Friday, January 31, 2020

January 31st, 2020 Back Home

January 31st, 2020 Back Home

Since our last edition, I've maintained the integrity of my food plan boundaries, I've remained refined sugar-free, I've met or exceeded my daily water goal, and I've stayed well connected with exceptional support.

Mom was released from the hospital yesterday. She's back in her room at the nursing home. I wasn't convinced she was ready but I'm not a medical professional. I was agitated because I honestly believe, based on my interactions with mom--and seeing her condition, that the decision was more of an insurance/Medicare/money decision, rather than a "what's best for her" decision. I spoke with people who know more than me on this topic and they confirmed this does happen on occasion. But still, I must let it go and ask, what is true? The truth is, I don't know for sure the issues considered for her release. I will trust she's stable enough for the nursing home to take it from here. I did have a good conversation with the administrator at mom's place (she's amazing-by the way) and they're ready to meet the challenge in whatever needs to be done for mom's care.

Mom did seem more alert and aware yesterday afternoon. Less confusion was a great thing--still some, but a marked improvement. She was able to take several phone calls in her room and even had a visit from her cousin shortly after her return. She even mentioned how she was "glad to be back home." That's a big deal for mom because it's taken her a very long time to refer to where she lives as "home." I made one last trip out to see her last night and had another really good conversation with her nurse. I feel confident that everyone on mom's team is thoroughly aware of her needs right now--so that feels good.

After a better eating schedule for the day before--yesterday was tilted wildly once again in consideration of the schedule. I made it work and I feel okay about it all. I'm currently fasting for blood work later this morning. It's most always a fun thing to see the numbers from those labs because they're dramatically different from what once was.

My morning foundational routine of prayer, meditation, gratitude, positive visualizations, and positive affirmations is complete and my food is planned for today. It's Friday! Thank goodness, right? I hope yours is a fantastic one!

I'm grateful. One day at a time!!

I asked mom if I could have another picture to use on this blog. She agreed and instructed me to make sure you knew how much she appreciates all the prayers and well wishes for her. Mom appreciates your support! As do I! She's expecting another family visit today--and she's looking forward to it very much!

















Do you own an "I'm Choosing Change" wristband? I wear mine daily as a constant reminder of why my daily practice of things is important. I'm not alone, either. This powerful message is worn on the wrists of people in a dozen states, maybe more, I haven't counted--but it's up there!! From New York to California and from Canada all the way to Scotland, they're out there! For me, it's simply a daily reminder to be open, willing, mindful, to pause, and to be intentional. If I'm not those things, I get stuck at the line of least resistance and back there is where the old patterns and behaviors thrive. Your order includes priority shipping so you'll get it quickly! Here's the link to order yours right now: https://imchoosingchange.com/product/wristband/

My website shares a phone number with my podcast, Transformation Planet, and it's always available for you! Have a question? Want to share your story? Leave a voicemail or Text me! 580-491-2228 I'll text you back!

Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Practice, peace, and calm,
Sean

My website: www.imchoosingchange.com

If you're interested in connecting via social media:
I accept friend requests on MyFitnessPal. My daily food logging diary is set to public.
MFP Username: SeanAAnderson
My Twitter: SeanAAnderson
Facebook: www.facebook.com/seananderson505
Instagram: SeanAAnderson
Also--I'd love you to subscribe to my podcast Transformation Planet! You can find it in Apple Podcasts, in the Google Play store for Android, and listed wherever you find your favorite podcasts! If you haven't listened before, you'll find 20 episodes waiting for you!

Questions or comments? Send an email! transformation.road@gmail.com

Thursday, January 30, 2020

January 30th, 2020 Back and Forth

January 30th, 2020 Back and Forth

Since our last edition, I've maintained the integrity of my food plan boundaries, I've remained refined sugar-free, I've met or exceeded my daily water goal, and I've stayed well connected with exceptional support.

It's a back and forth thing with mom's progress. The night before was so promising followed by yesterday's two or three steps back. Clearly, it wasn't a good night for her. The confusion and hallucinations were worse than before minus the fear and panic--that's a positive. She was calmer. She was also speaking of long lost loved ones as if they were alive and well. She even started speaking to me about me, as if I were someone else. It was heartbreaking. Needless to say, she didn't get released yesterday--and she may or may not today unless she's dramatically improved overnight. The way this has gone, she may very well be much better this morning. We'll find out. I hope and pray so.

When I arrived last night she had her bipap on and was sleeping soundly. I didn't disturb her sleep. I hope she remained resting like that the rest of the night. I'll be speaking to her nurse again soon.

I'm doing okay. I don't have time to write a full update at the moment. Suffice to say, I'm doing my best to live the serenity prayer. I'm staying connected with support friends far and near, I'm taking care of my food plan, and my sleep still needs serious work. I did maintain a better eating schedule yesterday, 7:00am, 11:45am, and 6:15pm for mealtimes. That was a vast improvement over several days in the last week that looked more like 10:30am, 4:15pm, and 10:30 or 11pm!

My morning foundational routine is complete. I'm headed to the studio. I'll be in contact with mom's nurse at the hospital and I'll be visiting her soon after I get off the air.

Thank you for your tremendous support in all ways. Your prayers for my mom are appreciated. Please continue. I'm grateful.



Do you own an "I'm Choosing Change" wristband? I wear mine daily as a constant reminder of why my daily practice of things is important. I'm not alone, either. This powerful message is worn on the wrists of people in a dozen states, maybe more, I haven't counted--but it's up there!! From New York to California and from Canada all the way to Scotland, they're out there! For me, it's simply a daily reminder to be open, willing, mindful, to pause, and to be intentional. If I'm not those things, I get stuck at the line of least resistance and back there is where the old patterns and behaviors thrive. Your order includes priority shipping so you'll get it quickly! Here's the link to order yours right now: https://imchoosingchange.com/product/wristband/

My website shares a phone number with my podcast, Transformation Planet, and it's always available for you! Have a question? Want to share your story? Leave a voicemail or Text me! 580-491-2228 I'll text you back!

Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Practice, peace, and calm,
Sean

My website: www.imchoosingchange.com

If you're interested in connecting via social media:
I accept friend requests on MyFitnessPal. My daily food logging diary is set to public.
MFP Username: SeanAAnderson
My Twitter: SeanAAnderson
Facebook: www.facebook.com/seananderson505
Instagram: SeanAAnderson
Also--I'd love you to subscribe to my podcast Transformation Planet! You can find it in Apple Podcasts, in the Google Play store for Android, and listed wherever you find your favorite podcasts! If you haven't listened before, you'll find 20 episodes waiting for you!

Questions or comments? Send an email! transformation.road@gmail.com

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

January 28th, 2020 A Beautiful Smile

January 28th, 2020 A Beautiful Smile

Since our last edition, I've maintained the integrity of my food plan boundaries, I've remained refined sugar-free, I've met or exceeded my daily water goal, and I've stayed well connected with exceptional support.

When I arrived in mom's room today, I found her peacefully sleeping with her bipap mask securely on her face. It was such a blessing to not be greeted with the wide-eyed frantic and frightened looks from her. Normally, I'd go over and try to rouse her with a kiss to the forehead, but I let her be today. She needed as much time on that machine as possible. She didn't have a good night last night. But this morning, they were able to calm her down enough to stop fighting and simply rest. She slept right through breakfast and lunch, resting well into the afternoon. The bipap machine was clearly helping her expel the Co2 from her lungs because by the time I arrived for my evening visit she was awake and calm.

I walked into her room and she smiled. What a beautiful smile. We were able to have a rational conversation. She still has some confusion, but she's able to listen and understand where she is, why she's there, and what they're doing for her. It was wonderful. Prayers answered, for sure. There's certainly more work and recovery to come for her--but this, the fear and panic being lifted from her mind, was a super-blessing.

As long as the Co2 numbers continue to decrease and her kidney function improves, she'll be released back to the nursing home midday tomorrow. She's had quite a rough week.

The diligence in my daily plan practice through this experience with mom continues with consistency. I'm grateful for this in the biggest way. It could have gone either way, honestly. I mean, let's be super-honest--it can go either way any day if I don't do the things that give this practice the structure and support it needs. I tend to play with fire a little too much during times like these. I must admit, I've done that with really poor sleep and a severely tilted eating schedule. In the spirit of progress instead of perfection, I was eating dinner two hours earlier than last night! Hey, that's an improvement!

The compulsive food thoughts from over the weekend seem to have passed. I reached out for support instead of following their lead into the food. I'm also VERY grateful for this. I've personally prepared all my meals of late simply as an extra measure of caution. I'll likely allow my favorite Mexican place to prepare the ingredients for tomorrow evening's dinner--I'll still assemble it on the plate, but that might be a nice break for my food plan. Yeah, I think that'll be part of tomorrow's food plan.

Thank you, Facebook, for helping keep memories alive. It was eight years ago today when my grandma joined me at a book signing for Transformation Road. It's hard to believe it's been eight years. Really?? Yes. Time moves so quickly. I cherish this photo. Grandma has been gone for years and I still miss her telling me, "don't you lose another pound." I still had nearly 100 pounds to go before reaching a healthy weight range when she started saying that each time we were around one another. That phrase, repeated every single time was her way of saying, you're fine--just as you are, always. Grandma always loved me unconditionally regardless of my weight. I always felt that. I also knew she constantly worried about my 500-pound existence and what it was doing or what it would eventually do to me. Having her by my side at that signing January 28th, 2012 made for a very special day. 
January 28th, 2012

 













I haven't promoted the next session of the private, small, and exclusive support group I facilitate quite as much this past week for obvious reasons. I've mentioned it a couple of times, shared some testimonials--but mostly, I've resigned myself to having a smaller group for the next two months. The next session of weekly group coaching conference calls starts tomorrow and Thursday. If you've thought about joining this exclusive support team, I'd love the opportunity to personally mentor you through the process of creating your very own daily plan practice. All of us on the team would love the opportunity to support you through your transformation! If you want more information about how it works and the fee, simply email me as soon as possible: transformation.road@gmail.com

I can't thank you enough for all of the prayers and positive energy generated for my mom in the last week. The outpouring of support has been a tremendous blessing. Thank you, again and again. Also, a big thank you to everyone reaching out to me to see how I was doing! Your concern helped in powerful ways.

If she's released, Picking up mom tomorrow will be a beautiful thing. I really wasn't sure if that was happening this time.






Do you own an "I'm Choosing Change" wristband? I wear mine daily as a constant reminder of why my daily practice of things is important. I'm not alone, either. This powerful message is worn on the wrists of people in a dozen states, maybe more, I haven't counted--but it's up there!! From New York to California and from Canada all the way to Scotland, they're out there! For me, it's simply a daily reminder to be open, willing, mindful, to pause, and to be intentional. If I'm not those things, I get stuck at the line of least resistance and back there is where the old patterns and behaviors thrive. Your order includes priority shipping so you'll get it quickly! Here's the link to order yours right now: https://imchoosingchange.com/product/wristband/

My website shares a phone number with my podcast, Transformation Planet, and it's always available for you! Have a question? Want to share your story? Leave a voicemail or Text me! 580-491-2228 I'll text you back!

Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Practice, peace, and calm,
Sean

My website: www.imchoosingchange.com

If you're interested in connecting via social media:
I accept friend requests on MyFitnessPal. My daily food logging diary is set to public.
MFP Username: SeanAAnderson
My Twitter: SeanAAnderson
Facebook: www.facebook.com/seananderson505
Instagram: SeanAAnderson
Also--I'd love you to subscribe to my podcast Transformation Planet! You can find it in Apple Podcasts, in the Google Play store for Android, and listed wherever you find your favorite podcasts! If you haven't listened before, you'll find 20 episodes waiting for you!

Questions or comments? Send an email! transformation.road@gmail.com

Monday, January 27, 2020

January 27th, 2020 Taking A Toll

January 27th, 2020 Taking A Toll

Since our last edition, I've maintained the integrity of my food plan boundaries, I've remained refined sugar-free, I've met or exceeded my daily water goal, and I've stayed well connected with exceptional support.

The challenges mom is facing right now are taking a toll on her. She remains in the hospital. Just today, they moved her from the critical care unit to a regular room. Four things are happening: A bad UTI, too much co2 in her lungs, reduced kidney function, and an excessive buildup of digoxin (heart medication) in her system. Three of these four things can and often create hallucinations, severe brain fog, and dementia-like symptoms. Mom isn't herself right now. She's angry, combative, non-cooperative, and mostly, she's scared because she doesn't understand what's going on. Her frustration level came out tonight when she was trying to formulate words and couldn't. She screamed, "I can't speak!!" Keep in mind, I can count on two hands how many times in my life I've heard my mom scream.

I've never seen her like this. She's recently ripped out her IV, tried to rip out other things attached to her, and she's thrown her breakfast across the room. This isn't her. I sincerely hope and pray it isn't dementia. As soon as these issues clear, she may very well go back to being her regular self. I've been handling things in a fairly calm way until she started begging and pleading for me not to leave her bedside. That was almost too much. It was again earlier tonight.

The doctor said she'll remain hospitalized until her kidney function numbers get back into an acceptable range. Hopefully, the treatments they're following for the other three things start making a profound positive impact as well.

Your prayers, thoughts, positive energy--whatever you can spare, is greatly appreciated.

As for me, I'm getting by. I'm doing my best to take good care. I'm definitely not getting enough sleep, my meal plan schedule is tilted most days, and I'm feeling emotionally vulnerable most of the time. My intentional actions in response to all this have been to stay in even more contact with incredible support friends, personally preparing all of my meals (I don't know why--but for whatever reason, the weighing and measuring everything gives me some kind of secure feeling--hence the temporary hold on dining out), and taking some time off from work. I must say, my colleagues at the radio station have been super-supportive--and the owner of the company has been above and beyond generous with the time I've needed to take care of things in order to be there for mom and to be here for me, too.
A fairly recent photo of mom and me



















In the meantime, I'll spend a little more time devoted to my morning foundational routine of prayer, meditation, gratitude, positive visualizations, and positive affirmations--and I'll do my best to remain extra diligent in my daily practice of things that help keep me well.









Do you own an "I'm Choosing Change" wristband? I wear mine daily as a constant reminder of why my daily practice of things is important. I'm not alone, either. This powerful message is worn on the wrists of people in a dozen states, maybe more, I haven't counted--but it's up there!! From New York to California and from Canada all the way to Scotland, they're out there! For me, it's simply a daily reminder to be open, willing, mindful, to pause, and to be intentional. If I'm not those things, I get stuck at the line of least resistance and back there is where the old patterns and behaviors thrive. Your order includes priority shipping so you'll get it quickly! Here's the link to order yours right now: https://imchoosingchange.com/product/wristband/

My website shares a phone number with my podcast, Transformation Planet, and it's always available for you! Have a question? Want to share your story? Leave a voicemail or Text me! 580-491-2228 I'll text you back!

Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Practice, peace, and calm,
Sean

My website: www.imchoosingchange.com

If you're interested in connecting via social media:
I accept friend requests on MyFitnessPal. My daily food logging diary is set to public.
MFP Username: SeanAAnderson
My Twitter: SeanAAnderson
Facebook: www.facebook.com/seananderson505
Instagram: SeanAAnderson
Also--I'd love you to subscribe to my podcast Transformation Planet! You can find it in Apple Podcasts, in the Google Play store for Android, and listed wherever you find your favorite podcasts! If you haven't listened before, you'll find 20 episodes waiting for you!

Questions or comments? Send an email! transformation.road@gmail.com