tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126474537687051974.post9081706787527720496..comments2024-02-16T23:48:54.987-06:00Comments on The Daily Diary of a Winning Loser: August 4th, 2014 Exposing The Fallacy of The Alternate Reality I Believed Existed or Simply, Swim Day!Sean Andersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07973189725254566966noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126474537687051974.post-31946982457263360412014-08-06T05:22:53.593-05:002014-08-06T05:22:53.593-05:00Katrin-- Thank you!! Isn't it the most wonderf...Katrin-- Thank you!! Isn't it the most wonderful feeling when terrified turns to relaxed? Just fantastic, Katrin! Did it inspire you to do it more? I'm wanting to quickly do it again and again--almost like if I don't, I'll forget that it felt so good!Sean Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07973189725254566966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126474537687051974.post-37670908646260572982014-08-06T03:48:03.857-05:002014-08-06T03:48:03.857-05:00I am so so impressed by what you did. I also wen...I am so so impressed by what you did. I also went into a public swimming pool about 5 years back at my highest weight. I was terrified but the world didn't end. Yes, I was uncomfortable for the first little while but soon felt better.<br /><br />Bravo Sean!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126474537687051974.post-70627602884099358362014-08-05T23:13:50.452-05:002014-08-05T23:13:50.452-05:00Oh, Wendy-- I very much appreciate you. Your persp...Oh, Wendy-- I very much appreciate you. Your perspective and experience has always been incredibly enlightening. Even when you've shared things with me over the years that were tough to process, I've appreciated the challenge. Your lifelong experience with your legs and knees--and that nasty remark that's echoed since, tells me you understand completely. It also gives me perspective of gratitude. I can't imagine the pain you've experienced over the years. Thank you for sharing this piece of your story and the experience. <br />Wendy--I agree, we're not taking it anymore!!!!!! Go, Wendy, GO!!!Sean Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07973189725254566966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126474537687051974.post-21362617585309942292014-08-05T23:04:19.645-05:002014-08-05T23:04:19.645-05:00Retta, thank you! I'm already planning regular...Retta, thank you! I'm already planning regular return trips. I loved it--so wonderful!! It was a big hurdle. I feel a little more complete as a person... does that make sense? Like it was a missing piece of sorts. <br />When you visit this blog, I hope you take tremendous pride in the design--because I LOVE IT!!! You did an amazing job here, Retta. I can't thank you enough! :)Sean Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07973189725254566966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126474537687051974.post-26139169690818403312014-08-05T23:00:43.550-05:002014-08-05T23:00:43.550-05:00Nancy, thank you!! HUGE AHA's--yes, YES!! I...Nancy, thank you!! HUGE AHA's--yes, YES!! I'm glad you appreciate the food pics--I can't seem to remember why I hesitated to include them in the first place--but I'm glad I did. I suppose it was because so many people were telling me they didn't do twitter. Sean Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07973189725254566966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126474537687051974.post-24391004183486476062014-08-05T22:57:33.380-05:002014-08-05T22:57:33.380-05:00Gerri, you're gonna make me get all emotional!...Gerri, you're gonna make me get all emotional! Loved the story with you and David...beautiful, indeed. Thank you Gerri! Never be the same, is right.Sean Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07973189725254566966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126474537687051974.post-11760527546810669802014-08-05T22:57:17.409-05:002014-08-05T22:57:17.409-05:00Gerri--you--you're gonna make me all emotional...Gerri--you--you're gonna make me all emotional!! Loved the story of you and David. Never be the same, is right. Powerful stuff.Sean Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07973189725254566966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126474537687051974.post-5110871121932532712014-08-05T22:53:01.382-05:002014-08-05T22:53:01.382-05:00Thank you Helen--it does take work---yes, totally ...Thank you Helen--it does take work---yes, totally worth the effort though. When the authentic reality shatters the previous perception--it unleashes this ripple effect that I doubt can be undone...This will forever resonate in my life. Can't wait to get back in the water!!Sean Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07973189725254566966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126474537687051974.post-23815362870630355122014-08-05T22:49:30.393-05:002014-08-05T22:49:30.393-05:00Nikki-- that other guy--it was one of the most per...Nikki-- that other guy--it was one of the most perfectly timed, yet totally random things I've ever witnessed. I don't know if it came through the video--but I was genuinely scared before going out there-- and literally, at the very same moment I hit stop on the video--He walked right past, grabbed the door and made his way to the hot tub...and later the pool, I noticed. I so badly needed to see him do that--and it couldn't have been planned more precise. I'm still in awe of how that happened. He instantly, in a micro-second had my: Attention, respect and admiration--and I wanted to be like him...So I was. And he never knew he was a major part of this--totally oblivious to the wonderful gift of example he gave me in that moment. Dad was an awesome sport--totally unsolicited, it just showed up in my text messages recently. Love that guy.Sean Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07973189725254566966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126474537687051974.post-11808991704145333102014-08-05T22:40:29.937-05:002014-08-05T22:40:29.937-05:00I read your post on Spark People--oh, wow!! It was...I read your post on Spark People--oh, wow!! It was incredible!! You're right--it is very hard to do--But I'll confirm this, for me--once was all it took--breaking through that barrier was needed--and now, I'm planning on making swimming a regular part of my exercise plan. That was my favorite part of your blog post--at the end when you decided next time to join them. I hope you will!Sean Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07973189725254566966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126474537687051974.post-69767720441197787992014-08-05T22:37:45.817-05:002014-08-05T22:37:45.817-05:00PJ, it was a GIANT leap, for sure--and you're ...PJ, it was a GIANT leap, for sure--and you're right, I chose to not take it during my initial weight loss. It's like finding a missing puzzle piece. Thank you PJ!Sean Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07973189725254566966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126474537687051974.post-32900604511025730322014-08-05T22:35:47.698-05:002014-08-05T22:35:47.698-05:00Thank you Natalie. :)Thank you Natalie. :)Sean Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07973189725254566966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126474537687051974.post-2845881576021452412014-08-05T22:34:09.625-05:002014-08-05T22:34:09.625-05:00Never told I look like him! I'll take that as ...Never told I look like him! I'll take that as a compliment, Becky, thank you! It felt incredible. The sensation of floating weightlessly is a thrill.Sean Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07973189725254566966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126474537687051974.post-15916149465017620452014-08-05T14:19:04.351-05:002014-08-05T14:19:04.351-05:00Bravo, Sean! This was something you needed to do a...Bravo, Sean! This was something you needed to do and kudos to you for overcoming your fear and long-standing trauma.<br /><br />Despite the many surgical scars I have (including a fairly new, very long and still quite pink scar on my knee) and the extra weight I've carried my whole life, I have never let that stop me from going to the pool. <br /><br />However...I remember a few years ago I went on a cruise (for work, lucky me!) with a colleague who used to be a fashion model in Europe. I'm short and roundish and she's tall and painfully, fashion-model thin. The thought of her seeing my chubby legs and puffy knees was so difficult for me to accept that I spent way too much money on a plain back wrap to wear over my bathing suit. In the end, I never saw her by the pool and I spent the money for nothing.<br /><br />I too also had a difficult experience as a child that has marked me to this day. One day, when I was very young, someone remarked nastily about the fact that I had knock-knees. Yes, I do and I now know that they looked/look even worse because of a barbaric medical treatment that I underwent as a young child to "correct" being pigeon-toed. In fact, this procedure led me directly to a knee replacement 50 years later (my surgeon told me that he's seeing lots of "bars and boots" kids coming in for knee replacements when they reach their 50s). <br /><br />Ever since that time, I have hated my legs. In fact, I have always felt that I could even accept being heavier, if only I had shapely legs and nice knees. <br /><br />It's terrible how a single nasty sentence can affect one's life forever more.<br /><br />Well, my friend, we're not taking it anymore!<br /><br />Go, Sean, go! (And me too!)NewMehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11172571318565002724noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126474537687051974.post-71155998505528705012014-08-05T13:54:52.030-05:002014-08-05T13:54:52.030-05:00I'm sooo happy for you. I understand, I really...I'm sooo happy for you. I understand, I really do. This brought back memories of my first pool outing in public, a YMCA pool, in a real swimsuit, in many many years. It was a few years ago, and I was still 394 pounds. It took a LOT of positive self-talk!! But once done, I was so glad I did it, and proud of that accomplishment, that huge hurdle. If I hadn't developed an allergic reaction to the chlorine, I'd still be swimming.<br /><br />I just know you will feel that empowerment, too. Wonderful progress for you!!Rettahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10034267067410245582noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126474537687051974.post-42116873342307191832014-08-05T12:04:01.651-05:002014-08-05T12:04:01.651-05:00HIP HIP HOORAY! Doing the "smiley dance&quo...HIP HIP HOORAY! Doing the "smiley dance" in appreciation of your accomplishment Sean!!! Smiled all the way through your blog! Huge new AHA's flooding your life and there is no one who deserves it more. Keep it up PLEASE with you doing and writing about it. Love the food pics and they are most helpful. So glad you showed them even though the report was focused on your swim. Again, congrats Sean!!!<br /> Nancyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06974637924017084550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126474537687051974.post-58952354403581788602014-08-05T11:37:44.881-05:002014-08-05T11:37:44.881-05:00I will never forget the first night with my husban...I will never forget the first night with my husband. I'd lost over 100 lbs & have alot of what I call 'swinging skin'. As I disrobed in front of him, he said, "you're beautiful." You know what I wanted to do? Argue, point out my poochy belly, saggy arms, flubby thighs rumpled rear.<br /><br />I had dreaded this moment for the five celebate years preceding our relationship - no man had seen me in the buff. But I wasn't going to make a liar out of him. I humbly said, "Thank you."<br /><br />As he disrobed, I noticed his perfectly imperfect body, with mild scoliosis, and man-boobs! He didn't cower in a corner,, just confidently disrobed. I turned to him and said, "You are beautiful." He smiled confidently and said, "Thank you." <br /><br />I probably will never employ that same confidence as sweet David, and as I age, gravity takes its toll too. The sags are more saggy, and the dimples are more dimply. But together, that man and I are beautiful!<br /><br />You'll never be the same, Sean. You faced the lie and now you know the truth - you are beautifullife coach Gerri Helms, PCC, CCChttp://www.lifecoachgerri.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126474537687051974.post-34226889635018943092014-08-05T10:11:34.632-05:002014-08-05T10:11:34.632-05:00BRAVO!
"Our perception is our reality. It m...BRAVO! <br /><br />"Our perception is our reality. It may not be everyone else's reality, but it's very much ours."<br /><br />That right there explains what I have been working on the past couple of months: changing my view so that it projects who I want to be, therefore changing my reality. <br /><br />Easier said than done but oh so worth the work.<br /><br />Helenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12308631304554235792noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126474537687051974.post-77901572346107748772014-08-05T08:52:43.538-05:002014-08-05T08:52:43.538-05:00Glad you were able to face your fears and win! Co...Glad you were able to face your fears and win! Cool your dad sent you a selfie! How nice of him to show that kind of support.<br /><br />Blown away by the fact of the other man, (maybe a reflection of your former self) moving around the pool with ease. Is there a more obvious sign than that? :)Nikkihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11133209982557200052noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126474537687051974.post-20281987626905271822014-08-05T07:25:34.830-05:002014-08-05T07:25:34.830-05:00I went to the pool with my daughter-in-law and gra...I went to the pool with my daughter-in-law and granddaughter last Sunday. I refused to wear a suit, she had to talk me into wearing shorts, so I could, at least, wade in the zero entry side of the pool. I wrote a blog about my experience, pretty much with the same outlook as you had. I even mentioned you in my blog. http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=5752010<br /><br />"GET OVER YOURSELF!" I told myself. Nobody else was staring at me, and they wouldn't have stared had I worn my swimming suit, exposing my varicose veins and excess skin.There were more heavy people at the pool than skinny people, and they just wanted to have a good time in the water with their family and friends. Nobody was doing any judging, that I could tell.<br /><br />Kids can be so cruel, they've stigmatized all of us who were heavy as kids and throughout our lives. You are brave. Maybe I will go back to the pool next weekend in my swimming suit. But it is so very hard to do.dupsterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18088114640385927198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126474537687051974.post-64181713965577495112014-08-05T06:49:55.576-05:002014-08-05T06:49:55.576-05:00A lot of new wisdom in this post-I've got to r...A lot of new wisdom in this post-I've got to read it again when I have more time. Body image and what I think of as 'body regret', when we realize the damage we've caused in ourselves are a whole other facet that needs healing for this weight loss journey to continue. It seems like you took a giant leap. A leap you didn't take when you lost weight the first time. You set a good example for us.PJ Geekhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16550278783075004470noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126474537687051974.post-29089505443282514692014-08-05T04:17:20.711-05:002014-08-05T04:17:20.711-05:00I agree, you look great. But if we were at the poo...I agree, you look great. But if we were at the pool I wouldn't even be looking. I don't stare at half-naked strangers, even the cute ones. I'd probably be kicked out of the pool area if I did!Nataliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05104693042948517678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3126474537687051974.post-72156304083915528232014-08-05T02:38:22.709-05:002014-08-05T02:38:22.709-05:00Stayed up late waiting for your blog post. Kudos,...Stayed up late waiting for your blog post. Kudos, my friend. Although I have to say... you look perfectly normal to me, in fact you look quite muscular. Also, has anyone ever told you that you look like Ben Affleck?<br /><br />Hope you enjoyed the feeling of that lovely water holding you up and supporting you! Beckynoreply@blogger.com