Shredding the Wait!

FITNESS UPDATE! - Week 8

WEEK 8 - JANUARY 27, 2012

So, after hitting a plateau and being so frustrated, my trainer said that I needed to increase the amount that I’m eating.  You see, I’ve now realized that I have come quite far and feel on top of the world thus far, but my fear was that I would return to that unhealthy person I was before and so, I stopped eating as much.  What resulted was little results and feeling bloated.  I have to say, this high protein diet has done wonders for me.  With that said, here are my results for Week 8…and now….I will begin to “try” to eat more!  By the way…yes, I’ve gained in weight, however, check out the lean and fat body weight; this tells me that the muscle is increasing and blasting the fat away….Whoot!

Weight:                 287 (+4 lbs.)

Chest:                  48 (0)

Waist:                  42 (-1”)

Hips:                    44 (-1”)

Lean Body Weight: 230lbs. (+8)

Fat Body Weight:   56lbs. (-4)

Body Fat %:          19% (-2%)

Body Mass Index:   37.86

TREADING THOUGHTS - “Bullying…the Seedling of Strength Within”

TREADING THOUGHTS - “Bullying….the Seedling of Strength Within

The bell rang loudly as the doors to the classrooms swung open.  Sounds of children laughing, shouting and the running of little feet across the wooden floors invaded the hallways of the once quite building.  It was recess time, a fun time to enjoy friends, games and partaking in everything a child in the third grade anticipates throughout the day. 

As the concrete playground was a whimsical area patterned with swing sets, monkey bars, basketball hoops and numerous other areas of play, there was also a special play area that was known by a young man that many would not experience; a hiding place of sorts or to some, a dungeon.  The red bricks of the large school house created a solid and strong fortress of sorts, with nooks and crannies of hidden areas around the school.  The mortar between the bricks was cracked and crumbling, leaving little holes between the interlinking structures.  This young man knew this well, as he would visibly be able to see each one of those cracks within the mortar up close as it became a resting place for his head on a daily basis if he couldn’t avoid it.

Being somewhat chubby, this young man was full of laughter and love as he was brought up with good morals, manners and was never introduced to words about sex, drugs, drinking or of the like; a very innocent child who only knew the happy parts of life and all of its simplicities.  As he would have interests in numerous little girls from school, he would be often thanked by mothers as he would be opening doors up for them or pulling their seats out so that they could sit down.  He loved to be active, participating when he could in sports and activities; even when he would have limitations.  He was a child that most parents would be proud of, as he brought no drama to the household if he could help it. 

What once started as a playground of amusement turned into an area of dread for this young man, as he would soon find that while playing with his friends, there was an area you did not venture into or around; especially someone like himself.  The monkey bars were an area that was inhabited by a monstrous group of individuals who were lost in their own right.  This group of young men had a leader of sorts who, as they lacked the attention they needed from home, would resort to finding it elsewhere on the playground; along with their next victim.  Beside the monkey bars a brick structure had been created holding a maintenance room and formed a small area between that and the school, hidden from the sight of the teachers; their dungeon.

Upon mistakenly entering this territory, this young man was cornered by the group, not realizing that he was soon to create a daily ritual for the group to unleash the anger they had deep within upon someone else.  As his face would be pressed deep against the brick building, the young man knew what was ahead.  As the group of six held his outstretched arms and legs against the building, he braced himself and tightened his torso.  Words of hate radiated from the groups yells with words like, “faggot,” “fatso,” “sissy,” etc.  As he heard these words, he thought to himself, “What did they mean?” “Why me?” “What is a faggot?” “Am I really that fat?”  Without time to think, he felt the hard thrusts to the abdomen, knocking out the wind and very breath of his body.  He saw the smaller one of the group come charging with his head as another blow was felt, then another and another.  As the words turned into laughter and the echoing of the school bell sounded in the distance, he fell to the ground, pebbles etching within the skin of his hands from the concrete below.  He lifted his head up to see his cousin standing there amongst the crowd, not giving his hand to help, but to only run amongst the rest so that he would not be their next target.

Soon as the laughter of the group and the children as a whole had ceased and the school yard became vacant and quiet, this young man looked at the cracked bloodied skin upon his hands and then glanced upon the cracks in the mortar.  He began to notice that there were ants that found refuge in those cracks upon that brick foundation; a foundation of strength.  As he got up and walked slowly toward the swing set at the very end of the school yard, he sat quietly amongst himself, alone, taking the pain he had endured internally and building his own foundation, a wall of sorts, around himself.  He began to realize that individuals may inflict pain upon others because they don’t know how to deal with their own weaknesses that were planted and installed in them, but he also found that the pain he endured wasn’t “his” pain, but he was enduring and taking upon the pain of others; and through others’ pain, was he able to find his own strength, his foundation; his mortar.  He could either let the mortar crumble, destroying the strength of his own foundation, or he could repair it by allowing it only to build a stronger more stable and solid foundation within himself.

As years past, this young man had been the victim of other instances of bullying until his high school years, however, he became a man of strength, perseverance and became motivated to conquer any obstacles that came into his path; as you see, these bully’s were obstacles and with anything in life, you can either let these circumstances destroy you as you give up and give into them or you can only use it to your advantage to become a more well rounded individual through life.  To this day, this man always keeps a smile upon his face, has love and care for others and has an outlook now in life like no other.

As the scares on my hand have healed some time ago and the pain in my stomach is felt no more the scares in my mind will always be a visible reminder that the seeds that were planted in my mind was not weakness but only that of strength and a constant reminder that we each have the power to overcome and others may destroy every part of our person, only if we give them permission to do so.

Yes…that young man that was bullied so many years ago was me; however, I never gave them the benefit of breaking me down to the point of giving up on life, but instead used these experiences as a tool to reach success in every aspect of my life; one filled with happiness and fulfillment!

Here’s to good health and a happy life!

-Scott

TREADING THOUGHTS - “Let’s Get High!”

Sunday, January 22, 2012

TREADING THOUGHTS - “Let’s Get High!”

Every day I would pass him on the campus; he had a confident walk, a happy demeanor and would always have some hilarious story to tell.  All I ever knew about him was his first name and that he was a 4.0 student at the university.  Once my buddy’s and I were walking to class and we saw him, calling out his name to come talk with us, anticipating what story he was going to tell this time; as it was finals week and we needed something to give us a boost of energy, as his stories always did.  As I was the one that would always laugh at the most simplest of jokes, he always took part in focusing his stories towards my attention.  After hearing about his weekly dilemmas, I remember saying to him jokingly, “man are you high?” as I laughed with him.  As he walked away from us, I remember his reply as he yelled out loud, “Yep!  High on life buddy….high on life!”  As I never knew what became of him, I can only imagine he made light of the hurdles in life and accomplished great things.  As I was doing my cardio today and feeling so good inside, that memory became repetitive in my mind the whole day.  As this simple reply was taken quite lightly then, I now know what he felt like as he passed these words along. 

When you begin to go through life living an overly cumbersome, stagnate, repetitive and unfulfilling journey, you become consumed with the ideation that this is what will always be.  You go home after work tired, arguments may arise between you and your loved ones, you become unfocused on the important things in your life and you begin to lose meaning; searching through an emptiness that becomes the normality without any question as to why you feel the way you do.  You begin to slump into a lifestyle of unrecognized thoughts and actions until it is too late.

For many individuals out there, who have experienced weight gain, lack of fulfillment, irritability, dissatisfaction or a sense of the “same repetitive routine,” you begin wondering how you can make a difference in your life to change your thoughts into a positive outcome; not realizing that a simple solution is within your own psyche. 

When I first started my work-out regimen, I had an “awakening” of sorts, in which I needed to make a difference within myself and start “living” again.  I had become so consumed with and conforming to the world around me that I lost sight as to what “true” happiness was and the deterioration that was happening within my mind and body.  When I slowly started to lose my weight, began to walk or climb stairs without breathlessness and started to see progress with my health; I began to notice my mind and thoughts were clearer, I became more confident and my self-esteem started to shine again.  I began to have energy like I hadn’t experienced in such a long time and woke up every day looking “forward” to another day of this life novel; instead of dreading it.  It was then I began to see life in a whole new light, once again feeling as though my life had a purpose.  Ever since this transformation began, not only have I begun to appreciate what I have to offer others, but what life had to offer me!  Through the people that have entered my life since I began this challenge, I have also learned so much more about what it is to actually live and to truly be high; high on life! 

As I know that there are days that will be ahead where hurdles will seem impossible, I can say that with a clear positive outlook in your life, believing that you can accomplish anything that you set out to do and settling not for mediocrity but envisioning only fulfillment and lifelong happiness, anyone can achieve this adrenaline rushing high of waking up every day looking forward to laughter, confidence and wonderful results that follow; knowing that you have the power and ability to set forth your own vision of what you want out of your life, it’s up to you to put it into motion.  Therefore, the longer you sit and wonder, “where did I go wrong?” or “how can I ever make a change from here?” the longer you will be left without answers or satisfaction.  What one needs to do is quit asking “when, how and why” and instead, just head forward not looking back; only then will you find your own natural “high” in life.   Take control of your life….don’t let life take control of you!

Here’s to good health and a happy life!

Scott

FITNESS UPDATE! - Week 6 / Week 7

Well, this coming week is my 2nd Month Photo…..and I anticipate seeing the change from last month; as I feel it inside, I’m my own worse skeptic when it comes to seeing a difference on the outside…so we will see what you think!  Here are my results for the past two weeks.

WEEK 7 - January 19, 2012

Weight:                   283 (-0)

Chest:                    48” (-.5)

Waist:                    43” (-.5)

Hips:                      45” (+1)

Lean Body Weight:   222lbs. (+2)

Body Fat Weight:    60 lbs. (-2)

Fat %:                  21.5% (-.5%)

WEEK 6 - January 12, 2012

Weight:                     283lbs. (-1.5)

Chest:                      48.5” (+.5)

Waist:                      43.5” (-0)

Hips:                        44”  (-.5)

Lean Body Weight:     220 (-1)

Body Fat Weight:      62 (-0)

Body Fat %:             22% (0)

Treading Thoughts - Your Own Reincarnation

Before I begin my lengthy post, I always like to take time to thank those who have touched and are still touching my life; who are blessings to me.  Of course first and foremost are my readers, as without your input and emails, I would most likely give up my blogs; but I realize that there are people out there that may use my thoughts, ideas and inspirations to fulfill their own goals, while motivating me to continue with mine.

As, I am not a judgmental person by no means and everyone has their own beliefs, one of mine is that the God I believe in, surrounds us with people through life that either provide support, lessons, happiness and love on this most awesome journey.   Here are a few of those people that had entered my life and have done just that: Chad…my trainer of course, who is persistent and keeps me motivated through this process; Deb, for reminding me who I used to be at my most darkest time; Ty and Jamie for being there to let me know where I need to go from here and Edie for never giving up the friendship no matter what.  It’s because of you all and many more that have inspired me to continue writing my book…and continue through this process, Thank you!  I also must mention someone wonderful who has touched my life in many ways and by doing so, has made me realize what it was to be ALIVE again….thanks PRB, you have no idea how fulfilling my life has become through this transformation because of you…here’s hoping that continues into the future!

Your Own Reincarnation

A few questions were asked of me the other day that I have not been able to get out of my mind and have pondered on quite a bit.  They weren’t difficult questions, quite simple and to the point; of which anyone can honestly answer, but it had my mind cluttered for a few days with reflection of the substance of what was being asked.  The questions put forth were, “what are your hobbies and what do you like to do?” and, “what restaurants do you like to eat at?”  These were simple questions, right?  Well, after they were asked, I drew a blank.  I absolutely had no idea how to answer or what to say!  As people who know me, know that I like to laugh and talk, and talk, and talk (laughs), and they know that I honestly answer any questions that I am confronted with.  For once, the simplest of questions had me completely silent as I thought to myself, “What have you done with your life?”

While millions of Americans are wanting the “best” education for their children, I will be confident and somewhat arrogant when I say that as a young lad, I had the “best” private education there was; better than any private school could offer.  I was educated in what I call, “The Ralston School.”  No you won’t find it in any phone publication, in a news article or even on an internet search engine, as what I find is the most beneficial education that any child could have, is the education they receive from family.  Being the youngest member of my family, I was able to be nurtured and molded into a person that had the very foundations of success.  I had a father that through his hard work, taught me what it was to provide financial support to your family and to ensure they have what they need for the family unit to run properly.  I had a grandfather whose mentality as a farmer, taught me to be humble, strong willed, tough, solid minded, hard working and not to complain or whine about disappointments in life.  My youngest sister was the idea person with many entrepreneurial aspirations and was the comedian of the family; I learned from her creativity, curiosity, motivation and laughter.  My eldest of my siblings was one who was very guarded of me.  She would soon mold me into how to be “proper” by teaching me how to eat properly, speak properly, how to walk with a confident gait (putting a book on my head to maintain posture as I would walk back and forth without the book falling from my head (laughs)), how to interact with people, how to dress and as much as I hated it, she would choose who I should and shouldn’t “date” as they may not be good for my future and my goals I was to accomplish.  Then, there was my mother, the Headmistress of this household.  It was through her love that she taught me spirituality, how to love others, have a good heart, pushed me toward my educational goals, structured me in a way that I could sit in the finest of establishments and mingle, yet still be able to throw on a pair of ripped jeans and ride a horse bareback in the country.  She was business tough, as she would teach me what it was to make hard decisions become a beneficial outcome.  She would even become a fitness trainer of sorts, as during competitions she would be the one making me run 4 miles and driving the car behind me, yelling out the window, “You’re going too slow!” (laughs).  She pulled the education I received all together and motivated me to achieve as much as I can in this short life we have.  It was through my family that I was able to experience and appreciate the finest and simplest things in my life; and it was through them that I was nurtured to not be a follower, but to be a leader! 

As a man in my mid-twenty’s, the sky was the limit. I worked my way through college, usually working more than one full-time job, while obtaining my degrees and had a philosophy that, “If you can’t keep up, sit on the sidelines and watch!”  I wanted to achieve my dreams and had the motivation to do so.  I mingled with the best and had also seen the worst.  I was experiencing travel, success, disappointments, fun, social events and life!  What happens after that is bad decision making and following the wrong paths.  As any person can have the best education through family or through a college curriculum, there comes a time where some may take a detour instead of following the map put in front of them.  The reason that I had to do this transformation now is because I was one of those people who didn’t follow the path put in front of me; and the reason I couldn’t answer the questions that were asked.

To explain, when you begin losing sight of yourself and conform to the ideals of others who are involved in your life; you in retrospect, lose who you are and where you want to go.  When you find someone in your life, a significant other, partner, husband, wife, etc. one must be sure that they “share” the same ideals as you or at least take an interest in what you are trying to achieve, or who you are and what you’re about.  They must want to be a part of you, supporting you along the way while achieving their own visions; as you support them as well, working together for the greater good, not separate.  For the younger readers of these blogs especially, please keep this in mind, as if you are looking for that perfect person in your life you must find someone that completes you, not someone who works against you;  someone who loves you and appreciates you for who you are, not for what they can get from you.  Because if you take that road, you will find yourself lost in a place, like I have myself in recent past, realizing that you are left with hollowness and emptiness in life. 

 As I reflect back, the reason that I had no answers to these simple questions was because I have spent so many waking hours trying to appease a situation, a relationship, that should have never been and I became drained, unhealthy and lost every bit of who I was.  I lost my hobbies, I stopped going to restaurants, stopped dancing, stopped laughing…..I stopped living!  I realize now more than ever that when you truly reflect on your life, make sure that you share that life with someone who is there for you and wants to be with you for the right reasons; not for their own gratifications.

So, with that said, I’ve realized another level to this so called “reincarnation of self,” this transformation in finding myself again and that is to once again….LIVE!  Now, I need to find some outlets in life, some hobbies aside from working out and you know what….I know of this quaint restaurant that I have always wanted to go to; sounds like it’s time to take a look at those menu items and when I do, you better believe I’m going to have a nice chardonnay to toast the future (smiles)!  Since it has always been about working, education and never experiencing anything more, let me ask you dear readers….. What are your hobbies?

Here’s to good health and a happy life!

-Scott

FITNESS UPDATE!

Okay, okay…..I know!  I’m getting grief because of my lack of posting…LOL  I know I’ve been slacking on my posts; well, not necessary slacking….been busy….but not too busy for the work-outs!  That’s right, I’m still at it and I hope you all are too!  So, we’ve got through the holidays (I hope) and I have to say this is the “first” and I will say “first” holidays where I had worked out in between company and on Thanksgiving, Christmas and….New Years!  As a matter of fact, I was surprised to see how many people were actually at the gym on New Years Eve and New Years Day!  So…..I guess, instead of listing all my weeks I’ve missed (could it be that many….ugh) I’ll list for you the results from my last weeks stats, since result day is tomorrow again….  So here they are:

FITNESS RESULTS - WEEK 11 1/5/12  (results since start)

Weight:                 284.5 (-33.5) *WHOOT*

Chest:                  48” (+2)

Waist:                  43.5” (-9.5”) *WHOOOOOOOOT!*

Hips:                    44.5” (-5.5) *WHOOT!*

Lean Body Wt.:      221 lbs 5/7

Fat Wt.:               62 lbs (-37 lbs) *WHOOT*

Body Fat %:          22% (-9%) *WHOOT!*

Okay folks….there it is!  Feeling good!!!  Although I do have my days of impatience, but, I’m a natural when it comes to being impatient..patience doesn’t come easy for me….when I want something done….I want it done…not the case in this transformation or I’ve realized, in other parts of life; but I’ve also realized that with patience comes rewards…..so I’m learning to just LIVE and let things come to pass as they will follow!  Best thing to do from this point is not to pay so much attention to scales and more time concentrating on forming the muscle and TONING (toning is not easy when you expect fast results).  So…..Here’s some of the “Wait” that I was wanting to Shred and where I’m at:

1.  Start a fitness program and get motivated to make a change.  *Done

2.  Begin losing weight and building muscle.  *Done and in progress of doing

3.  Build my self-esteem and confidence back.  *Currently underway and doing great!

4.  Let the past be past and move forward toward an awesome future! *ABSOLUTELY DONE AND LOOKING FORWARD TO A FUTURE LIKE NO OTHER!  Man, as good as I feel physically, mentally, emotionally, etc…..I am so ready for a change, transformation and leading a productive happy life in the future with positive people and results!  Can’t wait to see what the next 3 months brings!

Hope all of you are doing well!

Here’s to good health and a happy life!,

-Scott

Jeremiah 29:11

I couldn’t be happier for you than I am now!!!! God’s plan always work out!! And you are living proof!!!! You will be a true witness and inspiration to so many!!! Keep it going!! Never give up, never stop!!! :)

Treading Thoughts - “Feel the Beat, Use the Rhythm”

Man I am on an adrenaline rush today!  The best energetic feeling one could have if you don’t allow yourself to climb the walls.  So, here’s the deal, I couldn’t sleep well last evening as I had all these thoughts going in my head. Thoughts of the “next steps” in my transformation, personal successes and goals that I want to accomplish and ways of achieving personal growth and happiness in my life; it was with these thoughts that I couldn’t wait for my cardio day to release these thoughts and organize them during my session.

I remember long ago being in the performing arts while performing on stage instrumentally or dancing, that the beat of the music would just grab me; I’d get lost in it and give the best performance I could.  When I’m on the cardio machines, I do the same.  I put on some good inspiring music, get into the rhythm, feel the beat, sweat my butt off (laughs) and then the rest is history!

The ancients used to say that the earth has its own rhythm and that we must be in tune with that rhythm to live productively.  Try closing your eyes and turn off all the lights and sound, then sit in total silence.  Listen carefully for any sounds you may hear, whether it be outside or even in your head.  You will begin to hear a rhythm of sorts, much like that of a mantra; as crazy as it sounds, yes, the earth does have its own rhythm, and so does your body.  Now, when you need a stress relief or on those cardio days, turn on some hard pumping music that inspires you and get lost in the rhythm; using it to your advantage. Clear your mind with this technique so that after your workout, you will be more refreshed, relaxed and your mind at ease!

As I did this today, I paid no attention to my surroundings, felt the beat, kept my step and time was lost to my thoughts and goals; not to “how many minutes do I have left of this!”  You will be surprised as to how you can use your cardio workout will not only heal your body….but your mind as well!  It will allow you to deal more easily with life’s issues, communication and your thoughts.  We all need some time to ourselves, to collect our thoughts and organize them productively; let your cardio day be that time!

Here’s to good health and a good life!

-Scott

Shout Out! Q&A

“Shout Out!” - Q & A / 12/27/2011

Well, now that the Christmas holiday is over, I can focus on catching up on some of the questions I’m getting e-mailed to me regarding my progress and otherwise.  Therefore, I’ve decided to begin adding a Q&A posting “Shout Out!”to answer any questions you have for me; and I would like to thank all of you that are leaving me these questions, suggestions and comments in my e-mail and otherwise.  Before I begin, I would like to thank Patricia, Spunks, Deb and Art for your kind words of motivation…it’s appreciated greatly.  This will be a long posting for this first session…

Q:        “Scott, How are you doing this? I’m working on losing 20 pounds simply by counting calories. I hate it, but it’s working.”   Sent by: I.L.L.

A:        The short answer….very hard!  LOL  The long answer…..well, it hasn’t been easy thus far, but it’s not meant to be.  Years ago, I was a calorie counter, especially when I was getting prepared for a kickboxing tournament and had to lose weight and train for the fights and it did help with exercise to count calories. The way I had to train though wasn’t the most healthy way to go (loosing 15lbs in a week).  You would find yourself starving your body two weeks before, bland foods a week after that and then 24 hours before the tournament loading yourself up with as much protein as possible, then back to calorie counting.  However, we know so much now about weight loss and physical fitness more than we ever did back then. 

I will say that my trainer is a Godsend and has allowed me a diet…let’s re-word that…he has given me a nutritional way to eat..a lifestyle, in which I can still stop at a fast food restaurant and get a quick bite to eat and/or cheat “a little” if I so desire, without having to count the calories.  I mean look, we all know how many calories our body is to consume on a daily basis and to obtain weight loss. It’s the proportion of the food we eat and what we eat that matters.  Sure, calories are important and you can lose weight doing so, however, I’m finding that you can pretty much obtain the same effect by teaching ourselves proper food proportions.  What I have found is that now, I cannot even think of eating a Big Mac or going to an American Buffet, as it now makes me nauseated.  I’ve trained my mind to know what is good and what isn’t and how much I “really” need to eat for survival, not gratification. 

So, with that said, the meal plan is simple:

Make sure you are eating 5-6 small meals per day (every 2-3 hours) and when I say “meals” I’m not meaning a 6 course dinner.  Breakfast: eat a protein (protein bar under 250 cal) and 1 helping of a carb (I eat oatmeal or grits…plain); Snack: protein drink (Chocolate Muscle Milk is good); Lunch: 1 protein/1 carb (I usually eat a can of tuna-with some olive oil and a plain baked potato – sometimes with butter or a dab of plain yogurt); Snack: a portion of raw vegetables or fruits; Dinner:  1 protein/1 carb and Snack: Fiber.  With this, water, water and more water!  At least 4 liters of water per day and of course exercise.  I.L.L.- If you would like, e-mail me and I will send you the entire nutrition regimen as you will be surprised as to what you can eat on this list, which is too lengthy to display here on this blog. 

Mentally: I have to stay focused on my goal that I have set for myself and realize that life is too short and there is so much to do in this life; if I don’t make the changes now, no matter how insignificant they may seem, I will never be able to enjoy life to its fullest!

I have found that yes, there are some weeks that are horrible as I will work extremely hard 2 hours a day at the gym, to find that I have little weight loss or reduced inches and it can be quite frustrating.  Then, I could wake up the next day and see my body in the mirror or feel changes with my body and be so extremely pleased with the results.  It’s the transformation and set goals that are keeping me going.  Try not to pay too much attention to the scales and more attention to how you look, feel and how loose your clothing is becoming (I laugh every time I put on my pants, as I have to keep tightening the belt it’s a great feeling!)  Remember though, what works for one, doesn’t always work for all…Just Keep up the good work!!!

Q:        “Scott, with everything that has transpired in your life recently and being so soon, how can you be so positive to make a change?  As my situation is somewhat different, I have been through a bad break-up and have gained a lot of weight in the past two years; I feel like I’m nothing!  How did you overcome this to start making a difference in yourself?”  Sent by: T.S.

A:        Since your e-mail was so touching to me, I have a feeling this is going to be a long post!  First of all T.S., I’m sorry about your break-up, but I would like to let you in on something wonderful that I never want you to forget, are you ready?  YOU ARE SOMETHING GRAND AND YOU ARE SPECIAL TO ME!  Never let anyone make you feel otherwise, unless you give them permission to!

You must understand me as a person before I explain further.  I am the type of person that “does not” like babied by any means so I am pretty much a “tell it like it is person” just so you know (I get this from growing up with a household of strong minded women and a hard working father; there was no room for weakness in our house and everyone spoke their mind and feelings). 

To begin, I would like to say that there is a lot of hurt in life, as you so know.  The worst thing that we can do is let life’s stressors grab hold of us in such a way that we begin to give up, wail in our own self-pity and then start finding we have no respect for ourselves by indulging in areas of comfort such as food or lack of exercise to take away the pain of life; because it will only cause more pain, sickness, failure and loneliness in the end. 

As you have just went through a break-up, it is not easy to deal with; if you are like me, you will begin thinking that you will never find love again, never trust again, never have someone tell you that they love you and actually mean it.  You begin feeling helpless, used and so very insignificant to the world you live.  But, as you have these feelings and thoughts, look deep inside yourself and understand that this is healthy and that in there is a wonderful human being that has a lot to offer this world and yourself!  Now it is time to pick yourself up and get that behind of yours moving toward the right direction (the treadmill will become your new best friend to put your mind at ease)! 

Here’s what I did:

One night I was feeling pretty low about my situation, couldn’t sleep, stressed, eating anything I could and my mind was so fogged up with the current events that I didn’t know what to do.  Pain and weakness was through my joints, muscles, bones and I didn’t want around anyone.  I went to get a shower and took off my clothes, as I glanced at the mirror and saw my reflection, I cannot explain how I felt.  As a man, I saw who was once a strong, competitive, good-looking, intelligent person who always enjoyed making others smile or laugh; become this weak, overweight and depressed opposite.  It was then that something clicked inside me that said, “Scott, you allowed these problems to enter your life, it’s up to you to get them to exit!”  It was time for a change!  The next day is when I dressed in baggy, cotton sweats and didn’t care what I looked like (I mean…really….how much worse could I look) and I hauled my heavy tail to the gym (I believe going to a gym or outside of your home is the best way to become motivated to get back into a healthy mind and body, as you need the interaction and you need others to see you for what you are and what you will soon become) and started on the nautilus machine; of which by the way, I was so out of breath that I only lasted 15 minutes.  The next day, I increased and pushed myself to 20 minutes and did that for a week.  That is when I took the next step and went to a professional trainer for assistance.  You need to take steps little by little to get there….the first step was writing me…thank you!  The second step is to start getting yourself into a cardio program.  Once you start getting that heart rate going and the metabolism increased, you will find that you will begin to think clearer and will open your mind up to what you really want out of life…but don’t give up…set a goal and keep it going; as when you do, you will find your confidence level, self-esteem and even the way people look at you will be different, as well as, the way you begin looking at yourself…don’t be saddened by the break-up, be thankful, because you wouldn’t be ready to make a change without it! 

About your break-up; emotional health and mental health is just as important as the physical aspect.  Understand this….life goes on whether or not you sit on the couch eating a whole bag of chips and a quart of ice cream crying your sorrows away or if you actually become the productive person you can be and conquer the world!  It’s entirely up to you!  I chose the latter of the two and so far, I wouldn’t have it any other way!  I’m a firm believer that people are introduced and enter our lives for a purpose.  Sometimes, the outcome isn’t always what we want, but, it is a lesson learned and we have to move on holding our chins up high while we do so.  Other times, those that enter our lives are a blessing to us and will forever hold a place in your heart; you will never find out if you don’t make a change.  Recently, I met a new and wonderful friend, with whom I never expected in my life.  So far, I have been so inspired by the friendship and our conversations that I am finding myself laughing again, confident and finding myself longing for more.  The person that I was three months ago wouldn’t even have wanted to meet anyone or be seen by anyone! The feeling of happiness in one’s life is one that has healing attributes all in its own; now is your time to make a difference and find YOUR happiness and what you want in life…and sweetheart….you will most definitely find it again I assure you!

I will post more on this issue in “Treading Thoughts” at a later date, just keep following the blog.  Also, I may be announcing soon of a way that you can get together virtually, to have individual and group discussions, group fitness results and goal transformations in a way that has not yet been utilized; with people from all over the world (while staying anonymous); while also being able to speak to me personally to have someone to assist you in meeting your goals as well.  If I decide to do this, it will help you out tremendously and again, I will let you know in the future of my decision and how to participate.

Until then T.S….stay focused, love yourself and after reading this, find a good gym or fitness center and take the next step and SHRED THE WAIT!  You’ve waited long enough…now’s your time to make a difference!

Here’s to a happy and healthy life!

-Scott

Lookin Good

Keep up the good work…..Your doing great, Annnnndddd Happy Holidays