Tuesday, 12 July 2016

Princess Health and  July 12th, 2016 And It Worked. Princessiccia

Princess Health and July 12th, 2016 And It Worked. Princessiccia

July 12th, 2016 And It Worked

After a long day of traveling home, I'm exhausted. Just finished the ninety-minute drive home from the airport and I'm ready to collapse. The trip was a wonderful experience, but I must say, it's great to be home!

Today was rushed rushed rushed--and I grabbed what I could when I could--and it worked.

Today, I maintained the integrity of my calorie budget, I remained abstinent from refined sugar and I exceeded my daily water goal.

I'm dropping in bed!

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

Monday, 11 July 2016

Princess Health and  July 11th, 2016 Really Really Good. Princessiccia

Princess Health and July 11th, 2016 Really Really Good. Princessiccia

July 11th, 2016 Really Really Good

The last full day in New York City was an amazing one. Kristin enjoyed the Museum of Modern Art while I did my business--including an afternoon trip to CBS Radio New York!
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Broadway Bill Lee is legendary in broadcasting. He gave me an amazing behind the scenes-all access tour of their amazing facility. The experience, courtesy of Broadway Bill's generosity, was something I'll never forget.

I found the most fantastic farm to fork restaurant called Dig Inn, right across the street from the CBS studios. I sat there, enjoyed an incredible lunch (see tweet below) and just tried to completely absorb what just happened.

It's challenging really, in one way, because I know very well--and this isn't boastful, I'm just saying--as an on-air personality, I know I'm capable of this level--the major leagues. But I didn't take that path. And I didn't because I've spent the majority of my broadcasting career as a 500 pound man, and that--and all the insecurities it brought, severely limited my ability to dream, to stretch, to believe in myself...to even try. I never even tried to pursue larger markets.

I had these same type feelings after my appearance on The Today Show. I felt so at home--so at ease in front of those cameras. I felt at home again today, right there at CBS Radio New York.

How would my life, my family--how would everything be different, had I pursued bigger markets earlier in my career?

I let those thoughts sit and simmer while I enjoyed the wild caught salmon and roasted sweet potatoes. Twenty-seven years in radio and I feel like I've accomplished a fraction of my capabilities.

Then, it hit me.

Wait a second! What am I doing with these thoughts?

In a split second--I dismissed these downward thoughts and negative emotions and turned my focus in the direction of gratitude.

My goodness, how easy it is to fall into a negative perspective! It's also easy to shift the other direction, all things considered.

I left the restaurant feeling energized and inspired. I'm going back home and I'm ready to do the kind of work I know I'm capable of doing.

And please, don't get me wrong. My initial thought process wasn't lack of gratitude for where I am today--it was more about how I allowed my weight to severely limit my personal and professional growth.

If you're a regular reader, you know all about "Epiphany Day," right? That day was May 15th, 2014. On May 19th, 2014, I elaborated a touch more about the dynamics in play when identity and self-worth is measured by anything that naturally fluctuates. For me, it was the scale--and how much I weighed.

I put so much focus and energy into feeling horrible about myself all those years--and too little focus on the core elements of me---and when that happens, in my opinion--the natural talents and abilities we possess don't get watered, so to speak. And they survive, but they're limited--their growth is stunted.

Since Epiphany Day, I've accomplished a bunch. I not only successfully returned from relapse/regain, I resurrected my stand-up comedy and started booking speaking engagements again. I'm more in touch with my natural talents and abilities, today, than any other time in my life.

I'm no longer limited by how I think and feel about myself. Now, how I think and feel about myself actually encourages huge things.

So what do I do?

I do exactly what I do each day. And quietly, calmly and confidently, I continue pursuing personal and professional growth in the areas I'm most passionate-- broadcasting, writing, speaking, mentoring and making each day just as important as the previous in my pursuit of personal extraordinary care.

I'm incredibly blessed to be right where I am. I'm a lucky man. And tonight, as I lay my head on the pillow in NYC one last night, I'll say some prayers of gratitude--because, let me tell you--things could be tragically different in so many ways. And they're not. They're actually really really good.

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Kristin and me at the Empire State Building tonight. This is our last night in this incredible city. The top of the Empire State Building was lit up red, white and blue!

Today, I maintained the integrity of my maintenance mode calorie budget, I remained abstinent from refined sugar, I exceeded my daily water goal, I participated in support exchanges and according to the activity tracker on my phone, I burned more than a thousand calories. I promised myself I would take the stairs all the way up here to the 9th floor at least once during my stay--and I did it, today--twice. 

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

Sunday, 10 July 2016

Princess Health and  July 10th, 2016 Another Day. Princessiccia

Princess Health and July 10th, 2016 Another Day. Princessiccia

July 10th, 2016 Another Day

Today has been full of exercise! I'm completely wiped out. I'm opting for a Tweets-Only tonight.

Today, I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie. Today, I remained abstinent from refined sugar. Today, I exceeded my daily water goal. Today, I naturally exercised well, with lots of walking. Today, I stayed connected with support connections.

I made today work well.

I'll go for another day like today, tomorrow!

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

Saturday, 9 July 2016

Princess Health and  July 9th, 2016 For Sport Or Therapy. Princessiccia

Princess Health and July 9th, 2016 For Sport Or Therapy. Princessiccia

July 9th, 2016 For Sport Or Therapy

This trip has been fantastic. I'm taking extraordinary care in the same way I do when I'm at home. And that, to me, is important--because what I do isn't something that takes a vacation. And I wouldn't want it to take a vacation, because my daily disciplines are a source of life and freedom I once could only dream about. Why would I want to break from something like that?

I've heard it from several directions, "Sean, you must try the pizza, the street food--the deli..." And I get it, I understand--it isn't in any way a bad thing to suggest this and it isn't a bad idea...for some people. But for me, considering my history--the departure from my food plan would potentially have disastrous consequences.

With this written, I'm certainly not opposed to trying new things as long as those new things are verified refined sugar free and as long as those things fit within my maintenance calorie budget. Those two requirements are non-negotiable for me.

This resolve of mine is strengthened by several things.

I've often discussed the importance of developing a personal plan that's sustainable long-term--refining the plan along the way to fit me like a glove, and also, allowing it to naturally evolve. That's what I've been able to do. I don't, nor have I ever forced myself to eat anything I can't stand--so what I eat, I truly enjoy, 100%. But having a food plan I enjoy is only part of what makes it easier to maintain a strong resolve. Another important factor goes much deeper than the food on my plate.

I no longer depend on food to service my emotional needs. The urge--or better, the deep seeded reactions drawing me closer to food in times of emotional or stressful situations, still exists. I simply use better tools of support when that happens. If I ever decide to go it alone, turning my back on support--I will quickly go back to that dangerous pattern.

I spent many years giving food all the attention--so much, I actually ended up missing some of the best things in life because I was constantly in search of that next indulgence. Taking the focus away from the food and back on life, has made a profound difference in most everything.

I still have a fine appreciation of great food. If you're a regular reader, you've seen how I like to prepare a plate. I love great tasting food. But now, it's different. I eat with a mindfulness that keeps me present and aware of not only what I'm eating, but why I'm eating. What I'm eating, because it must fit within the boundaries of my food plan and why I'm eating, because it mustn't be for sport or therapy. 

I took a great walk today and you were invited! Here's the Facebook LIVE video!

Kristin made it back from her conference this evening and we made our way out. Our original plan involved finding a restaurant for dinner. It became a little late for us to dine out, considering the Saturday night crowds and it was raining for the third night in a row, so we opted to simply eat something back at the hotel. We'll have much more time for dining out tomorrow night and Monday.

Today, I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget, I remained abstinent from refined sugar, I made my water goal and I participated in some really nice support exchanges. Great day!

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Today was Mom's birthday. I talked on the phone with her a few times and left a video birthday greeting on her Facebook page. We celebrated her birthday last weekend, knowing I'd be in New York on her special day. Happy Birthday mom! This photo collection spans many many years!

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

Friday, 8 July 2016

Princess Health and  July 8th, 2016 Before I Shut My Eyes. Princessiccia

Princess Health and July 8th, 2016 Before I Shut My Eyes. Princessiccia

July 8th, 2016 Before I Shut My Eyes

I'm letting the pictures and the Tweets tell today's story, tonight. My goal is to write tomorrow's edition in the late afternoon, allowing more time to elaborate on some of the perspectives behind the approach and thorough enjoyment of the experience.

Before I shut my eyes, one thing...

I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget, I remained abstinent from refined sugar, I communicated with friends in support and I exceeded my daily water goal.

And I had a great time. I also grabbed some additional rest. It was fantastic! 

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Empire State Building touching the clouds!
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From the observation deck of the Empire State Building
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The view was stunning. It was windy and much cooler up there!

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

Thursday, 7 July 2016

Princess Health and  July 7th, 2016 What Goes In My Mouth. Princessiccia

Princess Health and July 7th, 2016 What Goes In My Mouth. Princessiccia

July 7th, 2016 What Goes In My Mouth

Our hotel room is right across the street from a small grocery/prepared food store. The plan was to grab some food there and possibly eat in their dining area. But the more I looked, the more questions came up...This place is well stocked-- but still, as far as their hot prepared foods, it just wasn't my food. Everything was old and of questionable content. I ended up with a good backup plan (see tweets below).

After a really long day of traveling and some fun activities this afternoon and evening (Including a wonderful visit with Alex Brightman, star of Broadway's School Of Rock, I was tired and hungry. The old Sean would have feasted on whatever the next restaurant presented. I don't do that anymore. If, for whatever reason, the food doesn't work for me, I change the food. I no longer subscribe to the idea that I'm "stuck" or "trapped" by whatever's available. I'm responsible for what goes in my mouth, always.

I'm looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow morning! I'll be posting more and more pictures over the next few days.
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I maintained the integrity of my calorie budget. I remained abstinent from refined sugar. I stayed in contact with several of my support team, I exceeded my daily water and I planned by having a few things ready to go.

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

Wednesday, 6 July 2016

Princess Health and  July 6th, 2016 And I Will. Princessiccia

Princess Health and July 6th, 2016 And I Will. Princessiccia

July 6th, 2016 And I Will

My grandson turned three today. We celebrated his birthday yesterday at my oldest daughter's house across town. We all gathered around and watched as he excitedly ripped through the gift wrapping. He wanted to play with everything all at once! He had me toss a ball several times, so he could hit it with his new bat. That was a tiny taste of what I dream of doing with him someday. And right there is one of countless reasons why I do what I do. I'm going to be a very active grandpa for that little guy!

Mom and I talked on the way home about Noah's pure joy. He's fascinated over most everything.

We were also celebrating mom's birthday yesterday. Mom's isn't until Saturday. Missing her birthday will be the first time I can remember not being with her on that special day.

I'm off for the next seven days straight! Today was spent getting ready to leave. Really, the last several days was spent in preparation for this trip back to New York City.

This isn't a Today Show trip. I do have one meeting that developed because of that appearance, but aside from that, I'm embracing this as a vacation. I'm with my girlfriend, Kristin, on this trip. She has a professional conference to attend while we're there.

I can't express how much I really needed this break. I really really did. It all fell into place rather nicely. I'm very blessed and grateful!

This trip will be a good challenge for me in many ways. The previous NYC trip was 36 hours. This time, I'm in for six days! I have a digital food scale. I have my commitments and daily disciplines. I have my resolve to maintain the integrity of my plan. And I will.

I must drop in bed. Our flight leaves in six hours.

I maintained the integrity of my calorie budget. I remained abstinent from refined sugar. I was active in support interactions and I exceeded my daily water goal. Crazy busy day. Really good day, too.

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