Inspiring

"Whatever your discipline, become a student of excellence in all things. Take every opportunity to observe people who manifest the qualities of mastery. These models of excellence will inspire you and guide you toward the fulfillment of your highest potential." ---Tony Buzan

A good friend (Kristin) sent me a link to this Youtube video. It is an inspiring story. Sometimes I wish I would have been shooting video or more photos of my journey. I like seeing this guy's transformation. However, I have never honestly done this journey for recognition or fame. I am not saying Ben is doing it for fame or recognition, I have no idea and I do not know Ben. I think his story is remarkable and his sharing it inspires others... well done Ben. I am only speaking for myself and my journey. I have recently started taking and being in many more photos lately. Another dear friend, actually two; brought this to my attention and asked for more photos. My dear friend Monique says a picture is worth a million words. I guess I have not had much to say... well, that's not it; because I always have something to say. I guess I am shy... well, that's not it; because if asked I will wear the freaking lamp shade at the party. The real reason is I do not own a tripod and I am always the one behind the camera.

Until I get a tripod, please enjoy Ben and his journey. He is correct in the video, begin and just do it. The time will pass no matter what we do. In four months do you want to be exactly where you are or would you rather be closer to your goals. In four months you could be 50 pounds lighter. In four months you could be deeper in love. In four months you could be in the best shape of your life. In four months you could be closer to God. In four months you could be closer to accomplishing your goals. What ever you can dream... in four months you could be closer to that dream. Get inspired and as Ben and Nike say... Just Do It!



"Cherish your visions and your dreams as they are the children of your soul, the blueprints of your ultimate achievements." ---Napoleon Hill

"You have all the reason in the world to achieve your grandest dreams. Imagination plus innovation equals realization." ---Denis Waitley

"Two men can achieve anything. As long as one of them is the Lord." ---Author Unknown

Question of a Lifetime

"Be specific in what you want, and use specific words. Empower yourself, and become the person you dream about." ---Author Unknown

I had a woman ask me today, why I have succeeded at losing weight this time over any other time in my life. Then she added, you look and act like a completely different person. Honestly, you will look and act like a completely different person when you lose over 190 pounds. The reason I am succeeding this time, is I recognized the real problem and addressed that. Most people, myself included just use the band-aid approach to weight loss. We go on a diet, only to gain it back as soon as the diet ends. I have learned in my journey, there is an underlying issue that leads to weight gain and retention. Once I discovered my underlying issue, I was accurately able to address it and move forward. Correctly addressing this underlying issue has removed from my behaviors the need to use food as a drug. I no longer reach for food to comfort me or to mask other problems.

Does this mean I have stopped eating bad foods? No, in fact, like all other people I still occasionally eat a bad thing or two. On Friday of last week, I stopped at Burger King and for the first time in six months had a fast food value meal. However, for the first time since I was married, it was the small value meal and I did not upgrade to the larger size. I had this incredible craving for a hamburger and fries and so, I pulled into the drive-through and got a BK Stacker. I ate it slowly and savored it and the craving was gone and over. This is the best part; I worked it off by going hiking that evening. In days of old, when dieting a diversion like this would lead to many more. However, not this time; as I was right back on my routine immediately with craving satisfied. This is wonderful and edifies my belief that if we heal the mind, we heal the body. Healing my mind and addressing the underlying issues, I have healed my body. My body heals more every day and I get stronger every day. It is a remarkable feeling and it leaves me confident, strong, positive, passionate, caring and motivated. It makes me determined to reach my goal and reach it I will.

"I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor." ---Henry David Thoreau

"All endeavor calls for the ability to tramp the last mile, shape the last plan, endure the last hours toil. The fight to the finish spirit is the one...characteristic we must posses if we are to face the future as finishers." ---Author Unknown

Quick Update

"Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your Destiny." ---Frank Outlaw

Here is a quick update from the weight loss challenge at work. The Wellness Coordinator posted the results following "Week 3" and I have moved into second place. There are two within very close range and I closed the gap considerably on the leader. This leaves me with mixed emotions. On one hand, I intended to win this competition and I still do. I aim to win it, I am in it to win it. However, I thought it would be around week 9 or 10 before I was close to second or first. After-all, I have been losing weight for a long time and the amount you lose in the first weeks is always the greatest. I am disheartened for my fellow workers that are trying so hard to beat this battle. I know their struggles and their difficulties. Their resolve is fading and their intensity levels off. If you heal the mind, you will heal the body. Toss in a huge why and you are on your way.

Following Week 3: Percentage of body weight lost in three weeks: 3.8%

"Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go..." ---T.S. Eliot

"Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent." ---Marilyn Vos Savant

Life is Exciting!

“When things go wrong as they sometimes will, When the road you're trudging seems all up hill, When the funds are low and the debts are high, And you want to smile, but you have to sigh, When care is pressing you down a bit, Rest if you must, but don't you quit. Life is queer with its twists and turns, As every one of us sometimes learns, And many a failure turns about, When he might have won had he stuck it out. Don't give up though the pace seems slow--You may succeed with another blow, Success is failure turned inside out--The silver tint of the clouds of doubt, And you never can tell how close you are, It may be near when it seems so far; So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.” ---Author Unknown

The above is a re-post from an earlier post. It is so true, so many of us quit right before victory would have been ours. A very dear friend asked me Saturday night how much weight I have to lose before I reach my goal. After I told them, it sunk in that I do not have all that much to lose before I reach my goal. I am quoting this dear friend when I write, “Isn’t life exciting?” Well, yes, it is and I always add magical to this comment. It is exciting and dangerous to be so close. I have learned from all of my studies, and research that it is when we get close to our goals or dreams, it is there that so many fall behind, and never complete their own journey. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel as far as my weight loss journey. Yes, I have a few difficult months to go, but this is a lifestyle for me now. I rarely if ever falter any longer and if I do, I am right back on track. Getting back on track does not wait for the next day like days or years of past. Getting back on track happens immediately following the transgression.

I am disheartened that so many in my weight loss challenge at work are faltering after only three weeks. I want to reach out, help them, and give them the pull needed to achieve that which they desire. However, one thing the journey of mine has taught me. You cannot pull someone to victory in anything in life. The best we can do is place our hand out and say this is the way, walk with me. In the end, it has to be in your heart, mind and soul to achieve the unachievable. Each of us has to dig, search and locate the champion or winner inside of us. Every day people ask what are you eating, what are you doing, how is this possible they ask? It is possible because I became a completely different man. I became the man I always desired to be and no longer allow my environment to control my mind or actions. I see with clarity what I want in my life and I stop at nothing to achieve it. It is the man that I will be forever more.

Through this weight loss journey, I suffered incredible heartbreak and cruelty and it did not deter my efforts. I have experienced great joy, love and laughter and it did not deter my efforts. I experienced injuries and setbacks and it did not deter my efforts. Yes, there were bad days and even weeks, but overall I stayed the course. I worked on my mind and spirit harder than anything else and everything else fell into place. I have allowed the man that God wants me to be to surface and every day that man grows stronger. As of this writing, I stand at nearly 190 pounds lost and approximately 40 more to go until I reach my goal. My goal is to be at goal in January, a very tall order indeed. In January, phase two of this journey begins and I shall approach it the same way I have the weight loss journey. Continuing to expand my mind, my spirit, my soul and go full speed ahead. I shall approach everything in my life with this passion and effort from now until the Lord calls me home… hopefully, somewhere around 95. Now, quoting my dear friend, Isn’t life exciting? I believe it is and it is quite magical.

"Everyone says love hurts, but that isn't true. Loneliness hurts. Rejection hurts. Losing someone hurts. Envy hurts. Everyone gets these things confused with love, but in reality love is the only thing in this world that covers up all pain and makes someone feel wonderful again. Love is the only thing in this world that does not hurt." ---Author Unknown

"Yesterday is but a dream, tomorrow but a vision. But today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness, and every tomorrow a vision of hope. Look well, therefore, to this day." ---Indian Proverb

Plow Through Your Difficulties

"If all difficulties were known at the outset of a long journey, most of us would never start out at all." ---Dan Rather

No matter what we struggle with, no matter what our situation in life is... good or bad. We can plow through those difficulties. When you have faith and you practice that faith and then lean on that faith all things are possible. Even pressing through your own journey and living the life you dream of having.

Faith, a strong why, determination and an exact desire for what I want in life is propelling me through my own challenges. Obstacles and set-backs arise daily and sometimes they feel unbeatable. However, they are not and we have the power to defeat any obstacle in our path. In weight loss, career choice, relationships, enormous loss and sadness, in all things we have the power and will to be victorious. Lean on your faith and believe in yourself and watch the magic happen.



"Pray to God, but keep rowing toward(s) the shore." ---Chinese Proverb

"The ablest men in all walks of modern life are men of faith. Most of them have much more faith than they themselves realize." ---Bruce Barton

Most Important

"There are many things that are essential to arriving at true peace of mind, and one of the most important is faith, which cannot be acquired without prayer." ---John Wooden

What is the most important thing in life. How about your life? I was recently asked by a friend where I see myself in five years? When I thought about that question it really threw me off guard. In this journey, I have it planned out for two years, but I was asked where I would be in five years. I thought about this for at least 24 hours and perhaps more. Looking down the road five years and actually visualizing it, I came to the conclusion that the most important thing to me in five years is something I do not have.

It is not the perfect body, nor the perfect job. I do not wish for a mansion, exotic cars or any other materialistic items. In fact, the most important thing to me in five years is something I once possessed and lost. Unfortunately, sometimes in life circumstances lead us into difficult situations. The thing I desire most in five years and longer is simply a family to love. My family was attacked by the outside world and eventually it succumbed to the war on the family. Divorce, split custody and just like that our family was divided by two. My fault, her fault, it does not matter; the end result is the same.

This experience has been extremely educational, even if it was profoundly hurtful. This education taught me that when you choose a partner, companion, lover, best friend; you had better feel passion and love for that person. When you speak to each other, you had better like the sound of their voice. When you look into their eyes you had better see compassion, integrity, honesty, kindness and love. During that love affair you had better stand up for that companion and do it often. You had better offer selfless service and communicate openly about all subjects and do it frequently. However, most importantly you had better live with honesty and integrity. Failure to follow those two principals and life can quickly become chaotic and hurtful. Even the slightest detour from anything above and the outside world can find a crack and start destroying your family. Kiss often, laugh often, hold hands often, hug often, smile often, make love often and always pay attention to the small things in life.

Yes, in five years I see myself with a family rebuilt with the proper foundation and the correct partner. I see myself extremely happy and having a great life-long love affair. I see myself sharing and caring for beautiful children. It is the most important dream I have. Be aware of the war on families and never take yours for granted.


Weight Loss Challenge at Work:

After two weeks, I have moved into third place. In two weeks I have lost 2.6% of my body weight. The leader has lost an amazing 6% of his body weight in two weeks. So, I only have one thing to say about that... Bring It Brother! Nine weeks left and those foot steps you hear... are mine!

"Remember, that of all the elements that comprise a human being, the most important, the most essential, the one that will sustain, transcend, overcome and vanquish obstacles is - Spirit!" ---Buddy Ebsen

"Some of the biggest challenges in relationships come from the fact that most people enter a relationship in order to get something: they're trying to find someone who's going to make them feel good. In reality, the only way a relationship will last is if you see your relationship as a place that you go to give, and not a place that you go to take." ---Anthony Robbins (Amen Anthony)

What a Fox

"Self-acceptance comes from meeting life's challenges vigorously. Don't numb yourself to your trials and difficulties, nor build mental walls to exclude pain from your life. You will find peace not by trying to escape your problems, but by confronting them courageously. You will find peace not in denial, but in victory." ---J. Donald Walters


During my walk/jog this morning on the paved path that leads through the wooded area up to the mountains, I came across a beautiful sight. I was moving quickly, jogging with an Angel with foul breath. Okay, the Angel is really my dog Angel and trust me this Angel has foul breath. Suddenly, I stopped and looked to my left because I noticed movement. There standing just fifteen feet from me was a beautiful adult Red Fox. Normally, fox are nervous animals and do not like it when people are close in proximity. However, this fox with its beautiful red coat just stood there looking at my Angel and me. I realized, at that moment that there were two fox staring at one another. My self-esteem has improved so much I consider myself a fox you may be asking yourself. Well, yes it is almost to that point. However, the real reason is my whole life people have told me that the name Todd means fox. Todd is from an old English origin and it does mean fox. Sounds good to me, from now on I do not mind if people call me foxy.

After what seemed like a few minutes, but was actually about sixty seconds, the fox turned and ran up to the tree line and hid to watch us from afar. I turned to continue the jog, when up ahead there were two doe on the path itself. Deer in these parts are getting used to having humans and the occasional Angel nearby. They just looked at us and as we approached, they slowly started trotting up the hill. It really does clear the mind and make you appreciate the journey when the wildlife comes out when you are on this path.

This brings me to my journey. There are many things and events that have lead me to enjoy my journey. The journey I began with regaining my health is a life-long journey. It is full with its own turns, wildlife, hills, obstacles and wondrous moments like the path and the fox. The thing about this journey, as difficult as it seems at times, it is a great joy just to be part of it. My journey is full with passion, joy and I have met some of the most wonderful people you can imagine. Weight loss is only one part of this journey of becoming more than I am. Everyday, I try to do at least one, usually more than one thing to move myself forward in a positive, passionate direction. Occasionally, this journey breaks my heart or takes my resolve and smashes it to the ground. It is these moments that I call upon a higher power and rededicate myself to the greater mission of life. I firmly believe that each one of us has the ability to rise and be happy every morning regardless of our circumstances. Yes, there are trials in life that make it seem impossible. However, it is not impossible and I know it is not. I have dealt with my share of trials during this journey and I am still standing, moving forward in a positive, passionate direction.

Here is a story about a young family that while on their own journey experienced their own tragic event. Imagine yourself cruising along in life with an extraordinary happy family. A happy marriage, beautiful children and the future looks as bright as the sun. Suddenly, this family receives the horrific message that the Father/Husband has a tumor. The following months and eventually three years were full with the most painful and life-altering events you can imagine. Certainly, this is enough to make you throw in the towel and quit the journey. However, this family did the opposite, came together, and shared their journey, including the eventual tragic loss of the Father/Husband. Their journey was full with some of the most heart-breaking moments you can imagine. Deterioration of health, financial struggles, emotional struggles and on some levels, there were struggles with faith. I am amazed at the inner strength the Mother/Wife had and continues to have.

Now, if you are struggling with something, please step outside yourself and imagine the above family. Weight loss not going as planned, divorce, financial, just about all of our problems are insignificant. The Mother in the above example is real, the story is real, the children are real, the heartbreak is real, and the awesome example of courage, faith reborn, and positive, passionate outlook on life is real. I know this, because I know who they are. This is what I am talking about when I say surround yourself with passionate, positive people with integrity. Even better, join me in improving yourself to become one of the passionate, positive people with integrity. Everyone in and around your life will benefit from the transformation. I end with the belief that we do have the ability to rise every morning and choose happiness. Regardless of circumstance, we have the ability to rise above the trials. I have done it following divorce and loss of direction, the Mother above has done it following her extreme trials, Mrs. Levin has done it following the loss of her son. The examples are endless. Enjoy the journey, choose happiness and empower others to do the same.


"A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a man perfected without trials." ---Chinese Proverbs


"I have always believed that God never gives a cross to bear larger than we can carry. No matter what, he wants us to be happy, not sad. Birds sing after a storm. Why shouldn't we?" ---Rose F. Kennedy

Have Faith You Are Doing Well

"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence." ---Helen Keller

Where has my faith and belief in myself gone? Is it that I have become so demanding on myself that I do not realize how well I am doing? I was dreading the weigh-in at work for the weight loss challenge. I had experienced a great deal of stress and increased my caloric intake over the past week. I even commented that if I just maintained that I would be happy. Well, I went, I weighed, I questioned, I stood in disbelief, I stepped off, I walked outside to be alone, I smiled huge, I walked back in, I was asked how I did, I responded, I lost! Yes, I lost... a total of another 3.2 pounds for the week. That makes 6.4 pounds lost in two weeks in the challenge. I will not find out if I moved up or down in the challenge until Tuesday.

Today at work a young woman... well, younger than I am. I would guess her age to be near 32. This young lady grabbed my... you know... my back of my front! My gluteus maximus was in firm grasp! Holy cow, that has not happened in at least two decades! The last time it happened I tried to pay the lady for doing it! I must have turned 14 shades of red because everyone around was laughing after-wards. Crud, I handled it so well. I could feel my face boiling with embarrassment and I shyly and quickly went back to my area of comfort. Attention is nice and makes the effort worth-while. However, the best part of this entire journey is how it has made my mind feel about the future.

If you are struggling and it is not going well, just keep hanging in there. You will hit a zone and it will start dropping off like snow melting in Death Valley. Develop your why, get moving and stay out of the restaurants. If I can do this, so can you.

"There is no great future for any people whose faith has burned out." ---Rufus M. Jones

“If one advances confidently in the direction of one's dreams, and endeavors to live the life which one has imagined, one will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” ---Henry David Thoreau