When John “Tiny” Likely took a job at a fast food franchise Zaxby's at a weight of nearly 500 pounds, he could have never imagined how it would change his life. His incredible story of determination and transformation is one everyone should hear.
Likely had spent the better majority of his life in a body that was vastly overweight — even as a small child. "Being a child not even able to fit in my desk — that's one of the stories I tell you now, where I never got in trouble or anything, but I've always been in prison," he says, referring to the mental and emotional toll of being bullied and ridiculed for his weight. "Being 7, 8 years old, when you walk into your classroom and they got a special desk there because you can't fit in everyone — everyone's always looking at you because you are different." He adds, "It was absolute torture."
So when he started as an employee at Zaxby's, a restaurant known for its fried foods, few expected what would soon unfold. Saddened by the difficultly Likely had in completely routine daily tasks, his team of co-workers set out to help him take control. Yahoo! News reports that his manager and franchise owner set him up with a gym membership and nutrition plan — that was 19 months ago. Today, Likely has shed 260 pounds and flexes a muscle-tone arm for the camera, a gesture of pride and inspiration.
Now, Likely hopes to inspire others with his message of affirmation. "Tiny, who is at 239 pounds, feels like he can honestly fly," he says. "If you're ever going through that struggle and you think you can't do something, think about Tiny. If Tiny can do this, you can do this."
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