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Sunday, 24 July 2016

Princess Health and July 24th, 2016 All Or Nothing. Princessiccia

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July 24th, 2016 All Or Nothing

The following is an exchange I shared this weekend with a longtime supporter of this blog. Please understand, I DON'T know it all--and I don't claim to know it all. So when I speak or write, it's coming from my personal experience. The learning along this road never stops. Some of the perspectives I've come to better understand about me and my past experiences are shared within this exchange. Perhaps some of it might resonate with you, too.

Longtime reader: "Please Tell me some steps to eliminate "all or nothing" thinking."

Reply: All or nothing thinking comes from the self-imposed rules we create for our plan. These rules are developed from our lifetime of experience that has created our perception of what it means or what we believe is required to lose weight successfully.

What happens is this: We honor those old perceptions by creating our own set of rules- and maybe these rules are on paper or not- they can exist subconsciously, too... And then, when we do something that isn't in line with these old patterns of thinking- we feel like we've failed... When in reality, we haven't failed at all... But all or nothing thinking suggests we have- and then we get into the, "forget it, why bother" area of our brain.

Longtime reader: "That would apply to the number on the scale not matching what we are expecting also, wouldn't it!?"

Reply: Yes- the idea is to embrace our plan... And since the scale takes into account about seven different things... We let the scale do what it does. We just embrace our plan and move forward. The scale will catch up. And after awhile, if it doesn't, we can modify our plan if needed. The idea is to take the power away from the scale. It's about finding our peace and calm in the embrace of our plan, rather than from a number on the scale.

Because the scale isn't a direct reflection of our plan. Yet, many times, we allow that number to completely negate our plan- and discourage us- when truly, it wasn't our plan the scale was reflecting on any particular number it shows. I'm so incredibly proud of you. Thank you for reaching out for support!

It is challenging- but it's completely possible, to simplify our plan. Throw out the preconceived notions, develop a plan where we can consistently hit these "new marks," --and we can feel great about it, instead of constantly feeling defeated because we're not living up to what we thought was required of us to be successful.

The smaller, simplified plan, is one that we can embrace. It's designed for our consistent progress- and it evolves in time. The more consistency we give this new, simplified list of "non-negotiable" elements, the better we feel... Because finally, we're able to focus on a plan we can feel good about-- and one that ultimately, gets us to where we're wanting to go along this road... And wasn't that the goal to begin with? :)

And when our brains start telling us things reminiscent of the old diet mentality- we must reach for support and a different perspective. It's important. You're important.

Longtime reader: "THANK YOU! Thank you! THANK YOU! SO needed to hear your explanations!!!"

Reply: You're always welcome. I hope that perspective helps!

Longtime reader: "More than you know! Your words caused a HUGE AHA for me!  I needed this even more than I knew!!! Thanks."

Reply: Awe, I'm so glad. :) That does my heart good!!
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Today was a great day. I was able to get some work done, prepare some great food, I did two Facebook LIVE videos--one in the secret exclusive support group--and the other on my regular Facebook page. I had a great workout tonight and even tried something new in the kitchen!

If you're thinking about signing up for the weight loss support groups I co-facilitate with Life Coach Kathleen and Life Coach Gerri, I hope you do it soon! We limit registration in order to keep the group small, so space is very limited! If you have questions, email Kathleen or me--and we'll be happy to answer right away! Coach Kathleen's email: totalkathy@aol.com My email: transformation.road@gmail.com




























Today, I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget. I remained abstinent from refined sugar. I exceeded my daily water goal. I remained actively involved with wonderful support connections. And I had a great workout.

I'll take today and hope and pray for another, just like it, tomorrow!

Continuous Accountability Live-Tweet Stream:
Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean

Saturday, 23 July 2016

Princess Health and July 23rd, 2016 So Suddenly. Princessiccia

Princess Health and July 23rd, 2016 So Suddenly. Princessiccia

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July 23rd, 2016 So Suddenly

I think I'm calling an audible and opting for a fast blog post and sleep. I just got back from spending some time with my oldest daughter and her husband. I think we could have talked all night! It's always an enjoyable conversation with those two. But then, and so suddenly--I started getting excessively tired!

Today was amazing. I'll let the tweets tell the tale.

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

Continuous Live-Tweet Stream:










































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

Friday, 22 July 2016

Princess Health and July 22nd, 2016 More On That In A Minute. Princessiccia

Princess Health and July 22nd, 2016 More On That In A Minute. Princessiccia

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July 22nd, 2016 More On That In A Minute

Every single day presents an opportunity for me to learn. And maybe it's something I've already learned, didn't do for whatever reason--and then it becomes an opportunity for a refresher of sorts. I experienced one of those things this evening. But more on that in a minute.

Today was very busy--highly involved, my morning show this morning--followed by production, a lengthy interview with 2004 World Series of Poker Champion Greg Raymer and a noon to 2pm location broadcast. I opted for an afternoon nap before getting ready for a big concert. I was scheduled to emcee, make announcements and introduce the band--then I stuck around for the first two songs before getting out of there and heading to the store to pick up items for a late dinner. I was super hungry by this time. And that's where the refresher lesson comes in...but more on that in a minute.

I've been invited to play in a poker tournament with Greg Raymer tomorrow afternoon--THE Greg Raymer--the pro--Fossilman...That guy!!! And I've jumped on it. I haven't played in a tournament for a very long time. If you're a regular reader of this blog, perhaps you remember when I was invited to play in a tournament for charity a couple years ago--and even though it was for charity, I discovered the highs and lows of the game affected my stability with everything. It was as if the addictive side of my brain--you know, the side affected so dramatically by refined sugar, was tickled in the process. I made it through that experience--but not without learning some valuable information about me. I'm not turning down a chance to play poker with Greg Raymer, so I'll remain with a high awareness level and I always carry support in my pocket via text or call, 24/7. I will also have a great meal for breakfast--and plan my food well for the rest of the day. I'm confident I'll be fine and my plan will be well cared for--I can't say I'm as confident about my game against one of the worlds best, but hey--we'll see!

Okay--the refresher... I didn't plan my food very well. For some reason--about 8 O'Clock, right as I was about to walk onto the stage, I noticed how incredibly hungry I was becoming. I never get too hungry. I eat well and I usually space it out well. Not today, apparently. The jump between my late lunch and dinner time was a little much, I suppose. Right before going on to do announcements and the welcome stuff, I was shown the hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken strips area--and was asked to include an announcement about the availability of these items during the concert...for just five bucks! I didn't want any of those things, but I wanted something--quickly.

I left the venue and my brain started scrambling for a solution. I was too hungry. I was the "H" in the acronym HALT (don't get too Hungry-Angry-Lonely-or Tired--and if you do, get support quickly). I'll tell you what old Sean would have done: I would've found a drive through, immediately. But dang it, I deserve better.

I called Gerri Helms in a similar situation one time and she said something that stuck with me: "Nobody has ever starved to death between meals." I remembered that tonight. I also composed and sent text messages to three support contacts--and all responded with very supportive perspective--and suddenly, I felt strong again.

I marched into the grocery store determined to get the ingredients for the best meal. I did, too! Stuffed mushrooms, sirloin and fresh cut and baked sweet potato fries...oh yeah, a meal I absolutely adore! I made it home and started preparing everything even before changing clothes. I didn't change clothes until everything was on and cooking. It was a late dinner.

The refresher was all about the need for good planning. A good snack around 6pm would have prevented that mini-crisis. It was also a refresher about how when real physical hunger kicks in--my brain is still and always will be capable of offering up less than good ideas.

And it was a refresher on the importance and power of good support. The support exchanges I experienced this evening completely took me out of the danger zone and into a nice determined groove to get what I needed, get home and cook--and enjoy an amazing dinner.

I felt so good after dinner, I decided to get one of my Friday late night workouts. I don't know why, but occasional late Friday night workouts have become a thing for me. It might not be the best thing for me, but a thing just the same.

Today, I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget. I remained abstinent from refined sugar. I exceeded my daily water goal. I was very active in support exchanges. And, I finished a nice workout.

Continuous Live-Tweet Stream:








































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

Thursday, 21 July 2016

Princess Health and July 21st, 2016 Any And Every Reason. Princessiccia

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July 21st, 2016 Any And Every Reason

Today was stacked pretty tight. I had a full production schedule and oops!!! A midday meeting across town I almost forgot about!! I suppose setting calendar reminders in my phone doesn't help if I don't pay attention to the reminders! I made it to the meeting and back to work for a later lunch before getting back into production.

By the time I made it home this afternoon, I was whipped. I took a nap. It likely wasn't the best move, I know--but it was the one I chose today.

I'm starting to accept the truth that my best plan is to get my workout in before I make it home for the day. Once I'm home--especially when it's 100 degrees outside, I'll find any and every reason to not get back out. I did have three great workout days in a row--and I haven't been able to say that in some time, so--I suppose I'll allow this day to be a rest day. I don't really count my fast #morningdeal routine as a workout. It's simply a "let's get this body wide awake" type thing--and I do it to get coffee, because that's the deal.

photo GrandpaandMe.jpg
#tbt With my late grandpa back in the 500 pound days. Grandpa loved apples. I do, too, and every now and then when I'm eating my apple slices, it reminds me of him.

The next 8 week session of the support groups I cofacilitate with Life Coach Kathleen and Life Coach Gerri is filling up quickly! The next session starts August 8th.

If you have any questions, email me! transformation.road@gmail.com or Kathy: totalkathy@aol.com

























Sign-Up Links:

Primary (regular) Monday Group (6pm Central/7pm Eastern/4pm Pacific)
http://totalkathy.com/?event=abw-monday-88

Primary (regular) Tuesday group (7pm Central/8pm Eastern/5pm Pacific)
http://totalkathy.com/?event=abw-tuesday-89

Premium (new) Monday night (7pm Central/8pm Eastern/5pm Pacific-*Includes individual specific one on one time slots within that hour)
http://totalkathy.com/?event=abw-88-premium

I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget today. I remained abstinent from refined sugar for the 813th day in a row. I exceeded my daily water goal. I stayed well connected with great support exchanges. I prepared some delicious meals! And, I feel very well.

I'm taking special care of me and that's always a good thing.

Continuous Live-Tweet Stream:






































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

Wednesday, 20 July 2016

Princess Health and July 20th, 2016 Attention and Substance. Princessiccia

Princess Health and July 20th, 2016 Attention and Substance. Princessiccia

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July 20th, 2016 Attention and Substance

It is July. Last night I accidentally labeled the post June 19th. I've made the edit correction since. I have no idea how I didn't catch that!

I've increased my personal spiritual time the last three mornings and I truly believe it's made a big difference. Apart from prayer, it's my time for meditation and positive visualizations. I'll admit it--I tend to get sloppy with it sometimes by rushing it--and not truly feeling it, just doing the absolute basics. I can clearly notice the difference when I give it more time, attention and substance.

Positive visualizations have played a big role for me from Day 1 at 505 pounds. What I visualize has changed over the years. The first six months or so, I was trying to visualize what I would look like at a healthy weight. The positive visualizations evolved from there. I remember a trip the family and I took to the amusement park years ago--and we rode everything, every coaster--things I was scared to death of riding--but I did anyway, because I finally fit--I was no longer the morbidly obese man sitting on the bench, sweating--and watching everyone else have the time of their lives. I fit on every ride we tried. And it felt amazing. I visualized that trip many times over the course of a year or so before it actually happened. Call it a goal, call it what you will--to me, the power of the positive visualization, in detail--imagining where--specifically--I want this road to go, has been critically important to my success.

So yeah, I've been making more time for that lately. It's making a difference.

I've worked out well three days in a row. I've prepared some wonderful food--and even stretched a little bit in the kitchen. My cherry banana nachos today--and a sweet pork, veggie and long grain/wild rice dish--wow!!! Fantastic!!! You can see the tweets below.

I've had a few tell me they don't look at my meals because since I'm in maintenance mode with a generous daily calorie budget, it's too much food. I consume 2300 calories per day in maintenance. Most of what I prepare is adjustable. The calories can be easily reduced with a few key changes. A different perspective might be--instead of, "wow, that's a lot of food, too much!!" How about: "How can I adjust those amounts to fit my calorie budget?" I include the MyFitnessPal entry for every meal as a screen shot tweet.

I'm five minutes from bedtime.

Today, I maintained the integrity of my calorie budget. I remained abstinent from refined sugar. I exceeded my daily water goal. I remained connected with support contacts and I worked out at the gym. It was a fairly good day.

Continuous Live-Tweet Stream:








































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

Tuesday, 19 July 2016

Princess Health and July 19th, 2016 Encourage A Better Day. Princessiccia

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July 19th, 2016 Encourage A Better Day

I wasn't ready when the alarm sounded at 4:30am. I didn't sleep particularly well. I spent a little extra time in prayer and meditation because it was important for me to embrace a positive perspective. I had a choice: Accept that today would be rough, then I could focus on how rough it could be--and that would have invited even more roughness--or I could ask and answer the question: How can this be a great day? What can I do to encourage a better day?

I had a decent show this morning. That helps. I completed some good production. That's also a plus. I took a lunch break away from the studio, and not just a quick lunch on my own--Irene, her man Allen, both of my daughters, my youngest daughter's boyfriend and my precious grandson Noah, was there for a fantastic family get-together. Courtney turns 23 tomorrow. My youngest daughter is 23!!! How is that possible??? Time moves quickly, for sure. This family time also did wonders for my overall attitude and perspective.
photo FullSizeRender 9_zpsnpsbyexm.jpg
After-Lunch Picture. The birthday girl, Courtney, Me, Amber and my little 3 year-old grandson. Isn't he the cutest? A picture like this rarely comes along it seems. At Christmas, Thanksgiving--sure, but on a hot summer day in late July--rare. It was fantastic.

I returned to work, finished up on time and hurried home for a good nap. I checked in with support contacts several times today--just to say, I'm doing okay, how about you?

I made it to the gym for a great workout later in the afternoon, then returned home for a fantastic dinner before settling in for the Tuesday night support group conference call.

Getting the workout done and dinner, both before the Tuesday evening group is a very rare thing. It's important for my schedule, helping me get to bed earlier--but it's rare for me to accomplish this--but not today. Today, despite anything else, was going to be a great day. I asked and answered the "how?" 

 I'll be in bed and asleep before 10pm. That's a big deal for me. 

 I maintained the integrity of my calorie budget. I remained abstinent from refined sugar. I stayed connected with great support. I exceeded my daily water goal. I completed a great workout. And I'm going to bed at a reasonable time.

When the alarm sounded at 4:30am, I would have never guessed today would unfold like it did, so well. I'm blessed and very grateful.


The Next Session starts August 8th and 9th! If you have any questions about the groups you can email me: transformation.road@gmail.com or Kathy: totalkathy@aol.com

Sign-Up Links:

Primary (regular) Monday Group (6pm Central/7pm Eastern/4pm Pacific)
http://totalkathy.com/?event=abw-monday-88

Primary (regular) Tuesday group (7pm Central/8pm Eastern/5pm Pacific)
http://totalkathy.com/?event=abw-tuesday-89

Premium (new) Monday night (7pm Central/8pm Eastern/5pm Pacific-*Includes individual specific one on one time slots within that hour)
http://totalkathy.com/?event=abw-88-premium

Goodnight!

Continuous Live-Tweet Stream:


































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

Monday, 18 July 2016

Princess Health and July 18th, 2016 Tight Support. Princessiccia

Princess Health and July 18th, 2016 Tight Support. Princessiccia

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July 18th, 2016 Tight Support

I stayed in tight support today. Every single thing I did today was done in an effort to take the best possible care of me. I've felt that incredibly unstable of late.

I accomplished good work at the studio. I took a normal lunch hour at home (I almost never do this). I was able to leave work on time. I headed directly for the gym instead of home and I had a great workout. I really needed that workout today. Was I tired? Yes. I was tired. I couldn't go to sleep last night for the tossing and turning. Have you been there? Where you can't turn it off? 

 I was able to get an hour nap this afternoon, plan a great dinner and was ready for tonight's exclusive support group conference call I co-facilitate with Life Coach Gerri Helms and Life Coach Kathleen.

I took exceptional care today. I don't want to relapse. I don't want to regain. I don't live in fear of it--but I live with the full knowledge that it's always possible--IF I don't take care of me.

I'm not some super-human weight losing and maintaining machine. I'm human. I'm fallible. I do what I do each day because I'm not super strong. And guess what??? We don't have to be super strong. The fundamental elements I make important each day are the rails I hold with a firm grip.

And when I start letting things slip and I start living in any way outside my authentic self, that's when I'm not taking exceptional care. As I wrote last night--it hasn't affected my food...yet, but it would--eventually, if I don't get straight. I'm taking care of me. I'm getting straight.

If you're interested in joining the exclusive support groups you read about here or on Kathleen's blog, I've provided the informational poster and links for registration below! These groups are powerful. I encourage you to give it a try and discover what strong accountability and support can do for your weight loss efforts. The next sessions start August 8th and 9th!
photo 13689621_10153841057137831_884770713_n_zpshhx6cb9l.jpeg

The Next Session starts August 8th and 9th! If you have any questions about the groups you can email me: transformation.road@gmail.com or Kathy: totalkathy@aol.com

Sign-Up Links:

Primary (regular) Monday Group (6pm Central/7pm Eastern/4pm Pacific)
http://totalkathy.com/?event=abw-monday-88

Primary (regular) Tuesday group (7pm Central/8pm Eastern/5pm Pacific)
http://totalkathy.com/?event=abw-tuesday-89

Premium (new) Monday night (7pm Central/8pm Eastern/5pm Pacific-*Includes individual specific one on one time slots within that hour)
http://totalkathy.com/?event=abw-88-premium

Today, I maintained the integrity of my maintenance calorie budget. I remained abstinent from refined sugar. I stayed connected in much needed support. I exceeded my daily water goal. And I had an amazing workout this afternoon.

Continuous Live-Tweet Stream:






























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