Day 513 Not The Same---Inside or Out and "What's Next For You?"

Day 513

Not The Same---Inside or Out and “What’s Next For You?”

I’m feeling very optimistic these days. I’m always an optimistic person, even in the face of stress. It’s that “survivor” instinct that keeps me looking forward. I’m thrilled about where I am and from where I came. Yes, from where I came. I’m happy and at peace with my former morbidly obese self. I’ve forgiven 505 pound Sean for the years of neglect that negatively influenced my family and brought me very close to an early death. He was a very lost man who used food as his compass at every turn. I often times refer to him as another person, a different person---no longer with us, and I’m not the only one. I have friends in the weight loss blogging community that do the same thing. My mind has been transformed in such a profound way, it’s hard not to think of my former self in those terms. I’ve always heard “you’re still the same person on the inside,” but I’m not so sure I believe that anymore. I’ve changed more dramatically on the inside than out. Good thing I didn’t realize all of the changes I would experience along this road, because it might have scared me from trying. Change is sometimes a scary thought. But this gradual change, this evolution of good choices, this change has been the greatest thing to ever happen to me.

I started my Tuesday with a quick warm-up workout of squats, push-ups, and sit-ups. It’s really not much, but it’s enough to get the blood moving of a morning. I dripped the coffee and grabbed a banana. I’m out of oatmeal again---that’s too bad. I need some more—so, once again it was eggs. I stuck with the egg whites this morning, scrambled up a bunch, atop a 60 calorie pita. My breakfast routine must sound like the same thing everyday. It does become routine with little variation, but I’m comfortable and happy, so it’s all good. I sipped my morning coffee while I ate and watched a little news and weather. I talked with Ann too. She was getting ready for her trip into NYC for Dr. Oz. Before long it was time to shower and dress---a busy day was directly ahead.

Thank you “M” for watching Day 165 Bonus Video Blog of my first weight loss speaking event. That night was very special to me. I’m so happy I have that first one on video. It’ll be the first of many. “M” is a relatively new reader. She reports that she’s “reading from both ends,” and I appreciate that. I always suggest reading from Day 1. Now that we’re over 500 days in, it seems like a big thing to suggest, but I feel it’s important for a complete perspective. Every now and then someone will ask “Why don’t you put everything in a nutshell along the side of your blog?” Why? Because it wouldn’t fit! I’ve written, even recently, post that outline my weight loss philosophy and epiphanies along this road, but nothing can replace the gradual changes along the way. The struggle, the emotions, the little victories, the big weigh-ins, the big victories, the fun…and I mean fun--it's all in these pages. You couldn't get all that from a micro-scoped version of my journey.

I had a guest in studio this morning that has been a regular reader and she asked me a direct question off the air: “So, what’s next for you?” Great question. My first answer is simple: I’m not done. I still have serious work to do on this body. And secondly---I said matter-of-factly: I’m going to be a weight loss author and motivational speaker who travels the world conducting seminars to groups of morbidly obese people looking for the way out. I’m going to share my story and approach in such a passionate way that the power of that communication will have the potential to spark something within each person in attendance. I’m going to be vocal about what I’ve learned along this road, I’m not going to back down or sell out to the industry. I’m sickened by some of the companies and products that make up the 30 billion dollar a year weight loss industry---some that are even held in high esteem, even though what I’ve learned in my own experience shines a glaring light on the flaws of some of these more organized “commercial” plans.

I’ve never been a fighter, ever. But you’re going to witness a weight loss warrior my friend. Yeah, to say I’m passionate about weight loss is a slight understatement. The only two well-established bright spots I see in this industry: Weight Watchers and Richard Simmons. Weight Watchers, because their plan is strikingly similar to mine---they understand the importance of the mental changes required. And Richard Simmons, because everything he does is done with a sincere compassion. He understands, he’s been there and he’s devoted his entire life to the fight.

Anyway…enough of my ramblings. What about the rest of my Tuesday?
I arrived home late in the afternoon, just like yesterday. I took a nap, just like yesterday. And I worked out at the YMCA just like yesterday. It was a solid day---another one that I feel good about as I put my head on the pillow. And that’s what it all comes down to really. Hitting the pillow knowing that you did well is a very comforting thing.

Thank you for reading my friend. Goodnight and…

Good Choices,
Sean