Day 611 A "Fasten Your Seatbelt" Kind of Day and Meet Nathaniel

Day 611

A “Fasten Your Seatbelt” Kind of Day and Meet Nathaniel

Some mornings casually unfold in a very relaxed way. I get up, start coffee, do my non-weighted strength training exercises, cook breakfast—you know, the normal routine. Then there are mornings like this---I wake up late to a flashing alarm clock (must get a battery for backup), a raging thunderstorm, and a phone call telling me that two stations are off the air. Ten seconds ago I was dreaming and now I'm instructing a newbie on how to get one of the stations back on while I'm calling the remote control computer of the other transmitter in an effort to get it back up and on. Thank goodness it all worked quickly and within a few minutes I was dressed and racing for the door. I hate starting my day like this. I don't like the rush, I miss breakfast, and my coffee---I want my coffee! I did grab a bag of fresh fruit before opening the door to a torrential downpour. I park about fifty yards away. I paused for just a moment, then reminded myself that I now have the option of running, this could be fun. I flew down the stairs and ran to my vehicle, splashing all the way. I was still soaked—but it felt so good to be able to run through a rain storm, I didn't care. I needed a shower anyway.

No time for a quick drive-thru coffee and scrambled eggs---it was straight to the studio and into the chair---pull the microphone close, key it as I'm handed the latest details of the severe storm---and there I am---not a drop of coffee in me---awake for mere minutes, and somehow we're on the air advising people of the storm. Many of our listeners are probably in the same rush I was just minutes ago, as they listen to the reports of flash flooding and large hail. I have no idea how I did this at 505 pounds. I guess I did, but probably not as well. It was a team effort for sure and I'm just happy to be a more productive member. 251 pounds ago, I probably would have just called in sick...because I was.

It was a very busy morning and it was going to be a packed day. I found time to run home not long after my show for a shower and change of clothes, oh, and some protein! I prepared a big hearty breakfast burrito. With two whole eggs, mushrooms, green peppers, and fifty calories worth of mozzarella. The entire burrito was 285 calories, and worth every single one.

The plan for this afternoon was simple really. I was scheduled for my Wednesday afternoon 3 to 7pm broadcast from the casino. Working out today would have to wait until after. I picked up the remote broadcast vehicle and immediately noticed I needed to fill up. I never know when I'm going to experience something really cool these days. Some of the best unexpected experiences happen when I run into someone I haven't seen in forever. I walked into the convenience store to sign for the gas, started talking to the cashier, when all of a sudden the guy behind me starts freaking out. “Sean Anderson? Is that you? Oh my gosh---my wife said she saw you the other day and you looked completely different, and you do, like a completely different person!” It was a guy who had worked on our central air unit at our old house a few years ago. “How did you do it?” I told him the quick answer, “I just eat responsibly with smaller portions, count the calories and exercise.” Of course, you and I know the long answer has less to do with food and exercise and everything to do with our brains. But in line at the convenience store isn't the time to start talking about motivating thoughts, “iron-clad decisions,” and the “Steel Curtain Zone.” It was a delightful “wow” reaction to experience and it really lifted my spirits. What a wonderful boost!

I quickly drove to the apartment for a bite to eat before hurrying off to my afternoon broadcast. I look forward to this really, because I know I'll get to see Nathaniel. Nathaniel is the young man I've recently talked about here. He's in the beginning days of his journey and any words of encouragement you could offer him would be well received I'm sure. I talk to him and I see the old me looking back. The same kind of hopes and dreams, the same fears, and the same struggles I battled for so many years---he's right there where I was. I understand him and he understands me on that level. He's doing well, but admitted that it is a very tough struggle some days. I told him to meditate on those motivating thoughts and battle that inner voice that says it can't be done. You've got to fight Nathaniel! We are our own worst enemy—battle yourself and win my friend! Keep it as simple as possible. Protect your calorie budget and do whatever you can in terms of extra movement for exercise. I tell him of the freedom that awaits down this road---and it's so hard to describe sometimes. And maybe it sounds so far away for you my friend. But it's not that far. Just keep it simple and honest---and consistent. You're on the way and I'm so happy for you! We snapped a picture together---I really wish we would have had someone snap it for us. We will another time for sure. Nathaniel is super excited about the “Lose To Win” Challenge---and he's even trying to re-arrange his schedule to make some of the seminars. I'll be seeing you there my friend!

Storms were raging not far away by the time I finished the broadcast. Gayle was on the air and handling it when I called to check in. She was watching it and advised that I could monitor later for a possible activation tonight. So now I had to decide. Do I skip the workout, hurry home, eat something---then go to bed for a few hours before getting up to check the radar? Luckily it didn't come to that. The storms were moving further away without further development. I decided to hurry home, change clothes, and get my behind to the YMCA for a quick weight training session. But then something unexpected happened. Company came knocking. It was my sister in law, her husband, and their little darling Jo Jo. I hardly ever see them anymore---so a snap decision was made. I would visit, put this hectic day behind me, get some rest tonight, and workout tomorrow. It was all good.

Thank you for reading. Goodnight and...

Good Choices,
Sean


I was holding the camera. Next time we'll have someone snap it for us! If you have time---please offer some encouraging words for Nathaniel!