Over the last few years, I have put on a few pounds.  While I acknowledge that a lack of self-control coupled with getting older and a slowing metabolism has led to this, I must admit that I was unaware of the most sever consequence.  No, I’m not referencing any typical medical issues with developing a belly.  No, I’m not pregnant, although considering my rotund belly, people are probably concerned when I drink a beer.  No, I’m not even concerned that I occasionally need to purchase some tent sized clothing.  What I am most concerned about is an unintended consequence.  A side effect of life altering proportions is on the horizon.

Considering that I, at times, demonstrate extrovert tendencies, my persona has been described at worst as “flaky.”  Sure flaky is good for some types of cereal, but for a person, it can be bad.  Well, I have adjusted to the “flaky” review and somewhat embraced it.  Sadly, however add a few pounds and a “happy go lucky” personality becomes something much more troublesome than “flaky.”  Yes, my additional weight has put me at high risk for becoming “jolly.”

See, although I have adjusted to “flaky,” under no circumstance do I want to be known as “jolly.”  It is an image that I don’t want associated with me.  Bowls full of jelly and the like.  Yuck.  There has to be a reverse on this bullet train to “jolly.”  “Doctor, don’t hold back.  Tell me the truth.  I fear I have become (gasp!) ‘jolly.’”

So today, I vow to head to the gym.  I vow to exercise.  Sweat.  Run.  I vow to resist that extra snack.  Drink a cup of water.  Take the dog for a walk.  Yep, it all sounds kind of sad, but it is necessary.  Necessary to avoid “jolly.”  There is still time for plenty of good alternatives.  I still have time to embody “cheerful,” “merry,” “good-humored,” or even the thesaurus endorsed “ebullient,” but from this day forward, I vow to head away from “jolly.”