Tuesday, February 17, 2015

February 17th, 2015 Key To Progress: Consistency

February 17th, 2015 Key To Progress: Consistency

I often write about how imperfect of a journey I lead. If you're a regular reader here, you've read about how I don't get enough sleep, I eat out too much, I often eat too late in the day, I don't push myself hard enough in the exercise department and my time management skills leave a lot to be desired. And I don't write about any of that in a negative way.

I'm simply trying to illustrate how the success we enjoy isn't dependent on perfection. It's dependent on consistency. Besides, perfection is relative to the individual. One persons perfect is another's perceived bad day. Consistency is key to progress. I proudly proclaim I'm consistently imperfect and for me, that's perfect. I woke up today, logged into MyFitnessPal and realized it was Day 300 of this turnaround adventure.
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Initial weight loss: -275 pounds. Relapse/regain: +164 pounds. Weight loss since turnaround started: -129 pounds. This is from where the 240 pounds lost number comes.

300 days in a row of logging everything in MFP. I'm super proud of this. I'm just as proud of 300 days straight of tweeting every bite, everyday--with the photo, description, various measurements and calorie counts. When someone asks me the common question: "What did you eat to lose all that weight?" I can give them way more than they were expecting. Because it's all there. Everything, everyday. And to think I was so reluctant at first to commit to the Twitter feed--it was extreme--but you know what? It's been a big blessing to me in so many ways. An extreme blessing, if you will.

When I drive by the walking trail on my way to and from work everyday, I can't help but be reminded: This is where it all started September 15th, 2008. I claimed my piece of the old trail today.

The backhoe operator hadn't heard from the person in charge of the project (the one I spoke with about this deal), so he hadn't a clue as to the why behind my strange request for a small chunk. I didn't have time to explain it to him. I grabbed my piece of it and quickly moved on. Now, I'll clean it and proudly display it in my apartment. It wouldn't mean anything to anyone else but me, and to me--it's something special. 
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I can imagine the backhoe operator getting home and his significant other asking, "How was your day?" And he replies. "I was ripping up the old walking trail on 5th street, when this vehicle came rolling up with a guy asking if he could have a chunk of the trail. The crazy fella took pictures of it, too. It was a strange deal. I can't figure out for the life of me why he would want an old chunk of asphalt."

It was a great food and exercise day. I did the weights followed by elliptical at the Y. One of my goals every Tuesday is to get my workout finished before my Tuesday night weight loss support group conference call. I met that goal successfully. I finished my 300th consecutive day of this turnaround by finishing with exactly 1,700 calories. It took some math and some precise measuring of my #lastfoodofday, but I did it. Not that I'm obsessive about being exact--I'm not. I was just having fun with the numbers.

That reminds me, tomorrow is weigh day! I'll head into the doctors office mid-morning for my tri-weekly weigh in and we'll see what the scale has to say. No matter what it says, I'm confident I'm doing the right things for me.

My Tweets Today:
























Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
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Monday, February 16, 2015

February 16th, 2015 Just Start Somewhere

February 16th, 2015 Just Start Somewhere

I must say, I'm feeling really well lately. I feel stronger. I might be starting with a slow approach with the weight lifting, but already I'm noticing a difference. This proves a most important point: Just start somewhere. Right where you are is perfect.

I'm enthusiastic about my development. Someday I'll conquer my lifetime inability to do a pull-up. I see others do them and I'm in awe of their strength. Not that I pay too much attention to those around me at the Y, but I can't help but notice the feats from some of the more advanced people. And I know, they also started somewhere far removed from where they are now.

I came home early today, enjoyed a good lunch and took a nap. I set my alarm and then proceeded to sleep right past the blaring of the alarm. I could have very easily become upset with myself in a mentally self-abusive way--but I didn't. Did I miss Yoga class? Yes. Was I disappointed in myself? Sure. Did I need the rest? Apparently so.

I'm not the best at keeping a steady schedule. This is why I typically don't have workout buddies. I go solo, on my sometimes unique schedule. I do have some desire to become more disciplined with a schedule, however, my level of desire obviously hasn't reached the point of changing things.

Not that what I'm doing isn't good. I must acknowledge that what I've been doing is working very well. I do recognize areas in need of improvement. But I'm being careful not to twist it into some kind of mentally self-abusive thing--without it becoming a pass--or a rationalization for poor choices. And that's a challenge.

I cooked well today. I've been eating out a little less lately. It hasn't been totally intentional or a top of mind type thing--but certainly something running in my subconscious. I prefer the control of cooking at home. I know what's in my food. I can weigh and measure. I can get creative. It's fun putting together a plate that looks great, is delicious--and reasonably fits into my food plan and calorie budget.

I caught up on a few outstanding email replies and blog comment replies this evening. If you have any questions, I'll gladly answer them! Just email me: transformation.road@gmail.com or ask questions in the comments section below. Sometimes I'll take a little while to reply--but I always reply.

The Feedjit live website traffic mapping application was recently discontinued by Feedjit. I removed it from the blog side-bar. I miss it! I've always found it fascinating, perhaps because I've never traveled outside of the United States. Seeing those little red dots pop up all over the globe was always a wonderful reminder of the community, the togetherness we have along this road. One of my dreams is to travel one day, all over--to see the world. I suppose the map was a way for me to feel a little more traveled. I didn't physically visit those countries on the map, but my writing and sharing did--and continues to this day. I'm grateful for the support and I feel wonderfully blessed.

My Tweets Today:
























Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
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Sunday, February 15, 2015

February 15th, 2015 A Valentines Weekend Date With Mom

February 15th, 2015 A Valentines Weekend Date With Mom

I made sure to get my workout in today. I arrived at the YMCA not long after they opened and proceeded to the weight machines, then hopped on the elliptical. It was a solid workout.

I made the trip to spend some Valentines weekend time with mom. We went to the movies to see American Sniper. It was mom's second time to see the film. It's a great movie. I also think mom has a crush on Bradley Cooper. I'm kidding, mom!

Instead of dining out, I picked up some groceries before picking up mom, and after the movie we returned to her place to cook a nice dinner. While we enjoyed dinner, the weather outside was turning icy. My trip home was slick. I had to drive slow, especially on the bridges.

It's late and there's a good chance I'll need to be on the air earlier than normal in the morning. It was a solid day. I decided to have one of the sugar free cookies made with stevia. At 120 calories for one, it gets a horrible grade in the calorie value department. I stuck with just one. When you manage your calories like cash, spending 120 on something that takes literally 2.5 bites to eat, isn't desirable. At least not for me. As sugar free cookies go, it was really good. The addictive side of my brain wasn't impressed because it didn't have sugar!

My Tweets Today:






















Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
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Saturday, February 14, 2015

February 14th, 2015 Busy Valentines Day

February 14th, 2015 Busy Valentines Day

My Facebook status update this morning:
My special Valentines today: Beverly Anderson, Courtney Anderson, Noah Riley and Amber Anderson! I'll not be stressing about what to buy in the Valentines section. Instead, I think I'll set up shop at the end of the isle and give advice to guys as they frantically grab things.

 Me: "So, this is the color you're going with? How long have you been together? Yeah--two months--Look, this color of rose is all wrong. You give her these and you're done. I suggest these--and a nice card. Oh, you grabbed a card already? I didn't see you grab it. What, did you take like 20 seconds to pick it out? Let me read it. Have you read this card?? Really?? You really want to say this stuff? Two months in--and you're already here? Look, I'm trying to help you here. Understand this: There is no winning, okay. The best you can do today is a participation ribbon. You want the ribbon. Don't try to win. Just participate and be yourself."

Valentines day always starts with a reminder of what would have been my little brother's birthday. Shane would have been 38 today. He passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in 2001. Shane taught me important things. The chapter titled "Shane's Gift," in my book, describes how.
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I love and miss this guy. Pictured here in his prom tuxedo with mom.

I picked up some cookies Friday. I really did. I had the cookies made special from the same bakery that did the sugar free cupcakes on my birthday. I'm waiting until tomorrow to try one. They're Valentine cookies--sugar free, of course--made with Pure Brands Organic Stevia. Even though they're sugar free, they're still calorie dense. One cookie is 120 calories. I just can't see "investing" in more than one, tomorrow. Tomorrow is when I'll make my Valentines rounds, delivering Valentine packages to my two daughters, grandson Noah and mom. Each will be getting several of the sugar free cookies in their packages! I didn't have time to make the rounds today. It was a very busy Saturday! 

Amber, her fiance K.L. and I had a blast at the Sinbad show. I'm awaiting a professional photograph taken by the casino hosting the event, before making a side by side comparison from the 1999 photo and Friday night's meeting. As soon as the photographer emails me the photo, I'll post it!
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Amber and me awaiting the start of the show Friday night.

After a late night last night, it was up relatively early for a big Saturday. I did a location broadcast midday, followed by a tuxedo fitting for tonight's big show. I was the host of a live game show, The Newly-OldyWed Game!! So, a tuxedo was in order!!

The fitting was a milestone thing for me. I was able to get back into a 46 long. This was what I was wearing at my healthiest weight. Granted, I still have some to lose (not too much, but some for sure), but I'll likely not go any smaller on the tuxedo fittings. When we lose, then gain, then lose again--the weight, very often, doesn't gain in the same places or lose in the same places. If you've lost and regained--you know exactly what I'm talking about. My neck, shoulders and upper torso can't get much smaller. Legs and especially my midsection, can. The jacket size 46 Long fit very well tonight.

The only picture I have from tonight's game show and stand-up performance, has a bunch of other people in it, so I can't share it because I didn't get anyone's permission. I try to be considerate before I publish photos online with people who may not want to be.

I rushed home after the fitting, enjoyed lunch and decided a nap was a really good idea. I was really tired. It was a good call. I needed a refresher before the big show! I decided to skip my YMCA workout and instead do something at home late tonight. But I didn't. And as much as I could easily beat myself up for not making time for it today, I'm not. I was very active today. I likely burned a bunch of extra calories. I'll get my workout in at the Y tomorrow afternoon before leaving for my Valentine weekend Stillwater visit with mom.

The show tonight was a success. Although, after an hour long hilarious live game show, it was difficult to reclaim an energy conducive to a good stand-up show. I enjoyed dinner after my set. The venue prepared pork tacos, guacamole and chips. I ran the calorie counts in MyFitnessPal and it was nearly 800 calories. I shared my guac with the table and decided on only one of the pork tacos.

I went above and beyond on my water consumption. I finished today with 14 cups, six over my daily goal.

My Tweets Today:
























Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
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Friday, February 13, 2015

February 13th, 2015 The Sinbad Show

February 13th, 2015 The Sinbad Show

Today was an exceptionally long work day. No split shift featuring a midday nap. Nope. It was straight through until nearly 5pm. I had VIP tickets waiting for me at the big Sinbad performance, including a meet and greet. I had a choice to make. Go to the show or stay home, perhaps take a short nap--then a workout.

I chose the show. I picked up my oldest daughter and her fiance to join me. I wanted to see if Sinbad remembered me from when I opened for him and Faith Hill in 1999. This photo was snapped at the after party that night. I was every bit of 500 pounds here.
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We arrived at tonight's show early to meet with Sinbad before his performance. I showed him the picture and we briefly discussed the crazy events surrounding that show in '99. The violent thunderstorm, the 26,000 people running for cover. The cancellation of the entire show 6 minutes into his set...He remembered the show well. I don't think he remembered me at all! We only worked that one show together and of course, I don't look the same. Had I known he didn't have an opener tonight, I would have lobbied the promoter for me to open. Sinbad handled it in stride, walking out after a cold intro, he proceeded to do very well for an hour and a half.

Dinner was postponed until after the show. There wasn't time to eat before. We made our way into the restaurant where the only thing I could find on the menu was a sirloin steak. I cut it down from 10oz to approximately 6oz. The server informed me that tonight, the steak would only come with a baked potato or french fries, no vegetables. As in, they were out--or they simply didn't prepare any, I don't know. I ordered some cottage cheese as an appetizer and shared the large portion brought to our table with Amber. I cut the steak down to size and did the same to the potato. I really didn't want the potato. But occasionally, I'll eat one. I cut a small portion from the potato, topped it with sour cream and a dash of pepper, and I was good.

Tomorrow night I'm hosting a live game show at UnWined, the hip wine bar a block from where I do my radio show. It's the Newly-OldyWed Game! After the game show, I'm performing stand up for a half hour, maybe 40 minutes. I'm excited! I'm really enjoying the opportunities to flex my stand-up skills. It feels very natural. It was such a relief back in December when I found those skills came back after a decade of inactivity. It was truly like riding a bike. I can't wait to do it again tomorrow night!

Today was a rest day as far as exercise goes. It wasn't the plan when I started the day, but the longer the day stretched and after I added the Sinbad plans, it was the best move for me. Fitbit gave me a 164 calorie burn based on my activity today. I'm calling it good, tonight.

My Tweets Today:






















Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
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Thursday, February 12, 2015

February 12th, 2015 Brussels Sprouts--No Longer On My Gross List

February 12th, 2015 Brussels Sprouts--No Longer On My Gross List

Let's be honest. I often have the food maturity of an eight year old. It's okay, because I'm growing up and gradually trying new things. It's hard to believe now, but there was a time when asparagus, sweet potatoes and squash was all on my 'gross' list of foods you couldn't pay me to eat.

Getting on this list most always involved an unfair judgement from me, based on looks and smell, mainly--instead of being based on an actual taste test. Brussels sprouts was near the top of my personal list of banned foods. Cabbage was also on my list, except it had an asterisk with the notation: "Unless it's inside a deep fried egg roll and dipped in sweet and sour sauce." 

I tried Brussels sprouts today for the first time in my life. Since they appeared to be miniature heads of cabbage, I wasn't the least bit interested in having them anywhere near my face. A colleague, we'll call her Wendy (because that's her name), encouraged me to give them a shot. I talk about trying new things, I say I will expand my food options and choices, but then I rarely do. Wendy, after working with me the last twelve years, knows this. She knows how particular I am. She knows all about my food maturity level.

We agreed today would be the day. Once and for all, I could proclaim my hatred of Brussels sprout-based on actual taste--or I might actually like them. Wendy knows how to prepare them. She tossed them in some olive oil and real garlic cloves and roasted them until the entire business office smelled like garlic. I was worried about the fish aroma. Nope--garlic won the smell battle. 

I don't know what my colleagues wanted more: Me to like them or me to throw a fit and freak out if I didn't--rushing to the nearest trash can to get rid of the nastiness.

The shredded cabbage on the fish was really enough of a stretch for me today. After getting past the initial bite, I was pleasantly relieved and happy with the shredded cabbage. Then it was time to pop a little mini cabbage into my tostada hole. And...

Chewing--flavors...not bad--actually, dare I say, kind of good...and okay, that was that. Brussels sprouts is on my list of veggies I'll eat. I avoided them for over four decades and now, --I can do those occasionally.

I had a good day at work followed by a much needed afternoon nap, evening coffee, a wonderful dinner and a fantastic workout at the YMCA. I'm ready to drop! 

photo 63bf056d-861a-4d32-bce0-8fab6ae249a9_zpsvv68l1r4.jpg
#TBT The most intense workouts I've experienced were the twice weekly boot camp workouts a few years ago. This throwback Thursday pic is a post-bootcamp selfie. I haven't worked out with the same intensity since. It was brutal--but in a really good way, and the instructors were top notch! Finishing one of those workouts brought an incredible feeling of accomplishment. I was so proud!

My Tweets Today:
































Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
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Wednesday, February 11, 2015

February 11th, 2015 Don't Stop Dancing

February 11th, 2015 Don't Stop Dancing

If you're struggling, it doesn't mean it's hopeless. It doesn't mean it's always going to be like this. It simply means you haven't found what works best for you. Don't stop dancing and eventually you'll find the groove.

Finding our groove doesn't make us immune to struggle. Struggle can happen to any of us at anytime for a variety of reasons. When we're in our groove, doing what works best for us, we're better prepared to navigate the occasional struggle.

Where I find myself today is a dream come true. Or better, a dream that came back to life. In the middle of my relapse and regain period, I swear--I felt an incredible sense of doom. I had never felt more lost in all of my life. Righting the ship seemed impossible. I was going down quickly. This turnaround to me, is my personal miracle. 

What I did before wasn't going to work this time. Some of the elements are the same but many of the biggest elements I hold near and dear now, were not part of my original weight loss journey. I had to be willing to accept this, make adjustments; additions and subtractions--and arrive at a new approach.

I was digging through the archives of my Facebook page earlier, looking for a picture, when I came across a status update from mid-2011, maybe six months after hitting 230lbs in November 2010. I should have copied and pasted somewhere-- It was something like, Somebody asked me if I was worried about gaining back the weight and I said no, because I've redefined my blah, blah, blah, blah...Wow. I really thought I had a lock on it, huh? I read that and thought--oh no, poor guy--I had a lot of learning to do. And that part--the learning, never stops.

I know how dangerous that "sure thing" way of thinking can become. The truth is, if--and only IF, I continue to hold sacred the elements of my recovery, will I have the best chance to become successful in maintenance mode.

I had a good food day. I made my water goal and I made it to Yoga for the best class of my short practice. I'm feeling exceptionally well.

My Tweets today:






















Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
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Tuesday, February 10, 2015

February 10th, 2015 Am I Resisting?

February 10th, 2015 Am I Resisting?

Sometimes the most interesting discussion is in the comments section of this blog. It always feels amazing to me when someone is positively affected by the experiences I share. I certainly write and maintain this blog for the continued benefit of my recovery, weight loss and maintenance, but I must say-- the positive effects of sharing is the most wonderful bonus and blessing.

In response to February 8th's post titled "Not Subject To Change," a dedicated and loyal supporter of this blog writes:

"HI Sean, I would love to know when you have had all these "a Ha" moments. Your statement you made in this blog really hit me hard, like most of your blogging has done recently. You said, " I would accept my imperfections.... You know the rest... God, How I wish I could get there. 
For the life of me I'm not sure why I can not get to that proud moment of what I've accomplished in the last year. Am I normal? Will I ever be proud of myself? Will I ever "get" it? Does the worry for you ever end? Meaning... for me, I wake up and go to bed ever night thinking the same things.. .can I continue this for the rest of my life? Can I find that place in my own head that relaxes and just take this in stride. I find I go one step forward and take two back. .... not in gaining, just in my inner thoughts. So my question to you is...are you having more of that inner peace this time than your first time losing? Sorry for all the questions! And thanks so much."

A response took some introspective examination of what I've experienced and how I've felt at various times throughout this journey. I know exactly what she's expressing here--it's very familiar.

My three part reply:

Don't give up, is number one.
You've accomplished incredible things in the last year. If you transferred all you've accomplished onto a piece of paper--in black and white--then, read it...But try your best to imagine you're reading the accomplishments of a friend or loved one. What would you say to them?
You're normal, my friend.
It's very common to do this to ourselves.
I'll reply more on this later tonight. :)

"Thanks for the kind words, Sean. I am going to do what you said and write down what I've accomplished over the last year. 
You are so right, if this was someone I had met on the street and told me what they've done, I would pat them on the back and give them the biggest congrats! Its time I open my eyes and mind a bit more and start reaching out for some much needed support. Thanks for the response. And no, I'm not giving up! :)"

 Excellent start. Being proud of yourself and feeling good with you is an internal study and something that takes work. For me, what really helped was described in detail on May 15th, 2014's blog post--you can easily find it in the archives. Notice I used the word "helped." It's something that requires practice with intentional thought.

The constant worry--or obsessive thoughts, in my opinion--will decrease as your level of acceptance increases and you find the groove that works best for you. Acceptance comes when your resistance to the changes you're making lessens. And reaching the point of greater acceptance might mean you need to make some adjustments--It's all a part of finding what works for you. 

One of the things I've written about in the last several months is how it's important for me to have two streams of activity--life happens in the foreground--the base fundamental elements that keep me moving in a positive direction with my weight loss goals, happen in the background...It's important for these to keep their place...Because it's when they cross over into each other's streams when issues start to arise. In other words-- If I start sacrificing life because I'm so intensely focused on the fundamentals--then I'll quickly become worn and even resentful toward my trek.

And if I allow the ups and downs of life to dip down--affecting my fundamental elements--then I'm quickly crumbling...in other words--If I allow any disruption in my life to weaken my resolve in the name of stress and emotion--then I've allowed the 'life stream" to cross over into my "fundamental elements" stream.


The bottom line--You're making a commitment to yourself--you're setting your resolve, you're honoring yourself by taking extraordinary care. You deserve it. And that right there is a biggie--believing we truly deserve it. We do. Again--it takes work, but it's worth the effort.

Strong support is key. You're not alone. Don't isolate yourself. Explore support options!!

 ----------------------------
If you have questions, feel free to ask me anything in the comments section. I promise I will take the time needed for a thoughtful response based on my experiences.
----------------------------

Today was a good one. The Girl Scout Cookies on the conference table at work do not stand a chance against my resolve and commitment. I included @girlscouts in a tweet to say if they'll come out with a sugar free variety, I'd buy the first box! No reply from them, just yet. I'm positive it's not the first time they've received this request. I've probably consumed upwards of twenty to thirty boxes of Girl Scout Cookies in my life. I'm all about supporting the Girl Scouts and I proudly promote their cookie sales every year on my radio show, but for the rest of my life, I'll speak of their flavor from memory only. I remember how they taste. Oh yeah--they're good...real good.

Am I resisting? Yes and No.

"Resisting" something suggests it's an object of desire. I do not desire. And it isn't even about the cookies. It's about my abstinence from sugar.

Ask anyone who abstains from sugar (most I know of have successfully maintained weight loss) and they'll likely describe to you how a peace and clarity came over them when they decided to and started abstaining from sugar. Sugar abstinence isn't necessary for everyone. But for people like me, (and there's a bunch of us) it's usually regarded as one of the most important dietary/nutritional decisions they've ever made. That's how I feel about it. It's changed everything for me. It effectively disabled the "binge button."

I remember reading a post on the blog Prior Fat Girl, back when Jenn was writing it regularly. She would occasionally write about binge episodes and then one day she stopped writing about them. Her readers wanted to know if she was just not sharing those times or what? In the post, she described exactly what I've often shared here. She had given up sugar. And the binges stopped.

So whatever it is; cookies, candy, ice cream, cake--if it has sugar, there's no way in the world it tastes better than how this peace and clarity feels. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

I enjoyed a fantastic workout at the YMCA this evening before a fast grocery trip and my weekly weight loss support group conference call. I cooked a delicious dinner after the call. I'm trying to stretch my culinary experience a little. I said a little. ;) It might seem like I eat the same things all the time--and I can see where you might get this, but I do occasionally mix it up a bit. In fact, mixing it up and trying new things even more, is a personal goal of mine in the coming weeks.

The bottom line for me: I love everything I eat. If I didn't, I wouldn't eat it, I assure you. I'm a picky eater, I suppose. A colleague has volunteered to bring Brussels sprouts for me to try on Thursday. She believes I might have the same experience I had with asparagus. I fell in love with asparagus after a lifetime of avoidance. I'll keep an open mind about the Brussels sprouts. We'll see what happens!

I just realized--for the first time in a couple months, I missed my water goal!! Oops! I could down a bottle right now before bed... Hmmm... I think I'll just be okay and do better tomorrow. 

photo YMCA20Kansas20City_zpsk6eonxou.jpg
Archived speaking engagement photo from the 2011 YMCA USA Mid-States Alliance Conference in Kansas City, MO.  I'm currently scheduling speaking engagement dates. For more information and availability, email: transformation.road@gmail.com

My Tweets Today:






















Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
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Monday, February 9, 2015

February 9th, 2015 Mom and Me

February 9th, 2015 Mom and Me

Letting the Tweets and the Mom and Me selfie tell the story today. Exceptionally tired tonight. I ended up making this a rest day after oversleeping an afternoon nap. Spent some quality time dining out with mom tonight. Great food day, too!

Mom and I split a single order of chicken fajitas this evening. It was just enough!

photo photo2063_zpsq1inq6de.jpg

My Tweets Today:




























Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
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Sunday, February 8, 2015

February 8th, 2015 Not Subject To Change

February 8th, 2015 Not Subject To Change

The word to the wise lately, for me: Be flexible and ready to change plans quickly. I woke with different plans today, made some adjustments midday and made it all good. The key for me is to always keep the baseline of my fundamental elements in rhythm. I can change plans quickly, but through it all--I do not sacrifice certain things.

As long as I remain within my calorie budget, exercise if it's an exercise day, rest if it isn't, actively seek and offer support and abstain from sugar, I'm good. The other stuff is subject to change. The fundamental elements are solid, and they mustn't lose their importance level. The fundamental elements are not subject to change.

What I do works for me very well. If you wanted, you could pick several ways in which I could improve my daily trek. Believe me, it's far from perfect. And that's a good thing. I'm not after perfection. I'm all for consistency. Even if it's consistently imperfect.

I don't get enough sleep. I eat way too late sometimes (see my #lastfoodofday tweets). A good argument could be made that I don't push myself hard enough in the exercise department. I often go too long between meals. I dine out too much. All of these things: True story. And it still works for me.

I would rather accept my imperfections than mercilessly and unnecessarily beat myself up for perceived "failures" along the way. We do what we can do, when we can do it. If we identify our baseline fundamental elements--the things not subject to change, and we hold them sacred--then we're free to be perfectly imperfect as we consistently make our way forward along this road.

In the past, as soon as I sacrificed my baseline fundamental elements--that's when the scary detours started. My baseline fundamentals were a little different than they are now because I've added reinforcements in the accountability, support and dietary/nutritional departments. But they were still clearly identified during my initial weight loss. Now, they're reinforced--a little stronger, I'd like to believe! Identifying, adjusting, adding to them, then ratcheting up the importance level all the way to "sacred," is critically important.

I did a 5K in the park this evening. It's the same trail where I started walking on Day 1 when I weighed over 500 pounds. They're replacing another part of the trail with brand new concrete. I sure would like to get a chunk of the old trail concrete. Just a small chunk for my apartment decor. I suppose I'm sentimental like that. It represents something to me. Kind of like when people buy an old seat from a stadium being renovated. I might make a call or two tomorrow. That's a neat idea.

photo e0079416-57fe-41a1-815e-8f5a5dcd6851_zpsuvnkhhgl.jpg
photo ac828f58-0e32-451d-a5f0-8d4a38e12a7b_zps1miqiygd.jpg
Archived speaking event photos.
For speaking engagement availability and booking information, email: transformation.road@gmail.com

My Tweets Today:
























Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
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