Changes (Originally posted on FB Sept, '10)

I don't see major changes to the way I look--OKAY it's only the beginning of WEEK 3 so really, should I?!!  But I read somewhere that as soon as you start exercising, your body begins to respond and "reset" itself. 

Today was my regular workout with my Trainer.  Every session he has added weight here and there to my sets and increased the speed of my cardio, often surprising me!  Today was NO different.  We did every set in a rhythmic fashion--no holding at the top; a controlled movement that didn't stop until the end of the set (15 or 20 reps); 3 sets EACH machine.  It was pure torture with him behind me saying "it's too easy for ya...too easy"!!!  Yes, I wanted to clobber him, but I couldn't lift my hands and my legs felt like they were cast in iron!! lol

He figured out my secret--I've always been strong--it was one of the reasons that I liked strength training to begin with...and now he knows...ugh...!!!! :-) 

Well, I'm in pain again and am just now feeling a little better after a nap!!  But I am starting to notice a few things:

My biceps are starting to form (they don't go back to globs of fat after a workout, there's a little bulge!), my legs are starting to look more toned and don't have the same "jiggle", even my "shelf" is looking less like one (if you don't know what that is, ask me in an email!! lol), I have MUCH more energy,  my knees don't hurt like they used to and I haven't had to modify any of the exercises, my flexibility has improved (well, with a starting point at around ZERO...!!), and my mom says I have a "glow" (love it!)!!! I've noticed a slight change in how clothes fit, but only to me at this point I think. 

While I do feel that he enjoys torturing me(!), I love the challenge of seeing just how close I can come to the goals that my Trainer sets for me each workout.  I'm proud to say that so far, I've done EVERYTHING he's asked for!!! YAY!!

The mission is now cemented and I'm ready for the next challenge!

The Process

Life is a process.  There are circumstances that occur during everyone's life that based on their decision to react can cause a positive or negative life experience. 

So what is the difference between people who achieve and those who don't?  Why is it that some people make excellent grades, get the best jobs, and are all around successful and then there are others who retire at the poverty level?

I'm in the process of reading "How to Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill.  While this book was written in the early 1900's, it is really a relevant read even today in the 21st century.  What Hill discusses is the principles that many of the millionaires of that day used to achieve; their "Process" that they use to gain the success that they desire.  While their interests were different, their approach was very similar:  They all had Desire, Determination, Believed that they would achieve, Began walking as if they already achieved, and Made plans as to how they would achieve.

Most people who live paycheck to paycheck don't think this way.  They react AS life goes, instead of PLANNING HOW THEIR LIFE WILL GO!!!  I'll call it the Victimized Life--letting life happen; the Victorious Life is when you plan your life and are flexible to the ebbs and flows of it. 

Is it possible to switch from Victimized to Victorious?  Yes, but it takes hard work--and most of us don't want to work hard.  We want to be told what to do and some of us even want our hands held as we go.  There's nothing wrong with that, but if you want a Victorious Life, you're going to have to take the reins and make inward and outward changes to your life.

Which do you want? 

...the NEXT Adventure!!! (originally posted on FB-Sept. 2, 2010)

Okay, so I wasn't going to mention this and I'm not exactly sure why...

After over 20 years carrying about 100 lbs. extra on my 5'2" frame, I have begun working with a Personal Trainer!  As of Monday, I have been in the gym EVERY DAY!!  I have been eating 6 small meals each day since Tuesday and increasing my water intake!

I must admit that in my teen years, I wanted to be a bodybuilder.  I played basketball and was a cheerleader for the Varsity Basketball team at my High School working out virtually every weekday; during  my first 3 years of College I was involved in intramurals (football and basketball), swimming and roller skating.  I NEVER had a weight problem or issues with overeating because I was so active.  Even when I started working in the corporate world I was a gym rat, working out during my lunch hour and playing on the company softball team.

I got married and had my first child 1 1/2 years later.  I gained about 10 lbs. during the courtship/engagement, but still didn't think about needing to do anything about it.  The weight steadily crept up, but because of the way I was built, I didn't notice just how much more I weighed until I looked at prior photos.  The stress of marriage, child, miscarriage a few years later, child #2, separation, divorce, father's illness and subsequent death gave me plenty of reason to go the route of the emotional eater.  I carried a lot inside and didn't really know what to do about it.  You see, for me exercise was fun more than something I had to do to ensure good health.  I didn't think about the benefits; I just loved being active and competitive.  Well, I guess I should just say it--I LOVED TO WIN!!!

As I went through the process of getting myself back, I didn't really focus on my weight.  I focused more on loving and accepting me again.  I started believing in my dreams again and listening to that "still small voice" that kept saying:  Just Do It...Go For IT!!!  When I started the process of recording the songs for my CD and establishing my music ministry, I knew that I needed to address my health and weight not just because I had pounds to lose, but that I needed to ensure I had the endurance to consistently sing, minister and travel.  I wanted to be at my optimum.  Prior to my mid-twenties, I was able to self-motivate through the process of getting into shape and making the necessary modifications to ensure that I was in top physical condition.  In my late twenties to late thirties, I had become a push-over, accepting whatever treatment was thrown my way.  I had no opinion of my own and lived just to meet whatever obstacles were in front of me.  I didn't have time to focus on future goals--I was smack in the middle of a hurricane and worked hard to ensure that my children, my family, my church family, my friends, and other observers didn't notice.

By the time I entered my forties as a new divorcee, I was more concerned about getting myself back mentally--and did!  I was back to my confident, upbeat, and open person that I was and I loved me!!!  I loved my curves and my mommy's gut (A woman goes through a lot to have it, so why NOT celebrate it?!) and I worked hard to dress in a flattering way.  However, there continued to be something in the back of my mind saying--I miss the way I used to LOOK too...

...so this Sunday at the church picnic after fussing at my walking partners that walking is a boring form of exercise--I sat directly in front of one of the members who has been like a little brother to me for over 15 or so years.  He had gone through a physical transformation--of course, I know that men don't have a rough time losing weight, so I didn't really notice until I started seeing signs of his becoming "CUT" (that's when you start seeing definition in the muscles...anyone who is into bodybuilding LIVES for that!).  I had already told him that I was proud of his accomplishment, but in my mind I was thinking "I'll look ridiculous smaller" and "I've been heavy for so long, the weight WON'T come off!" and "I like the way I look in my clothes, so I don't need to lose weight".  Since I released my CD, I noticed that I was getting more tired after a performance.  I was sore the next day and my knees hurt--I always said it was because of my past Athletic life--I was tired of being tired.

I said to my little brother, "okay, what did you do?"  His response was quick, explosive and excited.  It was as if he was waiting for me to say something to him.  He told me about his program and that his trainer has been teaching about what happens to the body and why nutrition works.  By the time we finished talking, I asked him for the trainer's number and said that I would call him sometime.  I went to get my things to leave and he told me to stop right there and call the trainer--I did and we met the next day!!

Thanks Marcellus, Sherri J., Sherry L., Tiki, Pops Freeman, and all others who have shown me so much support this week.  I'm on track and love being back in the gym!!

It's going to be an interesting ride!!

A New Vision!!

Hi there!!

Since September, I've been writing "notes" on Facebook about my weight loss journey.  Initially, I was just planning on talking about it because I know that when most people lose weight, they only talk about the "before" and "after".  I decided that I wanted to show the "during"--I didn't want anyone to think that I took some miracle pill or bought some magical tool and miraculously became smaller and fit!! 

The reality is this:  there are lots of pills, programs and other fitness items that can siphon the money right out of your nest egg but won't give you consistent success.  You will only achieve weight loss that stays lost by hard work, determination and positive change.

This is the first blog of my new vision:  to provide concepts and ideas that will aid in your quest for optimal success and living out your dreams.  I want to share with you the things that I have learned through my journey; for weight loss and so much more. 

Thanks for joining Maniac Mission...Possible!!!  Here we go!!!