Thursday, November 17, 2016

November 17th, 2016 Every Day

November 17th, 2016 Every Day

Today: I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget. I remained abstinent from refined sugar. I exceeded my daily water goal. I stayed well connected with excellent support. And I completed a wonderful workout at the gym.

A Facebook Memory from five years ago:
"I was discovering truths that I had never given thought. I was discovering that I wasn't a victim, this morbid obesity wasn't a hopeless situation, and that I had a power that had been untapped my entire life. I had the power to throw away every excuse that ever held me back. I could completely let go and live happily, while I consumed less and exercised. Instead of greeting each day with dread, I was actually thrilled to be so wonderfully alive. It was quite possibly the most powerful thing I had ever experienced."

 It was a powerful message, albeit a little thin on substance--I mean, there's much more to it than just letting go, consuming less and exercising. A whole lot of inner work takes place in reaching a point of acceptance and as my friend Coach Kathleen calls it, "bare-naked honesty" plays a big role in getting to that point of embrace instead of resistance. Accepting the responsibility involved shedding the victim mentality that had played a convenient role in keeping me over 500 pounds for nearly two decades. Convenient, because if it wasn't my fault--if I could embrace twenty reasons why I couldn't change or why this was much harder for me than anyone else, then I could somehow feel justified in my continued deliberate and destructive oblivion.

I believe we each have a personal truth inside and for many of us, it's buried under layers and layers of mental/emotional trauma--held down by our experiences--and further secured by our need to be okay despite it all. The truth, regardless of what's blanketing it, is something I believe we can mine, breaking through to as real as it gets--then pull it out, accepting and embracing a perspective that brings us certainty and peace in at least this one area.

And in taking that exceptional care, we're in a position to sort through the "stuff" along the way. The brick wall is rubble now and I don't have to understand exactly how it was built--I don't--all I know is, I'm free. And that freedom isn't guaranteed. Maintaining freedom from morbid obesity requires me to maintain the consistency of my embrace of what's true each and every day.

Today's Accountability Live-Tweet Stream:
















































Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
Posted by at 2 comments:

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

November 16th, 2016 A Careful Approach

November 16th, 2016 A Careful Approach

I get into routines easily. This can be a great thing and this can be a not so great thing. It all depends on the focus of the routine. I have certain routines I'm proud of--my #morningdeal, for instance--very proud of its consistency. My consistent logging in MyFitnessPal--this has done a world of good for me--and several other elements of my daily care have become solid routines. Then, there's the not so good routines...

The excessive coffee some days, the inconsistent sleep disciplines, the putting off my workout time until late--often sacrificing it in the name of "too busy" or "too tired," these are things getting my attention of late.

And boredom.

Boredom threatens to either disrupt my routines or it encourages positive changes in my routines. I'm giving some changes some serious consideration these days. My goal is to make positive changes--a disruption in that way--is good. A disruption in a negative way, not so much. It's a careful approach.

One of the things I'm considering is taking the Accountability Live-Tweet Stream off this daily blog. I haven't any plans or desires to stop the accountability food tweets, they'll still be on my Twitter account. I recently added the most recent tweet stream to the left-hand sidebar of this blog page--and that would stay. But if you view this blog on a mobile device, I don't think you see the side-bar. The food tweets are simply an accountability tool for me. The intention wasn't/isn't to be an example, a food plan for anyone but me--or even a cooking demonstration or recipe thing. It's simply a way for me to stay accountable and connected with my daily plan. It's worked very well. And I'll continue doing it. But you may not see them on this blog starting in a few days. For some, this would be a welcomed change--and for a few I've heard from who say they enjoy seeing them here, it won't.

Anyway-- the idea is to write more on this blog--go a little further in-depth--do the kind of writing I'm passionate about--instead of what my routines have rendered--basically, a nightly check-in.

 I value this blog much more than just a nightly check-in. This blog has literally helped change my life. And it did because I wasn't afraid to dig deep and write from the heart. I think it's been missing that of late.

Today: I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget. I remained abstinent from refined sugar. I exceeded my daily water goal. And I stayed well connected with great support.

Have you signed up for the December Speaker Series I'm co-presenting with Coach Kathleen via LIVE Conference call? We've assembled world-renowned experts in their respective fields. These speakers will share practical ways to make your plan work well for you! Members will also have an opportunity to submit questions!
This 4-week December event includes membership in our special speaker series Facebook group. The teleconference speaking events will happen every Wednesday night in December at 8pm Eastern. Aside from those incredible calls (members of the speaker series will also have access to the recording of each talk in case you miss one), this is a great way to find like-minded people to help build your own accountability and support team. And in that, it's a great introduction to the weekly group coaching nights we regularly offer. December is quickly approaching!

The four-week Sean & Kathleen December Speaker Series is only $60--and it could prove to be an invaluable life-changing experience for you as you head into 2017! This is a fantastic gift from you to you!!

Sign-Up Here: http://totalkathy.com/?event=why-weight
Once you sign up, you'll receive an email welcome letter, you'll be added to the speaker series "secret" Facebook group and you'll have access to the conference line phone number and access code.


Today's Accountability Live-Tweet Stream:


























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

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

November 15th, 2016 Fast Trip

November 15th, 2016 Fast Trip

I made a fast trip to Stillwater this evening to have dinner with mom and get her to her sleep lab at the hospital. Sleep apnea isn't anything to mess around with--and I'm so glad mom is getting the care she needs.

Making this a fast blog post tonight in consideration of the time.























Today: I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget. I remained abstinent from refined sugar. I exceeded my daily water goal and I stayed well connected with great support!

Today's Accountability Live-Tweet Stream:
































Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
Posted by at No comments:

Monday, November 14, 2016

November 14th, 2016 You Okay?

November 14th, 2016 You Okay?

Today: I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget. I remained abstinent from refined sugar. I exceeded my daily water goal. I stayed well connected with great support and I had a fantastic stair climbing workout tonight!

"Are you okay?"-My downstairs neighbor after the first ten minutes of tonight's stair climbing. She regularly walks her dog around the neighborhood. This is the first time she's noticed me doing the stair workout. She's in her early 80's and is likely the sweetest neighbor in the history of neighbors. "I'm exercising! Feeling great! Hope I didn't disturb you." She assured me I didn't. I love this neighborhood. It's peaceful. I'm grateful.

photo IMG_9619_zpsgq7qofib.jpg
The Sean & Coach Kathleen December Speaker Series is coming! All talks are via LIVE conference call. Wednesday nights in December are super special! Our lineup of experts includes world-renowned authorities on eating disorders, food addiction, recovery, weight loss, successful weight-loss maintenance, designing a plan and schedule that best fits you and how to never make a News Years Resolution to lose weight, ever again.

 The speaker series fee is $60. Membership includes a secret Facebook page community of support for the month of December, special Facebook LIVE presentations with Coach Kathleen and Me and more! Plus, all members will have access to the online recordings of each week's talk in case you miss one of the live presentations. This is comprehensive group support focused on not only the challenges December naturally presents, but also on preparing members for their best start toward personal goals of 2017.

Give 2017 a head-start when you give yourself the gift of this speaker series! Have you signed up? Why Weight? Here's the link: http://totalkathy.com/?event=why-weight

Have you visited Transformation Planet?

Another episode is coming soon! If you haven't subscribed to the Transformation Planet podcast in iTunes or Google Play for android, please do! As a subscriber, you'll have access to all previous episodes and new episodes will automatically deliver to your device upon release!

Today's Accountability Live-Tweet Stream:






































Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
Posted by at 3 comments:

Sunday, November 13, 2016

November 13th, 2016 Quickly Approaching

November 13th, 2016 Quickly Approaching

I spent the majority of today helping a friend finish their move. It was a workout for sure! I'm getting in bed at a decent time tonight and that's a great thing! A day like today wouldn't have been possible at my heaviest--no way, not even a little bit. The physical freedom a healthy body weight provides is something I'm grateful for each day. I'll never forget what it felt like to simply walk at over 500 pounds. Back then, it certainly didn't take too many steps to reach my limit.

On numerous occasions, I've mentioned the weight loss accountability and support groups I started with Life Coach Gerri a very long time ago. As you may or may not know, I continue to co-facilitate these groups with Life Coach Kathleen. Our next 8-week session of weekly group coaching via teleconference starts January 2nd and 3rd.

In the meantime, we've assembled a very special December Speaker Series featuring four incredible speakers. This 4-week December event includes membership in our special speaker series Facebook group. The teleconference speaking events will happen every Wednesday night in December. Aside from those incredible calls (members of the speaker series will also have access to the recording of each talk in case you miss one), this is a great way to find like-minded people to help build your own accountability and support team. And in that, it's a great introduction to the weekly group coaching nights we regularly offer. December is quickly approaching!

The four-week Sean & Kathleen December Speaker Series is only $60--and it could prove to be an invaluable life-changing experience for you as you head into 2017! This is a fantastic gift from you to you!!

Sign-Up Here: http://totalkathy.com/?event=why-weight
photo IMG_9619_zpsgq7qofib.jpg
photo Speaker Series Flyer_zpsnuujqljt.jpg
Sign-Up Here: http://totalkathy.com/?event=why-weight

Today: I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget. I remained abstinent from refined sugar. I met my daily water goal. And I stayed well connected with great support.

Today's Accountability Live-Tweet Stream:




























Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
Posted by at No comments:

Saturday, November 12, 2016

November 12th, 2016 Wasn't A Big Deal

November 12th, 2016 Wasn't A Big Deal

It was a wonderful evening with Noah and family in Stillwater. We had a great visit for quite some time as more and more people stopped in throughout the evening. New China is a giant buffet restaurant. And I did give the selections a good evaluation before deciding to pass. And it wasn't a big deal. Not even a little bit. 

A friend asked if they (family members) might be offended by me not eating with them.

My reply:

Not at all. The bottom line is: We're gathering to enjoy each other's company. What I put into my mouth or not, will not effect the outcome of that focus. We'll have a great visit! I'm looking forward to it! Under no circumstances do I sacrifice the integrity of my personal food plan. I can be flexible, for sure. But there's never a reason to violate the integrity of its boundaries, especially in the service of other people's interpretation- or rather, my assumption of how they might feel about what I do. Because what I do is nothing personal to them- it's about taking care of me the best I can.

 I got back much later than planned. Plus the extra trip to take Noah home (he lives about 20 miles away)--and it was after midnight by the time I walked into my apartment. I'm ready to rest.

Today: I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget, I remained abstinent from refined sugar, I exceeded my daily water and I stayed connected with great support!

Letting the Tweet stream take it the rest of the way.

Today's Accountability Live-Tweet Stream:




























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

Friday, November 11, 2016

November 11th, 2016 Head In The Game

November 11th, 2016 Head In The Game

One of the things I enjoy most these days is working with others one on one. Helping someone else helps me. It keeps my head in the game. I had a couple of those experiences today and it's the best, ever.

I also had a wonderful visit today with my longtime friend and life coach, Gerri Helms. I'll be honest, I'm not sure how she's stuck with me for so long, considering how stubborn I am about certain things like sleep and time management. What I appreciate most about Gerri is how she shoots straight. She doesn't sugar coat (pardon the pun) in any way. And nine times out of ten, whether I'm willing to admit it or not in the moment, she's right. It sometimes takes me a while to see it for what it is, but when I'm in a position for growth, those things mentioned, suggested, challenged or planted--become perfectly clear.

I plan on making some changes to this blog very soon. These changes will freshen it up and get it more in line with what it's all about--and of course, it'll do this while maintaining the integrity of this blog's original mission: To be an accountability and support tool for me. An unexpected gift has been what this blog has come to mean to others along the way. I believe there's a way to honor both--to stay true to the original purpose and continue offering perspectives that might help someone else.

I Dj'd a sweet 16 birthday party tonight at the country club. A few weeks ago, on the same stage--I entertained the class of 1956's 60th high school reunion. The differences in music was an interesting contrast. They say one's favorite music for life is most usually what they loved as a teenager. I suppose it's because those songs flood back the memories of our youth. But I just can't imagine today's teens at 78, grooving to the likes of Flo Rida and Miley Cyrus at their 60th reunion in the year 2078. Music was different years ago, possessing a timeless quality I'm not sure exists in today's selections. But that's just my opinion. I might be wrong.

I'm exhausted tonight. I'm off tomorrow, so I plan on sleeping in as late as I desire. I'm picking up my grandson tomorrow afternoon and we're headed to Stillwater for a visit with family. I didn't have input on the restaurant selection--and it's a Chinese place, so there's a good chance I'll opt to enjoy the visit--make sure Noah eats well, then grab something for me afterward, somewhere else. Me eating or not at this get together isn't a big deal. The most important thing is the visiting with family. My aunt and uncle go back home to Michigan Sunday--so this is our last chance to catch up with them for awhile.

I pride myself on being able to navigate most any restaurant by ordering off menu and simply asking for what I need. But this place isn't going to be that accommodating. It's a buffet. And yes, I've navigated this very place before--but that was back before relapse/regain--and back before I became abstinent from refined sugar. I'll survey the choices before making a final decision tomorrow evening.

Today: I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget. I remained abstinent from refined sugar. I exceeded my daily water goal. And I stayed well connected with great support.

In honor of Veterans Day, I'm sharing pictures of both my grandfathers and my dad. All three served this country in times of war. I'm proud to be the son and grandson of these brave men.
photo grandpa.jpg
photo 012707001.jpg
photo 8627a134-7a5f-4e72-8ea7-969bde442fd7_zpsewt0ktc5.jpg
photo GrandpaduringWorldWar2.jpg
photo 226289_10150179526778371_673093370_7125443_2252486_n.jpg

Today's Accountability Live-Tweet Stream:
































Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
Posted by at 2 comments:

November 11th, 2016 Head In The Game

November 11th, 2016 Head In The Game

One of the things I enjoy most these days is working with others one on one. Helping someone else helps me. It keeps my head in the game. I had a couple of those experiences today and it's the best, ever.

I also had a wonderful visit today with my longtime friend and life coach, Gerri Helms. I'll be honest, I'm not sure how she's stuck with me for so long, considering how stubborn I am about certain things like sleep and time management. What I appreciate most about Gerri is how she shoots straight. She doesn't sugar coat (pardon the pun) in any way. And nine times out of ten, whether I'm willing to admit it or not in the moment, she's right. It sometimes takes me a while to see it for what it is, but when I'm in a position for growth, those things mentioned, suggested, challenged or planted--become perfectly clear.

I plan on making some changes to this blog very soon. These changes will freshen it up and get it more in line with what it's all about--and of course, it'll do this while maintaining the integrity of this blog's original mission: To be an accountability and support tool for me. An unexpected gift has been what this blog has come to mean to others along the way. I believe there's a way to honor both--to stay true to the original purpose and continue offering perspectives that might help someone else.

I Dj'd a sweet 16 birthday party tonight at the country club. A few weeks ago, on the same stage--I entertained the class of 1956's 60th high school reunion. The differences in music was an interesting contrast. They say one's favorite music for life is most usually what they loved as a teenager. I suppose it's because those songs flood back the memories of our youth. But I just can't imagine today's teens at 78, grooving to the likes of Flo Rida and Miley Cyrus at their 60th reunion in the year 2078. Music was different years ago, possessing a timeless quality I'm not sure exists in today's selections. But that's just my opinion. I might be wrong.

I'm exhausted tonight. I'm off tomorrow, so I plan on sleeping in as late as I desire. I'm picking up my grandson tomorrow afternoon and we're headed to Stillwater for a visit with family. I didn't have input on the restaurant selection--and it's a Chinese place, so there's a good chance I'll opt to enjoy the visit--make sure Noah eats well, then grab something for me afterward, somewhere else. Me eating or not at this get together isn't a big deal. The most important thing is the visiting with family. My aunt and uncle go back home to Michigan Sunday--so this is our last chance to catch up with them for awhile.

I pride myself on being able to navigate most any restaurant by ordering off menu and simply asking for what I need. But this place isn't going to be that accommodating. It's a buffet. And yes, I've navigated this very place before--but that was back before relapse/regain--and back before I became abstinent from refined sugar. I'll survey the choices before making a final decision tomorrow evening.

Today: I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget. I remained abstinent from refined sugar. I exceeded my daily water goal. And I stayed well connected with great support.

In honor of Veterans Day, I'm sharing pictures of both my grandfathers and my dad. All three served this country in times of war. I'm proud to be the son and grandson of these brave men.
photo grandpa.jpg
photo 012707001.jpg
photo 8627a134-7a5f-4e72-8ea7-969bde442fd7_zpsewt0ktc5.jpg
photo GrandpaduringWorldWar2.jpg
photo 226289_10150179526778371_673093370_7125443_2252486_n.jpg

Today's Accountability Live-Tweet Stream:
































Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
Posted by at No comments:

Thursday, November 10, 2016

November 10th, 2016 Hard For Me

November 10th, 2016 Hard For Me

Today: I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget. I remained abstinent from refined sugar. I met my daily water goal. i stayed well connected with great support. And I navigated a challenging schedule, well. And that doesn't mean I did everything. It also means I said "no" a couple times. And that's hard for me. But it's important.

Letting the Tweets take me the rest of the way tonight.

Today's Accountability Live-Tweet Stream:
























Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
Posted by at No comments:

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

November 9th, 2016 Sharp And Ready

November 9th, 2016 Sharp And Ready

Those donuts. They were still there today. But you know what? They were completely powerless today. And not just because they're a day old--oh no, trust me, I've eaten my share of day old donuts back in the day. 

The power of good support is a gift that keeps on giving. The support texts yesterday and writing about it last night--those things made all the difference. It was a strange experience. It was very reminiscent of days long ago when white knuckling was the norm. But I haven't been in that place for so long, so it felt alarming to once again experience the gravitational pull of its deceptive promise. And that's why it doesn't matter how long I've been at this, I must always keep my tools sharp and ready.

Turns out, yesterday was great practice for an upcoming advertising event for a client. On Tuesday the 15th, my entire morning show studio will be filled with every baked thing a prominent bakery creates. It's a major push for holiday bakery orders. This event has proven wildly successful in the past--and now, it's time again. I'm prepared. It's simply not my food. But--and this is a big but-- I can do my job--talk on air about how wonderful it is--and how convenient it is--and how each item is a work of art...yes, I can appreciate quality things and still abstain from refined sugar, the same as the last 924 days. And it'll be authentic because I've had plenty of these items in my past. I remember it well. I will make sure I have great support that day, like every day--but maybe a little more.

The great thing about this is, there's no longing. Zero desire. I've experienced the other side and it's sweet freedom. It's given me a peace and calm that helps me keep a solid foundation in support of every other decision along the way. Yet--I must remember, every now and again--something can be triggered. And in those moments, I'm willing to do the things in defense of what's most important.

I wrote these words in June 2014 after two and a half months abstinence from refined sugar:

I've written about my abstinence from sugar and how it's given me a peace and calm like I've never known. It's not something necessary for everyone. You may not have the reactions I do when you consume sugar. Arriving at this point in my journey has required a bunch of trial and error, or more accurately, a bunch of denial and struggle. I'm glad I've experienced things this way, though. Because without the trials, the struggles--I wouldn't be where I am today. And I love where I am today.

 If you're not someone affected by sugar, like me, good! For you, moderation is key. After experiencing the last nine and a half weeks without and the resulting peace and calm--I've never been more sure of its affects on me. When denial and struggle is replaced with the positive perspective of peaceful acceptance, it's life-changing, certainly has been for me.

 Two and a half years later, I feel the same way. "When denial and struggle is replaced with the positive perspective of peaceful acceptance, it's life-changing, certainly has been for me." 

 Today: I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget. I remained abstinent from refined sugar. I exceeded my daily water goal. I stayed connected with fantastic support. And I had a great workout at the gym.

Today's Accountability Live-Tweet Stream:
































Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
Posted by at 2 comments:
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