Sunday, April 26, 2020

April 26th, 2020 I'm A Lucky Guy

April 26th, 2020 I'm A Lucky Guy

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 brain is fascinating. I didn't start having ear pain until I was diagnosed with a double ear infection. It's like my brain said, "Oh yeah, right--almost forgot. I've been kind of busy with all this other crap. Here's some ear pain for ya. Good luck, dude." 

Yesterday was rough. Some fever, throat pain, and ear pain--all of it playing together like a three-piece band with each stepping forward for an occasional solo while the others played rhythm. I slept a lot. After a solid night's rest, it seems Strep Fever & The Boys have loaded out. No symptoms so far. Maybe Day 4 on the meds is the magic day. Otherwise, I'm doing well.

I do my best to extend love and kindness to others but I sometimes have a difficult time fully accepting love and kindness. I'm a thinker and armchair philosopher. Always have been. Many of my personal revelations aren't anything new to the world, just new to me. Often, I must stop talking and writing in order to simply watch and listen. I'm always open to learning. I do believe our capacity to accept love mirrors our level of self-love. But I digress, and I'll leave that topic for my therapist.

One thing is for sure, I'm tremendously grateful for the love and kindness extended to me lately. It's been a Godsend. The calls, messages, emails, the offers to get me things I need, the "hey, how are you doing right now?" check-ins--wonderful and beautiful connections, for sure. A friend of mine shipped me a thermometer after I mentioned how this area's stock of thermometers was completely gone. Yesterday, an ex-girlfriend, who, by the way, is graduating from college with honors next month (congrats Kelly!!!!) and her incredibly awesome husband drove 90 miles to deliver the best freshly prepared Mexican chicken soup in the world plus a few needed grocery items. They also enjoyed a hike at one of our scenic lakes while they were in the area. If that sounds strange, it isn't really--our post-relationship friendship is firmly grounded in mutual respect and genuine happiness for one another. Not every breakup goes in that direction, but that one and a few others have--and it's always a blessing, for sure.

I'm a lucky guy. Strep and a double ear infection in the middle of this COVID-19 global pandemic is a very fortunate thing. I have medicine that'll kick it and I'm feeling well enough to compose this post today. Reading about what other people are going through right now is simply heartbreaking. I pray that we all, as a society, continue to be diligent in these new and necessary practices designed to help keep us well. Wearing a mask in public only feels weird until you notice most everyone else is also wearing a mask. Two months ago or less, seeing someone wearing a mask in public might be cause for alarm, like, hey-are they robbing this place? But now it's a public health safety precaution. My mask was gifted to me by a colleague. It was her only one. I felt bad in accepting it, but she assured me she'd get another one.



















Mom is doing very well lately. The nursing home is taking exceptional care of her in so many ways. When we spoke yesterday, she was super excited about the parade scheduled for Monday morning at 10:30am. The nursing home is planning to safely assemble the residents outside, properly distanced, for a big parade of loved ones to drive through, honk, wave, blow kisses, and whatever else we can do to remind them how much they're loved and missed through this exceptional and unprecedented period we're living through. Mom asked, will you be here for that? I wouldn't miss it for the world. Of course, I'll be there.

My morning routine was complete this morning. I'm feeling so much better and I have several things on my to-do list for today, but none in the "too-much" category. I plan to take my meds, prepare a meal or two, do some apartment cleaning, have a few reach-out calls and several reach-out texts, take a nap at some point, and a few other things. The plan of action for today is subject to change, of course. We'll see how it goes.

Thank you for reading and your tremendous support. It's immensely appreciated.










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. 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, April 23, 2020

April 23rd, 2020 The Reader's Digest Version

April 23rd, 2020 The Reader's Digest Version

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.

A lot has happened in the short time since our last edition. I'll try to convey the Reader's Digest version. I developed a fever Sunday night and by Monday, other symptoms started emerging enough to freak me out. The fever and breathing difficulty was enough to get me screened and tested for COVID-19 on Monday, shortly after my morning show. They told me 1-4 days for the results, luckily it was only 2 days. The call yesterday morning with a negative test result was a big relief. The two days of not knowing were brutal--I made it that way by my uncontrollable urge to Google every symptom and story I could find about the virus. The rational side of my brain kept screaming "don't!!!!" --But I just kept on until I was convinced of some super dark outcomes.

What I failed to acknowledge in my narrow-focused obsessive perspective was how my symptoms were also symptoms of other things, like flu or bronchitis. I have a via video doctor's appointment this afternoon and I'm sure he'll be able to prescribe me something to help kick this stuff. I don't have to leave my apartment--I'll do the appointment here in my apartment, he'll send the prescriptions to the pharmacy, and they'll deliver 'em to my door. Easy.

I've been doing my radio show from home, 100%, since Tuesday morning. It's going fairly well so far. I'll likely finish the week this way and try to get as much rest and medicine as possible between now and Monday before returning to the studio.

I'm full of gratitude this morning. The incredible outpouring of prayers, messages of support, and more have been a major blessing--above and beyond anything I could have imagined. I'm grateful my test was negative but I know there are many people, every day, facing positive test results and going through the very real challenges of trying to make it through their infection. My prayers are with them this morning.

Mom is doing fine lately, despite my blunder of telling her I was awaiting test results. That sent her spinning as much or more than me. She may not have access to Google searches but she watches a lot of television. She was the first call I made after the negative test result. She was so happy to hear that news.

I cannot say enough positive things about Ponca Nursing and Rehab. They're taking extraordinary care of mom. Their response to this crisis has been and continues to be exceptional. More than just keeping the residents as safe as possible in a medical way, they're creating activities and events to help keep everyone positive and smiling through the challenges. On Monday morning, they're planning a parade of cars, where family members can drive through and honk, wave, and simply show support--to let them know, they're on our minds and in our hearts, always. I plan on being there for that event.

My oldest daughter located a couple of "lost" before pictures the other day. I didn't think any more existed that I hadn't seen, but I was wrong. It was fun to see those.
Based on the shirt, I think this is after losing 100 pounds in 2004


















At my heaviest, without a doubt





















I've made a few subtle changes to my food plan over the last few days. I'm mainly keeping it fairly light and making sure I'm getting plenty of vitamin C. I'm also taking zinc and vitamin D on recommendation from a few friends.

My morning foundational routine was complete first thing this morning. The time I devote to that mental/emotional/spiritual renewal each morning makes the biggest positive impact on me. Prayer, meditation, gratitude list, positive visualizations, and affirmations, they're all there for me each morning, helping create a measure of peace, calm, and stability. It's never perfect (see insane Google searching above) but hey, I'm human. The important thing, in my opinion, is, it's consistent. I will continue connecting with good support friends as well.

Okay--it's off to the makeshift studio in my spare bedroom. I have a show to do, in my pajamas and without the slightest care and attention to my hair. :) Thank you for reading. Please, be safe and take care of you and yours.

Update Thursday evening: I had a video doctor's appointment before the doc sent me to the clinic for testing and labs. I tested positive for strep throat and I have a bad double ear infection. Both of which explain the fever. Prescribed a Z-Pack and a prescription for a heavy-duty cough suppressant. Strep and double ear infection are the two main culprits of this crud. That's all good news.































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My first attempt at creating a chicken soup without using a recipe. I just started throwing things in the pot. Not bad. Didn’t need a couple of the things- but I learned. Created a recipe in MFP divided by four servings. I measured out four of these bowls from the pot. Counting this as two servings since I loaded it with ingredients for this first bowl. Everything in the pot: 8.1oz boneless/skinless chicken thighs, 170g diced red potato, 74g finely diced red onion, 3.7oz sliced baby portobello mushrooms, 125g whole kernel corn, 121g green beans, 30g sour cream and 3 tablespoons half & half. Could have done without those last two ingredients. It didn’t make it “creamy,” it just made it weird. #dailypractice #foodplan #kitchenexperiment #weighandmeasure MFP says 1 serving is 171 cal. I logged 2 servings for dinner and it totals 341 cal. Must have been 170.5 per serving. Interesting. :) Fun fun!
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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. 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





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