though I weighed 100 pounds less than I do now. I never lifted weights and ate whatever I wanted. In fact, the only thing that I took foolish pride in was my ability to eat. Monster two pound cheeseburgers, entire large pizzas, whole cases of soda; whatever I wanted and whenever I wanted it. It definitely all caught up with me.
This past year, when planning a Thanksgiving morning pickup football game, my friends and I thought it necessary to create special rules for the "big guys." We felt it necessary to cater to those who weren't in good shape physically, and to make it friendly to all to play. I was one of the biggest advocates for the "big guy" rules. Then, on game day, shortly after beginning, my hamstring tightened up so much I had a hard time walking back to my car. The game went on without me, and for the first time in a long time, I felt the need to change myself physically.
I want to make sure I'm in the best shape I can be in. Not just for myself, but to make sure that I'm there to take care of them when needed. Able to protect them if the need ever arises. Capable of playing with my daughter and teaching her basketball and golf and able to keep up with her when she gets older. But I'm also tired of being the "big guy." I don't want any more special rules to make sure I can play. I don't want any more kids getting in trouble with their embarrassed parents for stating the truth. I don't want to be the guy that everyone looks to when there is still food on the table and no one wants to take home leftovers. I want to be the guy that helps motivate others to get in shape. The guy with the unbelievable before and after pics. The guy that is always out playing with the kids because he has the stamina and energy to keep up with them. And I want to be the guy on Thanksgiving that people want on their team. I'm ready to change my life forever and become a new type of "big guy."