Monday, March 20, 2017

March 20th, 2017 On Missing Richard Simmons

March 20th, 2017 On Missing Richard Simmons

It was probably during the summertime, must have been, because I remember watching The Richard Simmons Show with mom every time it was on. Mom was in her mid 30's and in the process of losing 100 pounds--and she worked out with Richard's show. I might have jumped in a time or two, but honestly, I don't remember. What I do remember is being absolutely touched by someone so sensitive, compassionate, empathetic, and loving. There was a genuineness about Richard that reached through our television set and made an impact on me. A very important impact.

When he called me in June of 2009--it was surreal. We talked for twelve and a half minutes. It was the greatest thing. He was simply encouraging me. And although I was one of probably fifty calls like that for him on that day--he gave his time and asked questions, and I'll never forget the experience.

I've always had a profound admiration for Richard--someone who's truly devoted his entire life to spreading hope, inspiration, and smiles--plenty of smiles!!

We only spoke once and exchanged five or six emails over the years, the most recent, right before he withdrew from the spotlight. It was right before I started my turnaround from relapse/regain. I explained where I found myself--and he replied, in signature fashion:

I AM VERY VERY PROUD OF YOU..................WE ARE ALL HUMAN SEAN.............JUST ENCOURAGE OTHER ....FROM YOUR HEART................
LOVE,
RICHARD

I just finished the podcast phenomenon known as Missing Richard Simmons. It's a six-episode series--and it's available wherever you find your favorite podcasts. It immediately shot to number 1 on the podcast charts. Filmmaker Dan Taberski presents an in-depth quest to find out why Richard just walked away--from everything and everyone, except a few people.

Kathleen Miles, my partner in Sean and Kathleen's Weight Loss Support Groups, is featured regularly on Missing Richard Simmons. Kathleen was very close with Richard, even worked alongside him during TV appearances and on infomercials.

There were times throughout the listening experience--I didn't like what I was hearing. But ultimately, Dan Taberski brought it home--brought it down to what matters most...and without being a spoiler to anyone who hasn't listened, I'll just say-- it wasn't how I thought this podcast series would end, but I felt better about it all, somehow.

And this is coming from me--someone who never met Richard face to face---and I still feel a sense of loss. That's how Richard touched people--all over the world. There are thousands and thousands of people like me who felt some kind of special connection despite never meeting Richard. I can't imagine how it must be for Dan, Kathleen--and so many others who knew him personally and became close.

I typically don't cry when someone I didn't know personally passes--(okay-I did with John Candy and Johnny Carson) and Richard is alive--very much, and I hope Richard has another thirty years--but when it comes, if I'm still here--I know I'll shed a tear.

There will never be another Richard Simmons. He was the epitome of "one of a kind." 

Today: I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget, I remained refined sugar-free, I exceeded my daily water goal, I stayed well connected with great support, and I worked out at the YMCA tonight.

It was good--

I'll go for another one like today, tomorrow.

Letting the Tweets take it the rest of the way...

Today's Accountability Tweets:








































Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
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1 comment:

  1. VickieMarch 21, 2017 at 2:56 PM

    Dr Marty Lerner - Episode 7
    Still catching up on your podcasts.
    Dr Lerner is sort of a MUST LISTEN.
    He said a lot of things that I have thought for years.
    He explained things that I have wondered about but could not really articulate. Really good interview. I like your technique of gentle/intelligent questions, but letting the guest use most of the time.

    ReplyDelete

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