I have a multitude of regrets in my life. Perhaps none more pervasive, or haunting, than that of the bullying I've witnessed, been victim to, or been a part of at different stages of my existence. This is one of the demons I choose to chase, rather than run from, in what I hope to become a habit forming venture in my 'new' life...the run.
Bullying is one of those high-profile, oft overused terms in our society today and, frankly, an issue I admittedly paid little heed to until it affected me directly as a parent. You see, what I had done, in my own manner of therapy, was manage to bury the various incidents of which I had been a part of, directly or not, growing into young adulthood. I tucked them away, very comfortably and neatly, hoping never to have those shameful memories invade my conscience again. I guess our Gods work in very mysterious ways, because since the issue has affected my son, I have not been able to let go; of him, and the repetitive nature of his encounters, or of those which have silently pursued me my entire life. This is why I run.
I run for the 'friends' of whom I inwardly feared; for the kid who was just a little bit larger than me, and used that to his advantage whenever he deemed appropriate. You know, the one that hides behind the veil of kinship, only to turn on you and betray that fragile bond, or trust, at a moments' notice, like a venomous snake, coiled and ready to strike. What I realize, or 'see' now, is, that this isn't necessarily the person he wanted to be, but rather the result of his own abusive relationship with an absentee parent. He had become the statistic in a household where he was forced to raise not only himself, but his brother...and he was lost. For all of the times he took those frustrations out on me, I am sorry. I am sorry because it causes me to wonder what thoughts had gone through the minds of others, when the tables were turned...
I run for those for whose trust I have betrayed, at some point or other, in our relationships, and marvel at their capacity to forgive. I have an aged mind, more than likely as a matter of convenience, when it comes to issues of my propensity for this behavior. To their credit, my friends, and I continue to call them friends with their grace and permission, have not been as willing to let me off the hook. I have been reminded, on several occasions, about past transgressions of which I was a part, and had one dear soul go so far as to tell me, 'It's okay, though. I forgive you.' Talk about a humility check.
Typically, I pride myself in the way I treat others I consider to be acquaintances, if not close friends, but it is their willingness to hold the mirror in front of me which had caused me to reflect, and admit, that there is just as much guilt in by-standing as there is in participation. In fact, it may be a more egregious sin, because the passive nature of ones' response is firmly within their control; meaning, there is more that could, and should, have been done...
I run for those for whom I did nothing, and for whom I bear the most remorse; for the girl that rode my bus growing up, and faced relentless attacks, almost daily, while I, and other cowards who shared the same route, sat by idly...and watched. She was badgered, had books knocked out of her hands, spit balls thrown at her, drinks poured on her and we sat there. The bus driver sat there. But, why? What did this innocent child do to any of the rest of us? What did she do to her tormentors, to cause such vicious and inhumane attacks? Was it because her clothes were a little different, or her house wasn't as nice? Was it because she had to wear glasses, out of need, that weren't quite as stylish as they would have wanted? What has become of her? Better yet, what has become of them? Do they harbor the same guilt and shame that I've carried with me for over 30 years? Have they shed tears on countless occasions, asking their God to forgive them for their actions, or inaction? I hope today, wherever she may be, she can find it in her heart to forgive me...
I run for my son; for the courage he's shown in undertaking his box top collection venture. I applaud him for standing up and saying, 'My disability is not an excuse for you to attempt to take advantage of me. I won't allow it'. I admire him for asking others, many complete strangers, to stand with him; to show solidarity through clipping, and saving and mailing these, Box Tops For Education, some 5,500 to date. I exalt him for saying, 'Thank You for your effort, but it's not enough'. It will never be enough. This is one of the reasons we've chosen to honor those willing to take the time, and dedicate themselves to this cause, by placing their name on the back of the shirt, or shirts, I will wear in this year's mini marathon, here in Indianapolis; the simple, selfless act of sending box tops to him, at his school, to say, 'We've got your back'.
I realize there are many who have read my blog, that have no idea what a box top is, but are curious as to how they can help. Well, friends in Canada, Germany, Russia, Great Britain, The Netherlands, The Ukraine, Australia, New Zealand, Paraguay, Uganda, Guatemala, Peru, Iraq, Poland, Iceland, Sweden, Italy, Korea, India, Afghanistan, Japan, St. Kitts and Nevis, Belize, Haiti and others I have missed...you are in luck. Send me a coin, pin, or trinket indicating your support of the mission, and I will carry you on my back as well. I will include anyone and everyone who chooses to stand beside my son, and run with me.
We all deserve to live the best life possible. At times it takes a difficult lesson to come to this conclusion, but the truth is irrefutable. There is no excuse for intolerance, only acceptance of others. Oh, and the realization that forgiveness is a key component; and attainable. Ask and you shall receive, but you have to be willing to forgive yourself first...and let go. And run.
The address:
Makenley Deuschle
C/O Robey Elementary
8700 W 30th St.
Indianapolis, Indiana 46234
USA
Share to make aware,
Scott
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Monday, February 3, 2014
My 24 Day Challenge...Day 25
I stand here at the crossroads of my 'Magical Mystery Tour', wondering what's next. Okay, not really wondering; dreading, perhaps? Anticipating? What is the next phase of my reality? It's a rhetorical question, really. I know what the next 90 days have in store for me and my body, although at times I doubt my readiness for that torture based transformation. Beyond that, I'm not sure. I want to think I'll remain strong and dedicated to this "new me", but I've been here before. Once I have met my goal of preparing for the run, then accomplished that goal, if I don't have a ledgers' worth of new hurdles, I'll be lost. Ironically, that will be right at the time I am able to start cycle 2 of the 24 Day Challenge, so there is that.
All in all, I feel like a million bucks, although it's not easy altering so many aspects of your life in one fell swoop. I questioned myself, almost daily along this most recent journey, but only I am to blame. They recommend weighing at the beginning and at the end of the process. Now I know why. The psychological roller coaster you ride weighing daily, is draining, and enhances the struggle; for sanity, if nothing else.
As good as it feels to lose 3 lbs in one day, it's just as damaging to gain 2 the next. And you do gain. Anyone who tells you differently is lying. The body is smarter than we are. Every seven days, or so, it wakes up and says, 'Alright smart guy; I can play that game too', then commences to lay down the hammer of Thor on our arrogant heads. Knowing what I do now, I would eliminate those masochistic tendencies, follow their directions, and lose even more. There is no doubt in my mind, my selfishness cost me my goal weight. That being said...
If I'm being honest, can I really act like I'm disappointed to only lose 20.2 lbs in 24 days? R-e-a-l-l-y? 20.2 lbs?!? The obvious answer is 'no', but leaves the door open for an even greater second phase of my process, to realize my weaknesses and failings, grab them by the horns and regain control. For as awesome as AdvoCare was to me in this journey, I have to tell you, that is a fraction of the battle. The remainder revolves around dedication, temptation, determination, real change and a constant motivation to be better...to do better. Because, to this point, friends, good hasn't been good enough.
Here, I give you the last 10 days, of my own personal reality check. It wasn't easy; it's not supposed to be. But, it's worth every dime, sweat, tear and pill (and there are a LOT of pills)...
Day 15-Still ahead of goal pace; crossed with exercise, should bring it home.
Day 16-Leveled out, but feeling great. I may not win the $100, but there's a bigger pay off in the end; Tony Horton, where are you?
Day 17-Not gaining, not losing; hopefully workouts will assist loss; torture starts today. Lord help me...
Day 18-Little movement; variety of foods expanding; temptations limited.
Day 19-Rock solid; light at the end of the tunnel; I will win the war...
Day 20-H-U-G-E day; it seems I threw my body another curve, just when it appeared he had figured me out; wow!
Day 21-The lifestyle has become habitual, and the transformation is clearly evident; a little fine tuning to close it out.
Day 22-WT?? I'm doing all the right things, staying focused...and I'm gaining??? Not defeated, just pissed; there is a BIG difference...
Day 23-Not bringing the scale out until tomorrow; in fact, that was probably a mistake from the beginning; should have listened, but noOOoo; tomorrow's the day; screw the money, this is about me.
Day 24-I should not have allowed my self to finish on Super Bowl Sunday. What was I thinking? Okay, yes, I had an extra burrito; sue me. Bottom line, I know where mistakes were made and why I had very minimal loss over the last 5 days, or so; 20.2 lbs, pretty freaking awesome, so I'll take it! On to the next episode...
I told you at the beginning to follow me, watch the transformation for yourself, then judge the value of change for you. It works. I am living proof. It's not about turning yourself over to a bunch of supplements, to alter your body. This isn't a steroid shop. It's about surrendering yourself to those things that can help along the way. My AdvoCare 24 Day Challenge has been exceptional. Now that I've immersed myself in the benefits of the products I've been exposed to, I have even greater confidence in expanding my selections, to meet my needs going forward. Here's to being better...
13.1,
Scott
All in all, I feel like a million bucks, although it's not easy altering so many aspects of your life in one fell swoop. I questioned myself, almost daily along this most recent journey, but only I am to blame. They recommend weighing at the beginning and at the end of the process. Now I know why. The psychological roller coaster you ride weighing daily, is draining, and enhances the struggle; for sanity, if nothing else.
As good as it feels to lose 3 lbs in one day, it's just as damaging to gain 2 the next. And you do gain. Anyone who tells you differently is lying. The body is smarter than we are. Every seven days, or so, it wakes up and says, 'Alright smart guy; I can play that game too', then commences to lay down the hammer of Thor on our arrogant heads. Knowing what I do now, I would eliminate those masochistic tendencies, follow their directions, and lose even more. There is no doubt in my mind, my selfishness cost me my goal weight. That being said...
If I'm being honest, can I really act like I'm disappointed to only lose 20.2 lbs in 24 days? R-e-a-l-l-y? 20.2 lbs?!? The obvious answer is 'no', but leaves the door open for an even greater second phase of my process, to realize my weaknesses and failings, grab them by the horns and regain control. For as awesome as AdvoCare was to me in this journey, I have to tell you, that is a fraction of the battle. The remainder revolves around dedication, temptation, determination, real change and a constant motivation to be better...to do better. Because, to this point, friends, good hasn't been good enough.
Here, I give you the last 10 days, of my own personal reality check. It wasn't easy; it's not supposed to be. But, it's worth every dime, sweat, tear and pill (and there are a LOT of pills)...
Day 15-Still ahead of goal pace; crossed with exercise, should bring it home.
Day 16-Leveled out, but feeling great. I may not win the $100, but there's a bigger pay off in the end; Tony Horton, where are you?
Day 17-Not gaining, not losing; hopefully workouts will assist loss; torture starts today. Lord help me...
Day 18-Little movement; variety of foods expanding; temptations limited.
Day 19-Rock solid; light at the end of the tunnel; I will win the war...
Day 20-H-U-G-E day; it seems I threw my body another curve, just when it appeared he had figured me out; wow!
Day 21-The lifestyle has become habitual, and the transformation is clearly evident; a little fine tuning to close it out.
Day 22-WT?? I'm doing all the right things, staying focused...and I'm gaining??? Not defeated, just pissed; there is a BIG difference...
Day 23-Not bringing the scale out until tomorrow; in fact, that was probably a mistake from the beginning; should have listened, but noOOoo; tomorrow's the day; screw the money, this is about me.
Day 24-I should not have allowed my self to finish on Super Bowl Sunday. What was I thinking? Okay, yes, I had an extra burrito; sue me. Bottom line, I know where mistakes were made and why I had very minimal loss over the last 5 days, or so; 20.2 lbs, pretty freaking awesome, so I'll take it! On to the next episode...
I told you at the beginning to follow me, watch the transformation for yourself, then judge the value of change for you. It works. I am living proof. It's not about turning yourself over to a bunch of supplements, to alter your body. This isn't a steroid shop. It's about surrendering yourself to those things that can help along the way. My AdvoCare 24 Day Challenge has been exceptional. Now that I've immersed myself in the benefits of the products I've been exposed to, I have even greater confidence in expanding my selections, to meet my needs going forward. Here's to being better...
13.1,
Scott
Saturday, January 25, 2014
I Love My Kids So Much, I Hate Them
Have you ever made a comment to one of your children and then been racked with guilt for hours, if not days? What is it about our offspring, that cause us to react in such a wide array of emotions? Could it be the fact that they are ours and, hence, doomed to wear many of our genetic characteristics like a scarlet letter? How is it possible to see both the devil's horn and the halo of an angel on the same little head, depending on how the light reflects off of their shiny, golden ringlets, or which profile they choose to share with us at any given time? Regardless of the conundrum posed by these rhetorical queries, one thing is certain: our kids bring out the best, and worst, in all of us.
When I get older, I'm never going to be mean to my kids!
I still remember the first time I spouted this nonsense to my parents. We were living in central Ohio, riding home from church one Sunday morning and, as usual, my mouth was writing checks my body couldn't cash. I received one of my seemingly endless 'tickets to discipline' and the only ridiculous response I could muster was how patient and understanding I would always be to my children, because my parents were so cruel and unusual to me.
What I found, rather quickly, is, the only thing unusual about my profound, illogical, logic was how flawed my perspective and rationale were, at the ripe old age of eleven. I mean, clearly I had all the answers. I was just asking the wrong questions...
Karma is a female dog
They knew. They knew, they knew. And they knew that we didn't know they knew. But, how is that possible? How did they constantly out maneuver us at each turn, so agile and ninja like? I mean, they were our parents. They were stupid. Well, they played dumb...and they were brilliant.
Just as often as utilizing discipline as "teaching moments", they may just put us outside and lock they door, forcing us to resolve our conflicts however we saw fit. What was that all about? Were they too blind to realize we might kill each other? No, but they may have been hoping.
And the little mental checklists, we now understand they kept hidden in the deep recesses of their minds all of those years; were they realizing the exponential growth of the wisdom instilled in them by their parents, all those years before? Were they celebrating the sowing and harvesting of their personal bushel of karma, then clipping us off our own little keepsake, like the root of a Hosta plant? It gives one pause...
My parents are mocking me
Its funny, watching them now, sitting there basking in their arrogant glory, quiet little smirks crossing their wrinkly old faces, as we struggle to wrest control from one adolescent to the next, like a finely choreographed scene out of West Side Story. They don't say a word, just make a little extra noise tuning the page of the Daily Bugle, clearing that nasty frog from the dark hollows of their grainy esophageal canal. Come to think of it, they are acting in the exact same fashion that their parents acted before them. The main difference being that I actually liked their parents.
Maybe I don't hate my kids. Maybe I'm still extremely resentful of the omnipresent nature of my parents and their clear parental superiority, in all things decidedly parental. I don't know, but if my dad gives that contented sigh one more time, after biting into a Lay's potato chip...
I wish they were home more
This is the prevailing attitude that lingers for eight weeks a semester, then is extinguished eight hours into their break...any break. What does 'home more' mean, exactly? Do I mean, 'so I can ignore them more while they're around me?' Do I feel an overwhelming urge to heap more of my own parental inadequacies on their slight frames?
I know, it must be because, when they are away, the silence is deafening. We can't stand not having the chaos, and fighting, and screaming, and...
How did I fall and hit every branch on the Tree of Ignorance, while for all intents and purposes, my parents came out of this thing unscathed? Funny, I do wish they were home more...
What year do they graduate, again?
Now, hold on a minute. There they go using that Jedi mind trick on us again. Just when you think it's safe to believe they are sane, they find a new, improved, button to push; one that couldn't possibly have been discovered before, in the history of mankind. No, this level of disobedience and disrespect is presidential (look, I made a funny).
The ingenious nature of a multitude of their arguments, is so absurd, you have to simply sit back and admire the sheer tenacity with which they display their self-evident "truths". You've heard it before: 'If they would put half as much energy into...', but it's true. If they would only listen, our lives would all be so much easier. 'Don't focus on winning the battle, win the war'. Well, I've got to tell you, if they're not careful, this is going to turn into a single battle war. Pipe down, pops, I can hear you crunching...
I love them in spite of my flaws
This is the greatest truth, and the most glaring weakness. They are mine and they are a direct reflection of me, so they can't be blamed for 'inconvenient truths', or those beyond the realm of their control. What they can do, is overcome them. They can strive to prove me wrong every day, to make a better life for themselves and their families. They can mature and be smarter, and wiser than we are, as parents (I know, not exactly the 'Fosbury Flop', huh?). They can grow to be benevolent and kind, and...greater.
If they hate me now, my ignorance and ineptitude, then I must be doing something right. This is all we can do for them; give them the tools to succeed and the perseverance for when they fail. Faith and destiny will take care of the rest. Don't hate your kids...all of the time.
Until tomorrow,
Scott
When I get older, I'm never going to be mean to my kids!
I still remember the first time I spouted this nonsense to my parents. We were living in central Ohio, riding home from church one Sunday morning and, as usual, my mouth was writing checks my body couldn't cash. I received one of my seemingly endless 'tickets to discipline' and the only ridiculous response I could muster was how patient and understanding I would always be to my children, because my parents were so cruel and unusual to me.
What I found, rather quickly, is, the only thing unusual about my profound, illogical, logic was how flawed my perspective and rationale were, at the ripe old age of eleven. I mean, clearly I had all the answers. I was just asking the wrong questions...
Karma is a female dog
They knew. They knew, they knew. And they knew that we didn't know they knew. But, how is that possible? How did they constantly out maneuver us at each turn, so agile and ninja like? I mean, they were our parents. They were stupid. Well, they played dumb...and they were brilliant.
Just as often as utilizing discipline as "teaching moments", they may just put us outside and lock they door, forcing us to resolve our conflicts however we saw fit. What was that all about? Were they too blind to realize we might kill each other? No, but they may have been hoping.
And the little mental checklists, we now understand they kept hidden in the deep recesses of their minds all of those years; were they realizing the exponential growth of the wisdom instilled in them by their parents, all those years before? Were they celebrating the sowing and harvesting of their personal bushel of karma, then clipping us off our own little keepsake, like the root of a Hosta plant? It gives one pause...
My parents are mocking me
Its funny, watching them now, sitting there basking in their arrogant glory, quiet little smirks crossing their wrinkly old faces, as we struggle to wrest control from one adolescent to the next, like a finely choreographed scene out of West Side Story. They don't say a word, just make a little extra noise tuning the page of the Daily Bugle, clearing that nasty frog from the dark hollows of their grainy esophageal canal. Come to think of it, they are acting in the exact same fashion that their parents acted before them. The main difference being that I actually liked their parents.
Maybe I don't hate my kids. Maybe I'm still extremely resentful of the omnipresent nature of my parents and their clear parental superiority, in all things decidedly parental. I don't know, but if my dad gives that contented sigh one more time, after biting into a Lay's potato chip...
I wish they were home more
This is the prevailing attitude that lingers for eight weeks a semester, then is extinguished eight hours into their break...any break. What does 'home more' mean, exactly? Do I mean, 'so I can ignore them more while they're around me?' Do I feel an overwhelming urge to heap more of my own parental inadequacies on their slight frames?
I know, it must be because, when they are away, the silence is deafening. We can't stand not having the chaos, and fighting, and screaming, and...
How did I fall and hit every branch on the Tree of Ignorance, while for all intents and purposes, my parents came out of this thing unscathed? Funny, I do wish they were home more...
What year do they graduate, again?
Now, hold on a minute. There they go using that Jedi mind trick on us again. Just when you think it's safe to believe they are sane, they find a new, improved, button to push; one that couldn't possibly have been discovered before, in the history of mankind. No, this level of disobedience and disrespect is presidential (look, I made a funny).
The ingenious nature of a multitude of their arguments, is so absurd, you have to simply sit back and admire the sheer tenacity with which they display their self-evident "truths". You've heard it before: 'If they would put half as much energy into...', but it's true. If they would only listen, our lives would all be so much easier. 'Don't focus on winning the battle, win the war'. Well, I've got to tell you, if they're not careful, this is going to turn into a single battle war. Pipe down, pops, I can hear you crunching...
I love them in spite of my flaws
This is the greatest truth, and the most glaring weakness. They are mine and they are a direct reflection of me, so they can't be blamed for 'inconvenient truths', or those beyond the realm of their control. What they can do, is overcome them. They can strive to prove me wrong every day, to make a better life for themselves and their families. They can mature and be smarter, and wiser than we are, as parents (I know, not exactly the 'Fosbury Flop', huh?). They can grow to be benevolent and kind, and...greater.
If they hate me now, my ignorance and ineptitude, then I must be doing something right. This is all we can do for them; give them the tools to succeed and the perseverance for when they fail. Faith and destiny will take care of the rest. Don't hate your kids...all of the time.
Until tomorrow,
Scott
Friday, January 24, 2014
My 24 Day Challenge...Day 14
This has been quite the roller coaster of physical and emotional, turmoil and triumph. There are quite a few trends which begin to take shape, following the first week, and the realization sets in that diligence is key, and in order to make it through you need to be 100% committed.
Changes in dietary and exercise habits will produce immediate satisfaction, and give you the feeling of complete control. Once your body has a chance to react to these changes, and compensates, you need to surrender to your will power and determination to push through and continue to achieve results.
The best way to describe it, is being on a freeway, traveling at whatever speed you desire, then coming upon a construction zone that has traffic at a stand still. As long as you don't turn around in the median, you will make it through to your destination; it just may take a little more time.
The max phase is where the differences are made. Just when you are left wondering if you may careen off of the plateau you've been stranded on for a few days, your journey starts over again and your body begins a new celebration. Visual changes are more evident and your attitude and energy take a drastic turn for the better. There is a reason you've committed yourself to this program and the investment is paying dividends. I'm two weeks in, ten days to go, and I remain solidly on pace to meet, or exceed, my stated projections. From there, it's up to me...or you. Here are days eight through fourteen of my journey and a glimpse into the reality I have faced (no weigh-ins are included to protect my fragile sanity).
Day 8- Still losing, but need more discipline; fiber is back; AHHHH!!!!
Day 9- Feel like I'm stuck in neutral; getting new scale today, as this one refuses to reset (perhaps its attempting to communicate to me through immense failure); hopefully it's been lying to me.
Day 10- I'm stuck in a weight loss vortex; on a positive note, fiber..is..done!! Good riddance...
Day 11- G-a-i-n-e-d; need a new strategy; perhaps waiting a few days to weigh; daily letdowns discouraging.
Day 12- Stagnate; second day of max phase; next level of losing? Time will tell...
Day 13- Holy $%#*; on the losing train again...BIG time! No more numbers 'til the end; fourteen pills a day is killing me; I think I'm a junkie.
Day 14- ___; wasn't supposed to post weight, but things are looking up again; max phase working like a charm...to this point.
Is it all puppy dogs and rainbows? No. But, the truth is, it works. If you remain focused and if you refuse to allow the battles to dictate the results of the war...you will win. I am proof. The next ten days will test my power of resolve once more but, again, I am entrenched and up for the challenge; the final leg of my 24 Day Challenge.
I've asked you to remain patient and let the results speak for themselves. Can you hear that noise in the distance? It's the sound of the volume being turned...up. Way up. We all deserve a chance to do the most with our position in life, and one thing we can control is the quality and choices we make, to maximize the impact relative to ourselves and others. Stay tuned, and dare to join me at the start/finish line.
$4.17 a day, 13.1,
Scott
Changes in dietary and exercise habits will produce immediate satisfaction, and give you the feeling of complete control. Once your body has a chance to react to these changes, and compensates, you need to surrender to your will power and determination to push through and continue to achieve results.
The best way to describe it, is being on a freeway, traveling at whatever speed you desire, then coming upon a construction zone that has traffic at a stand still. As long as you don't turn around in the median, you will make it through to your destination; it just may take a little more time.
The max phase is where the differences are made. Just when you are left wondering if you may careen off of the plateau you've been stranded on for a few days, your journey starts over again and your body begins a new celebration. Visual changes are more evident and your attitude and energy take a drastic turn for the better. There is a reason you've committed yourself to this program and the investment is paying dividends. I'm two weeks in, ten days to go, and I remain solidly on pace to meet, or exceed, my stated projections. From there, it's up to me...or you. Here are days eight through fourteen of my journey and a glimpse into the reality I have faced (no weigh-ins are included to protect my fragile sanity).
Day 8- Still losing, but need more discipline; fiber is back; AHHHH!!!!
Day 9- Feel like I'm stuck in neutral; getting new scale today, as this one refuses to reset (perhaps its attempting to communicate to me through immense failure); hopefully it's been lying to me.
Day 10- I'm stuck in a weight loss vortex; on a positive note, fiber..is..done!! Good riddance...
Day 11- G-a-i-n-e-d; need a new strategy; perhaps waiting a few days to weigh; daily letdowns discouraging.
Day 12- Stagnate; second day of max phase; next level of losing? Time will tell...
Day 13- Holy $%#*; on the losing train again...BIG time! No more numbers 'til the end; fourteen pills a day is killing me; I think I'm a junkie.
Day 14- ___; wasn't supposed to post weight, but things are looking up again; max phase working like a charm...to this point.
Is it all puppy dogs and rainbows? No. But, the truth is, it works. If you remain focused and if you refuse to allow the battles to dictate the results of the war...you will win. I am proof. The next ten days will test my power of resolve once more but, again, I am entrenched and up for the challenge; the final leg of my 24 Day Challenge.
I've asked you to remain patient and let the results speak for themselves. Can you hear that noise in the distance? It's the sound of the volume being turned...up. Way up. We all deserve a chance to do the most with our position in life, and one thing we can control is the quality and choices we make, to maximize the impact relative to ourselves and others. Stay tuned, and dare to join me at the start/finish line.
$4.17 a day, 13.1,
Scott
Friday, January 17, 2014
My 24 Day Challenge...Day 7
I'm not completely sure what to say, or where to start, so I'll say this sucks and it's great. It sucks because there is nothing subtle about the changes we are forced to make. It's great because it's working. It's win or go home, and you have to be willing to accept that reality. Without giving numbers, for fear that lady karma will take a chunk out of my backside, I will tell you I've been at it seven days, and I've lost every day. You do the math.
When deciding how best to communicate my journey to those of you hopeless, or bored, enough to read it, I've concluded it's most effective to let my daily notes do the talking. Lady and gentleman, I give you the first week of my AdvoCare 24 day challenge, as it has profoundly impacted and affected my life. Pardon me while I go drink a gallon of water with my leafy brunch...
Day 1- Starting weight ___ (nice try). A lot of changes; hard to drink so much water; cheated at the end and finished my Oreos (what are you gonna do?).
Day 2- Weighed in at ___. I can see how people give up; a little confusing on "cans/cant's"; a little shaky, but snacks help.
Day 3- ___. Gotta remember herbal cleanse tablets at bedtime (when I leave for work); done with nasty fiber drink for 5 whole days (watery granules in a juice pitcher with a hint of lemon and 3M fine/medium grit sandpaper).
Day 4- ___. Staying the course. Remember pills!!!
Day 5- ___. Averaging __+ lbs loss per day; over personal starting goal of __ per day; good start; remain diligent (this all sounds very inspiring, but it's a struggle to read my own writing from the tremors in my hands).
Day 6- ___. Everything going pretty well; managing portions getting easier; night shift messing with me; __ lbs to date!!
Day 7- Kicking butt and taking names; stay focused (which is made increasingly difficult since I've misplaced my reading glasses)!!
This is my life. This is my new reality. Seven days in, and the temptations are waning. That does not mean I won't fall apart and begin to binge tomorrow, but I do see the tangible benefits, and there is a more absolute purpose to what I'm doing here. For me, it's about longevity and increasing the quality of that time. I want to tackle new challenges and fulfill promise to myself, while serving others. This is one of the reasons I've chosen to run the mini marathon here in Indianapolis; to dedicate my life to more frequent, greater, experiences and to share those experiences with my family and friends.
Life has owned me for a very long time and I'm here to tell you, I'm taking it back. We get one go around (well, except Shirley MacLaine, perhaps), and I'm choosing to do more with mine, for as long as My Maker will allow. Here's to the next seven days of this magnificent journey...
$4.17 a day/13.1,
Scott
When deciding how best to communicate my journey to those of you hopeless, or bored, enough to read it, I've concluded it's most effective to let my daily notes do the talking. Lady and gentleman, I give you the first week of my AdvoCare 24 day challenge, as it has profoundly impacted and affected my life. Pardon me while I go drink a gallon of water with my leafy brunch...
Day 1- Starting weight ___ (nice try). A lot of changes; hard to drink so much water; cheated at the end and finished my Oreos (what are you gonna do?).
Day 2- Weighed in at ___. I can see how people give up; a little confusing on "cans/cant's"; a little shaky, but snacks help.
Day 3- ___. Gotta remember herbal cleanse tablets at bedtime (when I leave for work); done with nasty fiber drink for 5 whole days (watery granules in a juice pitcher with a hint of lemon and 3M fine/medium grit sandpaper).
Day 4- ___. Staying the course. Remember pills!!!
Day 5- ___. Averaging __+ lbs loss per day; over personal starting goal of __ per day; good start; remain diligent (this all sounds very inspiring, but it's a struggle to read my own writing from the tremors in my hands).
Day 6- ___. Everything going pretty well; managing portions getting easier; night shift messing with me; __ lbs to date!!
Day 7- Kicking butt and taking names; stay focused (which is made increasingly difficult since I've misplaced my reading glasses)!!
This is my life. This is my new reality. Seven days in, and the temptations are waning. That does not mean I won't fall apart and begin to binge tomorrow, but I do see the tangible benefits, and there is a more absolute purpose to what I'm doing here. For me, it's about longevity and increasing the quality of that time. I want to tackle new challenges and fulfill promise to myself, while serving others. This is one of the reasons I've chosen to run the mini marathon here in Indianapolis; to dedicate my life to more frequent, greater, experiences and to share those experiences with my family and friends.
Life has owned me for a very long time and I'm here to tell you, I'm taking it back. We get one go around (well, except Shirley MacLaine, perhaps), and I'm choosing to do more with mine, for as long as My Maker will allow. Here's to the next seven days of this magnificent journey...
$4.17 a day/13.1,
Scott
Sunday, January 12, 2014
My 24 Day Challenge Journal...4.17 A Day, 13.1
What have I gotten myself into? It's a question that bears repeating, but hopefully has one absolute answer, and truth: a better lifestyle. On a whim, I agreed to run in our local mini marathon next May. My thought process was, 'I'm not a runner; a lot of people aren't. It's probably a once in a life's time thing, so why not?' Then reality set in. If I'm committed to this, truly committed, it's not going to happen in this current place in my life. Change is a must; to survive, if nothing else. Then I stumbled across the 24 Day Challenge.
AdvoCare is something I'd heard about in passing, but never really given much thought. Then, I noticed friends promoting the product and benefits, more celebrity endorsements, and prominent ads. I started paying a little closer attention, and when a friend of my wife's approached us and asked about the challenge, the timing was perfect to say, or ask again, 'Why not?' If nothing else, it's 3 1/2 weeks and I can bail at the end, creating some new Swiss ailment to befall me, and gracefully bow out of the race. But that didn't happen. Not yet, anyway.
I'm in day three of my 24 day challenge, and I'm losing weight; and feeling better. It's not easy by any stretch. In fact, it sucks. I'm learning an entirely new way to care for my body, or, to simply care for my body, and it's h-a-r-d. Foods I'm "forced" to eat are healthy and smaller in portions, the drinks vary widely in degrees of tolerance, and volume. The last time I even saw water was in the shower, and that's been days ago. I mean, I haven't drank this much since, well...it's been a long time. Talk about a total body makeover. I can literally feel the changes in my body as they are happening. My synapses are popping and my body is screaming, 'What are you going to do with me now?'
I have two short term goals for success in this program, with accompanying, concise mottos: a) to earn the $100 prize at the end for greatest percentage of weight loss, or "$4.17 a day", and b) to use this as a viable stepping stone for the race, or "13.1". More importantly than those trivial pursuits, is a long range goal of the utmost importance: to be here for my family for a very long time, with the most sincere apologies to my wife.
My plan is to update the journey, in journal form, at seven days, two weeks and at the end. These seem to be the most significant milestones to me, and good indicators of where I'm headed, going forward. It's going to be a struggle, but one in which I am firmly entrenched. Once I set my mind to a project, especially a life altering project, I'm all in. These physical changes will be the launch of what I anticipate being meaningful changes personally, socially and professionally, as well. I will stop dangerously short of declaring a resolution, but what I can tell you, definitively, is that 2014 will be a positive turning point for me and my family.
$4.17 a day, 13.1,
Scott
AdvoCare is something I'd heard about in passing, but never really given much thought. Then, I noticed friends promoting the product and benefits, more celebrity endorsements, and prominent ads. I started paying a little closer attention, and when a friend of my wife's approached us and asked about the challenge, the timing was perfect to say, or ask again, 'Why not?' If nothing else, it's 3 1/2 weeks and I can bail at the end, creating some new Swiss ailment to befall me, and gracefully bow out of the race. But that didn't happen. Not yet, anyway.
I'm in day three of my 24 day challenge, and I'm losing weight; and feeling better. It's not easy by any stretch. In fact, it sucks. I'm learning an entirely new way to care for my body, or, to simply care for my body, and it's h-a-r-d. Foods I'm "forced" to eat are healthy and smaller in portions, the drinks vary widely in degrees of tolerance, and volume. The last time I even saw water was in the shower, and that's been days ago. I mean, I haven't drank this much since, well...it's been a long time. Talk about a total body makeover. I can literally feel the changes in my body as they are happening. My synapses are popping and my body is screaming, 'What are you going to do with me now?'
I have two short term goals for success in this program, with accompanying, concise mottos: a) to earn the $100 prize at the end for greatest percentage of weight loss, or "$4.17 a day", and b) to use this as a viable stepping stone for the race, or "13.1". More importantly than those trivial pursuits, is a long range goal of the utmost importance: to be here for my family for a very long time, with the most sincere apologies to my wife.
My plan is to update the journey, in journal form, at seven days, two weeks and at the end. These seem to be the most significant milestones to me, and good indicators of where I'm headed, going forward. It's going to be a struggle, but one in which I am firmly entrenched. Once I set my mind to a project, especially a life altering project, I'm all in. These physical changes will be the launch of what I anticipate being meaningful changes personally, socially and professionally, as well. I will stop dangerously short of declaring a resolution, but what I can tell you, definitively, is that 2014 will be a positive turning point for me and my family.
$4.17 a day, 13.1,
Scott
Monday, January 6, 2014
I'm Baaaa-ccck!!
'Back from where, exactly?'
'Were you deployed, or in prison?'
'Were you on sabbatical, or on one of these pilgrimages I've been reading so much about?'
"No, life just got in the way."
'How exactly does "life" get in the way?' 'Isn't life just...life?'
"Well yes, but, there's the kids and school obligations, therapy appointments and practice; and then there's the matter of sleep."
'So, basically all of the things that you used to write about, that the dozens, okay, dozen or so of us enjoyed reading about so much; these things got in your way?'
'You're not Steinbeck, or Hemingway, Grisham, or King.' 'You are what you are, and you need to learn to accept that, get over yourself and move on.'
"Yes, but..."
'But, nothing.'
'Write your little blog snippets, that were so "Therapeutic" in the beginning, give both of us our laughs, and then go live.'
'Keep creating the experiences that translate fairly well into the electronic medium, do all of the things that require your attention and proper prioritization, and then come back and share.'
'Share with us the events that affect us all on a daily basis, that seem so important at the time, and mostly turn into fodder for this page.'
'We need that.'
'It keeps us all "sane"; and that was your motivation from the outset, right?'
"Okay, I will. I will resolve to make more of an effort; to put script to the page in order to satisfy some sadistic fantasy you all may share." "I will dedicate myself to being more consistent with my submissions, so that even one crazy life may be altered as a result."
"Most importantly, I will do it for myself; as an outlet, and a means of reflection." "I will write down the things that impact our lives every day, week and month; happy, sad, good and bad."
"I will attempt to convey these emotions as clearly, if not concisely, as possible." "I will write both as an avenue of remembrance, and an oath to never forget." "Thank you...all."
And with that...I'm back.
Until tomorrow(ish),
Scott
'Were you deployed, or in prison?'
'Were you on sabbatical, or on one of these pilgrimages I've been reading so much about?'
"No, life just got in the way."
'How exactly does "life" get in the way?' 'Isn't life just...life?'
"Well yes, but, there's the kids and school obligations, therapy appointments and practice; and then there's the matter of sleep."
'So, basically all of the things that you used to write about, that the dozens, okay, dozen or so of us enjoyed reading about so much; these things got in your way?'
'You're not Steinbeck, or Hemingway, Grisham, or King.' 'You are what you are, and you need to learn to accept that, get over yourself and move on.'
"Yes, but..."
'But, nothing.'
'Write your little blog snippets, that were so "Therapeutic" in the beginning, give both of us our laughs, and then go live.'
'Keep creating the experiences that translate fairly well into the electronic medium, do all of the things that require your attention and proper prioritization, and then come back and share.'
'Share with us the events that affect us all on a daily basis, that seem so important at the time, and mostly turn into fodder for this page.'
'We need that.'
'It keeps us all "sane"; and that was your motivation from the outset, right?'
"Okay, I will. I will resolve to make more of an effort; to put script to the page in order to satisfy some sadistic fantasy you all may share." "I will dedicate myself to being more consistent with my submissions, so that even one crazy life may be altered as a result."
"Most importantly, I will do it for myself; as an outlet, and a means of reflection." "I will write down the things that impact our lives every day, week and month; happy, sad, good and bad."
"I will attempt to convey these emotions as clearly, if not concisely, as possible." "I will write both as an avenue of remembrance, and an oath to never forget." "Thank you...all."
And with that...I'm back.
Until tomorrow(ish),
Scott
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