May 31st, 2018 Playing With Fire
Today: I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget, I remained refined sugar-free, I met my daily water goal, and I stayed well connected with good support.
Today wasn't too bad considering the short night of sleep. I was able to get home from work early and grab an hour and a half nap and that helped a bunch. No weather issues tonight!! I'm so glad!
I stayed connected with support today, I planned out my food, and after an early evening visit with mom, I made it to the grocery store for a few items I needed. It was a good day. It's a blessing to be able to say that because the set up for today wasn't the best. After severe weather coverage last night, I started the morning exhausted and for someone like me, that's playing with fire! All of a sudden the grip on those rails that keep me steady become a little tighter.
I'm actually getting to bed at a decent time tonight--yay!
Tomorrow night I'm emceeing a large community event known as The Battle of The Burger. It's twenty teams, 1,200 pounds of meat, and big prizes for the winners! This will be my second year in a row to emcee this amazing production. I'm looking forward to the fun atmosphere--it's truly a blast!
Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
Thursday, May 31, 2018
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
May 30th, 2018 Every Day
May 30th, 2018 Every Day
Today: I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget, I remained refined sugar-free, I met my daily water goal, and I stayed well connected with good support.
Another severe thunderstorm watch was issued just as I was wrapping a night of support calls. The watch is in effect until 5am--and I knew severe weather coverage was imminent because the line was already well developed--the question was, how long will it take to get here? It's almost 3am and although the most severe--including a tornado warning earlier, is well to our east, the storms continue to move through. This is the season for me--so no complaints, it's my job, but it will make for a rough Thursday, without a doubt. I'll need to be extra mindful and aware as I work my way into later this morning and midday.
Doing my best to remain mindful and aware in relation to my daily plan practice--that's also my job, every day. Hopefully, I can come home and rest at some point midday.
That's it for me on this edition.
Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
Today: I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget, I remained refined sugar-free, I met my daily water goal, and I stayed well connected with good support.
Another severe thunderstorm watch was issued just as I was wrapping a night of support calls. The watch is in effect until 5am--and I knew severe weather coverage was imminent because the line was already well developed--the question was, how long will it take to get here? It's almost 3am and although the most severe--including a tornado warning earlier, is well to our east, the storms continue to move through. This is the season for me--so no complaints, it's my job, but it will make for a rough Thursday, without a doubt. I'll need to be extra mindful and aware as I work my way into later this morning and midday.
Doing my best to remain mindful and aware in relation to my daily plan practice--that's also my job, every day. Hopefully, I can come home and rest at some point midday.
That's it for me on this edition.
Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
May 29th, 2018 What I Do
May 29th, 2018 What I Do
Today: I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget, I remained refined sugar-free, I met my daily water goal, and I stayed well connected with good support.
I took an additional day off today. I was able to get a little more rest and that's always a good thing.
I hosted a special guest speaker tonight for the support group I facilitate. Dr. Marty Lerner was absolutely wonderful. A couple of things he talked about tonight really caught my attention where my daily practice is concerned, so I'll be carefully looking at ways to strengthen what I do each day.
A weather warning released just as I was sitting down for dinner tonight. I rushed through my dinner (not a fan of that at all) and hurried to the studio for late night weather coverage. I'm still here at the studio in-between storms at the moment.
I better get back to work!
Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
Today: I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget, I remained refined sugar-free, I met my daily water goal, and I stayed well connected with good support.
I took an additional day off today. I was able to get a little more rest and that's always a good thing.
I hosted a special guest speaker tonight for the support group I facilitate. Dr. Marty Lerner was absolutely wonderful. A couple of things he talked about tonight really caught my attention where my daily practice is concerned, so I'll be carefully looking at ways to strengthen what I do each day.
A weather warning released just as I was sitting down for dinner tonight. I rushed through my dinner (not a fan of that at all) and hurried to the studio for late night weather coverage. I'm still here at the studio in-between storms at the moment.
I better get back to work!
Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
Monday, May 28, 2018
May 28th, 2018 Memorial Day
May 28th, 2018 Memorial Day
Today: I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget, I remained refined sugar-free, I met my daily water goal, and I stayed well connected with good support.
Remembering those that gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country is what Memorial Day is all about. Cindy, her daughter, and I attended two separate ceremonies this morning. Both were moving.
Many of us, my family included, also spend time remembering loved ones who've passed--mom and I did that yesterday.
My oldest daughter Amber, KL, and my granddaughter Raegan came over for a small cookout this afternoon. It was good, quality time. When the gathering was over, I sent some leftovers home with Amber and KL because there's no sense keeping things in my apartment that isn't my food!
Raegan is 2.5 months old and growing quickly!
It's back to work in the morning!
Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
Today: I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget, I remained refined sugar-free, I met my daily water goal, and I stayed well connected with good support.
Remembering those that gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country is what Memorial Day is all about. Cindy, her daughter, and I attended two separate ceremonies this morning. Both were moving.
Many of us, my family included, also spend time remembering loved ones who've passed--mom and I did that yesterday.
My oldest daughter Amber, KL, and my granddaughter Raegan came over for a small cookout this afternoon. It was good, quality time. When the gathering was over, I sent some leftovers home with Amber and KL because there's no sense keeping things in my apartment that isn't my food!
Raegan is 2.5 months old and growing quickly!
It's back to work in the morning!
Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
Sunday, May 27, 2018
May 27th, 2018 Remind Us
May 27th, 2018 Remind Us
Today: I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget, I remained refined sugar-free, I met my daily water goal, and I stayed well connected with good support.
Mom and I visited the cemetery in Stillwater today. We never miss a memorial weekend visit to the graves of our loved ones. We placed flowers, recalled some memories, and made our way to the veterans monument where my grandpa's name is etched in granite in honor of his service during World War Two. It's always a special experience. The one thing we always end up commenting about is how it doesn't seem like it's been so long since the passing of these loved ones, but the gravestone dates remind us. I still can't believe June 19th will be seventeen years since my brother Shane passed--that horrible day often seems a little fresher than it should.
We made our way to our favorite hometown Mexican restaurant for a Memorial Weekend late lunch. I enjoyed my go-to chicken tacos and mom did the same. We enjoyed a visit with some family before heading back home. It was a good conversation on the way back. We share a very similar sense of humor, so if we're talking, we're often laughing at some point. It was good.
I'm looking forward to a couple of Memorial Day ceremonies tomorrow mid to late morning at area cemeteries. Two of the biggest are lined with hundreds and hundreds of flags. It'll be a good experience.
I enjoyed several support exchanges today via text and a couple of calls. These connections are always a blessing. They help keep me "in it" and not "out of it!"
I'm grateful.
If you're in the USA, I hope you're having a good Memorial Day weekend!
Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
Today: I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget, I remained refined sugar-free, I met my daily water goal, and I stayed well connected with good support.
Mom and I visited the cemetery in Stillwater today. We never miss a memorial weekend visit to the graves of our loved ones. We placed flowers, recalled some memories, and made our way to the veterans monument where my grandpa's name is etched in granite in honor of his service during World War Two. It's always a special experience. The one thing we always end up commenting about is how it doesn't seem like it's been so long since the passing of these loved ones, but the gravestone dates remind us. I still can't believe June 19th will be seventeen years since my brother Shane passed--that horrible day often seems a little fresher than it should.
We made our way to our favorite hometown Mexican restaurant for a Memorial Weekend late lunch. I enjoyed my go-to chicken tacos and mom did the same. We enjoyed a visit with some family before heading back home. It was a good conversation on the way back. We share a very similar sense of humor, so if we're talking, we're often laughing at some point. It was good.
I'm looking forward to a couple of Memorial Day ceremonies tomorrow mid to late morning at area cemeteries. Two of the biggest are lined with hundreds and hundreds of flags. It'll be a good experience.
I enjoyed several support exchanges today via text and a couple of calls. These connections are always a blessing. They help keep me "in it" and not "out of it!"
I'm grateful.
If you're in the USA, I hope you're having a good Memorial Day weekend!
Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
Saturday, May 26, 2018
May 26th, 2018 Every Single Time
May 26th, 2018 Every Single Time
Today: I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget, I remained refined sugar-free, I met my daily water goal, and I stayed well connected with good support.
I started the day with a broadcast at a grocery store and ended at a blood drive broadcast. I donated blood this afternoon during the event. The mini-health check showed all of my vitals were in great shape. I remember being turned away from a blood drive at my heaviest with raging high blood pressure. I remember it every single time I'm able to donate now.
I'm ready to rest. The past two days haven't been very restful. I plan on getting some tonight, for sure.
Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
Today: I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget, I remained refined sugar-free, I met my daily water goal, and I stayed well connected with good support.
I started the day with a broadcast at a grocery store and ended at a blood drive broadcast. I donated blood this afternoon during the event. The mini-health check showed all of my vitals were in great shape. I remember being turned away from a blood drive at my heaviest with raging high blood pressure. I remember it every single time I'm able to donate now.
I'm ready to rest. The past two days haven't been very restful. I plan on getting some tonight, for sure.
Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
Friday, May 25, 2018
May 25th, 2018 Okay Then
May 25th, 2018 Okay Then
Today: I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget, I remained refined sugar-free, I met my daily water goal, and I stayed well connected with good support.
Today was a long day-- two location broadcasts on a Friday made it that way. My food plan was good today, exceptional, really. I'm proud of that. I planned ahead and made sure I had what I needed when I needed it, and where I needed it. Both broadcasts today involved free food that wasn't "my food," and to be completely honest, some of it looked very appealing--just not appealing enough to sacrifice my food plan. If I hadn't planned and prepared, I would have put myself in a vulnerable position. I countered with a good plan--including a trip to the store and taking the time to prepare a nice on-plan dinner at home tonight. By the time I made it home I was ready to be in for the night. I originally planned to go back to the studio for some things I needed to get done for the holiday weekend and then a fast trip to mom's, but those plans were postponed until tomorrow. I made the right decision to stay home.
Two big broadcasts on the schedule tomorrow--at a grocery store and a blood drive. I plan on donating blood tomorrow too! Did you know donating blood burns 600 calories? That's what they tell me! Well, okay then! Bonus.
Keeping it short tonight. I sincerely appreciate your continued support of this blog,
Thank you for reading,
Strength,
Sean
Today: I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget, I remained refined sugar-free, I met my daily water goal, and I stayed well connected with good support.
Today was a long day-- two location broadcasts on a Friday made it that way. My food plan was good today, exceptional, really. I'm proud of that. I planned ahead and made sure I had what I needed when I needed it, and where I needed it. Both broadcasts today involved free food that wasn't "my food," and to be completely honest, some of it looked very appealing--just not appealing enough to sacrifice my food plan. If I hadn't planned and prepared, I would have put myself in a vulnerable position. I countered with a good plan--including a trip to the store and taking the time to prepare a nice on-plan dinner at home tonight. By the time I made it home I was ready to be in for the night. I originally planned to go back to the studio for some things I needed to get done for the holiday weekend and then a fast trip to mom's, but those plans were postponed until tomorrow. I made the right decision to stay home.
Two big broadcasts on the schedule tomorrow--at a grocery store and a blood drive. I plan on donating blood tomorrow too! Did you know donating blood burns 600 calories? That's what they tell me! Well, okay then! Bonus.
Keeping it short tonight. I sincerely appreciate your continued support of this blog,
Thank you for reading,
Strength,
Sean
Thursday, May 24, 2018
May 24th, 2018 No Hands
May 24th, 2018 No Hands
Today: I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget, I remained refined sugar-free, I met my daily water goal, and I stayed well connected with good support.
In my experience, it's critically important to take pause for not only deciding on your on-plan approach in particular circumstances but also pausing to remind yourself of the importance of you and how your plan boundaries are set to ultimately take extraordinary care of you. Clearly defining those boundaries has been paramount to the consistency of my plan.
Maintaining the boundaries of our non-negotiable elements fosters growth in every other area of this process. When we disregard those boundaries, it stunts our growth and the result is often: We feel stuck and feel like we're doing the same thing over and over.
If consistently maintaining the boundaries of our plan is what brings growth and a natural evolution of the plan--and that consistency is what brings about positive progress, then we must first look at the plan--and make sure it's something we can maintain.
If it's too extreme, we're setting ourselves up for disappointment.
If we start small and with simplicity, and it's something we can work with inside the boundaries of the plan--that's when something magical starts happening. The challenge becomes the action of releasing judgment for what we might perceive to be an imperfect or incomplete plan--when all we're trying to do is get started from a place where consistency is the focus--and trusting that this approach will allow for a natural evolution of our plan. On the opposite side: If we decide we can't move forward unless everything is perfect within some elaborate "ideal" plan, we're setting ourselves up for a serious struggle with starts and stops.
One of the biggest threats to my consistency is emotion/stress levels.
One thing that's really helped me in this area is to examine not only my current state of mind and emotion but also my expectations for food at any particular moment.
Do I expect it to take me away from and improve emotional/stressful circumstances?
Or do I expect it to simply provide energy and nourish me physically?
Looking at my own expectations pushes me in the direction I need to make more progress toward handling things in ways that truly work, instead of me constantly relying on and believing that escaping into the food will help.
The food does provide a temporary reprieve from the circumstances at hand, but it's never improved the things I avoid, ever. In fact, when I turn to food for these things, it compounds my issues. I try to remember that often.
My continued recovery depends on a daily practice of my plan. I must always stay connected with support. The act of seeking and giving support is paramount. I can't do it alone. I don't know anyone who has done it alone in any kind of long-term sustainable way.
I often refer to the different elements of my plan as my "rails of support." I hold onto those rails every day. If ever I wake and say, "look, no hands," get ready to witness a hard fall.
Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
Today: I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget, I remained refined sugar-free, I met my daily water goal, and I stayed well connected with good support.
 |
| Look, no hands!! |
In my experience, it's critically important to take pause for not only deciding on your on-plan approach in particular circumstances but also pausing to remind yourself of the importance of you and how your plan boundaries are set to ultimately take extraordinary care of you. Clearly defining those boundaries has been paramount to the consistency of my plan.
Maintaining the boundaries of our non-negotiable elements fosters growth in every other area of this process. When we disregard those boundaries, it stunts our growth and the result is often: We feel stuck and feel like we're doing the same thing over and over.
If consistently maintaining the boundaries of our plan is what brings growth and a natural evolution of the plan--and that consistency is what brings about positive progress, then we must first look at the plan--and make sure it's something we can maintain.
If it's too extreme, we're setting ourselves up for disappointment.
If we start small and with simplicity, and it's something we can work with inside the boundaries of the plan--that's when something magical starts happening. The challenge becomes the action of releasing judgment for what we might perceive to be an imperfect or incomplete plan--when all we're trying to do is get started from a place where consistency is the focus--and trusting that this approach will allow for a natural evolution of our plan. On the opposite side: If we decide we can't move forward unless everything is perfect within some elaborate "ideal" plan, we're setting ourselves up for a serious struggle with starts and stops.
One of the biggest threats to my consistency is emotion/stress levels.
One thing that's really helped me in this area is to examine not only my current state of mind and emotion but also my expectations for food at any particular moment.
Do I expect it to take me away from and improve emotional/stressful circumstances?
Or do I expect it to simply provide energy and nourish me physically?
Looking at my own expectations pushes me in the direction I need to make more progress toward handling things in ways that truly work, instead of me constantly relying on and believing that escaping into the food will help.
The food does provide a temporary reprieve from the circumstances at hand, but it's never improved the things I avoid, ever. In fact, when I turn to food for these things, it compounds my issues. I try to remember that often.
My continued recovery depends on a daily practice of my plan. I must always stay connected with support. The act of seeking and giving support is paramount. I can't do it alone. I don't know anyone who has done it alone in any kind of long-term sustainable way.
I often refer to the different elements of my plan as my "rails of support." I hold onto those rails every day. If ever I wake and say, "look, no hands," get ready to witness a hard fall.
Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
May 23rd, 2018 Harmonious
May 23rd, 2018 Harmonious
Today: I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget, I remained refined sugar-free, I met my daily water goal, and I stayed well connected with good support.
Today was a good day from start to finish. Tonight was the week 1 early and late calls for my conference call support group and it was a great experience. There's something very special about being part of a team. Especially when everyone on the team can relate in so many powerful ways.
Facebook Micro-Blog post that popped up as a memory today. From four years ago:
I've been trying to identify and best articulate the most critical element transforming extreme struggle into harmonious consistency. Having experienced both, it's a fascinating study. Sure, it's a combination of elements, but what is the one, that without, all the others become ineffective? Is it acceptance, where suddenly we embrace instead of reject? That's fine, but how do we get to a place of acceptance? I keep coming back to perspective. Dr. Wayne Dyer says it so perfectly: “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”
The perspective we choose is paramount to our success, of course. Sometimes, finding the perspective that engages the gear you're looking for isn't as easy as someone saying, “change your perspective.”
In my opinion, we first must identify, one by one—the mind noise and clutter that keeps our perspective in a locked position. It's mental work that's worth the effort. Because if we can get past these things and truly shift our perspective, suddenly what once seemed impossible becomes not only possible, it becomes our new everyday practice and reality, a non-physical transformation where we can finally experience the seemingly elusive, harmonious consistency.
Today's featured Tweet:
Today: I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget, I remained refined sugar-free, I met my daily water goal, and I stayed well connected with good support.
Today was a good day from start to finish. Tonight was the week 1 early and late calls for my conference call support group and it was a great experience. There's something very special about being part of a team. Especially when everyone on the team can relate in so many powerful ways.
Facebook Micro-Blog post that popped up as a memory today. From four years ago:
I've been trying to identify and best articulate the most critical element transforming extreme struggle into harmonious consistency. Having experienced both, it's a fascinating study. Sure, it's a combination of elements, but what is the one, that without, all the others become ineffective? Is it acceptance, where suddenly we embrace instead of reject? That's fine, but how do we get to a place of acceptance? I keep coming back to perspective. Dr. Wayne Dyer says it so perfectly: “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”
The perspective we choose is paramount to our success, of course. Sometimes, finding the perspective that engages the gear you're looking for isn't as easy as someone saying, “change your perspective.”
In my opinion, we first must identify, one by one—the mind noise and clutter that keeps our perspective in a locked position. It's mental work that's worth the effort. Because if we can get past these things and truly shift our perspective, suddenly what once seemed impossible becomes not only possible, it becomes our new everyday practice and reality, a non-physical transformation where we can finally experience the seemingly elusive, harmonious consistency.
Today's featured Tweet:
A whole mess of veggie pita pizza slices! #fastsimpledinner pic.twitter.com/nodHC3kHd0— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) May 24, 2018
Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
May 22nd, 2018 Nearly Twenty Years
May 22nd, 2018 Nearly Twenty Years
Today: I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget, I remained refined sugar-free, I met my daily water goal, and I stayed well connected with good support.
I spent nearly twenty years near, at, or above 500 pounds.
I tried several different ways to lose weight over the years but nothing worked for very long. When I stopped dieting and opened my mind, eyes, and ears to something different, that's when things started changing. Some major things were missing from previous attempts: Accountability and support. Once I started this blog in September 2008, I started learning about the positive power accountability and support creates. It changed everything.
There are many ways to create accountability and support measures. You certainly don't have to write a blog and you don't have to bare your heart and soul to the world. That's not what it's about. It's more about finding, in whatever way you can, a group of people experiencing similar challenges, struggles, and triumphs. When you find that group of people who truly understand, something magical can happen. Suddenly, you're not alone. I stumbled upon a wonderful group of people who found my blog over the years and discovered how they could relate in powerful ways with my experience. Those connections made a difference for me. When someone thanks me for something I've written on this blog, I accept it graciously-- but before the conversation ends, I thank them for their support. Good support goes both ways, always.
The accountability and support group I facilitate every Wednesday night starts a brand new 8-week session tomorrow night (the 23rd). It's not too late for you to join our team. It's a small and exclusive group of people who truly "get it." Wherever you are along this road, you'll fit right in with us.
To be honest, I'm not a very good marketer of my group or myself, really. I could get the word out much quicker and bigger, I'm sure. But it's okay. Small and exclusive is just fine! Do you want to be a part of something special? Are you ready to create a plan unique to you--a plan that is sustainable long-term? A plan that can get you unstuck?? A plan that can evolve into something bringing you consistent results?
So this is it-- the next session starts tomorrow night and I have a space for you on our late Wednesday call that starts at 9:15pm Eastern/8:15pm Central/6:15pm Pacific. The early call is full.
You'll find more details on the poster:
If you have any questions, call or text: 580-491-2228 or send an email: transformation.road@gmail.com If you're ready to register, let me know--and I'll get you in the group and on the team!
Today's Featured Tweet:
Sean
Today: I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget, I remained refined sugar-free, I met my daily water goal, and I stayed well connected with good support.
I spent nearly twenty years near, at, or above 500 pounds.
I tried several different ways to lose weight over the years but nothing worked for very long. When I stopped dieting and opened my mind, eyes, and ears to something different, that's when things started changing. Some major things were missing from previous attempts: Accountability and support. Once I started this blog in September 2008, I started learning about the positive power accountability and support creates. It changed everything.
There are many ways to create accountability and support measures. You certainly don't have to write a blog and you don't have to bare your heart and soul to the world. That's not what it's about. It's more about finding, in whatever way you can, a group of people experiencing similar challenges, struggles, and triumphs. When you find that group of people who truly understand, something magical can happen. Suddenly, you're not alone. I stumbled upon a wonderful group of people who found my blog over the years and discovered how they could relate in powerful ways with my experience. Those connections made a difference for me. When someone thanks me for something I've written on this blog, I accept it graciously-- but before the conversation ends, I thank them for their support. Good support goes both ways, always.
The accountability and support group I facilitate every Wednesday night starts a brand new 8-week session tomorrow night (the 23rd). It's not too late for you to join our team. It's a small and exclusive group of people who truly "get it." Wherever you are along this road, you'll fit right in with us.
To be honest, I'm not a very good marketer of my group or myself, really. I could get the word out much quicker and bigger, I'm sure. But it's okay. Small and exclusive is just fine! Do you want to be a part of something special? Are you ready to create a plan unique to you--a plan that is sustainable long-term? A plan that can get you unstuck?? A plan that can evolve into something bringing you consistent results?
So this is it-- the next session starts tomorrow night and I have a space for you on our late Wednesday call that starts at 9:15pm Eastern/8:15pm Central/6:15pm Pacific. The early call is full.
You'll find more details on the poster:
 |
| Click to enlarge |
If you have any questions, call or text: 580-491-2228 or send an email: transformation.road@gmail.com If you're ready to register, let me know--and I'll get you in the group and on the team!
Today's Featured Tweet:
Today's 3 meals. #whatilikenothingidont I still run into people who ask if I eat "like a rabbit" in weight maintenance. Maybe a giant omnivore rabbit! But, uh, no- I eat well in maintenance mode! It's a myth that weight loss and maintenance must mean deprivation. It doesn't. pic.twitter.com/2cpM35wVdB— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) May 23, 2018
Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,Sean
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