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We are the Champions, my Friends.
To borrow a line from that great song from Queen...We are the Champions, my friends.
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Hi everyone. With the first 'Be the Change Challenge' wrapping up soon, I just wanted to let you that that You are a Champion, as a matter of fact, everyone on T.com is a champion. By simply being here today, and becoming the change in your life, you are winning. No matter if you name gets etched onto one of those beautiful medals or not, you are winning something greater than any prize or purse could offer.
You are beginning, or perhaps continuing a journey that will lead you to self-realization, honest-to-goodness fulfillment, and happiness. But make no mistake about it, this is a journey that is ongoing. You do not reach the end at 18 weeks, 18 months, or even 18 years. Life will always challenge you to stay true to yourself and on the path of positive transformation.
You are beginning, or perhaps continuing a journey that will lead you to self-realization, honest-to-goodness fulfillment, and happiness. But make no mistake about it, this is a journey that is ongoing. You do not reach the end at 18 weeks, 18 months, or even 18 years. Life will always challenge you to stay true to yourself and on the path of positive transformation.
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As you begin to go through Transformation by following Bill's assignments, some of the first things you'll notice are exciting physical changes. Foster and nurture these amazing changes you are experiencing, as they are powerful metaphors as to what will transform in your whole life-physically, mentally, spiritually, and compassionately.
Did you know that I was, or should I say, am a champion. I won a physique transformaton contest nearly ten years ago. Okay, well maybe I'm stretching the truth just a little bit in a technical sense, because I was not an official champ....but I won something. While I didn't win the actual contest, I won something greater.
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In 1999 I entered the Million Dollar Body of Work Challenge (precursor of Body for Life) , and to put it mildly, my life was never going to be the same. Profound, positve changes resulted from getting into better physical shape...but those changes were just a start of something much bigger and better.
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For as beneficial as this challenge was back in 1999, it pales in comparison to Transformation. I like to think of the Body of Work/BFL challenge as a teen-ager who has great ideas and dreams, but is still not quite sure where he's gonna end up. While Transformation is now the fruition of that akward teen who has grown in experience, humility, and compassion to become a strong and wise adult who really knows what's important in life.
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I should have known this challenge had more to offer than simply getting into better shape when I read this message on the back of my instruction packet:
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"It's about so much more than muscle and money...
It's about transforming your body and your life."
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Please allow me to share a little insight from my experience from the 1999 Million Dollar Body of Work Challenge that I 'won.' To show you just a glimpse of what you can begin to expect...but you will walk your own path, and find greatness. Of that I have no doubt.
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Seems to me that Bill was onto
something great all those years ago. 
That quote from the instruction packet held true back then, and those words are even more powerful when applied to Transformation...just wait and see. The physical changes you see and feel happening to you are beautiful and life-enriching, but they are only the beginning. Please indulge me for a moment and read my story...as I can better show you what I mean by example. Oh, and by the way, I can't wait to read your story because each of us will have such a unique and powerful story to tell.
How I went from this :
September, 1999
To This in 12 weeks:
December, 1999
. To finding my true self and
rebuilding my life in a process
of Transformation that continues to this day!
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When & Where Bill is involved,
lightning Can & Will Strike ! !
They say lightning doesn't strike the same place twice. Well, I humbly beg to differ, as this is the second time Bill Phillips has intervened to help me cross the abyss from 'I can't to I will,' and bring about powerful, positive changes into my life.
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I can honestly say that many of the great blessings I've experienced in the past decade, from reconciling relationships to learning how to 'live in the now,' are direct results of following Bill's advice, instruction, and insights. (They may not have been called 'Transformation' at the time, but that's exactly what it is).
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In order to discuss my Transformation Journey, please take a moment to travel back to the early nineties, where one huge stage of my life's transformation journey begins to build the foundation of what is yet to come. And then in another post, I will take you through how Bill intervened a second time to help me.
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Life Changes - The Past
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"A baby girl," shouted the Doctor, as he hurriedly passed my little daughter to the nurse waiting to perform the routine tests newborns receive. I looked at my girlfriend, Jen. She was exhausted and pale after thirteen hours of labor, but managed to crack a smile. I stroked her hair and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "We did it babe," I whispered, trying to show more confidence than I was feeling. We were young, scared, and excited at the same time.
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The year was 1994. We had been dating for just over 5 years, but now life was forcing some huge, life-changing adjustments — the baby's cries constantly reminded us of that fact. At 21 years old, we were going to make it. I quit my last year of college and took a job with the local phone company, while Jen stayed home with baby Gina. Thankfully, my parents invited us to live in my old bedroom until we got on our feet because the $7.43 an hour paid to me by Ma Bell was making money a little tight.
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Within a year, we were out in an apartment and doing our best to get by. Daily life encouraged and reminded us to press on, and we planned to get married soon. Life became busier, with time and years passing quickly. Before we knew it, our daughter was over two years old.
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During those two years, things became different than before. There was an awkward tension in the air when Jen and I spent time together, and our relationship didn't feel the same. Maybe it was due to our hectic schedules, me working days and Jen working at night and on the weekends. Or, perhaps it was something deeper within myself.
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-1997-
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I had let myself go physically, emotionally, and spiritually, which affected my outlook on life, my mood, and my abilities. I was always tired and crabby, pushing Jen away, straining our relationship. Sufficed to say, when my daughter was nearly three, Jen and I grew so far apart that we ended up splitting up. The vacuum this created devastated little Gina.
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Thankfully, my parents offered my old room as a place to rest my head until I got back on my feet. Soon after our split, I went to work on a Saturday morning. I vividly remember watching my daughter crying by the front door next to my mom. This scene hit me in the chest so hard—I cried on the way to work that day. Everyone in the family was paying the price for my mistakes, but no one more than my little girl.
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Every day that went by sent me a little further into the doldrums. I coped as best I could by caring for the details of daily living, and making sure my daughter was cared for, but it seemed to me that I was merely existing, not living…until that one fine day when I felt a spark of hope.
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After the years of stress and unhappiness a failing relationship inevitably brings, I was offered a glimmer of hope one fateful day in late 1997 when my brother-in-law Joe showed me an issue of Muscle Media Magazine, and to be perfectly honest while trying not to sound too dramatic, my entire life would never be the same.
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For the first time in quite a while, I felt some refreshing excitement and energy as Joe explained this new contest he was participating in, and it immediately resonated with me on every level. (Hopefully, this is the same way you feel about Transformation right now!) The Body of Work Challenge was a chance to motivate me back into physical shape. Little did I know what profound life changes were to come as a result.
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For those who may not be familiar with a physique transformation contest (a.k.a The Body of Work Challenge and precursor to Body For Life), it was a fitness contest lasting 12 weeks. A participant takes before and after photos and documents fat lost and muscle gained. During the course of the challenge, contestants make healthy changes to lifestyle regarding eating habits and exercise, and write an essay detailing how these changes help them.
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While this was a great program, it is only a piece of what the Transformation Challenge is today. The old programs mainly focused on the physical, while Transformation includes physical, mindset, and soulset work…which is going to have a greater, more powerful positive impact on and in your life.
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My Body of Work Challenge, 1999
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I was excited and ready to make my mark. This just felt right—I knew I was going to be successful! Well, as many of us are aware, knowing and doing are two entirely different things. Round after round of this new challenge went by (they started about once every month), and finally, finally, I completely committed myself to finish the round beginning in September of 1999.
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After four weeks into the challenge, one essay was due, with the final essay due at the end of the entire 12 weeks. I remember writing these out like it was yesterday. Luckily, I kept a copy of the packet I sent in for the 1999 Challenge, which has all my measurements, pictures and essays. I have referred to it over and over again during the last ten years to remind me where I came from.
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At the very bottom of this post is a condensed version of my essays if you want to take a peek. Now remember, I didn't win the contest, so they are probably not a good guide to go by. The essays do, however, illustrate some of the changes I made through my 12 weeks, and where I thought they were to lead me in the future. Writing the essay for the contest helped me realize just how much I was beginning to change—more than just physically, I mean. It's really interesting to look at these essays now—to see how much my life changed for the better.
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Like I said before…I didn't win. Was I bummed out? A little. But I felt so fired up, so focused and so free that I felt like a winner. Take a peek at what happened soon after my challenge ended, and it's proof positive that I WON! Oh, and by the way, I forgive you, Bill and Stoney for not picking me back then. JK
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My Body for Life
Total Results from 2000-2008
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Remember those words from the instruction packet, well they foreshadowed what was to become the reality in my life and will take effect in yours also (if they haven't already). While I didn't win the actual contest, what I did win was infinitely greater. Soon after I started the Body of Work challenge in 1999, profound changes began taking shape. Boy, it didn't take long—my outlook and attitudes changed for the better inside of four weeks. (I can tell people are experiencing this at T.com everyday) Everyone around me noticed the remarkable transformations that were taking place. Jen and I, who had been split up for three years now, had resumed civil conversations.
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After the cocoon stage of my transformation—the physical changes, my newly developed positive attitudes and inspired energies were ready to positively affect others as well as create life-changing results. While getting into good physical shape was vitally important, it also served as a powerful metaphor and example for getting into good mental, emotional, and spiritual shape as well.
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As my outlook improved, many aspects of life came together. But the one I am most grateful for was starting to repair my relationship with Jen. Needless to say, my daughter Gina, who was nearly six years old at this time was ecstatic that her mommy and daddy could actually hang out together and take her out as a family. She was just beaming all the time.
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By June of 2000, six months after completing my Challenge and nearly three years to the day of our split, we got back together. By January of 2001, we were married and have been committed to compromise and love one another ever since. I know this was a direct result of transforming my body and mind in late 1999.
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Here are some fantastic "After" pictures of my
Challenge Results...beyond the physical changes:
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Our kids, Tony,
(little Gina), & Brianna
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Jen & I circa 2004
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While getting my family back together was one HUGE benefit of my body of work, countless positive blessings have also occurred because my mind was now open to receive them. The energy I had been using for years to counteract my shame, guilt, lack of ambition, and making excuses was now transformed into a vibrant flow of positive energy that helped me focus on the good in life. Of course, where you focus is where you are headed, and throughout the early part of this decade, I experienced an abundance of blessings.
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Ø Family relationships totally restored and invigorated. I was now a Dad and husband who was present in body, mind, and spirit. One immense benefit that grew out of my family getting back to good, was the blessing of two more children. Brianna, who is now four, and Tony, who is one.
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Ø Work improved dramatically. I wanted to quit my job in the late nineties, but after my new outlook, I found the good in my work. I am now at the same company 14 years (although it has changed names four times!)
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Ø I developed a strong desire to give back and help others-which coincidentally led me to meet Bill in person (that blog is coming soon).
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Ø My life's cup was suddenly overflowing; my family and I were healthy; I was connected spiritually like never before in my life and filled with gratitude every day.
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You see, once it's not "all about me," you genuinely want to help others. I felt so good that I wanted to share with others and offer help in any and every way I could. This manifested in many different ways. I became more involved with my family, charitable work and organizations, and recycling and the environment were now forefront in my mind (I'm known as the 'cardboard cop' at work!), as well as an intense desire to write.
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Ever since I completed the Body of Work Challenge, I've been blessed: with family, health, and a great attitude. One other blessing I've received is to become very in tune with my responsibility to give and be of service by making a difference in my own life, and in our greater world—Being the Change! These things all eventually led me to the wonderful community of Transformation.com, where I have now established new, lifelong friendships and connections, so thank you.
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I will always consider myself a champion of my 1999 challenge, and you are a champ in my eyes too. Whether or not you receive a medal, heck whether or not you even finish 18 weeks…you are already a champion. (Back in 99, I started the Challenge probably about 6 times before I completed it!) Keep getting back in the game until your win...I have faith in you!
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There have been times over the last ten years that have set me back. I no longer look like exactly like my after picture, but I still remain engaged with exercise and fitness. (I've got to inspire the kiddos , ya know). Through my ups and downs, I try to remember what Bill writes, "progress not perfection." Those words help me keep my chin up-and as Marty & my Buddy Rich know, I've got a pretty big chin-it's ok, it's a character builder. My 2008 results are coming soon.!!!
. My 2008 results are coming soon.!!!.
Keep fostering and nurturing these amazing physical changes you are experiencing. They are powerful metaphors and one necessary step for what will happen in your life's Transformation Journey. Here's a little clip I put together of my journey so far…check it out if you get a chance.
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Please know that I'm pulling for you in every way. If you need anything, advice, support, or simply to talk, I'm just an email away. I know you will give me the same offer, so I may take you up on it. We can always, always learn from one another no matter who we are, and I know I have much to learn from you. Until then, take care and continue transforming yourself and the world.
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Yours in Transformation,
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Ken Ferrara
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P.S. A copy of my essay from 1999 is below…I urge you to save yours and reflect on it often, as great changes are coming your way-I promise.
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One piece of textured paper and a fancy, contoured pen sat patiently in front of me on the kitchen table as I contemplated my essays for the Body of Work Challenge. Once I started thinking about my progress, I…well, read on for yourself.
Body of Work Challenge Essay-1999
Damn, I feel good! I feel so good that I want to shout out to the world, "Hey! Look what I have done. Let me tell you how good it feels and how you can do it to!" Man, I have to hop on the bus to your fitness evolution and bring as many others as I can along for the ride. Everyone needs to experience this wonderful high.
My body is electrified with energy. I am completely renewed both physically and mentally. Everyone close to me has noticed a change. Some have even asked, "Hey Ken, are you on something?" I was actually scared after completing the first four weeks—scared that I would not finish my challenge. But each day just kept getting easier and easier. The more action I took, the more results I saw, and the more goals were achieved. My fears faded a little more each day. It's an awesome cycle. My photos and body comparisons overwhelm me. The improvements I've made seem unreal. I was actually consistent for more than two weeks in an exercise program for the first time in my life—unbelievable! The EAS family of supplements produce such powerful results so quickly that I am truly shocked. I have never felt so vibrant and alive. I am in control of my Challenge, and because of that, I'm learning how to be in control of my life.
The dream I had of being lean and muscular goes back to the day my dad brought home a book about Arnold when I was thirteen. Through the years, I worked out moderately, gaining size and strength, but was never able to see my muscles because my body fat was too high. Looking at people who were cut filled me with awe and wonder, while at the same time left me feeling depressed. I could not seem to get cut no matter how hard I tried! My body fat made me very self-conscious and I wouldn't even take off my shirt outdoors (which gave me arguably the best farmer's tan in the state).
I was at a crossroads in my life. Having recently become a single dad, and moving back in with my folks, I knew the time was right to make a life change. I read about and attempted the Physique Transformations in 1998. Well, I failed miserably. Through one unsuccessful trial of the 1998 Transformation Challenge, and four unsuccessful rounds of the Body of Work Challenge, I have finally gotten my act together and started seeing signs of success in this round.
I kept my family and friends updated by showing them my progress and results. However, I am not showing my results to impress, rather to impress upon them that this is an attainable goal. I want to inspire them to improve and let them know that you lose more than fat; you lose self-consciousness, laziness, guilt, and many negative attitudes. When you tone up, you gain more than just muscle; you gain self-esteem, energy, power, control over what can be controlled, and countless other positive benefits. I will be giving all my heart to become the best I can be for myself and others around me.This challenge has an inviting prize. Who couldn't use a hundred grand. That's what's needed to get peoples' attention (including mine). However, the lifelong journey that began on September 3, 1999 has become more satisfying than the reward. I have already earned what is equal to 100k in the last 12 weeks by improving my self worth, changing my outlook, and learning how to achieve goals that were unobtainable for me until now.
Because of my new 'talents,' the future promises one hundred times the prize by allowing me to achieve goals I had long since buried or put on the shelf. I did not have the knowledge or will to achieve those goals, but now I am certain I will attain them. I put it in writing for myself, and no matter what life throws my way, I will achieve them. That's the power I have gained from learning how to set and achieve goals. A seemingly simple goal to drop fat has opened so many doors—unbelievable. When I started this Body of Work challenge, it was a simple fitness competition. Lose weight, get ripped, and win a car. I was not aware of the profoundly positive effects it would have in my life.
Thank you. I am infinitely better because of this challenge. I am a stronger person, and more importantly, a better dad. I will share my knowledge with others by telling them how I workout, how I make it through tough times and how I get back in the saddle time and again. I will share this knowledge with others at the gym, at home, at work, and even on the pages of Muscle Media (hint, hint).
In closing, I would like to thank you for giving me such an unbelievable gift. I feel awesome ande have to share this with others. I am proud to say that this is my Body-of-Work and the start of my Body-for-Life.
Promise me you'll Be the change...
and I'll promise you the same...
and together we'll change the world!!!
Ken, honestly, I feel like a champion and feel like I have won the contest in just meeting you. Wow, what an awesome thing you have written here. I hope that Bill gets permission to use this. It is that damn good my friend! Love you my brother, Troy
Dang! Is that what you're going to make Marty look like now that he's working out with you? Rick
Wow, what a great blog ~ thanks for sharing. It is soo inspiring to me to see this kind of transformations really happening to real people............thats so ................cool. I can't wait to start experiencing all the positive changes from this journey
Awesome Ken! Very inspiring! Thanks for sharing!
You certainly did win and it was wonderful to read your story. Thanks for sharing it! ;->
Dang Ken, you are absolutely amazing and it has been an honor to meet and hang out with you!! I am so looking forward to getting together again. You inspire me bro!! God bless~ Jerome
Very inspiring post Ken!! I'm saving this one!! You are truly a champ and a shining example of transformation!
Wow Ken! Thank you for being the inspiration! Yes my friend you are the change! I promise you I will be the change! You are awesome! What an amazing gift you have given us through chronicling your journey! Jeff
Beautiful...thanks for sharing. anita
If he reads like a Champion If he sounds like a Champion and he it looks like a Champion... Then he must be a CHAMPION
Ken I love this post thank you for sharing your heart with us.
Ken, you got me. As I read this blog, my heart praises your undying commitment to family, spirituality, and fitness. ................I am completely caught up in the beautiful emotion. Thank you for the heart smiles!
Yes, I agree you are a Champion! Thank you for sharing yourself with us. You are an inspiration.
WHAT a BLOG!!!
Hugs Ken, you said, "My life's cup was suddenly overflowing; my family and I were healthy; I was connected spiritually like never before in my life and filled with gratitude every day. You see, once it's not "all about me," you genuinely want to help others. I felt so good that I wanted to share with others and offer help in any and every way I could." This explains where I am everyday. There were 3 years my family wasn't healthy, but Jonnae is healthier than any of us now and well, the rest is just as you have written. My life is about serving and it makes me happier than anything with a pricetag or possesion to hold. Congratulations and thanks for sharing your journey with us. In HIs Awesome Name, Denise
Ken this is a very powerful insight to your amazing journey in life over the last few years! You are most definitely a Champion!!! You're a good man and I am proud to call you my friend!
Thanks I am new to this, I love your honesty and your willingness to help others. It is a gift when your eyes have been opened and you can see the needs that people have in there lives before they have to ask. Hugs, K8
I am so proud of you Ken! Just awesome work!! And an inspiring example!
Ken, this is pretty cool bro! Very INSPIRING, AWESOME and UPLIFTING!!!
Wow...Amazing! Great Job!
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