Saturday, January 9, 2016

January 9th, 2016 Then We Stop Running

January 9th, 2016 Then We Stop Running

There was a time when I truly hated location broadcasts. I felt much more comfortable in the studio, behind the microphone--inside your radio, never seen. This was reflective of how I felt about myself for more than two decades, and it wasn't good. 

When I started doing stand-up at over 500 pounds, I used the willingness to get up on stage in front of people as some sort of mental breakthrough, except I focused the majority of my material on making me the self-deprecating punchline. I remember rationalizing and twisting this into something positive, as in you've got to be able to laugh at yourself and never take yourself too seriously. There's some good truth to those, sure--but it doesn't mean it's okay to bully oneself with brutality while constantly projecting this low, beaten down self-image onto others...assuming they can't stand us as much as we can't stand ourselves, then ferociously trying to win their love with laughter or by whatever other means. 

 It was like begging: Please love me!!! The problem was, no matter how much love an audience showed, it was never enough to convince me of anything. And actually, they already loved me--from the second I walked on stage, but I couldn't recognize it because I didn't know what love was. I didn't love myself, I didn't accept and embrace me, so how could I recognize it from anyone else?? I was too busy projecting and assuming and then fighting against this loveless dynamic created exclusively in my own head. There's no finish line in that race for love, until we embrace ourselves--and then we stop running. 

I'll never forget the occasional obese audience member approaching me after a show, pulling me aside and expressing how and why my material wasn't funny. They had watched the same routine, the one clearly working well with the majority, but with a different focus. They couldn't help but recognize the undercurrent of pain, most likely because they felt it too. 

I love doing stand-up these days. It's a completely different experience for me. It's how I always wanted it to be--natural, calm, confident and fun. I love me, God loves me and if the audience loves me--bonus, if they don't--I love me, God loves me. And truly, that's all that matters. I'm not running. I'm not chasing adoration, instead--I'm exploring the authentic me. And that's really fun, actually!

 By the way, this isn't a "lose weight and be happy--and love all around" kind of post. It doesn't work that way. Nope. I hit goal once before in November 2010--and I wasn't happy. And I didn't love me, the same as before. And therefore I couldn't truly recognize/translate any kind of love coming my way.

Often times, these explorations reveal more universal concepts, instead of being tied directly to a certain weight or body image.

Anyway...

 I don't mind doing location broadcasts these days. I no longer try to hide in the broadcast vehicle. I get out, move around--get involved and excited. My job performance and overall effectiveness has multiplied by several times.

I had a location broadcast today from a grocery store. It was wildly successful. I'm enthused about what else I might accomplish since fully and authentically embracing this new perspective.

photo noah just woke up_zpsmrfph29m.jpg
The cutest little guy in the world--right after waking. I love this look he's holding. We had a great time together. His Nana and Allen picked him up this afternoon for his visit at their place.

I made the time to prepare some really good food today. Nothing honors my plan and commitment more than devoting quality time in the service of taking extraordinary care. And speaking of...My workout tonight was exceptional. Level 20 elliptical cardio followed by strength training.

A couple of people have asked this question recently:

"Is everyone in your support groups sugar free?"

Not at all. I can see where that perception comes. But no, we're all different.
Several of our members make abstinence from refined sugar one of their daily goals. But it isn't a requirement of this group.

Not everyone is affected by sugar the same way. I'm abstinent because my experiences clearly demonstrated the bio-chemical reactions and the grip/cycle of addiction created by the substance. My brain is wired that way.

You may not have these same kind of effects!

When describing this point, I always mention a friend in successful recovery from alcohol. One drink--one sacrifice of his sobriety--and his life is dramatically affected. He has the experiences backing this up.

For me... not the same. I can casually have a drink if I so choose (I typically don't choose just because I don't feel compelled in that direction) and my experience has shown me--the only effects for me is a slight-temporary buzzed feeling. No further consequences for me. Not the same for my friend.

When it comes to sugar, the roles flip between us. Sugar doesn't trigger the addictive part of his brain.

This group is all about accountability and support for what you're doing and where you are. We honor each other's differences.

The next 10 week session starts this coming Monday and Tuesday. The Monday night conference call is scheduled for 6pm Central/7pm Eastern/4pm Pacific. The Tuesday night conference is 7pm Central/8pm Eastern/5pm Pacific. If you're interested in registering click one of the links below!

Monday - www.lifecoachgerri.com/events/dont-die-it-live-it-0111
Tuesday - www.lifecoachgerri.com/events/dont-die-it-live-it-0112

My Tweets Today:




































Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
Posted by at 7 comments:

Friday, January 8, 2016

January 8th, 2016 Intentional Pause

January 8th, 2016 Intentional Pause

I did get my car started and back to the mechanic on Thursday. He was nice enough to loan me a battery to try, and it worked well. The alternator was tested and it seemed fine. But then last night the battery light came on again at the gym and at the store. I made it to work this morning, then on the way back to work from a coffee run this afternoon, everything died. For the second time this week I found myself stranded in traffic. Luckily, it was in town and my mechanic was nice enough to come rescue me with a fully charged battery. Now we're certain, it's the alternator. My car is resting peacefully at the shop, awaiting its turn to be fixed.

Today was long and busy. I've missed a lot of work time this week and it showed today, because I was playing catch up until late afternoon. I prepared two good meals and a mid-morning fruit break in the studio kitchen. I really enjoyed my food today.

Oh, by the way--that afternoon coffee was totally necessary. It was either that or no more productivity. And considering my plan to pick up my grandson Noah after work, I had to get some coffee in me quickly. The detour of the in-traffic stranding added some stress to the day. Getting tired this afternoon made it exceptionally challenging.

I did lean on a couple of support buddies via text during this time of need. Reaching for support in high stress situations, instead of reaching for excessive food, is a very tough practice to start. Once its profoundly positive effects are felt, it gets easier and easier with each time. It does take practice. It also takes intentional pause in order for awareness to acknowledge the dynamics unfolding. Otherwise, we simply react in the way we're most accustomed. And for me--that's always meant eating!

I walked into Courtney's place and Noah came running up with arms outstretched for a big hug. That little guy melts my heart. I'm very fortunate to have a friend ready and willing to help assist me in taking care of him. I'm not saying I couldn't do it by myself, but it's much easier with help. Noah had more gifts to open this evening. I'm afraid he's going to get the impression that Christmas is a month long deal.
photo Noah Workout_zpspc2evrv8.jpg
We'll call it a "Noah Workout." I was really proud of him. Not once did he ask for a device for watching Finger Family videos on YouTube. He was content playing with his toys and hanging upside down a few times. My ribs or chest muscles, or whatever it was I injured recently, have obviously healed rather well. That's a wonderful thing.

I'm getting better and better about using leftovers. I have more plans for the excessive amount of turkey in my freezer. I used leftover chicken from yesterday's lunch twice today!

I'm headed to bed fairly late, but not unusually late for me on a Friday night. I have a location broadcast tomorrow from a grocery store's "massive meat sale!!" Hitting the pillow!

Before I go, I wanted to share a Sean and Gerri Weight Loss Support Groups testimonial! The following was left as a comment to yesterday's blog post.

Kerstin from the incredible weight loss blog "Dear Diet Monster" writes:
"If anyone is on the fence about the group I can personally vouch for its effectiveness! I joined it at a crucial time when I needed to find a way to bridge the dreaded 3-4 months period of my weight loss program where I usually give up and revert to all my old habits. Having the weekly calls and especially the private FB group kept me sane and accountable in that time and you couldn't find nicer coaches than Gerri and Sean, they really understand this journey and I found that immensely helpful. I also found the price very reasonable and definitely worth it, you get so much and more in return. Anyway, just my 2-cents :) Good luck with the next group, Sean xo"

 Thank you, Kerstin!

The next 10 week session starts this coming Monday and Tuesday. The Monday night conference call is scheduled for 6pm Central/7pm Eastern/4pm Pacific. The Tuesday night conference is 7pm Central/8pm Eastern/5pm Pacific. If you're interested in registering click one of the links below!

Monday - www.lifecoachgerri.com/events/dont-die-it-live-it-0111
Tuesday - www.lifecoachgerri.com/events/dont-die-it-live-it-0112

My Tweets Today:
































Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
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Thursday, January 7, 2016

January 7th, 2016 Paramount In Maintaining

January 7th, 2016 Paramount In Maintaining

Every now and again it's necessary to let the Tweets tell the tale of the day.

I hit all of my goals today. I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget, I continued my abstinence from refined sugar (617 days strong), I exceeded my goal of 64oz minimum water and I enjoyed a wonderful level 20/30minute elliptical workout. These are some of the elements of my continued recovery and my continued recovery is paramount in maintaining a healthy body weight.

Getting some rest.

One thing before I hit the pillow.

The next teleconference support group 10 week sessions I co-facilitate with Life Coach Gerri start again Monday and Tuesday. I believe we have one position available for the Tuesday night group and a few positions available for Monday night. If you're interested in this diverse, dynamic and powerful accountability/support group, please don't wait!

Any questions? Email me: transformation.road@gmail.com

Here are the links to register:

Monday - www.lifecoachgerri.com/events/dont-die-it-live-it-0111
Tuesday - www.lifecoachgerri.com/events/dont-die-it-live-it-0112

My Tweets Today:






























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

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

January 6th, 2016 I Almost Did It, Remember?

January 6th, 2016 I Almost Did It, Remember?

The car situation put me home super late last night. I hurried through my blog post, hit the pillow and then stayed awake for I don't know how long. I was obsessing about the car. I did get to sleep, finally--incredibly late. I woke feeling completely out of sorts. Once again, for the second time in three days, I had to call for backup on my radio show.

Mid-morning found me contemplating a postponement of weigh-in day until tomorrow. I even sent a text to Gerri regarding my intention to postpone.

But then it hit me. Wait a second, okay--I'm on tilt, I missed work, I don't feel well and my car is still sitting in Stillwater, forty-two miles away. The best way for me to get through this instability and uncertainty is to maintain stability and certainty where I can. Isn't that the prayerful path to serenity?

 This too shall pass. The car will get fixed. I will get back to work. I will feel better. And sacrificing things important to me will not make any of those things happen faster or better.

Maintaining the integrity of the plan is paramount to my success. My non-negotiables can remain stable in my fundamental elements stream even when my life stream experiences instability. This parallel streams philosophy, with life in the foreground and the elements of my recovery running constantly in the background like a computer's anti-virus, has proven to be a monumental perspective shift during the turnaround from relapse/regain.

This kind of perspective isn't anything new. People in successful recovery from many different things go through much more challenging life happenings while maintaining their sacred embrace. It's just that important. My life and freedom depend on me giving what I do each day, a tight embrace, a warm acceptance and an importance level set on high. If I don't, I will become lost and I'll quickly return to 500 pounds and beyond. I don't say that in fear. I say that in fact. I almost did it, remember?

So, I made my way to the doctor's office almost an hour past the normal maintenance weigh-day time, and I found this:
photo 211.4 weigh day_zps7107ydvw.jpg
This represents a .6 pound loss in the last two weeks. I couldn't be more pleased. I could elaborate on reasons why I expected something in the other direction--but I'll just be quiet and grateful. I truly feel blessed beyond measure. Maintenance is working very well. The last few months shows a fairly tight trend.
photo photo 20_zpsjszbkkxv.png
I'm proud of the numbers trend. It shows me what I'm doing is working well.

I had the honor and pleasure of recently being interviewed by Regina Swarn for her show "Inspirational Topics Worldwide." The interview aired today at 1pm my time on iCona Pro Radio. Unfortunately, I was in the middle of a location recording session with a client at that time, so I missed most of the show. I caught the last few minutes. If you missed it too, no worries! It's available by clicking the link below and pressing the play button on the podcast. Happy listening!
http://www.iconapro.com/topics/special-guest-sean-anderson-jan-2016/

I enjoyed dinner out with Amber in celebration of her 26th birthday. We dined at a barbecue place. I pride myself on approaching just about any menu with an eye for what will work within my plan, but I must admit--after requesting a couple of sugar checks from the general manager, it became increasingly difficult tonight.

I originally ordered the chicken plate. When it arrived I could tell, just by looking--it had some sugar based sauce. I asked and sure enough, sugar was the number one ingredient in the sauce. The meat is prepared that way, so there isn't a way to order it without. I asked if they had something without this special sauce. And they did...

Turkey! I've had my fair share of turkey this week!! But you know what? I enjoyed the turkey. But mostly, Amber and I enjoyed each other's company. And really, that was the point of our time tonight.

My Tweets Today:


































Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
Posted by at 7 comments:

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

January 5th, 2016 This Day

January 5th, 2016 This Day

Everything was going great. I took half a day off in order to take mom to her eye procedure appointment in Oklahoma City this afternoon. We made it just in time. Mom's vision is actually improving!

I was proud of my calorie maneuvering today. It was a really good food day all the way around. I even exceeded my water goal by three cups.

My support group conference call was wonderful tonight and dinner with mom, afterward, was the perfect way to end a solid day.

I even thought to myself, wow, this day has been perfect.

Then my car stopped working right after I left mom's place to head home. I was stuck in the street. My uncle came to assist and we eventually got the car out of the street, but now it was blocking a driveway into a business.

I called my insurance company of seven years to verify roadside assistance coverage and received zero help. None. The person answering the phone didn't have any way of verifying my coverage. It was basically an answering service. I seriously may be switching insurance companies over this incredibly bad customer service. I'm not mentioning the company. But yeah--not a good time for poor service--when it's late at night, spitting frozen precipitation and my car is no longer functional for whatever reason.

I'm convinced it's the alternator or battery (the battery is less than a year old). Luckily, we recruited a few other guys to help push the car to a better place. Amber picked me up and gave me a ride home.

It was a good day. Not a perfect day.

Letting the Tweets handle it from here. It's insanely late after this nearly three hour ordeal. I have four hours to sleep. I better get to it.

Tomorrow is maintenance weigh-in day.

My Tweets Today:




































Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
Posted by at 16 comments:

Monday, January 4, 2016

January 4th, 2016 Way Too Fast

January 4th, 2016 Way Too Fast

The apples were a bargain so I grabbed a bag. I normally don't buy bagged apples because I like to inspect each one before it goes in the cart. I had one last night and within an hour had a horrible stomach ache that kept me awake. I didn't make the apple connection until today after breakfast when the stomach pain started again. I threw away the bargain apples. 

I stayed home from work today because I was exhausted. I couldn't sleep because of the pain and when I finally fell asleep, it was too late to have any kind of chance at being what I needed to be at the time I needed to be it. I felt horrible all day long. I'm still not feeling my best. But it's getting better. I'll be back at work tomorrow, for sure.

I took care of myself today. I rested a little more and it helped. 

Today was my oldest daughter Amber's 26th birthday. I can't believe she's 26. It doesn't seem possible. Where have the years gone? It seems like just yesterday she was this punk rocker teenager!!
photo 1224332vc4.jpg
She's going to flip when she sees this picture. I love you, sweetie!! I remember fondly your teenage years!! Now she's all grown up, a special education teacher (and a really good one, too!) and it was last May she married, becoming Amber Eakins. Time moves way too fast.

After my support group conference call and dinner, I made my way over to see her at her mom's house where they were finishing up a nice dinner and visit. We visited briefly and made plans to celebrate her birthday with dinner together later this week.
photo 01001123amberandme26yearsold_zps2yvt8ygk.jpg
Amber and me, tonight. Happy Birthday my Ambee girl!

 There's something exceptionally special about the love I enjoy from both of my daughters, my mom and other family members, past and present. They never noticed my size. Their love hasn't changed. When I went through a very tough relapse/regain period, it was as if they didn't even notice. Same love, same embrace--regardless of size. Their steady and unconditional love served as an example in helping me get to that same place mentally and emotionally in regards to loving myself unconditionally.  

Did you see Angela and Willie Gillis on the Today Show this morning? You can check out their fantastic blog at www.webeatfat.com and the link to the video clip is embedded in one of the Tweets below. I'm so happy for these two! It was very cool seeing them on TV!

I'll let the Tweets take it the rest of the way tonight.

My Tweets Today:




























Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
Posted by at 4 comments:

Sunday, January 3, 2016

January 3rd, 2016 Un-Busy

January 3rd, 2016 Un-Busy

I made today very un-busy. After several days of busy, it was a welcomed change.

My apartment was cleaned today. Things were put up on the walls that have been waiting to find their place in my space. And I roasted a turkey.

I can't remember ever roasting a turkey on a day that wasn't Thanksgiving or Christmas, but I did today. I found it on sale for 69 cents a pound. The entire thing was just over seven dollars. I couldn't resist. And since it was reaching its freshness limit in my fridge, today had to be the day.

I over-cooked it a touch. It was still good. Now the challenge becomes, how do I use it? I plan on making turkey sandwiches and turkey pizza at some point along the way.

I did have a nice pre-interview conversation this afternoon with Regina Swarn for her popular radio show "Inspirational Topics." We'll record the actual interview tomorrow and it will be part of her live show on Wednesday. I'll share a listening link in the next night or two in case you're interested in checking it out.

I kept my workout simple tonight by staying close to home, walking in my neighborhood--all the way to Walmart, and zig-zagging around on the way back in order to stretch it out. I did a short, but nice round of body weight strength training exercises after the walk.

Once again, I'm leaving calories on the table. This is a very interesting problem to have. A blessed "problem." It's 249 calories tonight. I'm not going to get too worked up about it.

Tomorrow gets back into a regular non-holiday week routine. I'm looking forward to moving further along on the calendar. Good things are coming in 2016!

The accountability and support dynamics in our exclusive Monday and Tuesday night conference call weight loss support groups have been big difference makers for many members. Are you ready to make a difference?

Life Coach Gerri and I co-facilitate/moderate these groups with members from all points across the United States and Canada. This amazing group of people are a team. And we have a few positions available for our next 10 week session that starts on January 11th and January 12th.

Are you ready to join our team?

Kathleen from the amazing blog www.totalkathy.com is one of our members--Here's what she says about the group:

"10 weeks ago I joined Sean and Gerri’s weight loss group, I had been losing weight by myself, and hit a wall. Joining this weight loss support was the best thing I have ever done. It has been way more than I expected. I have been given tools to help me with not only the food issues, the self esteem issues as well. It has propelled me into another level on my road to health. I have tried many weight loss groups, and plans, this by far has been the best investment I could make in myself."
--Kathleen Miles

To register for the Monday night group (6pm central/7pm Eastern/5pm Mountain/4pm Pacific), click here:
http://lifecoachgerri.com/events/dont-die-it-live-it-0111/
To register for the Tuesday night group (7pm Central/8pm Eastern/6pm Mountain/5pm Pacific), click here:
http://lifecoachgerri.com/events/dont-die-it-live-it-0112/

My Tweets Today:






































Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
Posted by at 14 comments:

Saturday, January 2, 2016

January 2nd, 2015 Tweets & Photos

January 2nd, 2015 Tweets & Photos

Too tired to do anything but the Tweets and a couple of photos tonight.

photo With mom_zps7st8wjen.jpg
Mom and I visited over coffee after my stand-up guest sets at the comedy club.

photo with kristen and Andrea_zpsx8j9yqaa.jpg
My cousin Kristen and one of her best friends, Andrea, came to the shows tonight!

I'm hitting the pillow way too late. I'll be sleeping in, for certain.

Letting the Tweets take it the rest of the way...

My Tweets Today:


































Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
Posted by at 10 comments:

Friday, January 1, 2016

January 1st, 2016 I Can Just Be Me

January 1st, 2016 I Can Just Be Me

Today felt really nice. It started late because I ended New Years Eve super late, but it was a good pace. My goals for today were met. I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget, remained abstinent from refined sugar, consumed 64oz water, had a good workout--even though it was a late one and my first LIVE seminar/workshop is set up for registrations.

If you're within reasonable traveling distance to this one day seminar/workshop, I hope you'll consider registering! You'll find the registration link on the upper left hand side of this blog page or below in the Tweets. This is one of a few projects I'm launching this year and January 1st was the perfect day to make it available. My goal is to do more of these throughout the year in different locations.

photo withamberandkl_zpspqtzzkvv.jpg
The Sugar Bowl was tonight, pitting my beloved Oklahoma State Cowboys against Ole Miss. It did not end well for us OkState fans. It was a great season, though. There is that. I don't think too many predicted a 10-2 regular season last August. The game wasn't good unless you're an Ole Miss fan, but getting together with Amber and my son-in-law KL for the watch party was great. We had a nacho bar and I made sure to have one of my favorite options-- crispy chicken tacos! Good times!

 I'm looking forward to an awesome weekend. I'm scheduled to do a couple of short ten minute guest sets at LOL Comedy Club in my hometown tomorrow night at 7 and 9:30. I'm always excited about getting the opportunity to perform stand-up. The stand-up experience is so much better than it ever was back in the day. I can just be me. I could've just been me years ago, but as strange as it might read-- I never considered that option. I'm grateful things are different now.

My Tweets Today:








































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