Where it all Began

I barely watch television anymore but last night two of my shows started back. Since I was waiting for the first show to start, I began flipping through the channels.  While doing that something caught my eye, and a lot of memories and feelings rushed over me.  It might sound silly but the show Biggest Loser has a lot to do with my journey.

Many years ago I tuned into this show every week to witness the journey of the contestants.  This was well before I became successful in my own weight loss. Sure I knew their progress was not typical of normal people in typical lives, but I felt inspired and related to their struggles.  It helps to realize there are others dealing with the same battle.  Even the program that changed my life was inspired from the show.

When my company created Biggest Healthiest Loser it seemed like it was a sign or message just for me.  I remember a friend telling me it was awesome because I would be participating in something based on my favorite TV show.  I don't remember having a lot of hope for this program and the ability for it to change something that I had been fighting for well over 20 years, but it seemed worth a shot.

Thank goodness I took that opportunity, participated in the program, found a supportive community of people in similar struggles and realized the ability to succeed on my own.  This show has changed a lot of lives, and I bet it has impacted an even broader audience without even realizing it.

There are still a lot of people battling to lose weight and become healthier.  My hope is that they will find their inspiration and gain the strength to change.  It is not an easy road, but success can be found with hard work, determination and support.  

Just What You Needed

It is fascinating how strangers can have such an impact on our lives.  I have had this happen more than one time in my life where someone I have never met says or does something that makes my day, turns my negative perspective around or just makes me think about things a little differently.

This week I started a new workout routine.  Instead of the ones I have been following where you do the same exercises week after week this one varies them, and I don't believe I will repeat the same routine in the full 90 day program.  That is exciting and slightly scary for me.  Although I have cleared a lot of hurdles when it comes to working out in the gym, I still get a little flustered trying something new.  I don't want to fall on my face, have bad form or look like an idiot.  Therefore, each of these sessions can be a little nerve wracking.

Today's workout was mostly things I have done before, and even though I increased my weights it went just fine.  However, there were two things that I did not feel quite as confident about.  After I got through them, packed up my bag to leave the gym, I could not help to think how foolish I probably looked on that last exercise.

To my surprise a woman stopped me as I was leaving.  I recognized her from when I was in the gym on Monday and Tuesday, but we had never talked.  As with most of the people in the gym at work, she is a guest staying at the resort.  She stopped me to say what an inspiration my workouts were and how motivated she was by what I had done down there this week.  And I have to mention she definitely knows her way around the gym.  You can't get the toned body she has without being a regular at a gym.

As I left the gym after her comment I felt so good.  It returned my focus to why I do this and that I will keep doing it.  I might not always get every exercise perfect,or look like the girls in the workout videos with their toned body flowing with each rep, but I am getting myself out there and doing my best.  If me and my old self could spend an hour in the gym, I know it would be eye opening.  I have slowly come a long way from where I began 7 years ago.  Just gotta stay focused and keep showing up for the workouts.  

An Adventure in Health

I have gotten a very in depth look at my body and its functioning these last few weeks.  At one point I commented to a nurse that I felt similar to a car when it goes into the mechanic.  However, cars have it so much easier.  If only the body had awesome warning lights like a car to alert us to some malfunction or a doctor could hook us up to a machine, similar to a car, and codes would instantly print out regarding what ails us.  It would certainly mean less tests, guessing and puzzle pieces to fit together.

My adventures started a few weeks ago when a pressure in the side of my head returned.  This was nothing new or special by itself, as this started to bother me about 10 years ago and occurs from time to time.  The new and more alarming symptom was numbness on the right side of my face and difficulty speaking.  It was the weirdest thing I have ever experienced.  At first I was not alarmed but very curious regarding what was happening.  When it became difficult to get my brain and mouth to work together I started to worry and after consulting some coworkers I went to the hospital.  There were a lot of tests in the ER and they decided to admit me into the hospital.  This would allow them to do more tests and observe me overnight.  It was definitely the most comprehensive exam/testing I have ever had.  The outcome showed no signs of a stroke and that was a huge relief.  However, the question of what it was still lingered.

Right before I was released from the hospital I met with a neurologist.  After discussing my medical history, my lifestyle and family history it seemed most likely a migraine variant.  I would have never guessed that they could take on these types of symptoms.  Scary stuff. I have talked to so many people since that time that suffer from similar and sometimes worse migraine variants. I have learned a lot about what these can tell us about our bodies and their functioning.  To say the least our bodies are amazing and slightly frightening.

I was able to follow up with my regular doctor last week and all the blood work in the hospital seemed OK except my blood sugar.  Darn it not wanting to be where it should be and stay there.  I have a long family history of diabetes, but surprisingly that is not the problem with mine.  My blood sugar tends to hang out in the 70s and when stressed or not eating regularly it can go much lower. This can result in many really annoying symptoms, and I had become very used to a lot of these.  However, I have become determined to learn more about ways to help stabilize this number and help reduce the results of it being low.  I hope to work with an endocrinologist soon to figure out what to eat and when so that I can help reduce these drops and minimize the really annoying side effects.

The final chapter in this adventure, so far, was a call from the doctor on Monday with more blood results.  She called to let me know that I have a gene mutation and another blood level off that puts me at a higher risk for stroke, blood clots and a few other exciting things.  Since my doctor was not really familiar with these results, she determined it would be best for me to see someone that would be more specialized in that area.  I learned that a coworker's stroke was due to the same blood results, and I learned quite a bit from her.  Now I begin the journey of finding the right doctor to work with to help me reduce my risks from this.

A few times in the last two weeks I have thought maybe I am overreacting to all this.  However, I have concluded that this all happened for a reason.  This has been a chance to bring my attention to these issues and get them addressed. I need to follow through with it.  I hope to find doctors that will help me balance my desire to do as much of the management naturally while eliminating as many of the risks to my overall health and wellness.

I have learned a few things through this adventure: there is no price placed on piece of mind, things happen for a reason, all these crazy symptoms have not been my imagination, I am not crazy (well, I am crazy but not as much so as I thought), and I have the power to help my body function at a more optimum level.  After all this is the only body I will be given. I work really hard to keep in great physical condition, but I need to stop ignoring some of the obvious signs that something else is not going quite as it should in there.  Time to take charge and get the right people to support me through the rest of this journey.

I hope this post finds you in good health or with the right partners in your journey to your most optimal health.

Changing the World

When you find something that changes your life, and you see so many amazing benefits to it you obviously want to share it with everyone.  It becomes the topic of conversations, and you try to find ways to get family and friends to try it.  Your hope is that they will find the same greatness within it and their lives will be better for it.

Sometimes I feel like a televangelist when someone talks to me about my workouts.  I sing all the praises of exercise, how it has changed my life and what a difference it can truly make for anyone.  I could talk for hours about all the reasons that excuses are just that, and that anyone can fit this magnificent thing into their lives.  However, no matter how much I say or how long I might talk about it I can't make someone do it.  I wish it were that easy. It seems to all come down to their desire and timing on the journey.  You can't make someone do something, regardless of how much you desire for them to do it.  They must want it bad enough to not make excuses, not let anything stand in their way and make it a priority.  No one can do that for them.

I have seen time and time again those people around me want to change.  They have that initial energy and drive to do it.  It is awesome to see them start out filled with excitement and charge forward.  But sadly I have also seen all that fade, slowly returning back to old ways and then it is all gone.

I am certainly not claiming to be perfect here, trust me.  Although I have seen this in others, there are plenty of times I have traveled that road too.  Before this journey began for me I played out that cycle more times than I would like to admit.  I often ask myself why was this time different and what can I do for these folks to help them stick with it.  I still search for these answers.

I have been truly blessed to have changed a few lives through my journey.  There have been some that found a spark of interest, motivation or determination from my success and turned that into success of their own.  It makes me truly honored to have such an impact on those around me.  I will certainly keep singing the praise of this lifestyle to anyone that will listen and maybe some that would rather not.  More than anything it helps keep me on track, but a definite awesome side effect is helping to change another life along the way.

Taking a Little Break

After having some medical issues, I decided it was time for a break from my regular 11 workouts a week.  Last week has been different than my norm but amazingly relaxing.  I still have not been feeling well so the break had perfect timing.  It was a chance to lessen need for planning my workout times.  I took much needed breaks from work that involved time with Kent.  All in all it was exactly what I needed and the timing was great.

Now as I turn my focus to this coming week part of me longs to get back to it.  I feel excited to get my heart pumping again and long for that amazing high that comes from exercise.  Sure there is a small part of me that would love more time off, but I know it would just get easier to not return and the excitement I feel might fade.  Therefore, my workout bag is packed and I have the routine all planned out.  Tomorrow the break is over and back to my workout routine I head.

Exercise is a huge part of my life and something that I love dearly.  However, I have tried to listen to my body and take breaks when they are needed.  Sure this time my body had to really scream to get my attention, but I finally gave into it and know that I am better for having done just that.

I won't say that is always easy to take breaks because I fear losing the love I have for it and returning to my unhealthy ways.  However, I have become more confident in my own abilities to get back on track, and I have an amazing friend that never allows me to steer too far off course.  Thank God for placing certain people in my path to help me remain focused.  I cherish the people in my life that see a version of myself that I don't and believe in me when sometimes I falter or doubt.  To them I am eternally grateful.

Tomorrow is just another fresh start with new focus, determination and energy.  May it be one of many that will be scattered throughout this journey.