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You guys are amazing! Thank You!
For all your support and notes of congratulations! I posted the following on a thread but wanted to post as a blog as well.--------------------- Thank you all for your kind words, your support and encouragement. I can not tell you how many times tears have "rolled down my cheeks" since Thursday Night. Each note, email, comment on my profile...means so much to me. Some of you share that my story has inspired you. It is th...Merry Christmas and Thank You
It's Christmas morning and we have been up and down since 1:00AM (second year my son can't sleep with excitement). Not to mention I was trying to catch up with my T.Family until almost midnight last night. Who needs sleep!?!? As we get ready to head off to church, I wanted to quickly log on and say MERRY CHRISTMAS and THANK YOU to my sweet Transformation Family. I am so grateful to all of you for your support and encouragemet thr...Wow! Lots of puppy interest...
...so I thought I better share her picture. She is a Havanese and her name is Belle - 13 weeks old. My son is so happy and that is the best part of the whole experience. ...I Am Not The Person I Was
Almost 6 weeks after completing Bill’s 18 week challenge and I am still making progress!!! The fact that I did not revert back to old habits after 18 weeks is complete confirmation that this time was different. I am NOT the person I was, in more ways than one. Would you believe that when I joined this community in May '08 I weighed 170 lbs - body fat 34.1%? Today I weighed in at 124 lbs - body fat 23.2% For those intereste...Has it been a while?
Oh my goodness! I feel like I haven't written a blog in so long....I thought I'd better, to be sure I don't forget how!!! I have been busy greeting new beautiful faces and trying to keep up with the forums looking for new members and trying to help by reaching out and sharing. I wish I could be on the site 24/7. I get myself all worked up sometimes realizing there is no way I can touch everyone here. I worry about mi...Thoughts Shared...
Just picked up my before and after pics to include in my packet. Unfortunately, as many of you know, my before and during photos are poor quality. When I started my 18 week journey, I had not expectation that I would really be sending in an official packet. I could not think that far ahead. I also was is such a deep dark place that I was not sharing what I was doing with anyone - not even my husband. This journ...Writers Block?
Is this writers block I am experiencing? I don't know?!? 2 full weeks have passed since completing Bill's "Be the Change" Challenge. I almost don't know the person I was before this challenge. When I reflect on the pre-challenge me, it's as if I am reflecting on an entirely different person...like a friend or stranger..someone I know but is not apart of me. I have experienced so much change and growth I can...18 Weeks and 4 days....Now What???
Now What!?! Well, in the words of Shane...I continue. I have continued on with my nutrition and excersise program as if it was a lifestyle!!!!!!! Would you believe it has become a lifestyle?!?! I can actually say that with confidence. Nothing stopped for me at 18 weeks. Now 4 days later and I am already planning my workout strategy for the next 4 weeks. I just finished cooking up a pot of chicken breasts in gre...Here We Go.....After Pics Are Loaded!
My husband will not be available today so he had to take my pics last night. I had asked if he wouldn’t mind taking them using our little digital Canon. He had not been involved in my “before” or “in-between” pictures as I did those on my own using the built in “Photo Booth” on my Mac. I am grateful for his help because I did want to get better pictures for my “afters”. ...Final Week?!? --- No Way!!! This is for LIFE:)
OH MY GOODNESS!!! Would you believe tomorrow is the first day of my final week in this “Be the Change” Challenge? It’s been hitting me slowly the past few days and now...it’s hitting me big and fast!!! Didn’t I realize when I officially accepted Bill’s challenge that I was entering a CONTEST?!?! I guess I must have know in the back of my mind, but it was not what drove me. All kinds of...To T-Champions, Bill and his amazing team
Does not matter why at this point, but I feel the need to write a short blog letting our amazing champions, Bill and his fantastic team know that I had zero expectations that I would even meet them much less exchange words and hugs. The Denver Marathon was something I was doing for "Me"---of course inspired by Bil's blog, but doing it on my own. I worked directly with Make-A-Wish to get a link to include in my email out to f...Half Marathon Finish Line
Wow! What a feeling. Physically, mentally, spiritually...amazing. Positive energy worked through my mind, my soul my spirit and every muscle in my body as I gave all I had to pick up the speed when I realized I could actually see the finish line. I had made it! I began to sprint to the finish and as I approached the line I saw something even more beautiful than the finish line. I saw a wall of wonderful amazing...My New Found “Happy” - How Do I Use It Best?
I am a bit stumped and thought I would reach out for some guidance from the more experienced. Those of you who have supported me and followed my transformation in the past 16 weeks, saw a change in me before I was even aware of it. Now, with 2 weeks left to complete Bill’s “Be the Change” Challenge, I am completely aware that I am NOT the person I was 16 weeks ago. So many changes have taken place but for the p...Finish Line - What's keeping you from getting to it?
Tomorrow I leave for Denver to participate in the Denver Half Marathon. Incredible. As I take a moment to reflect on the past weeks, I am amazed at the changes that have taken place in “Me” and my life in the past 15 weeks.I came into this challenge a person with no real expectations - just a willingness to learn and a desire to change. A desire to figure out why I had failed so many times in the past with weight los...People are watching
People are watching.....they may not be making big changes, but they are watching and they are being effected by our progress. When I look around, I see my wonderful husband who I has become more aware of his eating choices. He has also gone with me on all my long weekend runs as I prepare for the Denver Half Marathon.....he has not been training with me, just going on the big runs, running and walking when he needs to making sure I a...Empty Closet
Well, it's all out! All the old clothes sizes 10, 12, 14 and even some 16 tops have been removed from my closets and drawers. No more L and XL :). I have been pulling the old clothes out little by little into a huge pile the past couple of days woking up to today when my mom and aunt could sort through them and take what they wanted. They made out - especially my aunt. Business suits, casuals, jeans, dress shirts, ev...Words that used to break me now make me stronger
This weekend I heard words that I have heard before. “I know your history Penny- how many times have you tried to be healthy before?” ----chuckle chuckle.... Words that used to make me give up on myself, now make me stronger and most determined to forever be the change. I have this Transformation to thank for that. I know I have changed because the words were not effecting me in a negative way. I could give no emotio...week 14 stats and pics are loaded:)
Ok, Just loaded a large number of "in-between" photos. I got carried away after the first couple and just kept going making up for all the years I avoided the camera. I guess I was liking what I was seeing. My smile looking back at me was making me smile...if that makes any sense. I just looked so happy in the picture....then, as I continued taking the photos....from my Photo Booth on my MAC (don't know what I wo...It's about the DISTANCE!!!
Is what I was finally screaming to myself as I struggled through my 5 miles today. I have had moments of feeling “Superwoman” like during this Transformation. During one of these moments, I decided to participate in the Denver Half Marathon. Why? Well, I had recently challenged myself and completed the Nike Human Race 10K and I was able to jog the entire distance at a slow pace (15 minute miles...still my pace BTW). I..."un-authorized words"
Assignment 12b was timely for me. After learning about myself and the effects "words" had on me throughout my life, I realized that words really are powerful! They were only words, but I allowed those words to mold me, define me and dictate my future. This amazing discovery and level of awareness made me begin to question the words I use....specifically with my 9 year old son. It was difficult to remember convers..."More Joyful"
I know this is my third post today --- sorry, it's just been an eventlful one. This evening, over dinner, we each spoke about our day. I shared my two stories (2 previous posts about lunch with a friend and my neighbor). Before sharing the lunch conversation I asked my husband and son if I have really changed that much? I told them that my friend was in complete shock with me - not just the way I looked but everything abou...don't even know his name...
So....we have this neighbor who seems to be frantically moving. This is a man who seems to be going through alot and I have never reached out. We have lived here 4 years and I remember meeting the family when we first moved in and that was that. An occational wave and that's it. Now, in the past several months, no family, just him and moving. As I pulled out of my driveway to go pick up my son from school, I went the...lunch with a friend...
Had not seen me since June---he was shocked!!! You don't really realize how much you have changed until you see how others react to the changes you have made. My goodness. He was in complete shock. Started with...."have you lost weight?'...to you are a different person..." I shared with him a little about my journey and this community. I explained how I personally had a lot of work to do no the inside...mom was concerned
In respons to my mother's recent concerns...are you taking pills, did you see the program on TV about being too healthy, how far are you planning to go...?...."For the first time in my life I feel healthy in my mind, body and soul and feel I am improving in these areas each day. I am not taking pills - I am working my butt off. I am not on a diet, you see me eating all the time. Have you ever heard me say....oh, wish I coul...Still deciding???
Still deciding if...This is the right place for you? If you CAN do it?If this is all for real?As you work towards figuring out if you are ready to make a commitment to yourself to make a few positive changes in your life, please consider the following...I accepted the 18 week "Be the Change" challenge about 12 weeks ago and have followed each assignment begining with the most powerful Assignment #1. In 12 weeks...-I have lost 19 L...Thank you!!!
I sit here writing this to you as tears roll down my cheeks. The happiest tears you could possibly imagine. I feel so blessed at this moment. I logged in to "check-in" and maybe change my profile picture and found the most beautiful gift waiting for me...All of your Birthday Wishes! What a way to end the evening of my 39th Birthday. The first year I have ever cared enough about myself to actually want to ce...12 week goal status check
My last day of this 18 week "Be the Change" Transformation challenge is Nov. 2, 2008. However...I had set goals to achieve by my 39th Birthday - TODAY, September 22, 2008. It's time to see how I did. I have started below by listing my rewards for achieving my goals and penalties for coming short of my goals followed by goals and results. Rewards -purchase a few items of clothing---just a few cause I am not do...18 Weeks - Assignment #12 (My
Little bit longer version of my comment on Bill's Assignment #12 "Part One: For this part of the exercise, please write, in the Comments section below, precisely how you will look, feel, and be at the 18-week mark of your transformation. Practice utilizing positive, energetic, yet authentic words to form your description. Remember, the very act of writing these words out, and sharing them with others who are als...Living out loud
I am defining my identity and feeling free to be “Me”. No longer holding things in. I am living out loud! I smile randomly and giggle at nothing. I say hello and smile at everyone that I encounter. I am much better at remembering peoples names. I have opinions and I verbalize them! Yippee! No more... “what ever you want” unless I truly don’t care:). I dance in fro...Birthdays
I never knew why, or cared why for that matter, but celebrating my birthday was something I DID NOT ever do or like to do. I never initiated a gathering and never would I plan to do something special that I wanted to do. It was to be just another day as any other day. I did not question it. It was just the way "I was". One specific friend, had a huge problem with this. She could never understand why s...Understanding, Ownership and Forgiveness
Today I heard my dad say "It's the mistakes he made that are important, not the goals". This was at my son's soccer game. This comment took me back to my own childhood relizing yet another reason why I spent my life forcusing on my mistakes or what others viewed as my mistakes. Why I always had to prove myself but at the same time lacked confidence in myself. As I went down memory lane in my head there was no men...For those fairly new to the community
As much as I try to reach out to new members and welcome you, I am sure there is no way I can reach all of you. So I thought I would right a blog specifically for members that are fairly new to the site. Regardless if you are familiar with Bill Phillips and/or BFL or not, you may be feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, vulnerable, intimidated by the technology, not sure if you fit in, not sure if you can add value by contributing, not s...teach our little ones to believe in themselves even when others don't seem to believe in them
My son had a sleep over at my parent's house over the weekend. On the way home, he seemed distant. I asked what was making him sad. He described his perceptions of the time he spent there and based on those perceptions, he said he did not feel welcome. He ended up going to his room (used to be my room) and reading by himself. He said he felt lonely and like they didn't really want him there. My memories took me...Mass this morning
Father, during his sermon spoke about waking each morning and asking what five things (counting fingers on one hand) will I do today to help others? and ending the day asking what five things (counting fingers on the other hand) did I do today to serve god?...then he brought his hands together and sealed them together. His sermon was very in touch with what this community is all about. He touched on our responsibility to live to our G...My overdue physical - boy was my doctor impressed :)
I finally made an appointment for my physical and it took place today. My doctor had not seen me in several years. He walked in and said "Looks like you have lost over 25 pounds since I last saw you!?" I looked at him with a big smile---actually couldn't stop smiling during the entire exam. I told him what I was doing---he looked back at my history and reminded me that he had diagnosed me with depression som...Taking compliments so much better than I used to
Over the weekend, I attended a gathering and saw my good friends sister whom I had not seen since the last gathering about 8 months or so ago. I don't know her very well. We usually just say the casual hello and goodbye during these gatherings. I don't recall ever even having a dialog with her really. Anyway, she made a point to come up to me away from the crowds and say.."I wanted to tell you that you look amazing...looks ...Learning to keep the energy around me positive
I have been trying to figure out how to politely change the direction of conversations from negative to positive. It seems to be as simploe as politely saying "let's not spend our energy on that..." or "on a positive note..." or just changing the subject. It works! I used it during 3 different phone conversations the other day. I am on to something here-Me...Did the 10K :)
I did it! On Sunday I ran Nike's HummanRace which was a 10K. I was so happy to finish. It did not matter how long it was going to take---I had two very simple goals---1. Finish! 2. Don't walk...keep a steady slow pace, but don't walk. And you know what? I reached my goals and felt amazing. What an incredible feeling to accomplish something that seems so out of reach. Note to Self: Lesson...Assignment 10 - Status Check (Day 60 for me)
Yippee!!! I am on track I have not missed any assignments or lessons – I have done them ALL! I am seeing physical changes in my body, my face (I have jawbones). I see others noticing change in me. I feel so proud of myself for making it through the beginning battles and believing in myself. I feel like I am getting to know myself more and more each day. I feel a strong energy from deep inside that is difficult ...Can't make someone Decide to change
What do you do when the people you want to inspire most seem to be least inspired? As I continue to be the change and improve each day by learning and growing, I wonder why one of the people I hope to inspire most, seems to almost push back on my positive progress. I know she sees the changes in me – and not just physically. Why does she seem to follow each of my positive acts with an almost immediate negative? &...Music Moves Me
Music Moves me in more ways than one. It moves me physically, spiritually and mentally. Music has moved me all my life as long as I can remember. I spent most of my childhood (an only child) alone in my bedroom with my music. I would get lost in it in daydreams or dance to it for hours and hours. I would leave the world I knew and create my own depending on where the song would take me. As I think back now, it ...Lessons Learned
Through this transformation I am learning to understand why I have had such low self- esteem throughout my life. Why I never truly had confidence in my abilities. Why I always had to prove myself and prove that I could be successful. Why a career was so important and why I identified myself with my work. Why when I gave up that career after the birth of my son (10 years ago), I was lost. I could not identify with mys...This Transformation experience is an amazing Privilage
What an amazing privilage this Transformation experience is. I feel as if I am getting to know "me" for the first time. I am full of energy and excitemtent with a burning desire to help others that are ...Unhappy and don't recognize it or recognize why Unhappy and have not yet discovered the tools to make positive changesUnhappy but have not made a decision to make a change and look for the tools to help them make the change...Push-Pace-Progress
With all this excitement, I need to remember to pace myself while pushing the limits! I have been feeling so amazingly fantastic --- unstoppable! On Tuesday I ran the Denver Marathon with some T-Friends…LOL (for those that read my blog post “low-level habit identified – marathon finished”. Today I got on the treadmill and thought I would speed up from 4.0 (15minmiles) to 4.5 (13.20minmiles) for the same a...low-level habit identified - Marathon finished
After reading Bill's Blog regarding the Marathon, I thought how cool it would be to run with the Transformation Team! I don't live in Denver, but I was not thinking of the logistics at that point.Shortly after that moment, self doubt surfaced. I began to hear things like "who are you kidding..you're not a runner...you don't run more than 20 minutes on the treadmill when you do your HIIT exercises...etc.." Well, my resp...Back from Disneyland
Hi friends! I am taking a short break from work for a quick check-in and post. I am back from Disneyland and I made it! …Still on the program and feeling great. This was an accomplishment for me. As I mentioned in an earlier post, the last trip to Disneyland I was going through one of my “get healthy” attempts and Disneyland was when I gave up. I was not strong enough to fight the negative in...Living in the moment - WITH a plan :)
I just posted this as a positive progress on one of the "2-things" threads and thought I would try and expand on it. I am learning that living in the moment with a plan means you enjoy the moment to the fullest, but still have a plan. You don't just through everything out the window regarding what you need to do to maintain a happy and healthy mind and body. I have heard people around me use this quote "live ...Todays 2 things
August 8th, 20081. I am not worried about my trip to Disneyland! Dude did it and so can I This is a big deal for me because the last failed attempt toward health ended at Disneyland about 4 years ago (last time I was there). I remember prior to leaving I worried so much about the trip. I thought about all the yummy treats and how I was sure to get off my program. I planned to workout while there and brought my workout clothes but my heart was no...More Positive Progress
So I decided this morning, if I was to log every positive progress moment I experience, I would be blogging 24/7:).I mean this in the most positive way. The fact is that I am contantly seeing positive progress and it feels fantastic. Here's another Positive Progress below.... My focus has broadened at the gym. Although I still spend a lot of time reflecting, processing and learning about myself and how to keep strong, this past w...Assignment 6 - Positive Progress...
I have accomplished so much positive progress it’s hard to believe it’s only been a month! As I was reading Bill’s words for this assignment I was smiling big and nodding my head. Everything he says has been so true for me. I was also smiling because it was additional confirmation that I am doing things right. I was right in line with where I am supposed to be. As I have posted in previous blogs, ke...my body is changing
So although I am not yet getting on a scale, I decided to have my hips and waist measured today. I was curious with the whole jean situation...it's confirmed! My body is changing :) Waist has gone from 34 to 32 and Hip measurements from 40.5 to 36.5. Not huge change - but definately POSITIVE PROGRESS :)...No scale, but it looks like my body is changing :)
Oh my goodness! My old jeans fit! They are a bit tight, but they fit!!!! I have not been on a scale in weeks and really don’t feel like getting on one. It seems like my body changed quickly in the past few weeks. Not sure if this is normal---sometimes slow change, sometimes fast change. I noticed last week that my current jeans were looking a little out of shape…getting worn out I thought---stretch...Update to last blog...I passed!
May be confusing if you haven't read my last blog "reflection shared"....Yikes! I passed!!!! Just received word that I actually passed the test and am now a certified PFT. I can't stop shaking from the inside out. I feel so incredibly proud of myself...not about passing the test, but about the entire experience. Pushing myself, breaking my patterns, being ok with pushing knowing that I would...Reflection Shared
As I sit here reflecting on the past week, I am overwhelmed with emotion. This may be a long one....Years ago (15 or so, my early twenties), when I was physically fit, I had a body builder friend as my trainer. He inspired me to want to learn about how the body works and how to keep it healthy. Although he was a body builder and took his body through things that were not considered "healthy", he seemed to have knowledg...Oh---My White Is Showing!
I must have counted about 10---at least! Did this happen overnight? What is going on? ---not good! After careful investigation and thought, I realized this is what happens if I don’t get my cut and color on time. I have been so focused on my inside that I guess I haven’t put much effort into my outside. This was yet another reflecting moment. Reflect, process, reflect…That’s me! &...Is it already working?
My husband started running a few months ago and just last week met with a trainer---this morning a second time. Each time he would come home so excited about what he learned... so excited about moving towards a healthy direction. He got on the scale once he was done asking me if I had done each of the exercised he had just completed or bonked on. He was so happy! “I lost weight and I haven’t really even bee try...My "Why"
Where do I begin? I want and need to be the “Me” I am meant to be. I want and need to be happy with myself and who I am, mentally and physically. I want and need to completely let go of past negative influence and Believe in “Me”. I want and need to prove the past no longer controls the future. I’m all grown up now, no one else has to agree with what’s important to me or believe in...Another round down and feeling Stronger than before!
Thanks to this resource (The Transformation Community) and specifically Shane and Marty!!! I have made it through another mental fight. This one came unexpectedly…I was feeling so fantastic and mentally strong, happy…. and then I woke up one morning feeling empty, heavy and unconfident that I would succeed. I fought through it and once again, came back stronger than before. Thank you to Shane for explai...Last few days have been different...
Last few days have been different. I am working harder than ever to try and stay strong with my thoughts. I am fighting feelings of discouragement, doubt and uncertainty. I seem to have forgotten to focus on progress---why am I forgetting to focus on progress??? I need to think strong! I will make it through this time for life. I have to, or I will be worse off then I have ever been. This is the cha...Lance Armstorng Transformation-changes in me-Thank you Mr. Phillips:)
Covering a few items...one thought led to another and then another...-------------------------------Lance Armstorng's "It's Not About the Bike" has been sitting on my desk for at least 2 years. I remember wanting to read it so badly a few years ago and my son and husband got it for me for Mother’s Day one year. I read the first chapter and then it sat. When I was putting my Transformation folder together a c...Positive change in me --- How about you?
ok...sorry guys, I just posted this thread, but want to keep track of it as well so posting it here as well...---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- My parents spent the day with us (my husband, son and myself) yesterday and towards the end of the night I noticed a positive change in myself. Although the usual disagreements and comments were made ...Just when I thought I was ahead of the game...Surprise!!!
I have been sitting on this completed "assignment 1" since the day we received it. I was not excited about doing it, but at the same time I wanted to get it done right away. So I made a commitment to myself that I would not go to bed that night until I had it done and folder started. Many thoughts went through my head. “This will be easy because you have been doing what Transformation is all about since J...First assignment complete!
Yippee! It was not easy or fun...but it's done. More emotional than I expected considering I have been reflecting for some time now trying to learn and understand why and how I ended up in this state. I can see why this piece of the challenge is so important. Looking forward to receiving my next assignment. Thank you Marty for your encouragement and inspiration to get the first step done:) -Me ...Don't let the negative thoughts get you---fight and YOU will WIN! :-)
On Tuesday I was really upset with myself for missing my cardio workout. I started to catch myself looking at this event as the beginning of yet another failure. I was going downhill fast and feeling a mental battle within. I think the good energy won because on Wed. I went into the gym and had a great leg workout....better than the week before. I felt so proud of myself after the workout. I walked out thinking---th...Missed cardio day today :(
For some reason I felt mentally weak today and missed my cardio day!!! This has not happened since March when I made my decision to begin work on my healthy mind and body. I am not sure what it is that has effected my thoughts and is resulting in my feeling discouraged---I need to remind myself that this is how past failures have begun. Missing a work out or eating poorly and then being disappointed in myself for being a loser.&...What brings me here...
In January 08, I decided to begin reflecting on my past 10 years. Why 10? Prior to my pregnancy 10 years ago, I was pretty fit---hit the gym twice a day regularly. I learned many things about myself and my patterns through this reflection. Looking back, I realize the importance of mental strength. Had my mind been as strong as my body back then, the past 10 years would have undoubtably played out differently. During ...Me
