"There is a charm about the forbidden that makes it unspeakably desirable." ---Mark Twain
I have been dealing with the desires of my heart and mind lately. Making a complete self-introspection as of late, I have determined that many of my desires are founded in wonderful common sense, others are of a more whimsical variety. Desires can be a wonderful, powerful motivator and if the desire is pure, healthy and productive, they can improve your life in ways unimaginable. There too, are the counter-productive desires that are not so pure and healthy. These desires are the ones that seem to bring us additional trials.
One of my whimsical desires is to run out and purchase a new Truck. Yes, it is a guy thing, a testosterone-filled desire to have a large truck with four-doors, ability to pull my as of yet next desire, the RV. I find myself rubber necking every time I pass by the dealership that sells the truck brand I want to purchase. However, when I sit and actually ponder and meditate this decision, I find a great many flaws with my testosterone led desire. The first is a no-brainer. Gasoline is on the rise once again. I dislike paying high prices for gasoline; it makes me mental. Standing there watching the dollar column flip as fast as the national debt calculator sets me off in a mild panic. This mild panic can lead to a serious Coke Zero indulgence, gobs and gobs of the stuff to calm the nerves. Of course, I am just saying this; I have never really done this. Really, I have not. I promise, as far as you have seen I have not consumed large amounts of Coke Zero to offset gasoline sticker shock. (Fingers, toes and knees are crossed.)
The second problem with the testosterone led desire is that truck prices are ridiculous. Have you looked at the window sticker on these behemoth vehicles? I stopped and looked at one two weeks ago and it read $52,870.00! I can do a great many things with the money that it would take to own this vehicle every month. I could help people with Coke Zero addictions. ;-)
"Burning lies led to my silent cries. Keeping it inside I've got everything to hide. Lustful desire, a burning fire, you are the flame, you are to blame. Beautiful light deliver me from fright, dreams full of lust. Or is the dream dreaming us? PHYSICAL PAIN don't call me insane. I don't want to be dead but all beautiful colors bleed to red." ---Author Unknown
Desires are also of the sinful nature. I do not want to dwell too much on this issue, as I am not very knowledgeable in this field. Perhaps a more ecclesiastical individual would better address this issue. We all have them; we all wonder and ponder what it would be like for our different sinful desires to come true. However, at the end of the day most of us come to our senses and realize that most, if not all, of our sinful desires are counter-productive.
Desires can be career or job centered. I see nothing wrong with pursuing these desires as long as we do it with integrity and honesty. Striving to live a better, more secure lifestyle and being more content with our daily duties is a noble endeavor. Dreaming and then making a game plan to achieve your desires in this field can bring great personal growth and happiness. The journey alone can bring great joy and happiness. Always strive to become more and a better person.
"No matter how hard I could have worked, my NBA playing days ended when my Dad's sperm united with my Mom's egg." ---Chuck Runyon
Can we obtain all that we desire? I am a firm believer in the thought process that if you can conceive it, you can achieve it. However, I think the reality of life needs to be taken into consideration. An example of this would be if I desired to become a professional baseball player. Obviously, given my age it would not be realistic to pursue a professional baseball career. This does not mean that I could not pursue some type of professional baseball career; it is just not realistic to become a player. I could pursue a coaching, trainer or executive job within a professional baseball organization. I think we all can recognize fantasy desires from reality based desires. I think we should always stretch and desire that which cannot easily be obtained. Only in pursuing the once thought impossible do we venture down a path filled with personal growth opportunities.
"People desire to separate their worlds into polarities of dark and light, ugly and beautiful, good and evil, right and wrong, inside and outside. Polarities serve us in our learning and growth, but as souls we are all." ---Joy Page
One of my desires that I do not really let people know of is the desire to write. I enjoy writing, I am not nearly on the level I desire to be and I am no professional by any means. I do not write this blog to become a professional writer; this is more or less my journal of my thoughts and experiences. My beautiful wife recently purchased some writing software that I have been meaning to purchase for sometime. I must admit, it is quite intimidating. I love it and I love learning the software tools. However, it really brought home the reality that I have much to learn and a great deal of growth to encounter. Is not life wonderful? The wonderful gift I received from my spouse has ignited a passion within at an age when many would never think of beginning down a new path.
I have many desires and many things I would like to accomplish. Our desires can be in so many different areas of life. We can accomplish many of our desires. We can become better and more attentive lovers. Becoming a more patient parent and more sympathetic to our children’s problems is within our grasp. Becoming a better listener and a better friend is easily learnable. Through meditation and calming exercise, we can learn to relax and have more patience. We can become a better child of God. We can become more selfless and strive to help those less fortunate. Desires, if they are productive and growth oriented can be life altering in a most positive direction.
"So come with me, where dreams are born, and time is never planned. Just think of happy things, and your heart will fly on wings, forever, in Never Never Land!" ---Peter Pan
"Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams." ---Ashley Smith
"Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us." ---Wilma Rudolph
Monday, February 27, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Apology
"Anger ventilated often hurries toward forgiveness; and concealed often hardens into revenge" ---Edward Bulwer-Lytton
Sometimes in life and with people there comes a moment when an apology is necessary. I am not certain when that time is or becomes necessary. However, I do know that the quality of your life is never worse when you humbly apologize to anyone and everyone. Sometimes, there are people that know you that are waiting for that one single phrase. This phrase is for good reasons one of the most difficult phrases in the English language. When spoken this phrase means that you as an individual have recognized that within yourself you have found a flaw. It may be a small or large flaw.
"To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you." ---Lewis Smedes
I am not a perfect man and I have never met a perfect human being. I know that in the past when I have had disagreements with someone and the result is walking away, that somewhere, sometime an apology needs to be made. I find it interesting that so many of us would rather hold our anger, frustration and resolve to be angry and offended. It takes a great deal more energy to be angry and frustrated than to be humble, remorseful and forgiving. How many amazing moments in life are lost because those we know or we ourselves hold on to anger, hurt and frustration?
"He who cannot forgive others destroys a bridge over which he himself must pass." ---George Herbert
Forgiving someone that has wronged us, hurt us, embarrassed us, humiliated or any other offensive act, takes a grand person indeed. I ask how many of us in this world have not forgiven someone. Now, I ask how many of us have someone out their yet to forgive us. Where does forgiveness begin? It begins with the grandest person you know. It begins with each of us. First, we must forgive ourselves and recognize that we are not flawless. We make mistakes; we act foolishly at times and offend others, intentionally or unintentionally. We are stubborn and want to be correct all of the time and never proven wrong for that shows we have a weakness.
Many times in life, we do not even realize we have offended someone. Yet, they carry this hurt and anger without us even realizing it. I guess we have to be very keen in recognizing when people around us are not themselves and behavior towards us has changed. Sometimes, a simple misunderstanding or cross up in communication has led to someone being offended by us. In this world and during these times we cannot afford to be offended or offend. Our world is becoming more and more complex with more and more technology at our fingertips that allows us to offend more people, more quickly. Social media is leading the charge and it is so easy to offend someone or to get communication lines crossed.
It is with a humble heart and a pure mind that I take pause. I ask that you join me in pausing for a moment and look at our lives. Look into the mirror and see a humble, beautiful, learning, growing person looking back at you. This person would never intentionally seek to offend, mis-communicate, or harm another. The person looking back at you is an awesome, loving human being that wants to like and love everyone and be liked and loved by everyone. If there is anyone in your life that has yet to hear that difficult phrase, I encourage you to find the courage. I will begin with my own life.
"It is easier to forgive an enemy than to forgive a friend." ---William Blake
If you are one that I have offended with this blog or through my words in person or those I have written, this message is for you. If I know you in person, we see each other, and I have offended you, this message is for you. If I have wronged you in any way or even if I have not, yet you perceive I have, this message is for you. It is with great humility, sincerity and affection that I write and speak this most difficult phrase in all the English language.
"Sincere forgiveness isn't colored with expectations that the other person apologize or change. Don't worry whether or not they finally understand you. Love them and release them. Life feeds back truth to people in its own way and time." ---Sara Paddison
"The first thing I said to him is 'I guess I owe you a few apologies,' ... He laughed and was just very warm and gracious." ---Phil Hartman
"Right actions in the future are the best apologies for bad actions in the past." ---Tryon Edwards
Sometimes in life and with people there comes a moment when an apology is necessary. I am not certain when that time is or becomes necessary. However, I do know that the quality of your life is never worse when you humbly apologize to anyone and everyone. Sometimes, there are people that know you that are waiting for that one single phrase. This phrase is for good reasons one of the most difficult phrases in the English language. When spoken this phrase means that you as an individual have recognized that within yourself you have found a flaw. It may be a small or large flaw.
"To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you." ---Lewis Smedes
I am not a perfect man and I have never met a perfect human being. I know that in the past when I have had disagreements with someone and the result is walking away, that somewhere, sometime an apology needs to be made. I find it interesting that so many of us would rather hold our anger, frustration and resolve to be angry and offended. It takes a great deal more energy to be angry and frustrated than to be humble, remorseful and forgiving. How many amazing moments in life are lost because those we know or we ourselves hold on to anger, hurt and frustration?
"He who cannot forgive others destroys a bridge over which he himself must pass." ---George Herbert
Forgiving someone that has wronged us, hurt us, embarrassed us, humiliated or any other offensive act, takes a grand person indeed. I ask how many of us in this world have not forgiven someone. Now, I ask how many of us have someone out their yet to forgive us. Where does forgiveness begin? It begins with the grandest person you know. It begins with each of us. First, we must forgive ourselves and recognize that we are not flawless. We make mistakes; we act foolishly at times and offend others, intentionally or unintentionally. We are stubborn and want to be correct all of the time and never proven wrong for that shows we have a weakness.
Many times in life, we do not even realize we have offended someone. Yet, they carry this hurt and anger without us even realizing it. I guess we have to be very keen in recognizing when people around us are not themselves and behavior towards us has changed. Sometimes, a simple misunderstanding or cross up in communication has led to someone being offended by us. In this world and during these times we cannot afford to be offended or offend. Our world is becoming more and more complex with more and more technology at our fingertips that allows us to offend more people, more quickly. Social media is leading the charge and it is so easy to offend someone or to get communication lines crossed.
It is with a humble heart and a pure mind that I take pause. I ask that you join me in pausing for a moment and look at our lives. Look into the mirror and see a humble, beautiful, learning, growing person looking back at you. This person would never intentionally seek to offend, mis-communicate, or harm another. The person looking back at you is an awesome, loving human being that wants to like and love everyone and be liked and loved by everyone. If there is anyone in your life that has yet to hear that difficult phrase, I encourage you to find the courage. I will begin with my own life.
"It is easier to forgive an enemy than to forgive a friend." ---William Blake
If you are one that I have offended with this blog or through my words in person or those I have written, this message is for you. If I know you in person, we see each other, and I have offended you, this message is for you. If I have wronged you in any way or even if I have not, yet you perceive I have, this message is for you. It is with great humility, sincerity and affection that I write and speak this most difficult phrase in all the English language.
I am sorry, will you please forgive me.
"Sincere forgiveness isn't colored with expectations that the other person apologize or change. Don't worry whether or not they finally understand you. Love them and release them. Life feeds back truth to people in its own way and time." ---Sara Paddison
"The first thing I said to him is 'I guess I owe you a few apologies,' ... He laughed and was just very warm and gracious." ---Phil Hartman
"Right actions in the future are the best apologies for bad actions in the past." ---Tryon Edwards
Monday, February 20, 2012
Our World Needs a Timeout
"You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude toward what happens to you, and in that, you will be mastering change rather than allowing it to master you." ---Brian Tracy
Looking through the news this morning and I am overwhelmed with negative stories. I guess some of these stories are not negative to some, but extremely offensive to others. Here are just a few of the stories and my useless, random thoughts.
Whitney Houston dies from apparent drug addiction.
I realize they are waiting toxicology reports on the official cause of death, but authorities are saying they found many legal prescription bottles nearby. Having had a brother and friends that battled various drug addictions, I really do not judge Whitney too harshly. I was once prescribed Oxycontin for a herniated disc. I had not slept more than two hours for several days. I was in great pain and no position would alleviate the pain. The first dose was taken just before bedtime. As I lay in bed with tears running down my cheeks with a pain level near 10, I suddenly felt an unusual warm feeling in my feet. This incredible and extremely comforting warm feeling spread from my feet up my entire body. Slowly, every part of my body became so comfortable. When this warmth hit my disc and sciatic nerve area where the pain had me in tears, it was like a miracle as this warmth engulfed the area and within seconds, the pain was completely gone. Within minutes, this warmth had engulfed my entire body, including my head. It was a euphoric feeling and everything in the world seemed wonderful. All stress, pain, anxiety and any other “bad” feeling was completely expunged from my body. I went from tears to laughing and telling jokes. I slept for the first time in many days. I had no idea what the doctor had prescribed to me, all I knew is how wonderful it worked and how great it made me feel. Upon returning to the doctor, I asked if I could get a refill as that made me sleep so well and alleviated all pain. He laughed and said, only one prescription per year maximum. I asked why he would limit something so effective. He responded, because that is just a legal form of heroin. I was shocked and now I understand the addictive nature of prescription drugs.
Jennifer Love Hewitt begins new Lifetime Series “The Client”. The show, about a down-on-her-luck Texas mom who resorts to turning tricks.
Just the other day I remember seeing JLH all over the news as the media crucified her for the weight she had gained during Ghost Whisperer. Personally, I thought she looked great then. However, I just viewed the music video for this new series and she has lost all that weight and she looks amazing. That said, having a 13-year-old daughter that loves Ghost Whisperer and JLH, I am stunned that her new show is about prostitution. This show and network are glamorizing having sex for money. I am worried what kind of message this sends to the young women of this world that are JLH fans. JLH, great work and effort on losing the weight and looking healthy, sexy and happy. JLH, poor choice of new shows when you have been a role model to young women for years.
"When we treat man as he is, we make him worse than he is; when we treat him as if he already were what he potentially could be, we make him what he should be." ---Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Anthony Federico is fired from ESPN for making a comment about a poor game by the new NBA sensation Jeremy Lin.
All I can say about this is everyone, especially ESPN needs to relax. The expression “chink in the armor” has been used for years by many commentators and writers. Almost everyone understands this to be a weak spot or weak moment. Perhaps a vulnerability and not without fault. On this day, the writer used it for an Asian NBA player that is playing out of this world but had a bad game and for this, he is immediately fired. Timeout for ESPN!
"Hope is like the sun, which, as we journey toward it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us." ---Samuel Smiles
National Debt, Iran, Gasoline Prices, Foreclosures, Economy, Sex Scandals, Murders, Rapes, Robberies, Intolerance, Racism, Prejudice, Eliminating God, Fraud, on and on. These were most of the online headlines and stories this morning. All I can say is our world, all of us, we need to be placed in timeout.
"The future lies before you Like a field of driven snow, Be careful how you tread it, For every step will show." ---Author Unknown
"If you want to take your mission in life to the next level, if you're stuck and you don't know how to rise, don't look outside yourself. Look inside. Don't let your fears keep you mired in the crowd. Abolish your fears and raise your commitment level to the point of no return, and I guarantee you that the Champion Within will burst forth to propel you toward victory." ---Bruce Jenner
Looking through the news this morning and I am overwhelmed with negative stories. I guess some of these stories are not negative to some, but extremely offensive to others. Here are just a few of the stories and my useless, random thoughts.
Whitney Houston dies from apparent drug addiction.
I realize they are waiting toxicology reports on the official cause of death, but authorities are saying they found many legal prescription bottles nearby. Having had a brother and friends that battled various drug addictions, I really do not judge Whitney too harshly. I was once prescribed Oxycontin for a herniated disc. I had not slept more than two hours for several days. I was in great pain and no position would alleviate the pain. The first dose was taken just before bedtime. As I lay in bed with tears running down my cheeks with a pain level near 10, I suddenly felt an unusual warm feeling in my feet. This incredible and extremely comforting warm feeling spread from my feet up my entire body. Slowly, every part of my body became so comfortable. When this warmth hit my disc and sciatic nerve area where the pain had me in tears, it was like a miracle as this warmth engulfed the area and within seconds, the pain was completely gone. Within minutes, this warmth had engulfed my entire body, including my head. It was a euphoric feeling and everything in the world seemed wonderful. All stress, pain, anxiety and any other “bad” feeling was completely expunged from my body. I went from tears to laughing and telling jokes. I slept for the first time in many days. I had no idea what the doctor had prescribed to me, all I knew is how wonderful it worked and how great it made me feel. Upon returning to the doctor, I asked if I could get a refill as that made me sleep so well and alleviated all pain. He laughed and said, only one prescription per year maximum. I asked why he would limit something so effective. He responded, because that is just a legal form of heroin. I was shocked and now I understand the addictive nature of prescription drugs.
Jennifer Love Hewitt begins new Lifetime Series “The Client”. The show, about a down-on-her-luck Texas mom who resorts to turning tricks.
Just the other day I remember seeing JLH all over the news as the media crucified her for the weight she had gained during Ghost Whisperer. Personally, I thought she looked great then. However, I just viewed the music video for this new series and she has lost all that weight and she looks amazing. That said, having a 13-year-old daughter that loves Ghost Whisperer and JLH, I am stunned that her new show is about prostitution. This show and network are glamorizing having sex for money. I am worried what kind of message this sends to the young women of this world that are JLH fans. JLH, great work and effort on losing the weight and looking healthy, sexy and happy. JLH, poor choice of new shows when you have been a role model to young women for years.
"When we treat man as he is, we make him worse than he is; when we treat him as if he already were what he potentially could be, we make him what he should be." ---Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Anthony Federico is fired from ESPN for making a comment about a poor game by the new NBA sensation Jeremy Lin.
All I can say about this is everyone, especially ESPN needs to relax. The expression “chink in the armor” has been used for years by many commentators and writers. Almost everyone understands this to be a weak spot or weak moment. Perhaps a vulnerability and not without fault. On this day, the writer used it for an Asian NBA player that is playing out of this world but had a bad game and for this, he is immediately fired. Timeout for ESPN!
"Hope is like the sun, which, as we journey toward it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us." ---Samuel Smiles
National Debt, Iran, Gasoline Prices, Foreclosures, Economy, Sex Scandals, Murders, Rapes, Robberies, Intolerance, Racism, Prejudice, Eliminating God, Fraud, on and on. These were most of the online headlines and stories this morning. All I can say is our world, all of us, we need to be placed in timeout.
"The future lies before you Like a field of driven snow, Be careful how you tread it, For every step will show." ---Author Unknown
"If you want to take your mission in life to the next level, if you're stuck and you don't know how to rise, don't look outside yourself. Look inside. Don't let your fears keep you mired in the crowd. Abolish your fears and raise your commitment level to the point of no return, and I guarantee you that the Champion Within will burst forth to propel you toward victory." ---Bruce Jenner
Sunday, February 19, 2012
The Weight-Loss Journey Continued
"Love can never grow old. Locks may lose their brown and gold. Cheeks may fade and hollow grow. But the hearts that love will know, never winter's frost and chill, summer's warmth is in them still." ---Leo Buscaglia
I made myself a promise as I lost weight and regained my health. That promise was that I would never again purchase fat clothes. My definition of fat clothes is having to go shopping for new clothing because you have outgrown your current wardrobe. If you have ever battled your weight or have gained weight, you know of the uncomfortable feeling I speak about. I find nothing pleasant about gaining weight to the point that your clothes are not fitting properly.
December of 2010 I was at my lowest weight in twenty years. It was at this point that I began dating again following my divorce. One would think that the two have nothing in common. However, spending a few evenings per week dating and dining the two quickly becomes related. Throughout the early part of 2011, I was dating and dining. Working out and eating according to my program became less important.
"There'll be two dates on your tombstone, and all your friends will read 'em; but all that's gonna matter is that little dash between 'em." ---Kevin Welch
Dating was a daunting adventure and I had some incredible experiences and some shocking experiences. I smile because I was certainly the incredible and shocking for some of the wonderful women that honored me with a date. I believe I have shared these before, however I recall being screamed at in a busy restaurant when I asked if my date yelled at her children. The entire restaurant became silent except for my date that was yelling so loudly and powerful she was almost spitting. That was probably the first time in my life I did not want to finish a meal at a good restaurant. Another experience I encountered while at a nice restaurant with a very nice woman was meeting her fiancé with whom I had no idea existed. There were many, many experiences and they all had one thing in common. They all consisted of lots of food, very fattening, very bad food for a diet and weight-loss journey.
After remarrying in 2011, I desired to focus on my new marriage and my family. I put my journey and my diet plans on the back burner. Near the end of January 2012, I approached my beautiful wife with some depressing information. I told her that my clothes felt like Saran Wrap. In all honesty, Saran Wrap sometimes has air-bubbles, my clothing was feeling more like painted on clothing. Each day I hoped all seams, buttons, zippers, belts and fabric held their ground. A break in the dam could be quite disastrous and embarrassing. Here I was, facing the moment I said I would never give in to and admit I no longer fit in my clothes. Do I go shopping and purchase larger sizes or do I get back on track and continue my journey.
Monday the week before the Superbowl would be the day that I once again climbed back on the horse and continued my weight-loss portion of my journey. My amazing wife decided to join me and we would work together. The first week was difficult again, experiencing major carbohydrate withdrawals. We stayed the course and worked out together whenever possible. Weigh-in day was Superbowl Sunday. My clothing still felt like painted on clothing without a single air-bubble in sight. However, when I stepped on the scale I was relieved to see that I was down 7.5 pounds for the weeks work. Naturally, that day I feasted during the Superbowl and then the feast continued the next day as I took my Stepson out to eat. My amazing wife had a great week and lost 6 pounds.
Week two weigh-in was a somber moment for me. I knew I had feasted a couple of days and did not keep up with my workouts. I was battling an ear infection and the medication made me ill without food. My week was not a complete loss or failure as I was down .5 pounds. My beautiful wife took a commanding lead and had another excellent week with a 4-pound loss. That brings us to today’s weigh-in. Yes, I dined out for Valentines Day, as did my wife. However, I took a to-go container and actually finished the meal the next day, eating outside of my program for two days. The final half of the week, I really focused on my program and worked out whenever possible. The result was a very surprising loss of 5-pounds. My wife came in with another 2-pound loss for the week. This brings my three-week weight-loss to 13-pounds and my beautiful wife comes in with 12-pounds lost in three weeks.
The program is simple and we try to make our own meals and eat as many whole foods as possible. The program that I find works the very best for me is a simple 1200/28. Consuming 1200 calories or less and 28 grams of carbohydrates or less per day and working out whenever possible and the pounds drop off. Working out, reading labels, and paying attention to those labels and their serving sizes are keys to success. When we work out or when our bodies feel the need, we will increase those numbers appropriately. We have been taking one day off per week from this program. Nothing major, but enjoying some of the higher caloric foods so that we do not feel deprived.
The weight-loss journey is in full swing again and my painted clothing is actually Saran Wrap now, as air-bubbles are appearing everywhere. It feels wonderful to see that the buttons on my shirts are no longer ready to shoot someone’s eye out and cause bodily harm. I am so grateful that I was able to avoid that which I vowed never to do, purchase fat clothes again.
"My imperfections and failures are as much a blessing from God as my successes and my talents and I lay them both at his feet." ---Mahatma Gandhi
"The most thoroughly and relentlessly damned, banned, excluded, condemned, forbidden, ostracized, ignored, suppressed, repressed, robbed, brutalized and defamed of all Damned Things is the individual human being. The social engineers, statistician, psychologist, sociologists, market researchers, landlords, bureaucrats, captains of industry, bankers, governors, commissars, kings and presidents are perpetually forcing this Damned Thing into carefully prepared blueprints and perpetually irritated that the Damned Thing will not fit into the slot assigned it. The theologians call it a sinner and try to reform it. The governor calls it a criminal and tries to punish it. the psychologist calls it a neurotic and tries to cure it. Still, the Damned Thing will not fit into their slots." ---Robert Wilson
"The greatest beauty tip:
For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people. For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry. For beautiful hair, let a child run his / her hands through it once a day. For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone. People, more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed, never throw out anyone. Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others. be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." ---Audrey Hepburn
I made myself a promise as I lost weight and regained my health. That promise was that I would never again purchase fat clothes. My definition of fat clothes is having to go shopping for new clothing because you have outgrown your current wardrobe. If you have ever battled your weight or have gained weight, you know of the uncomfortable feeling I speak about. I find nothing pleasant about gaining weight to the point that your clothes are not fitting properly.
December of 2010 I was at my lowest weight in twenty years. It was at this point that I began dating again following my divorce. One would think that the two have nothing in common. However, spending a few evenings per week dating and dining the two quickly becomes related. Throughout the early part of 2011, I was dating and dining. Working out and eating according to my program became less important.
"There'll be two dates on your tombstone, and all your friends will read 'em; but all that's gonna matter is that little dash between 'em." ---Kevin Welch
Dating was a daunting adventure and I had some incredible experiences and some shocking experiences. I smile because I was certainly the incredible and shocking for some of the wonderful women that honored me with a date. I believe I have shared these before, however I recall being screamed at in a busy restaurant when I asked if my date yelled at her children. The entire restaurant became silent except for my date that was yelling so loudly and powerful she was almost spitting. That was probably the first time in my life I did not want to finish a meal at a good restaurant. Another experience I encountered while at a nice restaurant with a very nice woman was meeting her fiancé with whom I had no idea existed. There were many, many experiences and they all had one thing in common. They all consisted of lots of food, very fattening, very bad food for a diet and weight-loss journey.
After remarrying in 2011, I desired to focus on my new marriage and my family. I put my journey and my diet plans on the back burner. Near the end of January 2012, I approached my beautiful wife with some depressing information. I told her that my clothes felt like Saran Wrap. In all honesty, Saran Wrap sometimes has air-bubbles, my clothing was feeling more like painted on clothing. Each day I hoped all seams, buttons, zippers, belts and fabric held their ground. A break in the dam could be quite disastrous and embarrassing. Here I was, facing the moment I said I would never give in to and admit I no longer fit in my clothes. Do I go shopping and purchase larger sizes or do I get back on track and continue my journey.
Monday the week before the Superbowl would be the day that I once again climbed back on the horse and continued my weight-loss portion of my journey. My amazing wife decided to join me and we would work together. The first week was difficult again, experiencing major carbohydrate withdrawals. We stayed the course and worked out together whenever possible. Weigh-in day was Superbowl Sunday. My clothing still felt like painted on clothing without a single air-bubble in sight. However, when I stepped on the scale I was relieved to see that I was down 7.5 pounds for the weeks work. Naturally, that day I feasted during the Superbowl and then the feast continued the next day as I took my Stepson out to eat. My amazing wife had a great week and lost 6 pounds.
Week two weigh-in was a somber moment for me. I knew I had feasted a couple of days and did not keep up with my workouts. I was battling an ear infection and the medication made me ill without food. My week was not a complete loss or failure as I was down .5 pounds. My beautiful wife took a commanding lead and had another excellent week with a 4-pound loss. That brings us to today’s weigh-in. Yes, I dined out for Valentines Day, as did my wife. However, I took a to-go container and actually finished the meal the next day, eating outside of my program for two days. The final half of the week, I really focused on my program and worked out whenever possible. The result was a very surprising loss of 5-pounds. My wife came in with another 2-pound loss for the week. This brings my three-week weight-loss to 13-pounds and my beautiful wife comes in with 12-pounds lost in three weeks.
The program is simple and we try to make our own meals and eat as many whole foods as possible. The program that I find works the very best for me is a simple 1200/28. Consuming 1200 calories or less and 28 grams of carbohydrates or less per day and working out whenever possible and the pounds drop off. Working out, reading labels, and paying attention to those labels and their serving sizes are keys to success. When we work out or when our bodies feel the need, we will increase those numbers appropriately. We have been taking one day off per week from this program. Nothing major, but enjoying some of the higher caloric foods so that we do not feel deprived.
The weight-loss journey is in full swing again and my painted clothing is actually Saran Wrap now, as air-bubbles are appearing everywhere. It feels wonderful to see that the buttons on my shirts are no longer ready to shoot someone’s eye out and cause bodily harm. I am so grateful that I was able to avoid that which I vowed never to do, purchase fat clothes again.
"My imperfections and failures are as much a blessing from God as my successes and my talents and I lay them both at his feet." ---Mahatma Gandhi
"The most thoroughly and relentlessly damned, banned, excluded, condemned, forbidden, ostracized, ignored, suppressed, repressed, robbed, brutalized and defamed of all Damned Things is the individual human being. The social engineers, statistician, psychologist, sociologists, market researchers, landlords, bureaucrats, captains of industry, bankers, governors, commissars, kings and presidents are perpetually forcing this Damned Thing into carefully prepared blueprints and perpetually irritated that the Damned Thing will not fit into the slot assigned it. The theologians call it a sinner and try to reform it. The governor calls it a criminal and tries to punish it. the psychologist calls it a neurotic and tries to cure it. Still, the Damned Thing will not fit into their slots." ---Robert Wilson
"The greatest beauty tip:
For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people. For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry. For beautiful hair, let a child run his / her hands through it once a day. For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone. People, more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed, never throw out anyone. Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others. be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." ---Audrey Hepburn
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Temptation
"We gain the strength of the temptation we resist." ---Ralph Waldo Emerson
The title of this post or at least the word alone can bring many emotions to the surface for each of us. I know that when I am eating healthy and exercising that it seems that all my favorite bad foods are placed before me as if by magic. However, temptation does not only come in the form of food, it comes in all areas of life. Have you ever noticed that when you work diligently to avoid debt, your mailbox is crammed with credit card and special financing offers?
I have many temptations I have to avoid in my life. Yes, it would be nice if I could indulge in my temptations without consequence. However, take for example my love of new vehicles. My beautiful wife asked me the other day how many new vehicles I have purchased in my life. After giving her the answer, she just looked at me and said, Wow! Yes, I must avoid new car dealerships as if they have a horrible plague inside. Indulging in this temptation as I have in the past has led me to have a vehicle payment nearly my entire adult life.
"Lead me not into temptation; I can find the way myself." ---Rita Brown
Another temptation in my life is electronics. I love gadgets and new electronic gadgets. I am like a child at Christmas when it comes to this type of temptation. I obviously avoid electronic stores and while I love them, they are dangerous zones where I waste money and purchase things I do not need. Perhaps I should not even mention Home Depot or Lowes, I am certain that they built these stores to tempt me into browsing the isles and spending money I should not.
While temptation is, some times fun and filled with excitement and the element of the unknown. There are consequences that come with giving in to your temptations. I hope that as we all age we gain wisdom and realize that surrendering to our temptations has a hefty price to pay. No one is above falling for his or her temptations. Even the most disciplined person on Earth is not immune to falling for their temptations. Even the smallest crack in your armor can lead to falling for the tempting weaknesses we all posses.
During my journey of getting healthy, I have had to avoid many temptations. I have been doing very well as of late, but this constant temptation of desiring pizza is ridiculous. Sure, treating yourself now and then can prevent a major derailment on your journey later, but it certainly slows progress. How about other areas of temptation, is it possible to treat yourself now and then in order to prevent a future major derailment? I guess that all comes down to what our temptations are and the type of consequences that come attached. Temptation, it can be fun, exciting, dangerous, harmful, self-defeating and ruinous.
"O mischief, thou art swift to enter in the thoughts of desperate men!" ---William Shakespeare
"Love is the irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired." ---Robert Frost
"Fear less; hope more. Eat less; chew more. Talk less; say more. Hate less; love more." ---Abigail Buren
The title of this post or at least the word alone can bring many emotions to the surface for each of us. I know that when I am eating healthy and exercising that it seems that all my favorite bad foods are placed before me as if by magic. However, temptation does not only come in the form of food, it comes in all areas of life. Have you ever noticed that when you work diligently to avoid debt, your mailbox is crammed with credit card and special financing offers?
I have many temptations I have to avoid in my life. Yes, it would be nice if I could indulge in my temptations without consequence. However, take for example my love of new vehicles. My beautiful wife asked me the other day how many new vehicles I have purchased in my life. After giving her the answer, she just looked at me and said, Wow! Yes, I must avoid new car dealerships as if they have a horrible plague inside. Indulging in this temptation as I have in the past has led me to have a vehicle payment nearly my entire adult life.
"Lead me not into temptation; I can find the way myself." ---Rita Brown
Another temptation in my life is electronics. I love gadgets and new electronic gadgets. I am like a child at Christmas when it comes to this type of temptation. I obviously avoid electronic stores and while I love them, they are dangerous zones where I waste money and purchase things I do not need. Perhaps I should not even mention Home Depot or Lowes, I am certain that they built these stores to tempt me into browsing the isles and spending money I should not.
While temptation is, some times fun and filled with excitement and the element of the unknown. There are consequences that come with giving in to your temptations. I hope that as we all age we gain wisdom and realize that surrendering to our temptations has a hefty price to pay. No one is above falling for his or her temptations. Even the most disciplined person on Earth is not immune to falling for their temptations. Even the smallest crack in your armor can lead to falling for the tempting weaknesses we all posses.
During my journey of getting healthy, I have had to avoid many temptations. I have been doing very well as of late, but this constant temptation of desiring pizza is ridiculous. Sure, treating yourself now and then can prevent a major derailment on your journey later, but it certainly slows progress. How about other areas of temptation, is it possible to treat yourself now and then in order to prevent a future major derailment? I guess that all comes down to what our temptations are and the type of consequences that come attached. Temptation, it can be fun, exciting, dangerous, harmful, self-defeating and ruinous.
"O mischief, thou art swift to enter in the thoughts of desperate men!" ---William Shakespeare
"Love is the irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired." ---Robert Frost
"Fear less; hope more. Eat less; chew more. Talk less; say more. Hate less; love more." ---Abigail Buren
Monday, February 6, 2012
Heroes Come In All Sizes
"History is not the story of heroes entirely. It is often the story of cruelty and injustice and shortsightedness. There are monsters, there is evil, there is betrayal. That's why people should read Shakespeare and Dickens as well as history ~~ they will find the best, the worst, the height of noble attainment and the depths of depravity." ---David McCullough
During the Superbowl a blue band appeared at the bottom of the screen. A message scrolled across the screen. Josh Powell dies in house explosion; authorities confirm two children were carried out of the debris. A silence filled the room and everyone just rather stared blankly at the screen. I do not think anyone in the room needed any type of confirmation, we all knew in our hearts and minds that he had killed himself and his boys.
"Children will not remember you for the material things you provided but for the feeling that you cherished them." ---Richard Evans
Later that evening as I lie next to my seven-year-old son, rubbing his back as he fall asleep, I wondered how a father could commit such an act. Ages five and seven and looking to the future. One story says that the boys jumped from the social workers vehicle and ran to the house in excitement to spend time with their father. Unbeknownst to them, the end of their mortal lives awaits them inside.
Details are now coming out that it was a premeditated murder. Their father took their toys to a donation center earlier in the week. He thought and planned the murder of his beautiful two young boys. Where does this type of evil come from and how does it enter the mind. Where does courage and honor disappear to when the mind is lost to despair and regret? How does a father come to the point that his young sons would be better off dead, instead of desiring to defend and protect them with his own life?
Heroes come in all sizes, on this day, at this time; those heroes are 5-year-old Braden Powell and 7-year-old Charlie Powell. While they will never know the thrill of playing in a baseball game or catching a football like the game their story broke, they will forever be reunited with their Mother. Braden and Charlie with your great and involuntary sacrifice we all hug our children a little tighter today. Heroes inspire people to live, love and laugh more. The world weeps and loves children a great deal more today.
"You'll seldom experience regret for anything that you've done. It is what you haven't done that will torment you. The message, therefore, is clear. Do it! Develop an appreciation for the present moment. Seize every second of your life and savor it. Value your present moments. Using them up in any self-defeating ways means you've lost them forever." ---Wayne Dyer
"It broke my heart. I live my life by the value system that you treat others the way you want to be treated. I let love be my guide. I absolutely hate no one." ---Mandisa Hundley
Braden and Charlie Powell
During the Superbowl a blue band appeared at the bottom of the screen. A message scrolled across the screen. Josh Powell dies in house explosion; authorities confirm two children were carried out of the debris. A silence filled the room and everyone just rather stared blankly at the screen. I do not think anyone in the room needed any type of confirmation, we all knew in our hearts and minds that he had killed himself and his boys.
"Children will not remember you for the material things you provided but for the feeling that you cherished them." ---Richard Evans
Later that evening as I lie next to my seven-year-old son, rubbing his back as he fall asleep, I wondered how a father could commit such an act. Ages five and seven and looking to the future. One story says that the boys jumped from the social workers vehicle and ran to the house in excitement to spend time with their father. Unbeknownst to them, the end of their mortal lives awaits them inside.
Details are now coming out that it was a premeditated murder. Their father took their toys to a donation center earlier in the week. He thought and planned the murder of his beautiful two young boys. Where does this type of evil come from and how does it enter the mind. Where does courage and honor disappear to when the mind is lost to despair and regret? How does a father come to the point that his young sons would be better off dead, instead of desiring to defend and protect them with his own life?
Heroes come in all sizes, on this day, at this time; those heroes are 5-year-old Braden Powell and 7-year-old Charlie Powell. While they will never know the thrill of playing in a baseball game or catching a football like the game their story broke, they will forever be reunited with their Mother. Braden and Charlie with your great and involuntary sacrifice we all hug our children a little tighter today. Heroes inspire people to live, love and laugh more. The world weeps and loves children a great deal more today.
"You'll seldom experience regret for anything that you've done. It is what you haven't done that will torment you. The message, therefore, is clear. Do it! Develop an appreciation for the present moment. Seize every second of your life and savor it. Value your present moments. Using them up in any self-defeating ways means you've lost them forever." ---Wayne Dyer
"It broke my heart. I live my life by the value system that you treat others the way you want to be treated. I let love be my guide. I absolutely hate no one." ---Mandisa Hundley
Braden and Charlie Powell
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Twists, Turns, Bumps and Roadblocks
"Carpe diem! Rejoice while you are alive; enjoy the day; live life to the fullest; make the most of what you have. It is later than you think." ---Horace
Becoming more than you are or have been is a daunting journey. Sometimes it seems as though the world would rather see you fail at any journey worthwhile. Perhaps this is why so few people in the world actually live their dreams and passions. Since I made the conscious decision to begin my journey and become more than I am, I have experienced an enormous amount of trials, loss and roadblocks. Many have stopped me in my tracks, much like being smacked in the face with a baseball bat.
During the past week a very dear friend, a best friend and one I hold very high respect for dropped me like a rock. This friend is the type of person you can talk with for hours. Sitting in a Starbucks, dining in a restaurant, or simply going for a soda is always an enjoyable outing. I am hurt, but respect their decision to move on and leave me behind. It all came down to different philosophical beliefs and our internal compasses. I guess it can be summed up in a different set of values that lead our individual lives. In the event that they ever stumble upon this blog, lost in the billions and billions of web pages, I apologize for anything I have done that hurt you. However, I must adhere to my values and the promise I made myself following my divorce. My promise is that I will surround myself with positive, motivated, honest and loyal people that live with integrity and passion. Carpe Diem my friend and if you ever find yourself on my side of the fence, do not hesitate to call.
All types of roadblocks can come your way on worthwhile journeys. The journey of weight loss has many roadblocks and can be a very difficult road. It is very important in the journey of weight loss to live one day at a time. I have mentioned this before, but if you have more healthy days than you have bad eating days, the journey succeeds. If you do not the journey fails. It really comes down to one day at a time and one meal at a time. Always, always remember that one bad meal or one bad day is just that, one event. Correct it the next meal or day, build momentum, and always build the mind along with the body. Heal the mind and you will heal the body.
This past week was a great one for me healthy wise and getting back on track. My beautiful wife joined me as we ate healthy, worked out at the gym and made a conscious effort to get healthier. It feels good to be back on top of things and making progress once again. Our official weigh-in is Sunday morning to see exactly how we did over the past week. I feel confident that I did reasonably well.
My beautiful wife purchased a writing software program for me that I have been wanting to purchase for more than two years. Every time I would attempt to purchase it, something would come up and the funds would go to another area. Well, thanks to my beautiful wife, that software is now loaded on my computer and I can begin to get well educated on the features and begin to use it. I am like a kid on Christmas morning. It will be difficult to properly prioritize and divide my time, as I am so excited.
I will close this post with just a few thoughts about my journey. I am realizing that even if I fall short of my most grand dreams and goals, I will still be so far ahead of where I started. Even if I fail miserably at reaching those lofty goals and dreams of reaching the furthest stars, I will still land on the moon. I recently heard a man say in a meeting, I set goals so high it is impossible to reach them. However, if you attempt to reach those impossible goals and fail, as you look back you will be amazed at how far you made it. I am so grateful to be on this Earth with the opportunity to pursue my passions, goals and dreams. I am so grateful for the wonderful people in my life. I am so grateful for all of my blessings. I am so grateful for the journey. The journey itself improves my life in ways I will never fully comprehend. Reach for the stars and land on the moon, perhaps you just might make it to that star.
"Success is not a place at which one arrives but rather the spirit with which one undertakes and continues the journey." ---Alex Noble
"The road of life twists and turns and no two directions are ever the same. Yet our lessons come from the journey, not the destination." ---Don Williams
"You are about to begin the hero's journey. Travel well on the quest. A life of More is your birthright. Know the vast resource that reside in you and are provided for you in the world. You have raised the battle cry of There Must Be More Than This." ---Judith Wright
Becoming more than you are or have been is a daunting journey. Sometimes it seems as though the world would rather see you fail at any journey worthwhile. Perhaps this is why so few people in the world actually live their dreams and passions. Since I made the conscious decision to begin my journey and become more than I am, I have experienced an enormous amount of trials, loss and roadblocks. Many have stopped me in my tracks, much like being smacked in the face with a baseball bat.
During the past week a very dear friend, a best friend and one I hold very high respect for dropped me like a rock. This friend is the type of person you can talk with for hours. Sitting in a Starbucks, dining in a restaurant, or simply going for a soda is always an enjoyable outing. I am hurt, but respect their decision to move on and leave me behind. It all came down to different philosophical beliefs and our internal compasses. I guess it can be summed up in a different set of values that lead our individual lives. In the event that they ever stumble upon this blog, lost in the billions and billions of web pages, I apologize for anything I have done that hurt you. However, I must adhere to my values and the promise I made myself following my divorce. My promise is that I will surround myself with positive, motivated, honest and loyal people that live with integrity and passion. Carpe Diem my friend and if you ever find yourself on my side of the fence, do not hesitate to call.
All types of roadblocks can come your way on worthwhile journeys. The journey of weight loss has many roadblocks and can be a very difficult road. It is very important in the journey of weight loss to live one day at a time. I have mentioned this before, but if you have more healthy days than you have bad eating days, the journey succeeds. If you do not the journey fails. It really comes down to one day at a time and one meal at a time. Always, always remember that one bad meal or one bad day is just that, one event. Correct it the next meal or day, build momentum, and always build the mind along with the body. Heal the mind and you will heal the body.
This past week was a great one for me healthy wise and getting back on track. My beautiful wife joined me as we ate healthy, worked out at the gym and made a conscious effort to get healthier. It feels good to be back on top of things and making progress once again. Our official weigh-in is Sunday morning to see exactly how we did over the past week. I feel confident that I did reasonably well.
My beautiful wife purchased a writing software program for me that I have been wanting to purchase for more than two years. Every time I would attempt to purchase it, something would come up and the funds would go to another area. Well, thanks to my beautiful wife, that software is now loaded on my computer and I can begin to get well educated on the features and begin to use it. I am like a kid on Christmas morning. It will be difficult to properly prioritize and divide my time, as I am so excited.
I will close this post with just a few thoughts about my journey. I am realizing that even if I fall short of my most grand dreams and goals, I will still be so far ahead of where I started. Even if I fail miserably at reaching those lofty goals and dreams of reaching the furthest stars, I will still land on the moon. I recently heard a man say in a meeting, I set goals so high it is impossible to reach them. However, if you attempt to reach those impossible goals and fail, as you look back you will be amazed at how far you made it. I am so grateful to be on this Earth with the opportunity to pursue my passions, goals and dreams. I am so grateful for the wonderful people in my life. I am so grateful for all of my blessings. I am so grateful for the journey. The journey itself improves my life in ways I will never fully comprehend. Reach for the stars and land on the moon, perhaps you just might make it to that star.
"Success is not a place at which one arrives but rather the spirit with which one undertakes and continues the journey." ---Alex Noble
"The road of life twists and turns and no two directions are ever the same. Yet our lessons come from the journey, not the destination." ---Don Williams
"You are about to begin the hero's journey. Travel well on the quest. A life of More is your birthright. Know the vast resource that reside in you and are provided for you in the world. You have raised the battle cry of There Must Be More Than This." ---Judith Wright
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