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Assignment #18 2009: The Universal Truth of Transformation
Dear Friends,
Those of you who’ve completed the first 17 assignments of this Transformation process have undoubtedly done a great deal of work so far, and you’ve grown to become healthier in many ways. By this point in the Challenge, you’ve become physically stronger, leaner and more energetic; you’ve become more mentally clear and focused; and spiritually you’ve made healthy changes too – becoming more compassionate for and connected to others who are also making healthy changes.
The key at this point now is to put it all together and gain an even greater understanding, and to seek to more deeply embody all these assignments and exercises so that they become a new and sustainable way of life. And so with that in mind, let’s move forward and take a look at the big picture of your life in Transformation.
In the narrative that follows, I wrote it so you could read it in the first person and see how it resonates with you. When I say “I” remember, I mean YOU.
T1: Know Thyself, Where Thy Stand and Where Thy is Going
I am a person who knows where I stand. I’ve taken an honest look at myself, inside and out. I’m not in denial about how I look on the outside, nor how I feel on the inside. I’m aware of a need for improvement and have courageously accepted responsibility for my own condition.
I also have a vision – I know where I’m going. I utilize words and imagination to paint a picture of a future version of me, who is physically healthy, emotionally strong, mentally focused, and spiritually awake.
I remind myself where I started, and where I’m going, each day.
T2: Exercising Care for the Physical Form
I take good care of my body and recognize that it is a sacred responsibility to do so. I know that it's not okay for me to neglect any important aspect of my life.
I exercise two to four hours a week, strengthening my muscles and keeping my heart and lungs well conditioned too. I understand that exercise is one of the easiest aspects of this transformation process, and I include it in my normal daily routine just like brushing my teeth or taking a shower.
I do the exercises which I enjoy, and realize that the most important thing is that I show up consistently, and that I put my heart and soul, as well as my muscles and mind, into my workouts.
T3: Feed the Body the Right Way
I nourish my body with healthy foods which provide a rich supply of vitamins, minerals, quality protein balanced with healthy carbs and essential fats (like fish oil – the kind that’s real good for me!).
I eat portion-controlled meals frequently throughout the day. Each meal contains protein and carbohydrates and is calorie compact and nutrient rich. I drink a lot more water than I do soda and I rarely overeat and hardly ever skip meals and wind up getting too hungry.
One day a week, I enjoy a Free Day, where I can eat whatever I want, however much or however little. I usually have my favorite foods and meals on this day, so I don’t feel like I’m giving up my "fun foods" forever. My Free Day helps me stick with my healthy nutrition plan the other six days of the week.
I tend to stick with foods that I enjoy which make me feel good and I deliberately avoid foods that lower my energy, make me feel weighed down or tired. I don’t diet; I eat healthy and I enjoy it.
T4: Know Your Purpose
I’m aware of the reasons why I started this transformation. I wrote them down and read them every day to help me harness the power of purpose.
I recognize that my reasons will evolve and become more clear as I move forward. I contemplate my reasons often and utilize them to strengthen my ongoing commitment to do the work so I can be the change.
T5: The Power of Positive Pressure
I have specific timelines and deadlines. I don’t make the mistake of giving myself "forever" to achieve my goals.
I recognize that when I commit myself to doing this and hold myself accountable, my progress will be enhanced. I don’t let my timelines and deadlines create undue pressure or stress, but rather, I allow them to motivate me to consistent action, feeling the excitement of crossing the finish line at a specific time.
T6: Look for Progress, Not Perfection
I humbly and gratefully accept that I am not and will never be perfect. Knowing that, what I do is look for progress, not perfection. I see where improvements are being made and I focus on that, because I know that my mind will find what I'm looking for. And what I'm looking for, my mind will find.
To me, transformation is as much about building a happy, positive life as it is about having a healthy body. So it’s important for me to see the good in myself.
When I see improvement, I acknowledge that, often times even writing it down to remind myself of it.
T7: Be in the Right Environment
I recognize that it’s hard to do the right thing in the wrong environment, despite how much I really want to change for the better. And so I utilize my discipline to do everything I can to make sure I end up in the right place at the right time.
I keep healthy foods in my kitchen, and very little if any junk food.
I make an effort to associate each day with people who have also made the decision to be the change and become healthier and brighter.
I recognize that I don’t always have control over all my environments, but my most important ones like my home and my mind I try to keep clear of anything that doesn’t support my transformation intention.
T8: Know Thy Enemy
I accept that to a significant extent, I’m my own worst enemy in this process. I understand that I can only rise as high as my lowest level habit. And so I don’t deny that I have patterns of action which got me off track to begin with -- habits that need to change in order for me to succeed.
Whether that habit has to do with substances like food, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, or if it’s the habit of complaining, criticizing, procrastinating or "needing" to feel stressed out, it really doesn’t matter. It is what it is. And it’s not who I am in my heart, it’s just something I do which will need to be changed.
I know that adversity like this can be transformed into an advantage, and I accept that challenge and am grateful for the opportunity to grow in that way.
T9: Always a Student
I’m open and willing to learn because I recognize I don’t know it all. I have two ears and one mouth and try to utilize them proportionately. I find that when I listen to people about their transformation experience, I always learn something. And, I recognize that when I share my experiences, I not only help someone else, but I learn even more by teaching.
I’m aware of those who have taught me something so far in this process, and I acknowledge them with a simple and sincere “Thank You!” whenever I get the chance.
T10: Reflect and Renew
I’m also the kind of person who regularly makes time to pause so I can deeply and quietly consider how far I’ve come, all that I feel proud about, and all that I’m accomplishing in my life. I realize that when I make time to reflect, it helps me put things in perspective, and I can see that I am indeed making healthy changes, which in turn make a difference in the lives of those around me.
As I consider how far I’ve come, I feel both a sense of confidence and enthusiasm that I’m moving in the right direction. And this renews and re-energizes my commitment and determination to continue along this Transformation path.
T11: Giving Up the Fight
I gratefully surrender the fight to control things which I have no control over – this includes other people, their thoughts, opinions, judgments, action or inaction. And, by doing so, I free up a ton of energy to invest in the one thing I can control, which is me – my thoughts, my decisions, my actions, my behavior. By giving up the fight, it also means that I let go of attachment to outcomes, expectations, demands.
Before, my first thought was often, “How in the world will it happen if I don’t make it happen?” And so I was seemingly always trying to “fix” the people around me, which never worked. Now I know the best thing I can do to help others is to fix me – to be the change that I want to see in the world. I remind myself each day of this powerful, universal truth.
For me, Transformation is not a battle. It’s not a war. I let go of the need to push or resist. I now know that Transformation is, at its core, an aspect of the Divine Will which brings order, health, beauty and peace to all life. And when I surrender my individual will, my wants, my petty demands, and tap into the greater flow of the Divine Will, what was so difficult, for so long, begins to come about naturally, and with ease.
T12: The Awesome Power of Words
Each day I am becoming more and more aware of the energy and power of the words I speak and write. Looking back, I can see that I unconsciously utilized harmful, unhealthy words which were, in part, a factor in my before condition. Today, I consciously create positive energy and health for myself and others by utilizing uplifting and empowering words. Virtually gone from my vocabulary is “can’t,” which has been replaced with the power word “can.” By changing just this one word, it has helped me think along the lines of what my capabilities are rather than my limitations.
Each day I speak authentic words from the heart – words that are my own. When I communicate authentically, consciously, and positively, I notice that I feel better and the people around me feel better, and things just seem to work. And, whenever I slip and do the opposite, I can see and feel the difference.
I also regularly monitor my thoughts by writing down what words are going through my head during the day. I’ve learned that by changing my words, I can actually change my thoughts. And so I speak of opportunities, not problems; I focus on what I can do to help myself and others, not what I can’t. And I always remind myself that in my heart and soul, I am a healthy, loving, caring, kind, powerful being, sharing this beautiful experience of life with others who are also made up of the same goodness!
T13: The Power of Giving
I am learning, by direct experience, that whenever I transcend selfishness and hold the intention of giving support, encouragement, and whatever help I can to others, my life becomes better and better. I literally feel healthier and happier from the inside out, with every single unselfish and unconditionally caring act I do for others.
This “Universal Law of Reciprocation” reveals that the more I give from my heart and soul, with no strings attached, the more my life is enriched. This is universally true no matter what you call it – karma, sowing and reaping, cause and effect. For me, it’s not so much that I participate in “random acts of kindness,” but rather, it’s that I am making a lifelong shift in my perspective which transforms me from being self-serving to being unconditionally compassionate and kind, generous and giving, understanding, accepting and forgiving.
I realize that being of service, gratefully and authentically, to others, throughout my life, is vitally important to spiritual transformation of myself, but more importantly, it benefits all of us. I’m beginning to really get that we’re all in this together, and that the perception of me as an individual is somewhat of an illusion; whereas, the perception of we as an interconnected, unified consciousness or collective spirit is quite likely the reality of it all.
T14: Belief Creates the Actual Fact
I am a person who closely examines my beliefs, because I know they are a powerful force in creating my experience of life. I realize that I live in a world of vast possibilities, and that to a significant extent, which “potential reality” I manifest or bring into being is very much influenced by those deeply held perceptions of what is true.
I now realize that I had the potential to be healthy throughout all my years of being in less-than-great overall condition. Yet, until I believed it was possible for me to transform, it could not have happened. Knowing that, I consider what other beliefs I might still have that limit my potential. I particularly watch for evidence in my life for beliefs I have about not only my health, but my relationships, my financial situation, my ability to make a difference in a big way, etc.
I realize that the changes I am making in my health and well-being are powerful proof that so much more is possible for me in my life now, primarily because I believe it is possible. And that empowering belief has opened up a whole new world of potential possibilities that I was previously shutting myself off from.
My beliefs now positively affect my thoughts, and in doing so, positively affect the experience of life I’m enjoying.
T15: Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway
I am no longer imprisoned by fear. Throughout my Transformation, I have confronted so many things that I was previously nervous and worried about that it would keep me from moving forward. Since the moment I first took my before photo and shared it with another person, I began to be empowered by the realization that I can feel the fear and move forward anyway. And when I do, the fear gets smaller and smaller; when I would turn away from it, it would become bigger and bigger.
My new confidence and healthy self-esteem is, in part, a result of this new understanding that I can actually do things that I previously was too anxious about to even try. Things like walking into a gym, meeting new people, openly and honestly sharing my feelings, talking about my past, revealing my weaknesses, as well as my hopes and dreams for the future are things I’m much more comfortable with now. And it's that way because I didn't let apprehension stop me – I feel the fear and did it anyway.
And so each and every week I courageously confront things that, to be quite honest, make me a little nervous and afraid. And by doing so, I continue to become a more empowered, confident, and more liberated person.
T16: Elevating Nutritional Wisdom
I’ve become more and more clear that my energy, my thoughts, and even emotions are affected by how I eat each day. This is why I am very conscious to nourish my body the right way, day in and day out. My direct experience with eating healthy and occasionally slipping and going back to my old eating patterns has added to my nutritional wisdom. This insight makes it very clear to me that planning, preparing, scheduling, and journaling what I’m going to eat, when and where, before the day begins, is key to my success. On the days I don’t plan, I am far more likely to feed my body the wrong way, and this affects my well-being on every level. Most days I do get it right and this helps facilitate my health and happiness.
My nutritional wisdom also allows me to understand the vital importance of being in the right environment – keeping unhealthy food out of my kitchen and such. And I also understand that diets and fads are not the answer, and that consistently eating higher-nutrient, lower-calorie meals, frequently throughout the day is a smart, effective and life-long solution. And whenever I get away from it, be it for a day, a week, or a month, I can always get back on track by resuming what I know, from firsthand experience, works.
T17: The Power of Personal Truth
Throughout the course of my Transformation journey, I’ve learned a great deal about myself. And I’ve discovered there’s a tremendous power in that. I can look back and see numerous aspects of my “false self” in my before photo, and in the description of how I felt at that time. But now I know a new personal truth: I do have the power to change my life for the better and make a difference in the lives of others in the process.
My true self has been there all along, and it is health, it is happiness, it is loving kindness and compassion. I no longer buy into the lie that I’m limited by past mistakes or failures, that I’m not enough, that I’m angry, that I’m a disappointment, that I’m destined to live with regrets, resentment, fear, anger, and poor health. All those things are aspects of my false self. Knowing that allows me to accept and care for not only myself, but others, especially those who are still suffering.
I really do feel like the truth is what sets me free – free from the false version of myself that I was living and free to transform into the real me – the energetic, positive, happy, healthy, grateful and alive version of me.
As I continue this journey, I'm aware that the higher and higher truths will be unveiled when the time is right. I look forward to that with an open mind and heart; I look forward to the revelations that await!
T18: The Universal Law of Transformation
More than ever before, I realize that I can’t choose Transformation for just one area of my life. I now know that there is more to sustaining vital physical health than just workouts and eating well. I realize that my mind and emotions play a very important role in the development of health and disease, and that the best approach is to work on myself as a whole person, with a body, a mind, and a soul. My new way of life nurtures optimal health at all these levels. I've learned, in the past, that an incomplete approach always produces incomplete, unsustainable results.
And finally, I fully grasp what Transformation really is – it's more than just change – it's a continual cycle where the end is always a new beginning, and where death is always followed by resurrection, rebirth.
And so as my old thoughts and beliefs die, new and empowering ones are born. Where the way I was living my life before has ended, a new creation has commenced.
I can now clearly see that the end of this 18 weeks is really just the beginning for me. That's the Universal Truth of Transformation.
Folks, look at how far you’ve come! Congratulations on courageously sticking with it and not giving up! I’m proud of you and happy for you as you arrive at this point of your journey. At this point, to complete Assignment 18, I’m asking you to share what your true Transformation experience has been – what you’ve lost and what you’ve gained, what you’ve stopped and what you’ve started, what you’ve ended and what you’ve begun.
Bill
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I still have 2 weeks to go but feeling motivated to do this assignment. I have lost resentments and anger I’ve held towards particular individuals in my life. I’m amazed the love I have in my heart. I can truly look at these people with love and understanding. I am so GRATEFUL for this. I have lost the need to please everyone. I have love lost the idea that what I weigh is my worth . I have lost a size in clothing, 12 lbs unhealthy fat and many inches. I’m losing the enemy inside of me and have become a supportive friend to myself. I have gained a better understanding of what it takes to live the life God intended me to live. I have gained love and trust for strangers who I now call friends. I have gained a better understanding of unconditional love for self and others. I have gained confidence in myself that I can do anything with the help of God and others. The biggest changes have occurred on the inside. I truly believe my outward transformation is going to match my inward success during this next transformation. I’m so excited and grateful to be part of this community!
Assignment #18 - The Universal Truth of Transformation In the beginning of this assignment, it speaks about inner changes. The energetic part I can surely relate to, because with successfully Transforming, one does tend to have abnormal energy levels. Transformation also involves spiritual changes, some of which may help one to become more in tune or thoughtful of GOD. Transforming on the outside is a contributor to helping one to become mentally aware of serving with positive purpose. In any positive Transformation which helps to make one better, I believe there are things gained, and some we lose, or perhaps should let go of. Speaking on my experiences, I've lost alot of friends over the years, when I thought of GOD more. Alot of past friends I had drank with, had good times, and lived carefree. The person I am today mentally has not always been in past years. Throughout life, I've gracefully seasoned, thus allowing me to see some things as is. And, because of the maturity gained along the way, I've been fortunate enough to ome this far in luife today and make better decisions , about the mature company I keep. While I was also dismissed during my Transformation by so
I have stopped rushing things and became more patient. I stopped being frustrated when things don't work out and focus on either another way to work it out or accepting if I can not change it. I gave up wallowing in self pity and knowing in my heart I am a champion.
When I first began my transformation journey at the beginning of this year I couldn’t have imagined just how much of a change I would undergo on so many levels. Transformation is truly about the entire person, not just the exterior evolution of your physique. I have truly found peace and love for the first time in a very long time. Being a part of such a powerful community coupled with inspiring my family to join me has been nourishment for my soul. I look forward to continuing to evolve, sculpt my exterior, and reach new levels of awareness as my journey continues. Thank you Bill, Clarissa, Stoney, and the community for everything you’ve done for me through your love and support. I am truly blessed!
Bill, first of all, thank you so much for all you do, for giving us the opportunity to do this, for this wonderful community you have created. God Bless You! I just finished my first 18 weeks today! and now I begin the Holiday Challenge! I never thought that I could finish this challenge and yet here I am!! I am so proud of myself for sticking to this commitment. I think it's the first time I have actually kept a self-promise. My mindset has changed in that I now I know that I can do whatever I set my mind out to do. And guess what? I believe it. Besides the weight, I've lost a lot of the fears, self limiting beliefs and negative thoughts that have kept me from reaching my God given potential. I had placed so many limitations on myself, "I can't do this, I don't have the time, it's not going to work..." I've stopped beating myself up and I've started loving myself. I am more positive, confident, focused, happy and spiritually connected. I feel more in control of my life and environment. Like I said in my previous post, I am still a work in progress, but I now know that the progress will continue. I am a much happier person becuase if this journey. Thanks again Bill. P.S. and now off to start working on that wonderful "Packet"!! :)
This is my second 18 weeks and this was by far the most productive with the "stuff on the inside" of the two. My first transformation I was able to clean house mainly with my exterior and habits, and this time around I feel as though I learned about me and how to be happy with myself, in my own skin. I learned how to enjoy the company of anyone and everyone, how to truly listen to others, how to sit in quiet by myself, and how to prioritize things in my own head. I learned how to quietly put one foot in front of the other in this process, and many other areas of my life. I am slowly growing away from instant gratification and learning to enjoy the process of things. I am also learning how to enjoy whole food and exercise, how to feel complete every morning after my routine, but not feeling devastation if something (like work) won't allow for the predictable. Better yet, I achieved my goal of detaching from outcomes better than I ever have before, while still setting goals and doing my footwork toward them. I love this process!
Partial section of my assignment 18 (which is in my blog): During this eighteen weeks, I have let go of so many things: - my identity being based solely on a list of victim stories - self-loathing and shame - the unbearable burden of regret about the past and worry about the future - the certainty that I was misusing my influence as a mother - old perceptions - 20 pounds of unhealthy body fat - hundreds and hundreds of pounds of clutter - the fear-based need to hoard food.... In that same time frame, by the grace of God, I have gained: - the simple desire to live - a healthy self-respect - a real community of like-hearted people - increased physical strength - a sense of passionate purpose - hope for my future - focus on my goals - that elusive inner peace - a faith in myself - the total belief that I can change - the ability to let some things go - the ability to simplify my life - the experience of finishing a half-marathon, and the resulting paradigm shift about formerly “impossible” things being possible - curiosity about what else I can do that I thought I could not do....... I have stopped: - binge-eating - creating more victim stories - focusing on the problems - feeling hopeless - wanting to die - being a poor example - reacting so easily to negative influences - feeling like I was wasting my life - looking backwards in life for my high-points - worrying about whether I would get food before I felt hungry - eating all the wrong foods, which filled my environment - dreading the future..... I have started: - living with and experiencing joy - exercising regularly - eating nutritious meals - perceiving food as fuel, rather than a way to stuff feelings - setting a better example for my children - experiencing inner quiet - sharing hope with others, when they notice positive changes - running - training with my husband and children (for another half-marathon) - being more connected with others - believing in myself again - experiencing active compassion - truly believing that I can positively influence others..... I have ended: - the constant blame game - martyrdom - unhealthy thought patterns - taking responsibility for the choices that others make - the searing emotional pain that was my constant companion - the potential threats of obesity and preventable illnesses - certain early death - the unhealthy example I was setting - helplessly succumbing to anger - this 18 week (round 1) - complete social isolation...... And I have begun: - to serve others with integrity - to feel hope again - to plan my goals for the Healthy Holiday Challenge - to look forward to new challenges and accomplishments - to develop incredible new friendships - a new life - to believe in the beauty of my dreams - to have harmony between what I feel on the inside and the expressions of joy on the outside....... And so it goes...the things I have left behind me are things that no longer serve a purpose. Entering the cocoon, the caterpillar must surrender his old life to become a butterfly. Without a surrender to the process, fearing the unknown of the cocoon, the caterpillar will die without ever reaching his full potential. And yet, which of us would disagree that the butterfly, unfolding it’s wings and taking flight, is one of God’s most exquisite creatures? Fully tested, perfectly developed, and purified through the Refiner’s Fire...the potential is released, in order to glorify his Creator.
My transformation: I have lost my back pain, 20 pounds, inches, being tired all the time, cravings for dessert.. and a longing for passion again. I have gained self respect, a more loving spirit, passion in my life to be excited for each new day to begin. I have stopped.. blaming other things for what are my own doings, eating to fulfill something in my life instead of to sustain my body. I have started to look at life each morning with a fresh new beginning, a chance to start new and have a wonderful day.. to impact positively the life of another human being. It only takes a smile or hello to brighten someones day. I have ended the need to supress my feelings and "need" for food.. when it is only a cover for what I was truly feeling. I have begun to grow spiritually. I believed I was a spiritual person before.. but was really at a shallow level, but now I know I am. I look for the positive in each day and try to fall asleep with a smile. "On this day all beginnings are created and all endings imagined." -Yuroz [an amazing artist wrote this.. his art is just as wonderful as his words] My husband and I chose this quote to use at our wedding and it just came to me when I read this last assignment. It was as true 11 years ago on our wedding day as it is today for the way I feel as I move forward. Thank you, Mary
I truly feel honored to have gone through this experience with everyone here on T.com. I have made some friends and hope to continue those friendships as time passes on. I feel the biggest gain that I made in the challenge has been learning how to maintain consistency not achieving perfection. I have also learned how to fuel my body and live an optimally healthy life...something I feel is priceless...so much more important than how much I can lift or how much weight I lost. I also feel that I am an inspiration to others. I have stopped leaving my health and well being to chance and am well aware that my thoughts dictate my overall external circumstances. I feel I have gained control...physically, mentally and spiritually...I am eternally grateful for that. I have begun a new chapter in my life and am very excited at where I am headed. I no longer live in fear, doubt and worry...instead I choose love, compassion and faith! Thanks Bill, Love, Dean PS - Lastly looking back I would have chose a different screen name. It's not about being ripped it's all about balance!
This is an incredible compilation of truths that are eternal and essential. I have lost in these short 12 weeks (I started the program on August 10) an identity of weakness physically, mentally and emotionally. I let go of the impression that since I was in my later 50's that my capacities were deteriorating and that it was impossible for me (not perhaps another) to be truly vital in all of these aspects. As a result I have gained strength and tone physically, and greater immunity and resilience in all areas of my life. My outlook is much more positive and focused, my faith increased and joy heightened. My respect and desire for community has increased and trust in my fellow mankind multiplied. I am looking forward to another cycle of transformational challenges and rewards. The rewards of increased self-esteem, love for people and life, abundant health, and joy are invaluable. Love has led me to this site, to all of you wonderful people, and I am forever grateful! THANK YOU, T.COM COMMUNITY and may you be blessed!!!!! Much love, Janet
I am transformed on the outside and the only "emotional" word I can come up with at this point is humbled. I'm going to get to work on my packet ASAP. Love to all - thanks Bill! Melinda
WOW I have made it through 18 weeks! Tomorrow I start another 18 weeks and its amazing to say that im doing something for this long. Its amazing to say that i now know i can stick to something. That this body i am in isnt permanent and i can change it! I have not had a HUGE physical transformation but the Emotional one, that is huge, and its priceless. Having the right mentality is something i really needed and now i have it. Now i can move on to round 2 and make my life even better!
what you’ve lost and what you’ve gained I"ve lost alot of people who I found to be draining. I've gained Meditation Instructors Course, more time with meditation at home, more time with me, myself and my family and having more induced pain rather than residual pain from the accidents. what you’ve stopped and what you’ve started. I've stopped being annoyed with people who are stuck and I've started to ignore them. I've started singing more, meditating more, and playing with my family more. what you’ve ended and what you’ve begun. I've ended being angry at the accidents and I've begun to find amazing healers to work out injuries and trauma as well as finding ways that I can begin t heal myself.
Thank you, Bill, for making this all possible. I am so very grateful for this website, your incite, help and passion that supports this cause. Without you and it, this would not have been possible for me. I’ve lost my heart break pain, anguish, self pity and feeling ugly, unwanted and worthless. ( and some body flab) I’ve gained back my self confidence, self respect, inner heart, soul, laughter and joy.(and more muscle /flexibility-despite injuries) I’ve stopped trying to please someone that was bad for my health, heart and well being. I’ve started concentrating on helping me and helping others. (I’ve started letting me, be “me” again—”trusting, caring and “taking that chance”.) I’ve began a journey of transformation from the inside out, that I plan to continue working on for quite a while. I’ve began once again wonderful relationships with so many unconditionally loving and helpful, caring people through the community at T.com. I’ve began volunteering regularly at botanical tropical gardens. - Terri
This is overwhelming. Just seeing all of these assignments rolled into one, and to be read in the first person is truely one of the greatest wonders I have ever seen!!!!!!!! I have three weeks to go, but I have finished up all of my assignments. I'm completely speechless (wordless?) at this point. First of all. I AM a different person that when I started. Thank you all so much for supporting me along the way and never giving up on me. I feel like.. I feel like I'm on stage and won an award! What I've lost: false beliefs that I can't change. What I've gained: A gentle love for myself and others, compassion, patience, energy, motivation, drive, friendships, happiness, JOY!!!!!!!!!, intelligence, wisdom, bravery, a little silliness?, muscles, a better body. What i've stopped: complaining all the time, making excuses, be lazy, hording, hating. What I've started: A revolution in myself to live to the fullest extent of my life!, a fire in my belly!, and healthy routines. What I've ended: previous beliefs that said "I can't and I won't." What I've begun: The rest of my life and others that want help in the process of self discovery.
What did I learn from this challenge to be GENTLE to myself. Gentle with my emotions ...gentle with my loss...gentle through my grief. Round two was not an easy round for me. The GRIEF that came to me through losing my mom very suddenly back in February and i am still processing through it one baby step at a time. I learned that I AM WAY stronger than I have ever thought. I have learned I must NURTURE myself daily and I am so WORTH IT! I am BELOVED of GOD and I am drinking from this well of LOVE that GOD has for me and I am praying that ROUND three will be STRONGER than EVER for me! I really want to RELEASE at least 36 pounds this next round...thats my goal! Shari
Lost and gained.In the last 18 week,well time fly"s when your having fun.And i had fun,i am down from 193 lbs to 172 ibs.I never dreamed i could be in such shape.I have run 2 5k"s which was hugh for me.I hear you looking some lean doug all the time.Did you know people look and treat healthy people different.From strangers saying hello to people holding the door for you. What i"ve stopped and started,my eating has changed.If i don"t have something healthy to eat i"ll take the time and find it.The eating out and junk food is gone. What i"ve ended and began,i find i am more happy,friendly and positive throught the day.My biggest transformation by far has been my relationship with my daughter.I had not heard from her in years,and i let go and have talk with her a few times now and hope to see her soon. The need to be perfect,in eating and excersising is gone and i have learn it works if i work it,i worked it cause i am worth it. Thanks transformation Doug :)
What has my true transformation experience been? What have I lost/gained, stopped/started, ended/begun?** I have ended/let go of all fears and procrastination with getting started as a personal trainer, and I have begun a spiritually rewarding career as a trainer. I get to help people change their lives, and I LOVE it. I’ve ended relying on my parents for financial support and have begun being financially independent. I have become a champion. I’ve given up fears of financial insecurity and have begun giving more to fundraisers and charities. I have remained sober and abstinent from bingeing/purging (will be 9 months sober October17, my liver is so happy). I have gained more confidence in my ability to set and achieve goals. I have begun to set healthy boundaries for myself at work and in my relationships. My reasons for transforming continue to evolve too. In round 1, I defined my purpose as wanting to help others recover from eating disorders/addictions. Now I am motivated to continue working on myself, because I am passionate about helping others change their lives by listening, providing encouragement, motivating, guiding and expressing love, compassion and acceptance…and leading by example =)
I lost some of my fear and negativity about making changes and being who I want to be. I was disgusted with my weight gain and eating habits.. I was so discouraged and began to think "It is what it is." I gained confidence and a new perspective on life. i became less fearful of setting goals and working towards them. I am starting to believe that if I put my mind to it I can stop procrastinating and start progressing toward my goals without having to be perfect. I have gained moe insight into how to be a work iin progress. How best could I support and encourage others but to let it begin with me to be the change agent. I am at the beginning stages of spiritual transformation. I am becoming more positive every day knowing that its O.K. to make some mistakes along the way, but to keep moving forward regardless. I have stopped focusing on the negative and have lost some pounds and have become more toned. I begin my day with some healthy habits like exercise and a nutritional breakfast. I stopped buying foods with little nutrition and now plan what I will eat. I have stopped beating myself up and am learing to let go and let things flow. I want to thank Bill and all those on this site who have shared, inspired, and encouraged me.
I am just a couple days shy of week 18 but I've worked through all the lessons. A great blessing to me was spending time with Transformation Champion Marty Goldman yesterday. While I still have work to do to become the man, husband, father, and example that I want, Marty helped me to see that I'm on the right path. Just listening to a true champ gave me a better vision of where I should be going. These weeks I have developed more confidence and more hope. Really, the vision of a better life has unfolded where once was just a blindspot. Again, I don't have full clarity but what an amazing difference. Another valuable thing that has been powerfully reinforced is to surround myself with excellence. I need to ease off from the folks who bring me down, and when I'm with them, be an inspiration by example. This is so much more than exercise and diet. To match your healthy exterior with a healthy mind and spirit is pretty much Heaven on earth. I can't wait to start the next 18 weeks to build myself even further. We are blessed.
First I'd like to thank Bill and all the people on this website for providing me with such an inspirational experience. This transformation has allowed me to lose weight, gain muscle tone, and develop a plan for my life. Although I am not yet where I want to be, I feel I am on my way. I have become more conscious of my actions instead of just letting things happen. I plan the direction I want to go in. I have started eating better and exercising regularly. I have stopped my unhealthy eating habits and a defeatist attitude. I have gained new confidence and resolve that I can be successful. I am still working on stopping my tendency to procrastinate. That will take a little longer to master but I am working in the right direction. I look forward to coming together in Colorado and getting inspired again as I begin my next transformation.
I am in the middle of week 18 of my first transformation challenge. So far I have lost 35 pounds (20 lbs. since May 25) and the limiting belief that I am incapable of creating a physically fit and trim body. I’ve gained more energy, confidence, muscle tone and optimism. I’ve also achieved greater self-awareness and further clarity about my goals, motivations, needs and areas for growth. I’ve stopped making excuses for changing my life and started taking responsibility for my choices about food and exercise. I’ve discontinued using food to comfort, numb or cope with every troubling or stressful emotion. I’ve also stopped being so critical of myself. I’ve started exercising six days a week and that seems totally normal to me now. I’ve also incorporated daily reading of Scripture and prayer time into my routine on a fairly consistent basis. I no longer quit or give up on losing weight and pursuing fitness if I have a bad day or make one wrong food choice or miss one day’s workout. I have also become more disciplined with my sleep schedule. I’ve begun studying for the Graduate Record Exam, getting out to socialize and have fun, and pursuing the abundant life of wholeness, health and well being that God intends for me so that I can serve Him and others with vigor and compassion.~Christine
sometimes i am moved to tears at how good people actually can be...i brought in 10 pledge forms for make-a-wish to work and they were all filled out during my first shift...there were people who i never thought would give that signed up...now, i have another stack of forms and i begin my work week tomorrow... it's been almost 3 weeks since i've finished my 18 week transformation challenge, and now i have all my photos developed and i keep them behind the bar when i'm working... one of my co-workers has started working out as a result of my transformation, and about 8 people want me to train them or help them get started...that's in addition to the 7 who have already started... i put everything i have from my transformation in a nice binder and people are totally blown away... and yes, i'm totally blown away...my rewards come each and every day someone else is inspired... it's really pumping me up for this denver event...i live about an hour away, and i cannot sleep, i'm so excited....thank you, bill and team for all your help and support... thank you, clarissa rightlight, coach stoney, joe pimental, paige d. and all the t.com tranformers.... i love you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Over the last 18 weeks I have mostly left behind my "I can't" mentality. I say mostly because I feel like I'm just starting to see all the possiblities that are out there for me. I know that I'm not fully aware of my potential yet. However I am SO excited to further this journey, and see just how much I can accomplish with my new "Yes I Can!" mentality. I feel like so many new doors are opening for me. I really do feel the sky is the limit. I have learned how to really love myself. I've finally realized what my purpose is exactly on this earth. It is to give. Give whatever I can to help lift others up, show them that somebody does care, give them an idea of what truly living is. We definitley believe that we were never meant to endure this life alone. We are all here to look after each other. I'm learning to leave my seflishness behind. It only drags you down. I've gained a lot more patience for my children. In return have learned to truly enjoy them, and not just survive this time in my life when they are young, and need to so much from me. I know that in the blink of an eye they will be grown up, and gone, and I don't want to have regrets. I want to take it in and enjoy it all as much as possible. I now feel that I am capable of doing that. I've let go of sooo many limited beliefs, too many more to mention. This has been a great assignment, and I am grateful for the chance to reflect. Also as I get ready to start my next 18 weeks, this assignment has hepled give me some insight into what I need to focus on, and work harder at. I will forever be grateful for this wonderful program, website, and community. It is helping me get my life back :)
This is a good assignment. Can be tear jerking. I have been transforming since sept 3rd 2008 but this last 18 weeks, I have changed a lot also. Since being on this site I have taught myself to put my feeling into words and express myself and do it in a way that will help out another. Writng is not an easy thing for me. I am a hands on person. Since this last 18 weeks I am now ready to get certified and go out and help someone be the change.. It has changed me in so many ways. I am a happier person I will now go in a pool with a suit and not have a shirt to cover up the body, and it feels good to talk to anyone about my progress and how I did it. At the same time it has made me think about the choice I make for my children a little bit closer. I have taken my body that I was not happy with and made it into a learner body that I am happy with. It has been a great feeling to go to the store and pick up a 4/6 shirt and fit into it evertime. So now I think about what I am wearing to where it was always sweats and a t-shirt and always baggy. No more baggy, I want to show off my body. I don't want it hidden. Mom and grandma think they are too tight but that is okay. i am proud of my transformation and wouldn't trade it for the world. Thanks for all the support you have given and from that I will be able to go out and give the support that others need. I just "Believed" in myself and the results have shown.
There is one week left in my challenge, yet I have already "won" in numerous ways: ................. I have lost considerable body fat and gained noticeable muscle. Depression is replaced with a sharp and vibrant mind. My racing mind is now still. Hopelessness has given way to optimism. A sluggish metabolism is a thing of the past! ................ I am not the same person that I was 17 weeks ago. ............... I am receiving compliments on how good I look and have gone from sedentary to running 5K races. I even won first place in the 55-59 age group! I completed a triathlon - a goal I have had for many, many years. .............. There is so much more which I will share in my essay. I'm a long way from perfect but the changes in me are amazing and I cannot imagine ever looking back.
I have lost so much throughout this transformation process. Physically, I have lost 22 pounds, 10% body fat & 80% of my clothes, Mentally, I have lost things I hope to never find again. I don't miss the daily negative internal dialog, the BIG black cloud that overshadowed every aspect of my life, and the crippling hopelessness of depression. They say that a photo is worth a thousand words. Well, I wish I could take a photo of my inner transformation. My start photo would look something like this: a cold, dark, tiny closet, full of clutter and noise. The feelings in that room would resemble a storm, with swirling clouds of doubt and a pounding rain of despair. No joy. No point. Helpless and drowning. Dying. My 18 week internal photo looks quite different. Imagine a white, sandy beach with the sun rising over the mountains behind. The sand. . .countless blessings and endless possibilities. The sand reflects the light, so much light that I have to shield my eyes and wipe away tears of joy. I can feel the warmth of the sun and I welcome it. The water is beautiful and cleansing. I am not afraid of it. Each wave crashes with purpose, always changing the shore and reminding me of my progress. There is so much light, warmth, joy, and love. I wish you could see it. It's an amazing contrast to my start, one I never thought possible. And each time I imagine this photo, I want to share it with everyone! I have set goals. Some I have reached, some I have fallen short, and some were even forgotten. Did I have a perfect transformation? No. But it was a perfectly wonderful journey and totally worth it!
I have lost the despairing sense I had 18 weeks ago that my life was in decline. I was at the heaviest point in my life and facing the prospect of a 40th birthday full of dread and anxiety about what the rest of my life would look like and how that would translate to my role as father, husband, son, teacher and friend. I gained a sense of my own power. I recaptured my inner drive. I gained a powerful rationale for continuing to live a healthy lifestyle...so that I have the energy and mental discipline to serve others. I've stopped seeing myself as broken and started viewing myself as full of potential. I've ended my obsession with outcomes that always drives me to lose motivation. I have begun seeing possibilities. I have begun to look into the future with anticipation over what I can achieve. I have ended the constant need to compare myself to others and have begun to see the divine in others instead. Thank you Bill, Stoney, Chris, Paul and the rest of this amazing community. This place is an oasis! I'm looking forward to the next 18 weeks!
My last assignment - until I start all over again next week! Okay - so I made it through my 18 weeks and I have to say - I am feeling really great. I've gained more self-confidence, a desire to continually change for the better and search for ways to always do good for others, more respect for myself and my body, my talents and gifts, increased desire to feed my body with healthy foods, feed my mind with inspirational thoughts, feed my spirit through constant prayer, reading my scriptures and through church service. I have gained a better appreciation for all I am able to accomplish through setting goals and following the council of those in my group, my sister, Christine and of course - Bill! I have gained muscles in places I didn't know I could, gained more energy, gained eternal friendships and a greater perspective of life and what is most important. What have I lost? Well - I have lost 23 pounds and 10% body fat and several inches and pant sizes. That was just a bonus. I lost the will to beat myself down when I wasn't living up to my own, skewed standards. I don't hate myself anymore. I gave up on trying to be perfect. I gave up on wanting to have control of everything around me all the time. I gave up my fear of not knowing what comes next. I learned to trust myself, my family, my friends and my Father in Heaven. I know now that when I do the work to the best of my ability, Heavenly Father will pick up the slack. I have incredible potential to do good in so many different ways and I know now that it's okay to make mistakes. I know now that every day is a gift and we make the choice of how to use that gift. I learned that everyone, no matter who they are, has the innate ability to know what's right and what's wrong. I can't help but wonder who that person was in my first assignment. All I know is - she's long gone! I look forward to continuing my transformation and I am so very grateful for what it has done for my life so far. Here's to week #18, the first of MANY!
I have to say thanks to Bill Phillps and coming across the Body For Life Video... It was such motiviation. And I have to thank everyone here on Transformation.com as inspiration. We are all at different points in our lives and seeing many of the profiles, we all have something, that we can learn from each other. I finished my 18thweek on August 8th, I intended to post my final blog for the 18weeks, while I was in the Great Smoky Mountains that weekend. I had terrible internet connection at the hotel., so I was going to wait till I got home. Well on my way home I got the sad news that an older cousin of mine had passed away from a stroke. I know Death is just a part of life, Within a little over a month into my transformations my dad was in the hospital with heart problems... and then at the end, this happened. So I just had alot on my mind and getting to my blog posts, kinda got put on the way side. So I do appologize for not getting to follow up my final notes for the 18weeks. My results have been great with the transformation, although I don't have a seriously ripped set of abs such as Paul from down under (lol) Paul was a great inspiration, provided me with great tips and encouragement, Thanks so much Paul! I have so much more energy, my breathing capacity is so much better... With my job, carrying equipment and steps were wearing me down... I have the ability to handle stress and problems with so much more clarity now. Allergies, being on the transformation program, I have cut out all those sweets, that I would nibble on now n then.... I had problems with allergies off and on.... the symptoms have all cleared up, it was amazing seeing that happen this year. I have lost a little over 14lbs of fat which was slowly creeping up on me, stealing my energy and motivation, little by little. As you go thru the Transformation, you'll naturally stop focusing on perfection but focus on progress and thats definately helped me out in other aspects of my life as well. I've continued my work out routine, the healthy eating just comes naturally and I know I wont fall back to old eating habits, simply because I feel so much better.... I also notice on my free days, if I over endulge..... the next day I feel almost hung over in a way.... you know just like with alcohol in a way. So I tend to not over endulge on the junk on my free days. I plan to continue on doing another 18weeks and continue with the healthy lifestyle. One of my biggest challenges, was getting on here to post my weekly results. The workouts just came naturally, the healthy eating came along easy, simply because I felt more energetic. I have to thank Bill Phillips for the inspiration both physically, mentally and for inspiration in my business. Coach Stoney for sending the inspirational peices each week, for stopping by and commenting on my progress, Bobbyg, hearing your life story and seeing your progress and your kinds words were so inspiring! Drew Media, catching your inspirational words and daily updates and you stopping by to give me positive, upbeat comments on my profile, Thank you so much! Marty Goldman, your story and video that was put together, gave me so much momentum and kept me in a positive frame of mind, even in dark times with the thoughts of losing a dear one, your story kept me focused and kept me going! Thanks to all of you on here with your great profiles and posts!!!! Going through this is very empowering, spiritual. Other people seeing you do this gives them the inspiration to work on there health and physical condition. I've also reflected alot lately, 18weeks went by soo quick... Its a reminder how short life is (especially with some of the things that have occured during my transformation) This has been a wonderful transformation and I look forward to continuing on in this journey forward! Take care and Keep in touch! Tim
Before I go on and on, I want to thank you for providing us the opportunity and tools through these challenges to make these changes. I have not had much change physically, except firming up and getting stronger. I lost 4 lbs since I stepped up my cardio, my goal is 10 lbs. I expect to see some leaps in that as my running progresses. My sister told me that I have a firm upper body and thin legs and that no one would ever guess my age, (my tummy is going away, but is not flat or six pack)...It will be flatter by 10/18 because I am expecting to lose a lot of fat running. I was pretty content with my progress last challenge, maybe too content and that really wasn't the focus of this challenge. My ego work has been life changing. I got most of my cobwebs blown out during the first challenge. I had one major one left, it was probably one of the most painful occurrences of my whole life. It had to do with perceived injustices and my poor reaction to them. I went for 1 year crying and reliving it all and then I forgave my trespassers. I did not accept my part in the whole thing and still suffered from the shame and loss of the whole thing (without being aware that I was) and strained relationships. With the ego work that I did, I saw what I could have done differently to make the situation better. I learned that it doesn't always have to be "for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction", I have changed that in my life. I can control my reaction to be more appropriate to the outcome. Some pains that were so deep, are gone now and relationships are saved. I uncovered some areas where I needed to do some work and it has been an amazing difference in my relationships and difficult situations. I breezed through a couple of things that could have been torture for everyone, and being able to deal with things...leaving my ego behind helped us all to get to better places. It has just been amazing. I have to say that this is one thing that has been a healthy change in my life and very obviously made a difference in the lives of others. I have some very challenging situations in my life and have had more comments on my ego work and the way I have handled difficult situations from my extended family than on my physical changes. I am still applying ego work to my marriage...that is always a work in progress, we have made it 28 years though, so we have a lot more strength than weakness. We are so much kinder and tolerant and giving. We don't always work well together, but my ego work has done good things for that. We always have fun together when it is time for that. My pledge to make a substantial contribution with my run will be a goal accomplished...after I run. I don't like running...but I know I can do it. (I think I got a runner's high this morning, so I may change my attitude on it...that would be so nice). It is just sooooo boring. My pledges are still growing, I just keep asking and they just keep saying yes...amazing and thrilling. My business is not up 35,000 per month (my goal), but it is up 25,000 per month, my expenses are almost non existant so that is outstanding progress. I took a class on nutrition and learned a lot about eating to feed my body and not just for pleasure, next challenge I will work harder on actually doing it, though I did adhere to the EFL plan, I could have eaten a little healthier by throwing the zone bars out the window. I finished my thesis on Healthy Living Through Intelligent Design, now I am taking a class on organizational psychology, pretty interesting, next week it is on leadership styles...which really, really makes me want to go to the symposium in Canada...it could still happen. My thirst for knowledge has been satisfied this challenge...for now. I am learning things from everyone on t.com daily. Carolynn, Coach, Shawn, Robin, I am leaving out about 300 amazing people....great learning experiences all the time. I guess I have to say this challenge has been successful, especially when I add it to the first 18 week challenge. I am a totally different person from the old lady waiting patiently for her October meeting at Mayo last year. I was waiting to die last year. I don't know if I totally believe that the best part of my life is ahead of me...I do believe that it is going to be good. That would also be a good thing to work on next challenge. Deciding what it is going to take to insure that what is ahead of me is going to be a lot better than what was behind me would be a good way to spend the next 18 week challenge. I spent the last 28 years living to give my kids a good future...I guess this would be a smart time to do that for myself.
I've come to realize that I really do have the power inside me to choose my life's path. I am choosing to be happy, to have a positive outlook on life, to realize that my thoughts and words are tremedously powerful, that my actions and words do affect others and I'm choosing to make sure they affect them in a positive way. I'm gaining better health. My cholesterol levels and blood pressure are normal (the first time ever that they haven't been high) I can run farther and lift more. I am stronger in every way. I realize that I have made a lot of progress, but that I will always need to be striving for the next level and to learn all that life will teach. I haven't given up and have followed through with the assignments and the challenge, even though it's been discouraging at times and my physical changes aren't what I wanted them to be. I have given up my long time addiction to diet coke, and am eating and drinking cleaner than I ever have. I am seeing glimpses more and more of my authentic self and the potential that I have to become someone so much better than I am now. I am wanting to live a full life and one without regret. I am excited for the future, for opportunities and possibilities. I am full of gratitude for my life and for who I am, for how far I've come and for the knowledge that God has been with me every step of the way. I am grateful for the motivation and inspiration I can find by being involved in this community and for Bill's vision in bringing this awesome transformation to the world.
first, let me say thank you to bill phillips and everybody on this site...i could not have done this without you...the biggest lesson i have learned from this 18 week journey (as opposed to the 12 week BFL) is focussing on progress and not perfection...this has helped me the most... with the extra weeks it becomes more of a lifestyle and not so much a sprint to win... even though there are prizes in transformation.com, it is more of a group effort with this interactive website... we are all winners just for trying, and we are all leaders when we complete... i believe we all share a desire to help our friends, family, and this country to be better than we were yesterday, especially in the health and fitness area...my second lesson that i enjoyed the most was writing down goals, desires, dreams etc... i have been an advocate of this for over a decade and i love the way it works... and when you incorporate this powerful tool along with proper nutrition and exercise, it is virtually foolproof...talk about harnessing the power of the universe...i know i have come so far in life, and this has helped me be prepared for anything... i also know that i still have so much more to grow...i still need to find inner peace...i am caught up in the month to month paying bills struggle, but i don't worry as much as i did before, for now i am armed with an extra layer of muscles and energy and i can face any challenge with a renewed enthusiasm...positive outcomes seem to be the normal order of things for me now...it's funny, eating healthy and exercising are both now the norm in my life...the free day antics are what seem out of place...(don't get me wrong, i still take my free days!!!) my biggest reward so far comes in the form of 7 different people who have started eating healthy, exercising and a few are doing this program because they have seen my results...this catapults me into such motivation to keep going...thank you, luana, steve, mike, carol, lance, jeremiah, and jeff i can't wait to see everyone in denver... thank you so much again, transformers and winners... johnnybartender
What I've lost: the sense of needing to be constantly stressed all the time, otherwise I'll lose everything. What I've gained: a sense of peace, my purpose and passion in life.
What I've gained. 1. More muscle. 2. Calmer state of mind. 3. Lots more patience. 4. I'm stronger mentally. 5. Stronger physically. What I've lost. 1. Not a lot of weight, bit I am firmer. 2. Anger. 3. Resentment. 4. Denial. 5. False sense of who I was. I could go on and on. The changes I feel inside are more than what I see on the outside. I can be patient, and wait for the rest of my physical goals. I'm not the size 10 I wanted to become, yet. But I will be. That is still what I'm working for and should make it by the end of the next challenge. Carmen ;~) Let's go!
What I've lost - close to 14 pounds, a chunk of body fat, a feeling of mediocrity, a sense of lethargy, and a belief that I'd lost my mojo forever. What I've gained - lean muscle, strength, energy,new friends on t.com, the belief that I can do anything I set my mind on, MY MOJO! What I've stopped - eating garbage (metphorically speaking :) ), making excuses (mostly), being so hard on myself. What I've started - exercising regularly, eating sensibly, going pescitarian, trying to always look on the bright side. What I've ended - a several year downward slide on my fitness level, feeling a little sorry for myself, my need for dessert, slug like behavior. What I've begun - to hope for more, to believe in myself, to always try and see the good in others, to feel optimistic about my future, to think it's not too late for me to become the person I was meant to be. Thanks Bill. It's been a great ride.
I've lost: Darkness, fatalism, misanthropic nature, almost 20 lbs, and 5% body fat. I've gained: Light, perspective, appreciation, understanding, compassion, and my REAL self. I've stopped: Being critical, judgmental, trying to force an outcome, letting my thoughts roam unchecked. I've started: Being open, accepting, looking for Divinity in everyone, and focusing my mind positively. I've ended: Defiance and an unsustainable path. I've begun: The brightest future, brighter than I ever imagined! Bill - as ever, thank you for all you have brought into my life - you have saved my life! DEEPEST THANKS.
Wow, that is truly amazing, I finished my 18 weeks tomorrow and am so thrilled that I made it! I am a new person with a new vision and hope for the future and my relationship with God has deepened beyond measure....the biggest gift I have received during this first transformation challenge of mine is the gift of giving from the heart without expectation or return.....thank you Bill for being the change so I can be too....now off to do some writing....Love Thia
Assignment # 18 - 6.25.09 The Day the Music Died I pray that God would use everything I have experienced over the past 18 weeks to help and bless other people~ In light of Michael Jackson's death, I decided it would be best to share some thoughts about self-medicating. Whether or not the rumors and allegations surrounding his death prove to be true, I think we can all agree that Michael Jackson was nothing short of a genius in the music and film industry. As a musician, I enjoyed his music and dance more than words can say, and in the unfolding of his life and death, we should all take something to heart and learn from it: Sometimes people wear masks because they are in emotional pain. We are all human therefore we can all make mistakes. It's kind of one of those "given" things that you're born with called sin. The issue is not the fact that we sin, but HOW we deal with the sin. We all have emotions, and a lot of them. Whether or not we use them correctly is a learned behavior, (I think). When, for whatever reason, we are not able to feel or express the correct emotion at a given time, (I think this is where) we begin to lose our "peace", and our sense of "right thinking" to function the way God intended for us to live out our lives. If the event is not dealt with properly, I think it starts a pattern of lying within ourselves. So we begin the process of lying, hiding, wearing masks, more lying, and we eventually lose our integrity within. We can’t follow through because we don’t even believe in ourselves at the core. Sometimes people feel so bad about the fact that they are lying to themselves that they begin to do things to try to make them feel better. It becomes a cycle, and unless the cycle is broken, it can take on a life of its own and we lose ourselves to it: this is self-medicating. Food, alcohol, drugs, smoking, gambling, sexual addictions, you name it...there are many. Any time we run to something else other than seek God for solutions to the emotional pain in our lives, we are giving charge to the habit instead of giving it to God to help us out. The solution is to step down from our pride and humble ourselves and believe that God can and will help us. Saying that is easy. Putting the words into action is difficult and can be quite uncomfortable. As I close Round 1, I find that it serves at my purpose and calling to share openly with others about the things I exchanged for God's love. I can tell you that none of it was worth it, but as I press on to continue on the "other side" I will always remember that I am continually recovering...and I once stood at the crossroads where someone stands today. I started and stopped so many things in my Round 1 Transformation. The most important thing I started was to believe that “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13. I know how quickly pride can take you down the wrong path, so I humbly say, "I understand. I can relate to where you have been, because I have been there, too~"....but, if you keep pressing into Him, and forward with the positive changes, life just keeps getting better and better. :) Laura
This experience has been a true blessing. So much in my life has changed. I might not have the Calvin Klein model body that I often wished I had but most importantly I have made progress and want to make continued progress. What is most important to me is that I find myself thinking about others and what I can do to help others. Throughout the day I find myself spontaneously thanking God for all the blessings in my life. Yesterday I achieved a lifelong goal of running a 7 miles race without stopping and also managing to finish with and good time. All the above to mention a few are things that I wouldn’t have done before. I am so happy I decided to go on this journey. I feel think I'm in control of my own destiny.
Wow, what a journey this has been!! I would have to say that the biggest change for me is my perspective on things. I attribute this to finding-out that it really does take more than vanity to change one's body; it takes a commitment that goes much deeper. The great thing about that is the fact that the rewards that got me started in this program (different body, feeling better, etc.)- have evolved into so much more than that. Transfomation truly is a gift that keeps-on giving!! Virtually anything I have ever wanted to do is now within my reach- and I am looking forward to my next challenege. Thanks Bill- and stay-tuned, the best is yet to come!!
What I've lost: 18 pounds, 3 dress sizes, the chip on my shoulder, the negative thoughts in my mind, the aches and pains in my body, anxiety and fears that have followed me for years, terrible eating habbits, sleepless nights. What I've gained: a feeling of peace, energy, more patience, more self respect, more respect for others, amazing friends, a positive attitude, stronger faith, the confidence to reach out and try new things, a genuine smile on my face, a place I can go to for advice and support, new muscles, clearer thinking, restful sleep, and a healthier way to feed my body. I've gained a new me, inside and out! I've stopped feeling sorry for my self. I've stopped living in fear and letting life pass me by. I've started living my life with intention. I've started living my life by faith. I've started replacing my negative thoughts with those that are positive and appreciative. I've ended my old ways of thinking and doing. They weren't working for me! I have begun a new life, a new me. I was blessed to be created for God's purposes. I will spend the rest of my life living and preparing in a way that I will always be physically, mentally and spiritually ready when he calls. I can't wait to see where this transformation will continue to take me. I am so thankful. Thank you Bill, and the entire T.com community. Your support has been invaluable.
My energy has returned. I not longer have tears of sadness; tears of joy and gratitude have replaced them. I have been able to grieve and release the pain of the things that I missed out on in life due to my poor choices. The past is now in the past. I have been able to forgive those that have hurt me in the past including and most importantly myself. I used to be my own worst enemy. Now I am happy and whole. Pain, sadness, depression and hurt have gotten their walking papers. Worry is not longer a constant in my life. Belief and determination are my new buddies! My husband is my best friend and supporter but I had a need for some outside friendships too. Loneliness has been replaced with friendships. I was afraid to ask anyone for help in the past and now I am able to feel worthy to ask for help. My fears and doubts in myself are being left in the dust and I have new dreams and goals that will allow me to help others on a grander scale. I have renewed my relationship in God, which has filled a hole I had in my heart. I used to be very reactive and get upset easily. Now I am more calm and rational and actually more proactive to avoid problems in the first place. I handle everything in life so much better now because I am more confident, less stressed, stronger mentally, physically and spiritually. I look forward to the future and pursuing my goals and dreams and helping others is a part of that mission. I am thankful for this Transformation process. I know this is just a step on my journey – A giant step for me but I look forward to continuing the growth that I have achieved. My belief that I can follow my dreams and achieve my goals is back again – Hope and belief is what everyone needs! THANK YOU!
What I have Lost: Wow! Where to begin. When I began the challenge I had to give up some bad habits and I would start there with items lost. Sitting and watching TV. Playing on the internet to see what was happening to the stock market. Eating Fried Foods. Eating Chips. Laziness attitude. With losing the bad habits I lost weight in the form of Fat. I remember in October last year talking with some friends about how I hurt everyday I woke up. This pain is gone. I don’t have the pain I did in October, it is gone(Thank God) What I have Gained: I have gained energy to get up and do things, such as clean the kitchen, wash clothes, put clothes away, etc. I have gained self confidence. I have gained a determined focus to not settle for things, but to push them to where I think they should be. I have gained a love for myself again giving me confidence in what I am pursuing. I have gained the confidence of starting something and finishing it. I have gained an incredible amount of self awareness. By having to put things down on paper and reflect on them, I have become aware of my attitude and feelings. I have gained a group of friends that have supported me through this whole process. What I have Stopped: I have stopped blaming others for my circumstance. I have stopped listening to negative influences. I have stopped allowing others to push me into a corner where they want me and I allow them to. I have stopped complaining about what is happening. I have stopped trying to eat myself into happiness. I have stopped putting bad foods into my system, with the exception of a free day(limited). What I have Started: I have started a huge project at home to remodel our house and make it nice for my wife. This is a huge undertaking, but I know I will finish. I have started learning how to take care of me. I have started focusing on others and their needs. I have started being positive in what I say. I have started looking at the Good side of things rather than the Bad side. What I have Ended: I have ended living in pain all day. I have ended treating my body with disrespect. I have ended trying to eat my way into feeling good. I have ended worrying about what may or may not happen. I have ended blaming others for my problems. I have ended starting something and not finishing. I have ended letting life just happen. Being an observer of the day. What I have Begun: I have begun to work on my relationship with God. I have begun focusing on my relationship with others. I have begun to work with others to help them and teach them. I have begun to take responsibility for where I am and take charge of my circumstance. I have begun to make life happen. As my wife tells me “Just Do It” I have begun to Do It. I have begun to love myself once again. I have begun to take charge of my circumstances. I have begun to be confident in myself and my abilities. I have begun to focus on me for 1 hour a day to make sure that I am healthy, confident, educated, energetic, happy, and focused. Wrap up: This challenge has taught me how to love myself and my friends again. It has pushed me to look inside of me and find what is stopping me from accomplishing the things I want to accomplish. It has taught me that I had some very bad habits that were eating away at me. I want more out of life than sitting still waiting for something to happen. I want to get out and make it happen. This will be an evergreen process for me. I have started something that has lit a fire in my soul to push forward and do the things that I believe God wants me to do. It has taught me to look within my soul and see what is holding me back and how to overcome the barriers that are stopping me from succeeding. This challenge has brought me to a weight level I have not seen for at least 20 years. I feel more vibrant and energetic than I can ever remember. I don’t think I could find the words to describe the feeling this challenge has pushed me to find. I now have respect for myself and my body. I have learned how to feed my body and my soul. I still have a lot to learn about myself, nutrition and spiritual awareness. I am beginning phase 2 of the transformation process and plan to focus on the spiritual and nutrition side of me. I cannot say enough of how good I feel. The exercise and nutrition aspect of the challenge has given me a renewed energy level I have not had for many years. The spiritual aspect of the challenge has given me an awareness of how negative I had gotten and has focused me on the positive aspects of me. I now have the courage to stand up and fight for what I believe in. In closing I would just like to say thank you for your continuing efforts of changing people. You have changed me. I have changed me. God has changed me. Thank you for helping me to TRANSFORM to a better person.
I now love the person looking back at me in the mirror everyday.
This Transformation is easily one of the best things that I’ve ever done with my life. I’ve taken the opportunities life has given me and taken them on head-on, aided by the assignment challenges along the way. I’ve come out from behind so many walls and confronted my darkest fears. I’ve parted ways with the spiral I was on. I believe that spiral was leading me to an early death, a lonely, sad death. I’ve gained health. I’ve gained years of vitality and happiness. I’ve connected with friends and family. I’ve allowed myself to face my fears and come out a father, once again. My fears immobilized me… Or, I more specifically; I sat there, immobilized in my fear until I found the desire and the courage to fully live, and let go of so many things. I let go of many fears. I let go of resentment. I let go of the compulsive need to control every aspect of my life. I let go of my aversion of faith in something that I cannot see and rationalize consciously. I’ve let go of these things that I’ve let pin me to my past. I let go of the comfort I found in my familiar mound of dirt. I let go of over 70 pounds of fat. I began to look at life through new eyes. I’ve begun to look through the eyes of forgiveness and love. I’ve stepped out from behind a facade of “Don’t bother me” and regained my fun-loving smile. I’ve re-organized my life, and taken on my responsibilities. I’ve gained strength, not only in my muscles, but in my mind and heart. I’ve gained the confidence, knowing that this challenge is just a beginning, but not only that… It’s one heck of a beginning. I’m coming back into life like I was shot out of a cannon, and I’m loving every bit of it. I’ve not only reconnected with my spirituality, but it has grown… I feel better today than at any point in my life that I can remember…. Seriously… And it just keeps getting better. I am willing it so. I’ve gained many new friends in my first transformation… And from here on out, I plan to reach out and make many more. Life is about people. It’s about giving. It’s about loving. Somewhere along the way, through pain, I learned to deny that to myself… I know it’s true, and I make sure that’s in the front of my mind every day. Eating right and Exercising has become a staple in my life. Silent meals and intense cardio and weight training have become my therapy. Through mindful eating, I find the emotional comfort of knowing that I am giving my body the very best I can, I am becoming what I eat the moment it passes my lips… And it starts with my mind. When I exert myself, I find and conquer new limits; I enjoy the progression of speed over time in my runs. I enjoy the feeling it brings. I enjoy moving my body in the way it was intended to move. I enjoy reaching that “I quit” moment, and then proving to myself that I am so much more than I thought previously, by busting through those imagined limits. I love the feeling of my muscles slowly growing and tightening. I love being able to see the results of my hard work, as the fat melts away. I enjoy how much taller I feel today. I’m ready to do it again! Forever.
My Transformation Challenge has been a special learning experience for me. I still have good days and bad days. Over the last 18 weeks, my eyes were open and I became aware that I really have a problem of yelling at my children. I lose my patience and easily get stress out at times. I have improved though and I'am working on this lower habit. I desire to be a good mother and have quality time together with my children and do good things. Over the last 18 weeks, I have also learned about my "fear of others" and "afraid what they think of me". I am trying to overcome this afear because it limits my true potential. I have learned frome Transformation Champion Denise that I have the power within me to inspire other to do there best. I can inspire others by continuosly working on myself to "Always Be Changing"
What an experience, thank all of you for your support and motivation. Your honesty speaks millions, thanks for sharing your experiences with me. I'm so glad I stuck with it and strove for progress and not perfection. Today is the last day of round 1 for me and I'm so glad to have arrived at this point in my journey!! My true Transformation has been exciting, challenging, enlightening and very rewarding. I've lost my "old self" - insecurities emotional drama, fears, selfishness, wanting to control, unhealthy reactions and behaviors, loneliness, flabbiness, laziness, flab, bad eating, doubt, belief that I'm not enough, which all add up to bad habits. I've gained my "new self" - security, emotional stability, confidence, selflessness, trust, new behaviors, peace, muscle (7 lbs) and strength, energy, healthy eating, positive thoughts, belief that I am enough, which started with "positive thoughts". I've stopped eating bad, letting my body go, complaining, blaming, doubting, running away from truth, beating my self up mentally, creating walls, believing lies based on passed wounds, withdrawing, allowing the lustful things of this world to control me, creating lies about my husband's intensions, living in fear and I've stopped shutting God out. I've started eating fantastic, taking care of my body, seeing the good in people, taking accountability for my own woundedness, standing in truth, speaking powerful words of truth to my soul, bringing the walls down, standing on God's truth, interacting with people securely, believing my husband isn't out to hurt me, living in peace and interacting with God on an intimate level versus and superficial level. I've ended my negative thinking which creates a selfish life... I've begun trusting and creating my life lead by God with the willingness to follow. This alone has opened up doorways for me to help others. Not change others, but love them with the hope that they will desire to help themselves.
I am so excited to be completing Round 1. I thought I would be relieved to be done with 18 weeks of conscious health, but instead I cannot wait to get started on Round 2!****What I am giving up: self-doubt, worthlessness, helplessness, self pity, failed attempts, foiled self-trust, the feeling that something was missing or not right, anxiety, fear, feeling out of control, and discontent. ***What I am gaining is self-esteem, sense of accomplishment, serenity, self-trust, feeling good in my own skin, acceptance, love, gratitude, trust of others, improved relationships, patience, and comfort in overall due process (comfort in having to take the time to do things right and let things happen in their course, as opposed to fear, anxiety, and restlessness).***I feel overall wonderful inside and out...I am still in awe at how harmonic the inner and outer transformations are and like I said I am fired up for Round 2!
What I've gained from this Challenge is a new internal compass guiding me in the right direction and inner voice providing me with positive affirmations along the way. I've learned that I can do this and I can achieve the results for which I've always longed. After 18 weeks, I feel as though I'm only just beginning. I needed to get myself into the right frame of mind in order to proceed. Although my inner change points toward success, I now need to "complete the circle" with the corresponding exterior transformation. It may take another 18 weeks, but I know now that I have the power, confidence, and ability to do it. Thank you, Bill, and all of my friends on this journey for helping me reconnect with the happiness within.
18wks. I made it WOW !!! I couldn't have lasted if not for all the encouragment from all of you!! I have learn & changed alot about myself during these 18wks. not only have I lost weight & went from size 14 to a size10 during this transformation 've also change spirtuly inside out I have loads of energy,feel better about myself & want to inspire others if I can do this so can you. I not only have changed my bad habits to good but, you know you have change when on free day you still eat healthy LOL ! I am ready to start 2nd round Thanks to all of you, Thank you Bill for web site & Thank you Larry for signing us both up. God Bless all of my T.com Family Thats how I feel about you all.
I had in my mind what it was going to be like going through the Transformation and it turned out to be everything but. I've laughed, cried, became aware, and so much more. I am writing my completed assignment this weekend and I can't wait. I'm already in Round 2. I've learned not to set expectations but to expect the unexpected.
T18: The Universal Law of Transformation To complete Assignment 18, I’m asking you to share what your true Transformation experience has been – what you’ve lost and what you’ve gained. My transformation in all aspects has been life changing. I have gained so much more than I thought was possible in these few short months (at the beginning 18 weeks sounded like a small eternity). I have gained insight, awareness, physical strength and spiritual empowerment, inner peace, meaningful relationships and many new friends. I have learned to accept people for who they are and find their strengths and help build them up!! I have lost the feeling of rejection, I have lost body fat, ugliness, insecurities, loneliness, and most important being separated from God. I have a positive outlook on life and am striving to obtain outrageous, contagious joy everyday!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you, Bill for sharing your mission with me. God bless always, Renee’
I started the challenge hoping to lose weight, but I’ve lost and gained so much more than that in the past 18 weeks. I found a wonderful community of people that truly care about each other – which is helping me remove the “force field” I have kept around myself. I was worried that I wouldn’t do “well enough” and would be a disappointment to people who have been supportive of me. I’ve gained the knowledge that since I worked the program, and finished round one, there really isn’t any “not well enough”, as that is a comparison with others (but will probably still need a few knocks on the head before I totally accept). I’ve stopped skipping meals because I was too busy at work, and started exercising – really exercising, not just belonging to a fitness club and visiting it occasionally. I’ve also started acknowledging (and keep trying to remember) that work is not the most important factor in my life. Living a healthy, happy life is the most important gift we can give ourselves – after that, the rest will fall into place naturally. Margaret
In these 18 weeks I have learned much about myself. I've faced fears, hard truths, forgiving people, learned to really love myself and trust members of the T.com community. I've gained better control of my disease and lost weight and gained muscle. It's starting to look good in the mirror. It's been a while since I was happy to look in a mirror. My journey has just begun and I know as long as I maintain my faith in myself, the community and Bill's teachings I will continue to learn, get healthy and really enjoy life. My thanks to all of you that are with me on my journey and my thanks to Bill, Stoney, Carolynn, Chris Winters, Chris Haro, Kathytnt, DustyLuv and my lovely wife Margaret.
These past 18 weeks have been an incredible journey into self-discovery. Losing so many limiting beliefs in the areas of excercise, time management, self-care, self-love, age, my own capabilities, being differently abled, needing someone to do this with me, planning,and goal setting. I've recognized having the knowledge is great, but if it is not applied then it is useless. That alone was a real eye opener! Pushing through self-imposed barriers set up from fear has freed me to explore who and what I am. Living with someone else's vision of who I am and what I am capable of all my life has not served me well. Breaking through fear and pain, has allowed me to show up authentically in life. Getting rid of 2 medications I was taking to go to sleep and the Prevacid has saved a ton of money, not to mention my liver having to process the stuff. Consistently making choices which empower me in my daily life has strengthened my discipline to continue with this lifestyle for the rest of my life. I now know I am worthy, valuable, and a contribution in the lives of others. Gaining my health and energy back has been the foremost benefit from the past 18 weeks. Coming into this challenge after being eposed to high levels of 5 different types of toxic mold, life was about just waiting for it to end. My hair has grown back. My hair dresser said I have the healthiest scalp she has ever seen and that my hair is thicker than it has been in years and I have been going to her for forever. The yeast infection which was spread throughout my body from my nose to my toes and everywhere in between is history. Glowing skin that radiates pink instead of grey, gums that are pink instead of white are now a natural part of who I am physically. Being able to exercise for a full hour and still have energy to go about my day is more precious than money to me. I am now able to be fully engaged in my life. The attitude ajustment and the transitioning energy that radiates from my being is visible to others. These 18 weeks represent so much more than a number on a scale to me or bodyfat lost, it represents my life. Thank you Bill Phillips for having this vision and put it into life, because it gave me my life back. Sharen has been my accountability coach and has seen me through some trying times during these 18 weeks and for her I am forever grateful!
It is amazing to look through all of the weeks and see just how far we have come! And I can't wait to see how much farther this round is going to take me. Last night I re-read through assignment #18, and wrote down quotes that were important to me, to help me see how far I’ve come and help remind me how important, and how truly simple transforming my life can be. I printed out the quotes and I’m going to stick them up on my Transformation wall at home. I feel so good to be where I’m at in my life right now. I’m not exactly where I want to be, but I think that the amount of satisfaction that comes from being in a state of transition, and making changes and moving forward is such a huge motivator, and has seriously changed my life. It is honestly impossible to express completely with words how much the first round of transformation has changed my life. My awareness of what's going on inside of me, and my ability and willingness to change for the better has grown a countless measure. Friends and family have commented on how when they talk to me they are impressed at how much more confident I am feeling, and how I am really working hard to take care of myself. Most people I know, know that I have spent the majority of my life caring for other people. Always putting my needs, my health, my feelings, my everything aside. The shift in perspective, knowing that if I care for myself, and become healthy and balanced I will be better able to inspire and be there for the people around me~ It's been truly amazing! I've stopped procrastinating, and started taking action, I've stopped complaining, and started LIVING, I've stopped living in the past, and started working for a brighter future. I have come so far, and it is so exciting to think about how far I’m going to go! I have ended my former life of self-consciousness, and being uncomfortable, and I have started living in a way that supports my true self. The me that is inside my heart, that has been in conflict with the me that has been running the out of date operating system... That true me is making it out to the surface, and though it hasn't been easy, and I’m sure I’ll continue to have challenges, It's so worth it. And I tear up thinking about the joy that just being able to be myself, and be happy is. I'm so thankful for this opportunity, and even though I have had some very difficult emotional times, I'm ready to keep on going. This is a lifestyle I’m proud to live. One where I’m constantly working on improving the future! Taking each day, day by day with my future vision in mind, being committed to never looking back to my old lifestyle. Thank you so much Bill, Transformation.com, and every member of this team, this community that has helped keep us going. I couldn't have made it without you all and I’m eternally grateful!
"Today is the first day of the rest of your life!" I really do feel like we've all been given a second chance to get it right! Thanks to Bill, thanks to God for giving us His grace and sharing Bill with all of us! I have closed the doors on two complete transformations and truly look forward to my third in a row. I know that each time I finsih, I walk away more secure in me and my potential and am that much closer to living the life God has in store for me and niot the one that I corroded or messed up by getting int eh way with my unhealthy thoughts. I also can honestly say, that the second transformation, this one that is now fully documented here, was a far better experience than the first that was not documented here. This helped me clear my thoughts, and there are sooo many, of what actually is taking place, how I'm changing for the better and really acknowledge my progress in every way. I believe I have closed the doors on limiting beliefs once and for all. I believe I have closed the door on not feeling worthy of a great body (many childhood horror stories to accompany this one!), and all of our bodies have the ability to give us complete and total healing, but in the process of getting to truly know ourselves, we must discover the "tools" that it needs to satisfy that need! I have spent my life learning this one! You'll have to buy my book that I will start as soon as I complete my third challenge, one full year of transforming and growing, I should be ready by then to put it all on paper. Afterall, I have "promised" to write the book on 101 ways to FAIL at the Body-for-Life Challenge or worse yet the Transformation Challlenge. Instead, my new title has transformed into: "How I took 101 Failures at the Body-for-Life Challenge and transformed it into a 101 pound Weight Loss! with Transformation.com" How's that for a title??!!?? I gotta get busy! This is a BIG ONE! Read more about what I'm leaving behind And besides, I haven't lossed 101 pounds yet, I need another round, I have 11 pounds to go! ! Bye, I gotta get busy planning for tomorrow. You'll just have to get my book for the rest of the story! Right Bill??? HUGS OF GRATITUDE BILL FOR ALL THAT YOU'VE DONE AND CONTINUE TO DO FOR US! WE ALL LOVE YOU AND CARE DEEPLY FOR YOU! Hugs from California.........Demi
There is so much to say about this final assignment. I just posted a full blog on it, but wanted to include an excerpt here with a huge thank you to Bill and all of the helpful champions on the site! ...What I learned: Taking an honest look - if I am not happy with my state of being - what can I do to move things in a more positive direction? There are often several roads that can lead to a joyful place. I began getting creative in how to make progress in a number of areas. I healed some wounds that were causing me some anger and that helped end some pain. I began doing more meditation, prayer, and yoga, which allowed me to gain a greater spiritual connection. I began to appreciate being in the present more often - to find something joyful in the moment. I began to see more opportunity to help others and amazing things have come my way. I began to realize some dreams I didn’t think were possible this soon! I began to live again...
These past eighteen weeks have been an amazing journey, full of tremendous challenges and amazing revelations for me. It’s easy to point to the obvious physical progress, having lost 31 pounds and six inches off my waist. But more important is the fear I lost…the fear of being helpless in the face of a life-changing disease, the fear of detachment from my wife and my children, and the fear of alienation from my Lord. I have proven to myself and to others that I will not let a disease define who I am or rob me of my potential. I have become more involved again in the lives of my children, participating in their activities and taking time to enjoy their company, and I have broken through some of the barriers that were keeping my wife and I separated and living almost like roommates. I have renewed my prayer life and begun spending time in devotional studies again, returning the primary focus of my life to worshipping and serving my Savior. I’m no longer a spectator when it comes to my life; I work actively to bring about the change I want to see, and I work more to build others up and encourage them to do the same. I’ve overcome many insecurities and fears I once had about dealing with people and putting myself out in front of others, to the point that I’ve been able to speak effectively in public in front of a large group…something I was previously frightened of doing. For the first time in a very long time, I have followed through on a major undertaking, seeing it through to completion and finishing strong. Unlike past efforts, I have consistently set goals for myself, and I have reached those goals with equal consistency. I have learned to take care of my body by eating well and staying active, and also to listen to my body and know my limits. I have truly transformed my life…body, mind and spirit…these past eighteen weeks, and I look forward to continuing the progression into future rounds and future years.
What I've lost - About 7 or 8 lbs (trying not to rely on the scale and become obsessed with it), lost 2% body fat , I've also lost my tendency to be negative all the time, now my negativity only happens here and there because I am more aware of it and fix it asap...... What I've gained- muscle, the ability to wear some of my clothes again, confidence, patience, empathy for other's plights and hardships, a lifelong ability to be healthy...... What I've stopped - I"ve stopped most of my excuses for my laziness (working on the rest), stopped being so down and upset about what life throws my way, I may still get upset over things but I am able to deal with it better because I am more aware of how I react to life's challenges and so I am more apt to put myself in positive and appropriate environments...... What I've started - a lifelong journey of health that I can pass on to other, I've started trying to support others more and I also have started asking for help more instead of putting so much on myself...... What I've ended - a downhill and out of control life of unhealthy living, IT FEELS AWESOME!!!!...... What I've begun - a new life, with tears of joy in my eyes I can say that I've begun a new life with the help of Transformation, THANKS TO THE ENTIRE T-COMMUNITY, I HAVE MY A GREAT NEW LIFE THAT I WILL CONTINUE AS LONG AS I LIVE...... T-2 challenge here I come!
My True Transformation Experience I have lost: 8 pounds, 18.5 inches, fat, mental and spiritual heaviness, stress I have gained: Strength – physical, mental and spiritual, a new sense of awareness, peace, joy and love. I have stopped: beating myself up, negative self talk, trying to be perfect, abusing my body through junk food, being a victim, identifying myself with what others say or think, holding anger and resentment, blaming others, lying to myself, trying to control everything and everyone, thinking only of myself, believing in lies and things that limit me and hold me back, being afraid of failure. I have started: being patient with myself, believing in and encouraging myself, focusing on baby steps – progress, taking care of my body through nutritious eating and exercise, living victorious and not in bondage to victimhood, believing what God says about me and basing my identity on His truth, releasing anger through honest openness and forgiveness, taking responsibility and ownership of my actions, being authentic with myself and others, identifying the only thing I can control (me) and surrendering the rest to God, learning to embrace uncertainty, giving of myself and reaching out to others, challenging false beliefs and replacing them with truth, stepping out in faith. I have ended: living a mediocre life, a life of bondage to my past, self-hatred and sabatoge. I have begun: a continual process of transforming my life and fulfilling my God-given purpose. I have begun: a continual process of transforming my life and fulfilling my God-given purpose.
We just happened to be looking at old pictures last night and I realized something very eye-opening. Seeing my rollercoaster of weight gain, loss, and gain was a little depressing. I had lost a good amount and wish I had stuck with keeping it off. But even after losing that weight, I never thought of myself as skinny. In my head was always a fat girl. I had a physical change, but there were no changes on the inside. In this first transformation, I have let go of concealments, resentments, forgave myself and others, have become more patient, understanding, and now have the resources and knowledge to continue to lose weight and work on my inner self in order to continue to transform. I know it's not a destination. I know one transformation is not all I need. Being able to maintain this lifestyle is the biggest hurdle. Of course there are sacrifices, but it's worth it. I work out in the mornings as to not take away time from my family in the evening. I plan all my meals and feed the family the same things I eat. I have given up alchohol (even prior to t.com) and don't want to ever have a hangover again. I know signs that I'm headed in the wrong direction (lack of planning being the biggest) and that's a very slippery slope to be on. I correct it immediately. I have a community full of people wanting to succeed and help. I am much more aware of my thoughts and actions. I hear limiting beliefs in other people and make sure not to hold any of my own. It's constant work that needs to be done and revisiting these assignments is helpful to stay on track.
I’ve taken an honest look at myself, where I’ve been, where I am at, and where I am going. I let insecurities and my past influence me and now I have released them and the freedom is amazing! In the past I made excuses for the lack of exercise but now I get up and get going. I eat healthier and am learning portion control. I have discovered my purpose while on this journey and who I am in Christ. Setting goals and carrying through with several of them has boosted my confidence. I am not perfect but I am showing progress and encourage others to do the same. I have broken many promises to myself in the past but realize it takes time and focus to show self improvement. I keep my kitchen clear of unhealthy foods and avoid temptations that are difficult to resist. I am in the process of changing my negative thoughts into the positive by feeding my spirit the Word of God, memorizing scripture and spending more time in prayer. I am always willing to learn from others as they share their experiences. I surrender my control up to God and give it all to Him and will continue to give to others. I have potential within me that has been pushed down and covered up and it has been released and realize I can transform into an active, happy, giving, healthy person. I have faced many fears and there are more to confront. I am slowly opening up to others. I have the Holy Spirit within me and I have new strengths that have given me the excitement to continue with my transformation into the next 18 weeks.
Yesterday was the end of week 18. My transformation came late (but not too late). I didn't realize that mind, body, and spirit went hand in hand. Even though I did all of the assignments, I just breezed through most of them. I also let old habits ruin my attempts at eating healthy. It wasn't until around week 15 that I truly began to take a deep personal inventory. I lost some old personal issues and insecurities. I gained some new found self-worth. My after photo may not look much different from my before picture but there are volumes of changes on the inside.
Bill - This is an awesome summary. I could benefit just reading this every night before bed, allowing my subconscious to absorb it and take me too it. I spent the longest time on this assignment as compared to all 18. So I won't post it here. If you want to read it, herre is the link. Thank you for an unforgettable experience. http://www.transformation.com/KBrooke/blog/The-Transformation/Assignment-18/40087 ~Brooke
18 - wonderful, wonderful, and yet again wonderful! How describe a life altering experience that leaves you everyday full of joy, love and excitement for the future. I live everyday to the fullest extent I can with the sacred knowledge...that I CAN...that I AM. I AM greatful.
Assignment 18 I’ve lost the thoughts that I had that weighed me down. I always felt like I didn’t have enough time to do things. In fact I had all the time necessary to do everything I needed to do. I lost excuses. I’ve gained time, health, and freedom within. I stopped making excuses and started doing the things I want to do. I started exercising, and focusing on others. I stopped believing that this is what I got out of life. I stopped believing that I have to play the cards that life dealt me. Now I play from a different deck of cards. I started eating better and feeling better about myself. I started focusing on my spiritual being, and reading Bible doctrine, and focusing on what God wants me to do. I started accomplishing goals, and focusing on what I need to do. I’ve ended a downward spiral of guilt and boredom. I’ve begun living life and expecting things out of life. I’ve begun believing that I can accomplish what ever I focus on. I’ve begun inspiring others, and being an example.
Let’s just do it this way…I used to feel stuck, now I breathe in FREEDOM. I used to feel trapped in my mind and my body, now I am out in the OPEN AIR. I used to be afraid, now I feel STRONG and can move forward with COURAGE. I was hiding, wanting to be invisible. Now I am EXPRESSIVE. I was so, so tired of trying to change, and was just waiting around for circumstances to determine my life. Now I CHOOSE my path and take ACTION. I was endlessly depressed and despondent inside and no one knew it. Now I feel JOY and sing, dance around and smile. I was so angry at myself for what I thought were my weaknesses. Now I recognize them as STRENGTH and POWER and know they were just trying to keep me safe. I was afraid to trust others. Now because of the amazing LOVE and SUPPORT of the community, I am comfortable ASKING FOR HELP. I used to allow myself to succeed only to the point of being “pretty good.” Now I am ready to be GREAT. While I have always had the ability to connect with others and have chosen a life of service, I was not connected with myself and failed to acknowledge that I was worthy of being served. I am finally OK with who I am and somehow now feel even more connected with those I serve. GOD feels very close and accessible these days. I felt lack, a kind of gnawing emptiness and search for meaning and validation from external things. That emptiness was never filled. Now I feel COMPLETE, like the last, important part of the 5000 piece puzzle has been found and fitted into place and I can see what the picture is all about. This is a lot of change…all internal (except for adding some needed muscle) and I still have not figured out how so many people can manifest such significant change on so many different levels from this lifestyle called Transformation? I am excited to get going on Round 2…who knows where that will take all of us?
My transformation experience has been a virtual death and rebirth of myself, physically, emotionally, spiritually and intellectually. I look at my before picture and can clearly see the difference. I've lost the poor, bent over sick and suffering old person in that photo and found a happy, healthy spiritually vibrant person after 18 weeks. I've stopped being in denial regarding whose responsibility it was and is for my condition. I've stopped my limiting thought life. My old self limited myself because of my age. My new self now knows "all things are possible through Christ who strengthens me". I've ended my unhealthy habits of blowing off the gym and eating whatever I wanted to. I've started to control my menu and faithfully exercise atleast 3 hours a week. I've begun to live a healthy, whole, fulfilling life in service to others, knowing now, we are all in this experience together.
I am here and I have made it ASSIGNMENT 18!!! Wow! I have learned through this procesto celebrate my victories. Completing this challenge was initially skeptical for me. I had so many unfinished things I would start and then lose interest in. Looking back it was not that I really lost interest it was that I had not gained enough faith in myself to feel worthy of completing things. I had gotten to know myself as giving up. What have I lost and what have I gained? Goodbye insecurities and self-doubt! I have lost years of baggage that I used as excuses or protection or resoning for adversities. I lost a belief that I was destined to my life as it was. There was no room for growth or achievement. I had settled on so many levels. I lost a lifetime nicotene habit and caffeine addiction. I have lost a broken and damaged "shell" and replaced it with a healthier one that shows the inside. I have permantly said goodbye to unhealthy relationships. I have gained more than words on paper could ever express. I have gained a NEW me!!! I have found myself. I have gained the wisdom that I will always learn and grow. I have gained knowledge that I will never have to walk any path alone for I am surrounded by support. I have gained powerful feelings of love and trust. I have gained friendships that I hope will last a life time. I have learned new communication skills and compassion for people. I have learned to be humble and to give and give unconditionally with no strings attached. I have learned that the more open I am to change the more possibilites open for new growth. I have gained the gift of forgiveness. I have also learned we are all in this together and together we can all make a difference. The best way to describe this experience is evolving metamorphisis and even when you hit the beautiful butterfly stage you will again find a need for growth and start the process again. Thank you Bill and EVERYONE on Transformation in all that you have given to help me find a healthier place. I llok forward to the future journies ahead of me as I continue to grow, learn, share and give back to this wonderful community that helped me with open arms!
Bill, I waited until the day I started my 2009-II challenge to post this assignment because I wanted it to include reflection of my Transformation thoughts after my finish date of May 7th. ~~Assignment #18 asks what you’ve lost ~~ Bill I have lost A life of unfinished business. A life of half lived promises and I have lost the empty yearning for A life that was not mine to live. I always had this feeling of needing more and it ate away at me like A cancer growing bigger and bigger inside me. It consumed pieces of my body, mind and soul and grew to be A monster in my life. That monster died with the Dave that existed before the Transformation to my new life.I said goodbye permanently to that life on 1-1-2009.I have lost 9 inches off my waist and 59 Lbs. since my Post Transformation life began. The Old Dave is dead and gone. ~~and what you’ve gained~~Bill what I have gained is a New life, A life that has no preconceived ideas of perfection. I have received A new voice from the spirit that lives in my heart & soul and I have gained insight and wisdom from people because I listen to their words and am totally with them in the time we share.I have gained new eyes to see the true path God has chosen for me and I have gained A desire to serve in place of my old desire to be served.I have gained my familys respect and love. I have gained health. and I have gained many ideas, inspirations and tools that give me the right thought process and heart to determine what direction to take in any situation that I may face for the rest of my life. I have gained confidence to make sincere choices. I have gained real pleasure and satisfaction in seeing others find the same things that I have. ~~ what you’ve stopped~~Bill I have stopped trying to fix the half dead person I used to be and started with a clean slate like a newly born spirit. I have stopped seeing myself as a victim to any negative circumstance that came into my life. I have stopped satisfying and burying my other issues through binge eating, Alcohol abuse, Drug abuse, Family abuse, Friend abuse, Co-worker abuse and many years of self imposed mental abuse.I have stopped waiting to win the lottery of life.I have stopped just surviving life. ~~ and what you’ve started~~ Bill I have started to see myself through Gods eyes, I have started to respect the body the creator gave me. I have started listening quietly for the spirit speaking inside of me. I have started living in the exact moment I am in. I have started making healthy choices mentally, Physically and Spiritually. I have started learning my story to share with others. I have started caring about what happens to every person I meet since they are OF God like I am. I have started truly loving my wife like never before.I have started the learning process to long term progress. ~~ what you’ve ended~~ Bill I have ended the first large self promise I have ever completed in my entire life including reaching goals I had set at the beginning. I have ended living in the past. I have ended being afraid. I have ended over thinking. I have ended the self pity that consumed me. ~~ and what you’ve begun.~~ Bill I have begun a NEW LIFE. Full of joy, Spirit, Fun, Health and excitement. I have begun to trust myself, my family and others that truly love me. I have begun to heal the body that began to falter. I have begun to listen to the higher spirit that lives within me. I have begun to act on my true purpose on this Earth for the Lord and I have begun to know how little I really know lol. Time to get busy on the next challenge my friend, Thanks for truly caring for me and I will be on fire in this next challenge! Those assignments will be amazing to do again!! Blessings, ~Dave
Assignment #18 I am crossing the finish line for the end of my first 18 week challenge. Now is the chance to reflect upon all that I've accomplished and changed. A true overview of the journey. I feel blessed to have been able to experience these changes so consciously and quickly and wish all the same opportunity. This journey has given me awareness of my strengths and a more glaring view of my weaknesses. But now I see those weaknesses as an opportunity to grow and to progress and to really BE THE CHANGE. What I've Lost: 1. I've lost 32 lbs 2. I've lost 15% body-fat 3. The need to over-eat at every meal 4. The fear of initiating friendships 5. Self-loathing 6. Out of control emotional binging 7. Insecurity 8. Self-pity 9. Self-doubt 10. Self-Abasing talk and attitude when I mess up 11. Cellulite and muffin-top 12. Huge Granny Bra's 13. Elastic pants 14. The desire to sit around ungroomed 15. Excuses for not honoring the sabbath day 16. Feeling of having to do everything alone 17. Fear of expressing my wants 18. Fear of not having what I need 19. Anxiety and depression 20. The desire to find something outside of myself to "fix" me What I've Gained 1. The knowledge that this is a personal journey that lasts a lifetime, not an 18 week contest 2. The ability to trust myself 3. AWARENESS of my strengths AND my faults 4. The ability to see stress, anxiety, hardships, adversity and setbacks as BLESSINGS and an invitation to change 5. The ability to hear the inner promptings that are unique to me that lead me toward a happier more fulfilling life (The Holy Spirit). 6. Excitement and vision for my life 7. The ability to speak gentler and kindly to myself 8. Tools of encouragement I've learned from others on T.com and how to express support. I often hear others words echo in my mind at the most pivotal points on my journey. 9. Strength 10. Muscle Mass 11. A great tan 12. A brighter smile 13. Better posture 14. A softer heart 15. The ability to remove self-imposed limits on what I can and can not do 16. Will power 17. The ability to see the REAL problem or issue under the surface 18. Lung strength 19. A longer Stride 20. Lighter feet and a lighter heart 21. An exercise routine that I love and works 22. A ton of friends and mentors 23. A greater faith in humanity at large 24. The ability to set and keep goals 25. More energy 26. More focus 27. More purpose for living, working, striving and Being 28. A greater determination to do what I say I am going to do and to be who I know that I am 29. Confidence 30. Faith in myself and my God 31. Compassion for others and their journey 32. A desire to help others on their own unique journey 33. Personal respect for myself 34. Drive to accomplish goals 35. Healthy Cravings and the ability to say no to foods that are not good for me 36. A taste for foods that are healthy--(Such As: plain yogurt, protein shakes, veggies without dressing, butter, or salt). 37. The knowledge and testimony that what I write down and speak become my personal truths and reality. The desire to guard my thoughts and to only write what holds integrity and truth.
It's hard to believe that I have just completed my 18 weeks. In the very beginning I was a little concerned at the length of the challenge. I have completed 2 BFL challenges - one very successfully in 2003 losing 30 lbs, and one the end of 2008 only losing about 6. What normally happens is that I give myself a free for all after the challenge to "reward" myself. That has ALWAYS my very undoing. I find myself quickly gaining what I had lost previously and really start to beat myself up over it. As they say, it takes longer to get it off than to put it back on... so true! Transformation seems so much more than BFL - The assignents have really made me look more on the inside. The support that I have found here is tremendous. The champions have given so much of themselves to help and assist everyone. Their support is neverending and their energy is completely addictive. I have also met some very special people here that mean the world to me. Some I have actually talked to on the phone, others we communicate by text or email. My experience with Transformation has been connecting with so many wonderful people. I love the fact that if I am feeling down or discouraged, I can reach out to and someone will lift me up. It's funny that I will post a blog, and might not get any kind of response which is fine with me, but then a week or two later someone will drop by and comment. It's like getting an early Christmas present. :) There are so many real individuals here that share the same struggles that I do. We have all learned by mistakes, and it's nice that we have words of encouragement for each other, and we can help each other along in the journey. I have also discovered my inner warrior (just call me Zena ! ). I am physically stronger and my endurance has increased big time! Who would have thought that I would enjoy a spin class? I never thought I would put myself through an hour of spinning to end up with a numb behind by the time it's over with. I love the physical challenge of the class, and feel like a limp well done piece of spaghetti by the time we are done. And I do that to myself two times/week. I never thought I would be capable of doing manly pushups. And I do them with ease. I have only lost 9lbs during this challenge, and bought my first pair of size 12's that I haven't been able to wear for ages! I started this challenge at a muffin top size 14 wearing xl tops. I fit very comfortably into my 14's and a muffin top 12. I consider this challenge as being a vital part for the best success ever in round 2. I have learned new tools that will help me as well as some great advice from others that have had great success in Round 1. Most importantly I realize the reasons for failure in the past, and am commited to continue this journey for ever. Good nutrition and physical exercise are mandatory for living a healthy lifestyle. I have faced many challenges during this past 18 weeks that in the past would have normally caused me to falter: the discovery of degenerative scolious, my back going out for a week, my DH having knee surgery and most recently his surgery for a very severe case of diverticulitious and fistula to the bladder. My number one goal is to eventually get my husband involved in this process for his health and well being. Once we get through this hurdle, I have a feeling that he will be making some changes because this has been a very tough week for him. Going forward it is my personal mission to share my experience here and tell as many as I can about my success. I am so darn proud of my fellow RL's that have had huge success in Round 1 that I have to show them off as part of the TCOM testimony: Cincinnati Dave and Vikkie, and Mary Mary are the folks in my group that I like to share. I feel like proud Momma showing off my "children". True tranformation speaks volumes as a testimony that your goals are reachable. Hard work and determination are keys to success, but having the community here to help you along your journey is by far the most important! Hugs Edie
I'm thankful for all the support from everyone I've met here. I've gained strength: physically, mentally and spiritually. I've lost 30 lbs of fat and can see my abs again. I've been more in control of my habits and formed some new ones. I've learned I don't have to limit myself on what is possible for me. I've started approaching each day with a possibility thinking, a thankfulness that I have this day. I've stopped dwelling on the past and the failures that wrapped me in a web of loneliness. I've reached the end of mediocrity and decided to begin doing those things that I love to do, with my calling, my career and my family/friends. I've started living again as if every day were a life of eternity. I've ended a life of self-condemnation and live a life of grace and forgiveness, knowing that my savior, Jesus Christ took all the punishment for my failure and gave me His grace to stand in His presence.
When I first found Transformation.com, I was grasping at straws. I knew I needed something to pull me from the darkest depression of my life. What was I depressed about. I had the Career, I just got the house, the husband, the kids. How could I yell at them like that. They didn't deserve it. Why was I acting like this? Why did I feel like that? So Ugly on the inside, so fat and ugly outside. I never wanted to take care of myself I catered to everyone but myself. I felt so detached so lost. I knew of I time I felt on top of my game, elated, Happy. How can I get back to that happy place and enjoy all that God has blessed me with. Well. I figured I would start by working out because BFL worked before. So I Googled and found.....What's this Transformation? Hmmm, Wow, Bill Philips is looking good in that Blue color. Ohhh, a new challenge huh? What can I win with this one. What, they give half the money to charity? What's that all about? Ohhhh, well that's a great idea. How do I sign up. Hmmm It said I have to wait until Janurary?!?! Well, I know how to eat, I guess I will start there and I know I will probably need to exercise.>>> And so I started the Physical Transformation. When I came back to the site in December, I was able to sign up for the challenge. Then there was the dreaded befor picture posting. Oh how I didn't want to put it out there for all to see. I was so ashamed of what I had become. How could I let that happen. Well I knew how I was going to feel once the transformation was complete. And so I started with the next assignments and the first few were easy, I knew what to eat and I know how to exercise, then the other assignments hit and I found out just how sorry I was feeling for myself. lol Then I learned, it's not all about me. Wow, this goes beyond this challenge. This is going to be an earth moving experience!!! Bill what a genious! How did you ever come up with such a thing? I started to feel elated and people noticed a change in me before there was any physical changes. I was certianly happier and felt I was making a difference, helping people. Then it hit, a layoff> How was I going to get throuhg this? Well I almost didn't. I was mostly keeping my head above water to finish the assignments after that. I didn't ahve the time I thought I would have to blog and get better aquainted with the community. Why not. I had more time, right? I still kept up my routing for exercise and still made sure to eat right,,,, most of the time. I would slip a lot more often though. This is where that environment assignment really comes in huh? I was starting to feel like a failure and I could have let that consume me. If I had chosen to let it, I would not be at this assignment today and I would have really failed, not only myself but I would have failed the beliefs I have aquired and the need to want to be apart of a community and helping people with their struggles. I am so much happier now and want to be apart of the bigger picture. I am seting the example by being present every day I possibly can. even when I am tired and want to go to bed, I am still making a point to be here and helping others to do the same. I still have some work to do. Those struggles have tried to creep back again and again. I an determined to push through them and suceed. This leads me to Challenge #2 and I am all the more excited about it. Thank you Bill!!!!
Besides 25 lbs I have lost the self doubt. I never really thought i could finish, I usually give up once the really hard stuff is over. But finishing strong is really hard stuff too. So here I am ready to start again and finish again. I have new confidence and I am actually proud of myself.
I have learned things about myself.& my family. I know I have so much more work to do. I'm excited for the next 18
======My True Transformation Experience====== It’s truly a beautiful day as I am writing this. The birds are chirping, the sun is shining and Stephen Pennington has just finished completing his very first Transformation Challenge. It has been a very exciting journey to say the least. I can say that this has been the first thing in a long time that I’ve committed to and actually succeeded at. I say that I’ve succeeded because I really do feel like a winner today. I’ve completed the assignments, I’ve kept to my healthy eating commitment and I’ve allowed myself to be held accountable for 18 weeks. Anyone of you that have done this are winners and true champions in my book. I’m so thankful that I did not give up or give in to all of the negative influence that is so readily available today. My experience with this challenge has been profound indeed. I have experienced so many emotions and feelings during the last 18 weeks. Some have been good and some have been not so good. One thing that I’ve learned is that things do not always have to go just the way I’ve planned. I’ve also learned that it’s ok to experience fear. In fact we can feel that feeling and do what we are afraid of anyway and if we do then the fear disappears from us. I’ve discovered from the assignments that I can set goals for myself and that I can prepare and plan for success. I’ve also discovered that success comes so much easier when we do these things. I’ve learned the power of visualization and the power of affirmation. I’ve learned also the power of negative self talk and negative influence. I’ve learned that each of us has a choice every day of what we focus our efforts on. Some things bring positive results and some negative. We each choose everyday whether we want to succeed or fail in several different areas of our lives. All I can say is that I chose more days than not to prepare for and ultimately acquire success in this challenge and I am deeply proud of myself for it. Today I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I am worth every effort that I have put into this challenge. I know that I am beginning to love myself again. I am beginning to like what I see in the mirror every day. I am beginning to feel like I really do have something to share someone else. I am beginning to feel like I am not the fat loser that I had convinced myself I was for so long. The lies are being broken and the pain is slowly drifting away. I am beginning to enjoy hearing my name being called and I look forward to talking to others today. God is really showing up and showing out with the changes in my life. I am so eternally grateful for the people that we have on this site that have helped me so freely. We have such a beautiful group of people in this community and it’s been such an honor getting to know you. I look forward to contributing in any way to this community that has played a key role in my life being changed. I really do have a passion for helping others that have struggled just as I have in the past. I was at the end of the road with depression, addiction and an extremely unhealthy lifestyle. Now a new road has been paved and I will gladly walk along side you hand in hand on this journey. There is nothing that I would rather do right now then to accept a new 18 week challenge gratefully and approach it running with all of my heart and soul.
Where to begin…lets see, physically I’ve lost 22 pounds of fat, a few inches here and there, and a couple sizes, I’m also able to run for longer periods of time and lift more weight than I think I ever have. But during this transformation I’ve lost so much more than just the physical things. I’ve lost most (I say most because I still have moments when these things come back and I struggle to let them go) of my hate, envy, jealousy, criticism, and anger. I’ve lost this self defeating attitude that was always dragging me down. I’ve lost so much of my negativity! I’ve lost the word “can’t” (and I never want to find it again, thank you very much, lol). I’ve gained so much throughout this process! I’ve gained a new found belief in myself. I now believe that I can do anything (well anything that’s humanly possible) I have a new found faith in God and believe that he will show me the way. I have gained new friends, a new attitude, a new found desire to be the best possible version of me! I’ve gained new insight and so much knowledge. I’ve learned that life is an amazing gift, not a given right (yes, thank you Nickleback, haha). Through this process I’ve stopped dwelling on the things I’m not able to change and decided instead to focus on the things that I can do something about. I’ve learned that I CHOOSE how I’m going to live my life, how I’m going to live each day, each minute, heck, each and every second. I CHOOSE if it’s going to be a good day or a bad day! I’ve finally begun to hope, to believe, to understand. And I feel like it’s still predawn, like I still have so much more to learn and experience! I really can’t wait for high noon, when the sun is out in full force and shining away!!!
Assignment #18 As I finish up my final week and final assignment of round one transformation, it absolutely blows me away to see what I’ve been able to accomplish in just 18 short weeks. The changes I have made are truly unbelievable, and not just to me, but also to everyone that knows me. I was heading down a path of self-destruction with no hope in sight, and had come to the conclusion that my life would most likely end up to be a short one. Only God knows where the strength or courage came from the day I decided to give myself one more chance at a happy and healthy life. As I reflect on my journey and ponder the initial reasons I decided to join transformation, the cash prize was probably at the top of the list. Since my families financial situation has been declining over the last several years I felt the $10,000 would help with some of our mounting debt, medical expenses, and also help offset the cost of my sons last two years of college. At the same time, I felt it would also give me a reason to improve my health and to get off costly medications, which were becoming a burden as well. I was pretty desperate to say the least and I started out in my transformation with one goal in mind - to become the next transformation champion. Nothing else mattered at the time, and the cash award served its purpose at motivating me each morning at 5 a.m. to get out of bed and make my way to the gym. The first two weeks were probably the hardest as I struggled to change old habits and find the energy to get moving. I remember many mornings almost crying because of the unbearable pain I felt in my knees and joints. Five minutes was about all I could bear while walking on the treadmill, which was very embarrassing, but I was determined not to quit. During those early cardio sessions I would literally count the seconds with each step I took. It was hard for me to except just how bad my health had become. As the weeks progressed the pain became less and less and I found I could push myself longer and harder. As my energy levels increased so did my faith in the transformation process. As my weight dropped, not only did I begin to feel lighter on the outside, I also began to feel lighter on the inside. As my heart became physically stronger it also became spiritually lighter. The anger I had felt toward myself began to fade and the healing process was well under way. I could feel myself becoming more at peace and for the first time in years I was beginning to regain some control over my life. As my muscles grew so did my confidence and I felt empowered to continue on in my quest for a stronger and healthier body. Around week five I began to look forward to my workouts and to connecting more with the transformation community. I started working my assignments with greater understanding and began to view each one as a means to heal myself from the inside out. I also searched for ways to stay motivated. Each day before I would head out to the gym I would pray to my Heavenly Father for the strength and wisdom to continue on. During assignment #4 I created a paper copy of the transformation medal and inserted my name on it. I placed it on my nightstand as a way to visualize myself a champion. Each morning before heading to the gym and each night before going to sleep I would pick it up and read those words “Transformation Champion – Greg Farrell”. Week by week it became easier and easier for me to visualize myself a winner, and not just in the sense of becoming a transformation champion, but as a winner in life! I was slowly regaining control of my life, and it felt wonderful! In one of my blogs I remember stating that even though we lived in a world of uncertainty, my transformation was the one thing I had total control over, and it provided me with such hope and strength. I was discovering things about myself I never knew, or for that matter, ever took the time to know. My relationships with my wife and kids improved dramatically. Friends and family began to notice the changes in me and began to ask questions. My relationship with my Heavenly Father improved and I began to let go of the bitterness and blame I once harbored. In short, I was becoming a new person and transforming right before my eyes. In the last 18 weeks I have learned more about myself than I have in 52 years of life. I discovered that nothing is impossible if you believe in yourself and trust Gods love. I found that we all have within us the power to make positive changes in our life. I realize I can make a difference in my life as well as the lives of others and that God put me here for a reason. Along my journey I have lost many things, some of which I hope to never find again in this life. With 5 days left in my challenge I’ve lost 56 pounds of pure fat, which is four pounds shy of my original goal, but the weight loss doesn’t seem to matter as much anymore. Looking back on the last 18 weeks I believe I’ve lost much more than just fat. By trusting Bill’s mission for transformation.com and following his meal, assignment, and workout plan I have ended eight years of declining health, binge eating, whining and excuses. I’ve lost every bit of the pain in my knees, stopped blaming others for my mistakes, but most importantly, I have stopped excluding God from my life. As I prepare for my second round of transformation I am truly grateful for the positive support I received during round one. The friendships I have formed here at T.com over the last 18 weeks are worth more to me than any prize I could ever be awarded. I have experienced first hand the power one gains when reaching out to help others in need. I no longer let my ego stand in the way when others offer their help and support. I am setting a better example to my family and friends and I see the power that a smile J and a kind word can have on others. I have let go of my fears, anxiety and emotional baggage, and I now have the tools and knowledge I need to continue building a life full of love, health, peace, and happiness. So before I continuing my journey into round 2 let me take this opportunity to thank and acknowledge the following people for supporting me throughout my first transformation journey. Without them, my success in this journey would not have been possible. I love each and every one of you and look forward to making more friends in round two! • Bill Phillips, for his wisdom and love. • Coach Stoney, for not giving up on me. • Clarissa, for her energy and love. • Joe Pimental, for his kind words and constant support. • Marty Goldman, for believing in this old man. The following t-friends and group members who inspired me every step of the way. I love you guys more than you will ever know! Mark, amsapp, Ada, AimeeD, AnnieK, Allenopia, bobbyg1018, Carolynn, chrisangeli, coachbrad, discodancer, dawnvermillion, Deanna, Donnacr, dsmith4eva, Dude, henrybasset, Hollyhox, I_Win, Jaysan, Jeeppower, Juliane, kmachate, mariodiazjr, Mellie, Mim, Samy, sb1034a, scrapwordsgirl, Shane, Sharen, SusanA, yogajen, Get_In_Shape, alee76, acadianmom, happygirl90277, ggodshall, Challenger, shadowbug. Forever yours in transformation, Greg
My true Transfomation experience has been: What started out as a way to get back into shape and be happier so that my family would be happy, turned into more than I imagined. In the back of my mind I thought that it was my last chance to get "Janice happy" for my marriage. I hadn't been happy in a long time and thought that it was my job to fix myself, then I would be happier and be able to deal with my life in a positive way. As I continued my transformation I began my spiritual quest as well. I had always believed that there was a God but hadn't read the bible or gone to church to be able to know him better. I started studying bible doctrine and it changed so much inside of me. The fact that I have a purpose in this world, that I am loved by God and He has a plan for me! I am not alone.. I began praying every morning for God's strength and guidance. I was realizing that my marriage was unhealthy for me, it had been for a long time. Fear had kept me in it. Fear for letting my kids down and fear of the unknown. I continued to push those feelings down for years. I became much more confident in myself through the strength of God. I knew that it was time for me to move forward with what had been inside for so long. I made the decision to ask for a divorce and I knew it was what I needed to do for both of us. In doing so I felt calm and confident. I would have never been able to do that previously. After he moved out my mother moved in. Lots of adjustments going on! It was good for me to continue my assignments, bible doctrine, working out and staying connected to T-com. T-com took me out of my head and into helping others. The next phase of my transformation started dealing with emotions that I didn't expect to have. Dealing with my husband over the divorce, etc. along with some of his comments, stirred up some anger that I didn't have initially. I'm still working on my emotions and how I react to what is said. I need to put them aside and let God take care of it. I don't want to react and kick God out of the way. It is not easy and I continue to practice. At this point my marriage should be dissolved sometime this month AND I have completed my 18 weeks as of tomorrow!!! I feel that I have been led to Transformation for a reason. I have struggled for many years wondering why I was so unhappy. Ending my marriage was something I had thought about many times but the fears kept me there. When I started tearing down the walls I could see things much more clearly. I could see where I came from, the person I was, am and the person I want to be. Unfortunately I couldn't be that in my marriage. I can tell you that I have worked out and eaten healthy and by doing so I have LOST 20 lbs and I have GAINED muscle! I have STOPPED trying to fix others and worrying about what people say or do and I STARTED reaching out to God. I have ENDED an unhealthy marriage and I have BEGUN a new life! I feel great, my physical results were achieved, my mind is clearer and more aware, my spiritual self has been connected and I will continue learning everyday. I am grateful for the adversity I have gone through and I look forward to where it will take me.
Assignment #18 When I think of knowing thyself and where I am heading, it gives me a lot to think about. To be honest with myself and with others, I have a vision now of going places spiritually and otherwise with my life, despite anything obtuse. Knowing myself will take an entire lifetime. However, changes felt during this transformation for round 1 has helped me mature enormously, knowing I have a long way to go. In seeking spiritual guidance from GOD in rerailing my life and body, yes, spiritual higher education, exercise and proper nutrition are everything. Notice how I mentioned spiritual higher education first, because the mind controls body functions first hand. The second and third automatically become congruent, once the mind is aligned in sheer determination to succeed, despite the odds, thus allowing one to open up in adhering to direction also. Lastly, spiritual cardio is everything , as well as midnight cardio (smiling) Protein is essential for muscle growth. The spiritual food one ingests “willingness to adapt to change in direction from GOD” adds to the nutrients ingested by the earthly protein, thus helping the spiritual muscle to grow with the physical. Spiritual protein goes a longer way than the earthly version! (smile) In sharing what my transformation experience has been like, I can say that it has been quite a challenging one at first. During the transition into spiritual and physical organization, I’ve had to adapt to getting up and at times force myself to go to the gym. Forcing myself out of the comfort zone of “just doing whatever whenever I like at anytime” has helped me gain focus, while losing the feeling of being content. A major thing I feel I lost was pride. It took a lot of guts out of me to create a YouTube channel, bare all of myself, and tell people I am over 30 living at home with my mother, though I am struggling with getting an internet presence situated. At first, I purposely embarrassed myself, and risked a lot of shame by my online peers on multiple social networks. The pride alone was a tough, yet, bitter pill to swallow. In the quest to sincerely humble myself not only before The Lord Jesus Christ, but others, I had to take care of that 1st hand and knock out the ego. In addition, I’ve lost quite a number of friends. When I now look at the big picture, I feel that was meant to be, because those friends went against what I am now striving for, which is positive, spiritual growth. The bible says “let the yays be yays and the nays be nays”. So, as they [nayed] themselves right on out of my life , GOD let me know HE’s very much well and alive! Losing the fat is quite a beautiful thing. Through fat loss, it not only helped clear up the lactic acid and suppression of cortical in my brain, but it also helped pave a clear road for increased mental clarity. Increasing mental clarity can be quite beneficial for someone, in the sense of upscaled creativity in how one writes, run their business, cooks, and relationships. Losing weight naturally also helps to increase feelings of happiness, thus losing the adverse feeling of mostly walking around angry, or anti-social. Losing is not such as bad thing after all, is it? (smile) Losing the feeling of “it’s all about me and self” is another huge horse pill to gulp down without water. Most of us are so used to only talking about “me, me, me, and me only” , without regard to others, hence catering to their feelings. That used to be me not long ago, prior to joining Transformation. Afterwards, while the body slowly transformed, so did increased maturity, in understanding how the universal law of reciprocation works. It’s about us, keeping the ball of infinity rolling, never stopping in just one angle, meaning only focusing on one. Focus on all, so blessings can come back to you spontaneously. Support one another, lose the pride and help each other succeed, so everyone can keep “passing the torch”, thus helping the feeling of pride stay “LOST”, like a needle in the haystack. What have I gained honestly from Transforming? A new outlook on life. I’ve noticed with the steady loss of body fat, the feelings of hope moved right on in, like “The Jeffersons” moving right on up! At the same time, it is a reminder in between those lines to remain humble, because I am not the best. And, knowing there is always someone who’s out there that can do it better than I can, keeps me grounded. An additional benefit gained from turning around during the Transformation process is the discipline slowly coming back. Discipline is thankfulness, doing what’s required, positive character buildup, while being accountable. It’s a tough road to walk, and I still have a long ways to go with mastering discipline once again over 30, but the feeling of getting back to where I once was most of the time is great, while working daily to accomplish more in that area. There are some bad habits I have ceased from, before joining Transformation. Those habits came to a screeching halt , which I’ve not looked back since, because of prayer. While some I still have to work on, others are already and successfully swept under the rug. I’ve ended holding things in my heart against people who have trespassed against me. In doing so, I’ve felt a “lightened load of burden” lifted from my heart, while acknowledging I have a long ways to go, in striving for perfection. Nutrition wise, I’ve ended eating late night “unless it’s a protein shake nowadays”, and enormously cut out fried foods.! LOL I’ve begun doing things which I didn’t like to do in prior years, in order to get ahead. Some involve putting off what pleases me to do for someone else. Also, keeping quiet even though you’re potentially right in a situation. Perhaps performing cardiovascular activity on an empty stomach before doing anything else “most of us hate doing cardio” . Since I’ve begun trying to shake myself out of the comfort zone , YES, it’s been rough, but it has it’s benefits, if you are determined enough , in adapting to change. Thank you for your precious tim ereading this very lengthy Assignment #18. Lastly, sorry for the tardiness. Trying to do everything over here all at once, as I am a “one man coalition” (smile) With love, Shawn Drewry
My Transformation has been one of surendering my will for Gods will. I have learned to step out of my comfort zone in order for me to achieve the growth that I desired. I had to give up my ego and allow my heart to take over. It has been an extremly intence journey will lots of ups and downs and everything in between! I have had to learn to let go of the reins and allow my self to feel pain, sorrow, bitterness, jelousy and fear....and open my eyes to the lessons that were being layed out before me and take all of these struggles and learn the beautiful lessons barried in each one! This journey has taught me so much about the power of thoughts and thinking patterns...I have learned to be aware of what thoughts and words I let flow through my mind. Thoughts and words are very powerful...weather for good or bad..."as a man thinketh...so is he" I am no longer a victim to my negative thoughts. I have learned to trust and believe in myself. I have learned that when you work with God and let him lead you and do your part to make it happen...Beautiful things will unfold! Why do we torcher ourselves by trying to do everything on our own....God knows whats up...connect.... lean on him...He will catch you if you fall and he will carry you when you are to weak to walk. He knows the way out of every problem...He is all knowing! We are never alone! I have learned to look for the underlying beauty in every situation..and the opportunitys for growth and lessons to learn. I have learned that most people are just doing their best! I have learned to trust the process and to just stop fighting it! LET IT FLOW!! I have learned that once you start fixing whats going on inside of you...the beauty and physical side of the transformation will naturally start to take its course....You will naturally want to take care of this body of yours and get that oxygen pumping through your veins and you will want to eat better so that your mind and spirit can be invigorated, clean and clear and free from the brain fog. I have learned that you don't need to know someone, to honestly say that you love them! I have learned that there is so much beauty everywhere if we will just open our eyes and take a minute to notice! (Hey I can look at a pan of scrambled eggs with all sorts of bright colored vegetables in it and think it is just the most beautiful thing!) Really! :) I have learned so many things just being here, doing these assignments, doing alot of soul searching and connecting with all of you! Listening to Bill Stoney and Clarissa every thursday night has been awesome and I allways learn something new! I could go on and on...but I need to get back to my family, so thats all for now....I have now officially finished my last assignment and have finished my 18 weeks Today, May 11 2009!!! Whooooooo Hoooooooo!!!!! I am going to sign up right now for the next challange!!! Thankyou! Thankyou!!!! I love you bunches Bill and my T fam!!!
T18: The Universal Law of Transformation To complete Assignment 18, I’m asking you to share what your true Transformation experience has been – what you’ve lost and what you’ve gained, what you’ve stopped and what you’ve started, what you’ve ended and what you’ve begun. My true transformation in all aspects has been amazing. Physically and spiritually I have transformed myself from someone that felt unloved and unworthy to a confident, proud role model with the healthiest and fit body I ever dreamed of having. Physically, at 55 years old I felt I was in the best shape I could possibly get into. I had already passed up my long tern goals and set higher goals and met those. I didn’t see my physically fitness level improving or my body chiseling out anymore then what it already has. However 18 weeks later, here I stand looking at pictures thinking, WOW! That’s really me. Carved arms and calves showing just from standing up. Abs peeking through on a good day. Wearing jr. size clothes, cute clothes that I thought just 4 years ago I would never see again. My cardio level, which I honestly thought was tiptop and couldn’t be beat, has passed any 55-year-old I know. lol, I’m teaching 10 cardio classes this week alone, Four years ago I thought my teaching days were over and just last July I running down my road and thought, whew this is hard, I’m getting too old for this. I can’t believe the body fat I’ve lost and the muscle I’ve gained and the cardio endurance and level of stamina I have gained in 18 weeks. I stopped saying I’m getting too old for this and started training for the ½ marathon in Denver in Oct. I stopped taking mood enhancers ( Prozac and my hormones ) I began weaning myself off last challenge but was afraid of the unknown and from Drs. Orders went back. This challenge I stopped them all together. Sure I get emotional, doesn’t everyone at some point, but now I know how to handle myself. I realized I don’t need to run for medicine, anytime I hit a bump. In 18 weeks I have gained 3 lbs and lost 4% BF My spiritually inner progress has soared higher then I thought imaginable. I was a person that was afraid to grow up, with a feeling of self-doubt and worthlessness. Paranoid and easily discouraged yet I found myself battling an Ego problem. Self-center, selfish and would easily drop a ski rope to say “Hey look at me” The person that was seeking approval and feeling insignificant. I cried from any critisum and let people manipulate me. I feared the word change and now I have changed and living life to it’s fullest potential. A closer relationship with God, has given me all the hope and love I seek and now I know I am his child becoming all that he expects of me. In the past 18 weeks I learned from my own experiences to be to humble, unselfish and giving. Confident and decisive, opened-minded and fearless I no longer sit around talking about what I’m wishing for. Now I am using my knowledge and stragerty and making things happen. I am the role model I have longed to be and ready to become a leader. I see myself as a doer; not a talker nor as a follower. I am making new waves in my fitness community to spread the Be The Change / Transformation message. I have left the little girl behind and just keep her in my memories for I have finally grown up. The person that was seeking approval and feeling insignificant cried from any critisum. Let people manipulate her and feared the word change is now living life to it’s fullest potential. A closer relationship with God, has given me all the hope and love I seek and now I know I am his child becoming all that he expects of me. In the past 18 weeks I learned from my own experiences to be to humble, unselfish and giving. Confident and decisive, opened-minded and fearless I no longer sit around talking about what I’m wishing for. Now I am using my knowledge and stratergty and making things happen. I am the role model I have longed to be and ready to become a leader. I see myself as a doer; not a talker nor as a follower. I am making new waves in my fitness community to spread the Be The Change / Transformation message. I have left the little girl behind and just keep her in my memories for I have finally grown up.
Assignment #18: The Universal Truth of Transformation T1: Know Thyself, Where Thy Stand and Where Thy is Going I know where I have come from, where I am in my life and where I need to go. I have a new mindset and attitude to continue to move in the spiritual path. Moving from point A to point B is like an uncooked, raw meal to a completed project that is cooked. It’s the correct step by step instructions that will get my project cooked and my soul complete. I am a new person, one with integrity, I am humble and unselfish, I am confident and decisive, optimistic and opened minded. I feel fearless, I am a doer, and I can will get the job done. I am role model that is ready to become a leader. T2: Exercising Care for the Physical Form I have and always believed in a healthy fit body. Life threw me some curve balls for a time but I got myself help and slowly regained my healthy and surpassed my fitness level. At 55 years old I can do most of the things I could do at 25 and some of the things I was afraid to try at 25. I exercise regularly alternating both cardio and weight training. It’s my lifestyle, it’s what I do daily, and it’s like owning an extra health insurance plan. T3: Feed the Body the Right Way I feed my body right. I understand its needs; I fuel it, as it was my antique car that I want to preserve. Eating 6 small balanced, nutritious meals a day keep my body doing all I expect from it and even more. T4: Know Your Purpose I know my purpose, I took this challenge to understand my purpose and not I am aware that I am here to put others 1st and help them accomplish their goals and serve my higher power, GOD. T5: The Power of Positive Pressure I have learned that there is a time and place for everything. A time to start, and a time to stop. A time limit not and endless loop that you continue to turn yourself into circles but a set deadline to know this is when the finish project will be available. It’s called positive pressure and when you have the knowledge to use this tool you will succeed. T6: Look for Progress, Not Perfection Look for progress in everything you do. I do! I’m not looking for perfection, no one but God is perfect. I strive each day to make that day a little more meaningful and a little more knowledgeable then I did the day before and even more the day after that. T7: Be in the Right Environment I am in the correct environment. I have removed the bad habits, the negative people and harmful materials that can hold me from reaching God’s potential for myself. T8: Know Thy Enemy I know my enemy’s. I recognize the wicked ways and evil temptations. I also know that I can be my own worst enemy and I have taken action to rid myself of the thoughts that once entered my conscious mind and fad directly into my subconscious mind. I have seen myself at my lowest level and have risen above it. I have admitted my weaknesses and have turned them into strengths T9: Always a Student I have a clear head; I am willing and eager to learn. I have learns years worth of knowledge from my own experiences and I know there are a lot more experiences to learn from. I am open-minded and optimist thirsting for my next lesson. T10: Reflect and Renew Sometimes I need to just stop, take time out, reflect and see just what’s happening in my life and in my surroundings. There are times when we can get caught up in an emotion or drawn into a situation that we can’t see the forest for the trees. This is when I realize it’s time to stop and smell the roses and review where I’ve been so I can continue going. T11: Giving Up the Fight I gave up the fight but I won the battle. Recognizing what I had to do in order to get what I wanted was easy after I realized I wanted to be a leader yet I was only following. I had to give up my comfort zone to just sit and wait for a door to open for me. A door may never open, I had to push it open myself. We can’t wait for things to happen, sometimes we just have to take the bull by the horns, take control make it happen. T12: The Awesome Power of Words Words are an expression of our inner self. It can be cloudy and gray or sunny as it is today on Mothers Day. Words are terms or phrases we use in positive or negative ways. These words can cause fear, or pain or anxiety. Some can cause a tear, lead to a hug or bring a smile to our face. Words can do good or evil. Choose and use your words wisely. For every time you speak, your mind is on parade; take time to think it is the source of power. T13: The Power of Giving Giving, what exactly does the power of Giving mean? It can mean to give something away, to give an award, to give a gift. Giving is good, but to contribute is the power of real giving of your self. T14: Belief Creates the Actual Fact I person with a belief is better then 100 people with only an interest. Belief in yourself, with all your might; know that God is with you believing in you and your beliefs with come to life. Gandhi said “ Your beliefs become your thoughts, Your thoughts become your words and your words become your actions. My mama use to tell me, actions speak louder then words” What we believe we create, what we create we believe, it’s all in our attitude and our attitude is a lot more important than facts. T15: Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway I have felt the fear; I overcame sensitivity and a negative attitude. I felt the fear of growing up, being tired to my mama S apron strings and afraid to let go. The unknown is frightening. But sometimes we must feel the fear and just dive right in and do it anyway. My biggest fear is of failing yet I know I won’t fail but then my feeling of being unworthy pop up and I feel the fear again. It was a never-ending cycle until I felt the fear, I stand tall, look my fear in the face and say watch me now!!! You can do anything you set your mind to do, I can, it’s scary, I may try to back out and be afraid but at the last minute I do it T16: Elevating Nutritional Wisdom I’ve been challenging myself with the principles that Bill Phillips teaches and I have learned that I must fuel my body according to what I am doing. Sure 6 small, balanced and nutritious meals a day; but if I am staying awake till 1 or 2 am and getting up early teaching 2 classes a day, practicing for a marathon and fitting my weight routine in I need more calories, more protein, more carbs, even more good essential fats. So I may have an extra meal or two. I use the awake method, if I am awake and still moving I need to eat and fuel my body and my brain every 2 and ½ to 3 hrs. So on a long energizing day I may have 7 or even 8 small balanced nutritious meals. Fuel your body don’t just fill it up. T17: The Power of Personal Truth My life has changed for the better, my world is no longer falling apart, and I no longer seek the approval of everyone I meet. I am strong and confident. My greatest need was to know that I mattered. Now I know I do. I no longer fear rejection or attempt to always please others at any cost or become overly sensitive to criticism. I no longer withdraw, feel shame or hopelessness. Through all these assignments God taught me how to honor my adoption by HIM. He taught me to live my life in the light of HIS truth and grace and how to walk away from any adversity with gratitude. By unveiling my personal truth I have learned the difference between what I want and what I choose, I am empowered to feel my way to truth and reveal my purpose and fulfillment T18: The Universal Law of Transformation To complete Assignment 18, I’m asking you to share what your true Transformation experience has been – what you’ve lost and what you’ve gained, what you’ve stopped and what you’ve started, what you’ve ended and what you’ve begun. My true transformation in all aspects has been amazing. Physically and spiritually I have transformed myself from someone that felt unloved and unworthy to a confident, proud role model with the healthiest and fit body I ever dreamed of having. Physically, at 55 years old I felt I was in the best shape I could possibly get into. I had already passed up my long tern goals and set higher goals and met those. I didn’t see my physically fitness level improving or my body chiseling out anymore then what it already has. However 18 weeks later, here I stand looking at pictures thinking, WOW! That’s really me. Carved arms and calves showing just from standing up. Abs peeking through on a good day. Wearing jr. size clothes, cute clothes that I thought just 4 years ago I would never see again. My cardio level, which I honestly thought was tiptop and couldn’t be beat, has passed any 55-year-old I know. lol, I’m teaching 10 cardio classes this week alone, Four years ago I thought my teaching days were over and just last July I running down my road and thought, whew this is hard, I’m getting too old for this. I can’t believe the body fat I’ve lost and the muscle I’ve gained and the cardio endurance and level of stamina I have gained in 18 weeks. I stopped saying I’m getting too old for this and started training for the ½ marathon in Denver in Oct. I stopped taking mood enhancers ( Prozac and my hormones ) I began weaning myself off last challenge but was afraid of the unknown and from Drs. Orders went back. This challenge I stopped them all together. Sure I get emotional, doesn’t everyone at some point, but now I know how to handle myself. I realized I don’t need to run for medicine, anytime I hit a bump. My spiritually inner progress has soared higher then I thought imaginable. I was a person that was afraid to grow up, with a feeling of self-doubt and worthlessness. Paranoid and easily discouraged yet I found myself battling an Ego problem. Self-center, selfish and would easily drop a ski rope to say “Hey look at me” The person that was seeking approval and feeling insignificant. I cried from any critisum and let people manipulate me. I feared the word change and now I have changed and living life to it’s fullest potential. A closer relationship with God, has given me all the hope and love I seek and now I know I am his child becoming all that he expects of me. In the past 18 weeks I learned from my own experiences to be to humble, unselfish and giving. Confident and decisive, opened-minded and fearless I no longer sit around talking about what I’m wishing for. Now I am using my knowledge and stratergty and making things happen. I am the role model I have longed to be and ready to become a leader. I see myself as a doer; not a talker nor as a follower. I am making new waves in my fitness community to spread the Be The Change / Transformation message. I have left the little girl behind and just keep her in my memories for I have finally grown up.
#18:The Universal Truth of Transformation.What I have lost:12.9 pounds of fat.From 29.5%to 23.5% bf.And in the act of forgiving my grandmother for a lifetime of physical abuse I have peace in my soul at last.I have gained the awesome knowkedge that I AM SOMEONE IN THIS WORLD AND I AM WORTH IT!!!!! THANK YOU BILL FOR BRINGING THIS TRANSFORMATION PROCESS INTO BEING!!!!! YOU SAVED MY LIFE!!!!! RUSTY:)
Much has happened to me over the past 18 weeks… not much of it people actually realize, and to be very honest, there are things I didn’t even realize until last night. I am a list person, so I think that might be best to share with everyone in that sort of format: What I have lost (or am losing… remember we are all “perfectly imperfect”): 1) My thoughts that Transformation is all about external change being the catalyst for internal change. 2) My need for continuous attention, acceptance, or validation. 3) My egoic way of thinking. 4) My feelings of helplessness and victimization. 5) The need for other’s opinions. 6) My selfish attitude and feelings of entitlement. 7) My defensive nature. 8) My need to always be right. What I have gained: 1) I understand that I am worth more than I ever imagined. 2) I found that I am a likeable person, and am allowed to even be loved. 3) The ability to make a decision and stick while being able to respect and accept the consequences for my actions. 4) Self-confidence. 5) An understanding that service outside of ourselves is what makes us transformed individuals. 6) Respect for others. 7) A marriage that is beginning to grow based on better communication and teamwork. 8) The willingness to allow others into my life without fear of being judged. 9) An appreciation for a higher power. 10) A love of learning. 11) An understanding of how I need to work for what I want in this world, and that I am not entitled to anything I do not put effort into earning. 12) Patience and kindness. 13) The ability to say WE instead of ME. 14) I remember how to smile. 15) The ability to leave yesterday behind, focus on today, and use today for a better tomorrow. If there are more I will add them.... Heck I have all of round #2 to add them don't I? See you around... it has been one heck of a journey. I am so exited to see what we all can do from here! Learning, Living and Loving every day... Geoff A.K.A. "Alexandboogsdad"
Bill, As I near the end of my challenge I have discovered allot about my soul, my being, what makes me happy what makes me smile and how important it is to help others. I have reached many goals on my dream list and this is what I have gained:. 1. I have more confidence and I have stepped out of my shell, starting to feel like the old me again. I can leave the house without kleenex and nose spray, visine, advil, mylanta and a host of other emergency meds. 2. I have reduced my anxiety that has caused my disorder with trichotillimania, and I do not worry as much about the little things. 3. I am starting to feel like a sexy healthy fit mom. I feel 10 years younger and humbly accept me as I am. 4. I am setting a good example for my daughter. i laugh, I smile! 5. I am not dwelling on the past but only using it as a positive reminder of who I was when I was at my happiest. 6. I have stopped eating whatever was available. I plan my weekly meals. I even have a board in the kitchen that helps me plan the family dinners and they are healthy. 7. I am forgiving! and I am asking for forgiveness 7. I have gained a whole new set of friends with this wonderful online community on t.com environment! 8. I know my lowest level habits and I will take steps daily to not repeat patterns that cause me to fail or get off track. I have never journaled this much in my life and I love it! It really helps my soul feel alive. I just need to work on sharing my thoughts more. I now believe my dream and I have a vision of how I want to be. I am kinder to myself and use words of encouragement with my inner an outer voice. I have lost that feeling of being lost with no purpose ;) I have gained my faith back. Much Love Liz
Keyzzz1 My Transformation Experience 1. What I Lost: a. About 25 pounds b. Half my body fat c. Useless associations (negative people) d. Poor eating habits 2. What I Gained: a. Strong body (benching 200 again at almost 60!) b. Self respect c. Respect for others and their views d. Renewed interest in life 3. What I stopped: a. smoking b. drinking (now only on “Free=day” if feeling like it for a game etc.) c. being cynical d. isolation and “hiding” e. taking so much VA medication that I can’t get out of bed 4. What I Started: a. daily exercising b. healthy eating c. drinking more water d. going back to church e. meditating again f. renewed my volunteering actives again g. remembering my blessings 5. What has ended: a. negative/fatalistic view of life b. feeling bad about my age and feelings of worthlessness c. not remembering my blessings 6. What has Begun: a. My new life b. My newly rejuvenated spirit c. My “empathy and tolerance of and for others 7. Summary: GOOD STUFF!!!
I love reading these hearts of Transformation here on this blog! It gives me such inspiration to keep moving forward in my own Transformation, because you never know when something really awesome might spring forth from within yourself, that you didn't know was there, and before you know it, you become an example of what health looks like & one that others will want to follow. *Hi Bill. :) Thanks for all these incredible assignments you have put together for us! My true Transformation experience has been just that. ***TRANSFORMATION.*** I have been taken to places inside myself that I would of never known existed in me, had it not been for coming to Transformation.com 18 weeks ago and then taking on your assignments. Those Assignments are downright powerful! Thank You.....Thank You.....Thank You!!! What I have lost during these last 18 weeks is the old frompy box I had made my home (mentally) and I have gained a new place of residence on Believe LN. Where nothing is impossible! I use to think inside a box of limits. "How sad." Today, I have *NO LIMITS!, except for the one that is being dealt with and conquered right now! I have realized that it's okay to be human, but it's not okay to stay there! lol! Oh... weather you know it or not, that was funny! True & funny at the same time! Alrighty then, moving on! What I have stopped doing is viewing myself like a trash can! I am a beautiful, healthy being. I am a spirit, I have a soul, and this is the body I have been given to live in! It is my PRIVILEGE to take care of it! I am a picture of health, NOT a dumpster in some ally! Something that I have ended in the last 18 weeks was my relationship with death. Ohhhhhhh this is a big one for me. Let me explain. Before this Transformation Challenge, I had a friend named "Death." And Death made his home in food. When I was sad, I wanted to feed myself dead foods. When I was nervous, I wanted to feed myself dead foods. When I was happy, or excited.....I wanted to feed my body dead foods! I thought that *dead foods were my best friend. I would think about spending more time with those dead foods whenever I could. My thoughts were centered around all this death (that produced in me negative thoughts) all the time and I just couldn't figure out why! Until one day, and I'll NEVER forget it. It was the day I signed up for this Challenge. I was driving down this road over by our house, when I came to an intersection, and it hit me. "I was living a life of death!" That is not why God put me here!!! I have been given a purpose, and a destiny to walk in on this earth and my relationship with Death had to end. If I wanted to tap into this life that I was meant to have, and who I was made to be, then I had to make the decision to live! (to eat living foods & have living thoughts) ***I had to FALL OUT OF AGREEMENT with the spirit of death, and come into agreement with the Spirit of Life. So that is what I have begun.....My life. What a beautiful thing we have been given. "Life." Its a choice. Today, *this day has been set before us. To choose life or death, blessing or cursing....we choose. It is Gods desire that we choose life, that both us and our descendants (children) and everyone around us may live. P.S. I didn't get that from a commercial off of TV, I got that straight out of the Bible. :)
My True Transformation expierience has been a huge blessing in my life. I have lost a total of 82 lbs now throughout the 2nd challenge I am ending. I have lost 8 pant sizes and I even look taller now. :) I wear a bigger smile on my face because I truly feel happy inside. I am smokefree~ I left that in Kona to the sea.. I am now in control of my life, my habits are now healthy ones. I love to eat good healthy foods, and exercise. My desire to be the happiest and healthiest girl ever is now a reality to me, and by the time my next Birthday hits in Aug of this year I will be at my goal weight and toned tight and fit. My love light is on full time now and others are expieriencing the joy that I feel by the way I am sharing my inner peace and joy. I have unconditional love and I practice using it everyday of my life now. God is good and has shown me what this is all about, and I am so thankful for the blessings I have recieved. I have a much better understanding of why I am here on this earth and my purpose to serve others. I am light hearted now and my spirit is soaring! My physical body is loving the freedom from the poisons that I had been giving it, and I just feel 100% better, inside and out. My family comments to me how great I am looking and how proud they are of me for the positive changes I have made and that is the BEST feeling ever. I am a woman who is transforming and my journey continues onward. I look forward to this next challenge and all the wonderful lessons I get to learn about myself and the growth I will continue to expierience for the rest of my life. I love this new feeling of freedom in my heart, and I love the growth that I have expierienced so far, and I know this is truly the way my heavenly father wants me to feel along with all of my transforming brothers and sisters out there do this along with me. Thanks so much for shining the light and showing us the path that God wanted us to be on in the beginning.. I am sure that this is the way back home! :) Love and Peace and Hugs~ Round 3 is definately for me! This is my LIFE!!
I am working on a more detailed response, but this assignment and your introduction to it, came just at the right time. I still have one week to go, and I have not completely met my physical goal pound-wise, so it is nice to have a reminder of all the goals I have set and made. Most importantly, I have the confidence that if something is important to me, than I can set aside the time, the planning, and the resources to do it! I generally put myself first. I gained the realization that I was the one who was holding myself back with lots of negative self talk, and always looking at what I didn't do, versus what I have accomplished. My health, vitality, strength and energy are outstanding. As I start to be a Zumba instructor, I have laid the groundwork for never forgetting and never sliding back. I have consistently shared my challenges and triumphs, openly and without excuses. When I falter, I look for ways to get myself back on track! I am amazing and I owe a lot of it to the community and your vision, Bill! Thank you! Best of all, I know I will reach my goals, not just partially, but all the way. With love, Holly
At this point, to complete Assignment 18, I’m asking you to share what your true Transformation experience has been – what you’ve lost I have lost over 20 lbs of body fat, over 5 inches off my waiste, and the desire to eat unhealthy foods, do unhealthy things and I have lost the desire to hide instead of shine! and what you’ve gained, I have gained muscle, I have gained a ton of new friends on T.com I have gained the desire to reach out and help others where I might have looked the other way before, I have gained the confidence to share my beliefs and knowledge with others in a humble respectfull way. what you’ve stopped I have stopped looking at the scale to measure myself worth, I have stopped trying to prove myself better than others and stopped pointing out others mistakes. I have stopped being so judgemental and uncaring. and what you’ve started, I have started exercising on a truely regular basis, I have started showing my love for others with out the worry of puplic judgement or ridicule, I have started sharing what I have learned on T.com with everyone that will listen! what you’ve ended I have ended the life long search for "things" to make me happy especially a full belly, and the false sence that money and things show success in life. and what you’ve begun I have begun a life long journey of progress not perfection and continual effort for improvement in all aspects of my life, mind, and body. My greatest hope is to bring my family and as many others as possible with me! Thank you Bill, Shane, Dude, and everyone else at T.com for being here for me and giving me the opportunity to help myself so that I can help others ! Love you guys! Jim Nelson
The frown is gone....The smile has re-appeared!
I have stopped living in the past and started looking to a future of great possibilities. I have lost 10 pounds, 5 inches on my waist and gained muscle, strenghth, and stamina. I have ended looking to anyonefor accountibility of the circumstances of my life and begun looking at myself. I have begun to transform and am excited to see what else I can do to continue to transform. (More on my page)
At this point, to complete Assignment 18, I’m asking you to share what your true Transformation experience has been – What have I lost? I have lost 24 pounds, I have lost 6 sizes in clothes, I have lost the view of my family as just work, I have lost my all or nothing attitude towards excersizing and eating (it is okay to miss a workout and just still eat my healthy meals and it is okay to just workout for just 15 minutes if unexpected life events happen), I have lost my unhealthy way of eating on my free day, I have lost my belief that I just can't and don't have time to help others, and I have lost my selfish attitude. What have I gained? I have gained a new view of my children-joy, I have gained unbelievable amounts of energy, I have gained a healthy relationship with food, I have gained knowledge about the reasons why I just want to eat eat and eat, I have gained helpful ways of dealing with the overwhelming feelings I get to just eat eat eat, I have gained increased strength and endurance, I have gained greater reliance on God for all I do each day, I have gained valuable time spent reading the bible and praying, I have gained renewed reasons for waking up with joy each day-Jesus, I have gained valuable friendships with so many others here at T-com, I have gained greater love and appreciation for my husband, I have gained more confidence and happiness than I have had in a long time, and I have gained a new way of looking at things-being grateful. What have I stopped? I have stopped binge eating on my free days, I have stopped looking at my kids as just work, I have stopped finding joy in just food and found joy in other things instead, I have stopped complaining and learned to be more grateful, I have stopped ignoring God, I have stopped my all or nothing attitude, I have stopped lying to myself, and I have stopped making excuses. What have I started? I have started a lifestyle of health and happiness, I have started to set a great example for my children, I have started to be totally honest with myself, I have started to be more grateful, I have started to love more, I have started great supportive friendships and relationships, and I have started a closer relationship with Jesus. What have I ended? I have ended a lifetime of binge eating, I have ended a lifetime of lying to myself, I have ended a lifetime of not totally listening to and following God's will for my life, I have ended my complaining and whining about my circumstances or situations, I have ended the way I used to look at food, and I have ended a lifetime of waking up every Monday morning having to think okay today is the day to start over on my diet and do it right this time. What have I begun? I have begun a lifestyle of health for my whole lifetime. All the changes I have made are permanent. I know I could never go back to how I used to eat, think, excersize, and go through each day. I have now begun to really live. I now wake up each day for the Kingdom of God to the best of my abilities, and fuel, and use the body God has given me, so that I am best using the talents God has given me, until I lay down each night for the Kingdom of God. I will take care of my whole self-physically, spiritually, and emotionally for the rest of my life
This has been a life saving experence to me. For so many years I have been unhappy with myself and I felt as if I was just going thru the motions of living. I was not able to except myself for the person that I had become. Instead I lived to make others happy no matter what I really wanted. With this experence of Transformation I have learned that I am worth what ever it take to become the person that I have always dream of being and that I never throught I could be. I now know that I still have a long way to get there but I have make leaps and bonds over where I was. I am now a happier and healther person. I am enjoying life and I know that it is just going to be getting better each and every day. I have learned that I am importent and I do mean something and that there are no limits of were I can go. I just have to believe in myself. This has been a very fulfilling journey and I am looking forward to seeing what else I can accomplition.
I've lost my former self and I've gained a vision of what I'm becoming. I've stopped just floating along, being apathetic and selfish and I've started noticing that I matter and I have unique gifts that I can give myself and others. I've ended unhealthy binge eating and I've started caring for my mind, spirit, and body and making it a gift for myself, others, and my Heavenly Father.
I've lost my former self and I've gained a vision of what I'm becoming. I've stopped just floating along, being apathetic and selfish and I've started noticing that I matter and I have unique gifts that I can give myself and others. I've ended unhealthy binge eating and I've started caring for my mind, spirit, and body and making it a gift for myself, others, and my Heavenly Father.
Assignment #18: The Universal Truth of Transformation My true Transformation experience this second round comes with mixed feelings. I had some struggles this round. The company I work for downsized with some layoffs at the start of the challenge, my mom was hospitalized, getting the news that my ex-husband has cancer and just two days ago my daughter called and said she was laid off from her job and the last week of the challenge I became sick. But through it all, I never stopped and start over again; I kept going with my new found belief that nothing is for certain; things can change. My faith and hope in God has grown stronger this round. To believe in the unknown or things to come is very profound for me. So I have lost the habit of questioning “Why” and start asking what I can do to help. I have stopped playing the “What if” game and look to the day that has been given because God said tomorrow will take care of itself. I have ended another transformation challenge and have begun to renew my commitment to another journey and to remain steadfast in HOPE.
You will, when you believe! Whether its weight loss... Forgiveness... Making a difference in someone else’s life... Love... Self love... Rebuilding your family life... Re energizing your career... Reconnecting with God... Finding your purpose in life... Fulfilling your purpose in life... Going to Denver... Starting a business... CHANGING YOUR LIFE... CHANGING YOUR WORLD... Whatever it is your heart desires and needs... You will when you believe!
The alpha of my transformation came in the form of trust. Trusting God, by letting him into to my life, trusting my family by letting them trust me. Trusting my transformation family by letting them into my life. The omega of my transformation is that i have allowed myself to turn things over to God and let go of those things i have no control over. I know as I continue this process and doing and redoing the assignments that I will continually improve my life in all areas. It will hopefully come to the point that everything I do in my life is for the sole purpose of giving to others, being there for them and helping them make a change in their lives where they too can enjoy living life as I have enjoyed living my life. Let's move forward to the next 18 weeks! Troy
I've lost the fear, the anxiety and the dark side of myself. I've gained confidence, truth, a light heart, happiness and so much strength both mentally and physically. I've stopped sabotaging myself because I used to believe that I did not deserve a beautiful change in myself. And I've started to believe with all my heart that I do deserve everything beautiful and good. I've left behind the old me, that is what I've ended. And I've started this beautiful journey that lasts for life =) Thank you so much Bill!
Lost - 20 #, three pants sizes, 4 dress sizes, 3 % body fat, the "cankles" that my genetics seem intent on imparting me, my fat girl stigma, my aversion to running fast or far, my aversion to physical challenges, my anger with every little thing irritating that my husband does( none of which is that bad), my fear of this upcoming marathon, my need for soda, my need for friend or junk food, my cravings for butter, my hypovolemia ( my bp is no longer sub normal probably due to proper hydration and good cholesterol), my back spasms and pain, my dependence on ibuprofin, my horribly bad sleeping habbits, my procrastination, my excuses, spiralling out of control finances Found- a house with baseboards, the ability to do home improvements by myself, a community full of strength, commitment and accountability, healthy eating choices, a loving, finally healing and devoted husband, sanity, appreciation for my life, my creativity, causes to get fired up about!, my muscles ( boy have i missed you guys) a fantastic gym or two that motivate me to come back, some of my old formal dresses, balance, a connection with God that I had been missing or neglecting I am not sure which.
My true Transformation experience has been alot of things I hadn't expected. What I've lost ~false pride, a few pounds of fat, stinkin' wrong thinking (that what I do or say doesn't matter), fear of letting go of control. What I've gained ~ an amazing family of friends that I've laughed with, cried with, shared compassion and love with, a renewed hope and light, the realization that what I say and do does matter, a new way of joyful living and looking at myself and others. What I've stopped ~ freaking out and falling back to bad eating habits when trials come my way, holding back what's hurting me inside because I think no one cares. What I've begun ~ earnestly reaching out to others, walking in love, sharing encouragement, to realize that I don't have to be perfect in all that I do and I don't have control over other people's choices....I've begun a new life, a new journey, a new day with a new attitude. =} thank you, Bill and Champions!!! Beverly :D
Bill, I love this assignment. I believe in the principle of eternal progress, so as I was drawing near the end of my 18 week challenge I already knew of course that I could never stop living life the way I do now, just because the 18 weeks are over. I am starting round 2 on monday and so transformation is just like life, in that it is one challenge after another that provide opportunity to grow and progress, to transform and overcome. I have lost over 27 lbs of unhealthy fat, the desire to fill myself with junk (be it junky food, entertainment, thoughts, etc.) and my second chin. I have lost a lot of flab. I have lost physical weight, but more importantly emotional baggage and spiritual rocks I was carrying around. I have lost my cravings. I have lost the desire to tell people where to go and how to get there. I have lost the desire to put people in their place and tell them I told you so. I have lost the desire for contention and fighting. I have lost the need to be right at all times, to be perfect, to be better than others. I have gained lean, beautiful, strong muscle. I have gained respect from my husband for sticking with it even when it was hard. I have gained knowledge and understanding about how to truly nourish my body. I have gained confidence, that bounce in my step and a sense of humor. I have gained more joy in my marriage. I have gained true intimacy and unity with my husband. I have gained that light in my eyes. I have gained life. I have gained self worth. I have gained a stronger relationship with my Father in Heaven and my Savior Jesus Christ. I have stopped running and hiding, making excuses, blaming and judging others and myself. I have ended some unhealthy relationships. I have stopped putting myself into tempting situations. I have stopped beating myself up and in turn started cutting other people some slack. I have stopped taking things so dang serious all the time. I have ended the rat race, the pretense, the competition. I have stopped the people pleasing, the obsessing, the controlling, the manipulating. I have started serving others with a happy heart instead of a grudge. I have started laughing at myself. I have begun to treat myself kindly, patiently and respectfully. I have begun loving my life. I have started writing again. I have ended denying, enabling or covering for other's bad behavior. I have ended always needing to fix things. I have ended wearing too much make up. I have started taking responsibility for myself. I have started loving myself and being greatful for my body. I have started thinking about adopting. I have ended letting fear paralyze me. I have ended dragging myself through the day waiting for bedtime. I have ended yelling and hurting others on purpose. I have stopped surviving, I have started thriving! I have started forgiving and letting go. I have started trusting in God and the good in all people. I have started to feel safe again. I have begun to breathe, to relax, to take the time. I have started to play. I have begun to understand why I was sent to this earth and what my Heavenly Father's plan is for me. Juliane starting over :-)
18 My Experience: My experience on Transformation has been wonderful!!! I may sound strange but I am finally living ‘in the now’ and really and truly enjoying my life. I am at peace, and living with an inner warmth and peace. This was a journey that I started on a ‘body for Life’ challenge a few years back. There have been many ups and downs, but that challenge showed me ‘the light at the end of the tunnel’ and using that BFL crutch I stumbled toward the light. Transformation was the friend that took my hand, and helped me out of the tunnel. *********My expectations of “Transformation” were much less than it delivered. Transformation surpassed all of my expectations by a clear mile! I had some reservations as it seemed very ‘touchy-feely-new age’, but I had faith in Bill Philips (after all he had spent considerable time and resource ‘developing’ Transformation). He had set me on this path originally with BFL, so I decided to do the challenge and to have faith. The SURPRISE, is the realization that my ‘concerns’ were my own inner issues- it was these that were holding me back – self-sabotage. How can a man reasonably refuse to enter a free competition, aimed at improving his body, spirit and mind, with a significant prize and a charitable gift…. On the grounds that it is ‘touchy-feely-new age’??? Perhaps it is because he is finding excuses, and somehow feels that he is not worthy of success – as I was feeling. Major issues identified, and resolved – IAM WORTHY, WE ARE ALL WORTHY ============ What I have lost: My personal negative feelings, and many of my ‘blocks’, that were holding my development back. I can ‘see’ myself and my actions in an entirely new light now. I have ‘lost’ 50lbs of fat on this challenge (100lbs+ overall) and gained 10lbs of lean muscle… I have lost my thoughts of ‘lack of worth’ and my desire to be successful to ‘impress’ – I have pure motivators now…. I used to be ‘judgmental’ and had a short fuse, now I cringe at that – we are all Gods people trying to do our best to survive – I want God to be happy with my efforts on earth. Everything that I have LOST on this challenge --- I NEVER WANT THEM BACK!!! I simple will not allow it, and I know that I have the vision and strength to resist any back sliding. ============ What I have gained: Physically: a leaner, healthier body, 10lbs of lean muscle and a good fitness level!....... Every bits as importantly, I have gained my self-respect, my sense of worth, my clarity of thought, my clarity of purpose, the full range of my positive emotion (Love, Joy, warmth etc)… I have gained control of my life. I have gained patience, re-discovered my centre and realized that I alone control my actions and development – and that I have to take responsibility for me. No one else can or should, and even if they could I MUST not allow that! I have gained the understanding that “I AM WORTH IT” and that I can succeed for me! I have much to do in terms of transformation, but with a positive and centered ‘me’ and with God’s gentle guidance (and I like to believe, his gentle smile) there are no limits acceptable, no boundaries or obstacles that will deter my course- I will realize my potential, I will enjoy the journey, rejoice in the ups and the downs, and have faith in the grand design….
Oh my gosh bill! the whole article is awesome but the parts that really spoke ot me are letting go of the pressure to change others while focusing on myself and the Universal Law of Transformation...it seems like a can of worms when you first want to open the door of change, but when you're into the change it doesn't seem so daunting anymore...and yes, change implies improvements not only physically but in your whole environment, relationships, everything that your life is...it's not easy, but it can be done indeed.
My true transformation experience has been eye-opening, fun, tough, honest, loving and has brought hope back to my life!! I love this part of the assignment that Bill wrote, "And finally, I fully grasp what Transformation really is – it's more than just change – it's a continual cycle where the end is always a new beginning, and where death is always followed by resurrection, rebirth. And so as my old thoughts and beliefs die, new and empowering ones are born. Where the way I was living my life before has ended, a new creation has commenced. I can now clearly see that the end of this 18 weeks is really just the beginning for me. That's the Universal Truth of Transformation." This truly sums up how I feel about my life and this process. It is a constant cycle of renewal, introspection, trial, testing and truth. I have given my heart and received love in return. I lacked self-confidence and now I have more. I hated my old life and the nothingness to it. I now have purposeful goals and I work toward them. My life has meaning and I am so grateful for what I have been given. I have friends!! I cannot express in words how that feels. True friends. People who love me, because I am me. I used to feel "out of control." Now I feel in control of my life and where it is going. I recognize the need to let go and be in the here and now, exactly as I am and what a great blessing it is. My choices are what I can control. I am not as serious anymore, I'm starting to enjoy life, but still getting things done. I was blind before. Now I have more awareness. I could not see the selfishness and pride that were blocking my growth. For years I have tried to figure out why I could not progress much. It wasn't until this process of assignments came along, that I was able to "see" and look at myself and be humble enough to accept that this needed to change. I now am making steps toward service and love. I have come closer to Christ. I have felt his love and tender mercy for me and he has shown his love and given strength to me many times BECAUSE I am not perfect. He makes up for what I lack. He is my rock. I have found forgiveness of my mistakes and forgiven others. It is a beautiful process. I have stopped being lazy and started taking care of myself, family and home. I brush and floss my teeth, I do laundry, I have dinner ready everynight, I play with my children, I spend time with my husband, I am involved in this wonderful community. I plan my meals and days. I used to go with whatever and sometimes there was dinner and sometimes there was pizza ordered. Sometimes my husband had to make it because I didn't. I would waste time on the computer and TV. Now I am engaged in my life. These are huge personal steps for me. Huge!! I eat right and exercise, I contribute to my church through service and participation, I study the scriptures and pray. I reach out to others I meet and give sincere compliments and try to get to know them. I work toward goals and face fears. Although I was not overweight before I started, my body was creating illness on the inside. And in the long run, my body would start to shut down and the poor habits would catch up. I will now be healthy for a long time to come. I'm still a work in progress, by all means, but aren't we all? I finally understand that and know all I must do is what is right in each moment and keep moving forward. It's in God's hands, I surrender to his perfect will. It's not always easy and some days are tough and I don't measure up. On those days, I just say "sorry" and "let me try again" with a positive attitude and a hope of succeeding the next time. I do not beat myself up anymore. Before I just blamed things on circumstance, situations, others and the past. Now, I take responsibility for my life! Thank you Bill for this process of assignments and for creating such a place we can all grow and find strength in each other. I love seeing the progress made and the fires lit in so many. It truly is heavenly. I thank all of you for loving me and can't wait to see where we go from here!! =)
When you first start the transformation the key operative word is lose. You want to lose the stomach, lose the inches, lose the two chins, lose the weight, lose all the self-doubt and habits that have made you feel so terrible. It really isn't what you lose during this life changing experience it is what you gain. I have gained so many things in the transformation and will continue to do so. All of you who have given me strength and knowlege I thank you. To know the human spirit is so strong has improved my total outlook on life. I have gained a spirit that I feel will be catylst not only for me but for everyone around me. It is only going to get better for all of us. I am going to finish this on my blog. Have a great weekend and God Bless. THE TIME IS NOW!!!
I have lost – Over 35lb My ego and lot of baggage that goes with it I have gained – A totally new perspective on life A focus on “now” A ton of friends on T.com A lot of muscle (including heart) I stopped – Focusing on the past and the future Limiting beliefs that prevented me from trying Thinking I have to control everything I started – Really giving my all in the gym Running Smiling and engaging with people Meditating Yoga I have ended – A job A dark chapter in my life Deadend, counter-productive thinking I have begun – Many great relationships A spiritual quest A lifetime journey of happiness
Wow - what a fabulous way to tie up the 18 weeks in a neat little bow. I'll put this one on my blog this afternoon when I get home! I'm thinking THIS is really a pre-packet exercise, and very very important. Bill, I never cease to be amazed at how your mind works. God has certainly given you a gift that you've obviously developed well. Thank you so very much for sharing that gift in the very style you are teaching us to do. -- Johnnie--
My true Transformation experience has had its ups and downs. I'm not exactly where I was expecting to be after 18 weeks, but I do also realize what accomplishments I've made during this Challenge. I'm 27lbs lighter than I was 18 weeks ago. I turned 40 during these 18 weeks. My wife gave birth to the cutest baby in the world who has already overcome some adversities in his short 3 months of life. I am more knowledgeable about nutrition and exercise than I ever have been in my life. I have delved deeper into myself and my thoughts and feelings with these assignments than I ever have in my life. I have found the greatest group of supporters and friends here in Penny's Accountability Group and many others here at T.com. I know that I wouldn't have been able to make it through all of this without each and every one of you lifting me up and giving me advice and encouragement. I realize that I have a lot more work to do...and that's okay. That's what this next Challenge will focus on. I've done the inner work...now it's time to really kick it into gear on the outer work!! What I've Lost - The inability to see the bigger picture. What I've Gained - Much insight and inspiration from sooooo many people here at T.com. What I've Stopped - Believing that I can't. What I've Started - Training for a Half Marathon in October....what am I thinking??!! What I've Ended - A Challenge. What I've Begun - A Journey! - Chad
My Transformation experience has been a struggle… I feel like I’ve been learning perseverance through my issues and struggling but I can honestly say that I’m not where I wanted to be and have to accept that part of that is my fault. I’m glad that I finished my 18 week challenge and posted my pics but I’m honestly not proud of them. There were some things out of my control but more than 50% of it was me not following the exercise and eating exactly. Ultimately though I’ve stayed with it and I’m signed up for my second challenge which will begin on Monday. To date, I’ve lost 14.2 pounds since 01/02/09 and have lost one or two clothing sizes. I have better posture, and I am generally a happier person before. I’ve also gained a huge t.com family which has really helped. With that I feel a responsibility to continue to improve. I feel like I’ve just really begun my journey here. I’ve learned things that I will be doing differently with this next challenge (taking weekly pics, doing at least one assignment weekly and taking time to reflect on it,etc.). ~Laura
THIS HAS BEEN GOOD, BILL HAS MADE STICK TO THIS 100% THANKS BILL
#18...Rescue How can I fully describe what this tranformation challenge has meant to me? I've been thinking for a long time about how to put it into a nutshell or provide a picture. As I've pondered this, I am continually, profoundly moved in my heart. I have not stopped thanking God for what transformation has meant to me and for what He has done for me. I have let go of despair and embraced hope. I've left the dark hiding places and stand in the light. I have surrendered my fears and gained real belief. I have traded in suffering for soaring. I have left sadness and pain for joy. My soul was crumbling, but now is strong as steel. I have stopped striving and now thrive. Here is my attempt at relaying to others the constellation of miracles that have all played in concert together to form the beautiful music of my transformation song. The challenge assignments, the input/instruction of some amazing souls, and then the love of the community as a whole resuscitated this heart of mine. Inside, I was trapped in a dark place, paralyzed and very close to spiritual death. I've tried to find words that convey gratitude I have for all the Transformation Team and how my transformation has impacted the time line of my life. I picture my spirit being wrapped in a lead blanket that I clung to, sinking to dark, cold depths...out of reach...dying. I am not alone, though, God is there. He tells two strong Angels, "Go...save her". Each angel reaches one strong arm into the icy depths, taking hold. In one strong move, Bill and Stoney pull me swiftly to the surface. With a giant splash and grateful lungs, I gasp and am filled with God's breath of life...the breath that changes it all in an instant.
Wow what great questions and they are ones I welcome. My transformation has taken me to new heights and peaks that 18 weeks ago I dreamt of going to, but did not really believe I could reach them. I have found my inner self and a person who can laugh instead of yell, hug instead of push away, cry instead of withdraw, love instead of hate, kindness instead of rude, follow through instead of quit, excercise instead of sitting, eating right instead of bingeing, Hope instead of despair, spirituality instead of darkness, and so much more. I have a renewal for life and a desire to see tomorrow. I love my wife and children with all my heart and now I am finding health, happiness and joy to share with them. I have inspired friends and family alike with my committment and changes. I will not get into all the physical changes in this blog because to me it is minor in the transformation I have experienced. It is important, but what has taken place within is the real story for me and one I am very happy to share. I am in a place right now that I am constantly thinking of ways of how to help others. I am excited to continue my journey and till my ground for new life and change. I am eager to share my time and experiences in hopes I may help someone in their transformation. Giving has brought me a happiness that cannot be bought, or replaced with the latest toys or gadgets. I am a man in Transformation and it is wonderful to say that. It is also very awesome to say I have completed my first challenge and did it strong....Thank you Bill, Thank you Stoney, Thank you Shane, Thank you Dude, Thank you Clarissa, Thank you all the other champions, thank you to all my awesome new friends. Thank TCOM for giving me avehicle to reach my abilities. Derek
I had to sleep on this but came up with a clear and fresh morning mind :) http://www.transformation.com/Kath/blog/Daily-Blog/18-The-Universal-Law-of-Transformation/37240
"I’m asking you to share what your true Transformation experience has been – what you’ve lost and what you’ve gained, what you’ve stopped and what you’ve started, what you’ve ended and what you’ve begun."
What I’ve lost: A low self esteem, hopelessness, anger, shame, guilt, isolation.
What I’ve gained: Self esteem, self confidence, self worth, self love, forgiveness, understanding, HUMILITY, a connection to a Higher Power. FRIENDS!! Support groups, better relationships with my family, and compassion for others. Hope for my future and hope for life in general. Physically I’ve gained muscle and a brighter, prettier face overall. (Not trying to sound vain but it’s true; I can tell an improvement in how I look!) HAPPINESS!
What I’ve stopped: Escaping life through abuse of food, alcohol, drugs and pills.
What I’ve started: Enjoying life by being fully present and grateful. I’ve learned how to be “high on life.” I’ve started living a life full of purpose and appreciation. A daily practice of meditation and spiritual exercise that keeps me grounded and connected to the Universe. A relationship with God that gives me strength, patience, confidence and compassion.
What I’ve ended: A self destructive cycle of abuse to my body, mind and soul.
What I’ve begun: A process of continual expansion and growth through constant self reflection/inquiry. I’ve begun a life where I feel a connectedness with a Higher Power that I can rely on for guidance and unconditional love. I’ve begun new friendships with people in my community and on t.com. I’ve also begun living a healthy lifestyle of eating healthy meals (I’ve actually learned how to cook) and exercising consistently. I’ve begun to reach out to others and practice the “Universal Law of Reciprocation” on a daily basis by encouraging others on t.com and participating in local support groups. I’ve begun to live a rewarding, fulfilling, meaningful life based on spiritual principles of connectedness and flow with the Universe. I am happy!!
Assignment #18 The Universal Law of Transformation What is my true Transformation Experience---- What have I lost and what I have gained? What have I stopped and what have I started? What have I ended and what have I begun? What I have lost: 2.6% body fat. 14.1%- 11.5% Anger! Self Defeating Words I have LOST the fight to control my co-workers, their thoughts, opinions, judgments, and Actions! What have I gained? Most importantly, my life and my wife! We are both experiencing a phenomenal Transformation! Happiness Professionalism Increased muscle tone Respect of my peers New vocabulary of positive words Drive for life Drive to help others Compassion Lots of new friends What have I stopped? Procrastination Fence sitting Worrying about things I have no control over Putting undo pressure on myself Apathy Complacency Feelings of fatigue What have I started? Giving of myself to others Thinking of others before myself Working on my mindset as hard as my physical transformation Reflecting on my progress not my failures What have I ended? Poor eating habits Round 1 of Transformation 2009 by this Sunday! Hanging out/ wasting time in the wrong environments Joint pain The low energy feelings of “Nothing interests me anymore” Spare tire syndrome High blood pressure High cholesterol What have I begun? New eating habits Round 2 of Transformation 2009 Eating at home Increased nutritional habits A new interest in life, by helping others, and being genuinely interested in them and their pursuits of a healthy happy life.
During my transformation journey I have experienced so many changes, inner and outer, that it is quite amazing to me when I look back in retrospect. I am now quite a different person than I was when I started 2 years ago and even more so in the past 6 months. I have gained a sense of self accomplishment and confidence in myself that I did not have before…because, before, my actions were not congruent with my wishes and desires. Transformation has been “map” of sorts to the final destination…a well lit pathway….where before I seemed to wander aimlessly in a dark corridor. I have learned to forgive and love unconditionally, not only others, but myself too….I have gained the ability to make solid choices based on what I know as my personal truths without worrying about others opinions. I have experienced an inner peace that has come from accepting that with faith, persistence, hard work and good friends I can reach the goals in my dreams. I care more about being a friend than having a friend…about giving rather than receiving…. I have learned to recognize all the many daily blessings in my life that I too often took for granted. Physically I have lost roughly 50 pounds and gained a totally new physique. More importantly I feel strong and healthy and feel good in my skin…and in my clothes! I read the definition of athlete on Wikipedia recently and thought…wow…I AM an athlete! “An athlete is a sportsperson in a general sense or specifically person who is respectful, a team player, and shows compassion for the game he/she is playing. An athlete is also someone who plays not for the glory, but for the sheer joy of competing. “When did that happen??? I lost a few lower level habits that were tugging at my subconscious like an anchor, reminding me that I was not my best until I could give them up. I was hanging onto them as a comfort measure…a way of self-defeat….a way of keeping myself from being too successful…When I faced that fear I was finally able to put them away and move on to a better state of being. By doing so I gained a new sense of confidence and self respect t. I gained a healthier and better relationship with my family and loved ones. I lost the need for order and perfection that kept me from reaching for my goals. I took a leap of faith and gained a new sense of balance and harmony. I lost the need to continuously look inward and gained the gift of looking upward and outward!!!!! That has been through a unique process that started with a lot of self introspection and inner peace-making so that I could learn to give the best of me to others. That has really been the most joyful part of transforming. I have given up living dead and began living alive! With love and many blessings— Aimee
This is week #18 for me. And the biggest thing I have gained is that I am no longer going to say, "That's good enough!" After a lifetime of being average, never finishing anything, and being a chronic "settler" I now know that I CAN finish, I CAN set goals and see them through, and that I CAN push myself. The old Katy would have said, well I finished my 18 weeks and this is good enough. But now I say, "I'm done with 18 weeks, bring on the next 18 weeks, because I still have more work to do!" Thank you!!
What I have lost is a lifetime of mediocrity and what I’ve gained is living in excellence, what I’ve stopped is waiting, wondering and faltering and what I’ve started is loving, living and doing, what I’ve ended is being who I was not and what I’ve begun is to see, hear, think, live, express and sense the true measure of who I am and that I am able, capable and deserving of all the blessings I have been given. Another 18 weeks of tremendous growth. T5 here I come.
Bill, when I started the transformation challenge I built this image of a slim, but muscular man that feared on one. I soon realised it was not going to be that easy. Even though I lost 26lbs in the first 3 weeks I kept waiting for adversity to strike. I knew it would happen I just didn't know when. In our first assignment it was very difficult to post my before pictures, but once it was done I knew it was time to get down to business. I put down the negative feelings about myself and begin to learn why I failed the last challenge I had taken. I found a few good things about myself and decided to work on building that list. I begin to read every thing I could on nutrition and became so obsessed with it I would change my meal plan in the middle of the day. When I started to skip meals I went out and got the Eating-for-Life book and it became simple to plan my meals. I learned that the real reason I was taking the challenge was all the problems internal and external. I knew I had to do something about my weight or I would only add to the problems. When I set my time line of May 10Th, 2009 little did I know that adversities would hit me all at once and stop me dead in my tracks. A knee replacement, a pending hip replacement, loss of my job and cancer. Talk about pressure. I almost had a nervous breakdown, but with the help of friends, family and the wonderful members of T.com I made it through. As I stated in the assignment I was weighing myself every day and not seeing any progress. Then I noticed my pants where getting to big for me and I had to punch another hole in my belt. I was now making progress and didn't need the scales anymore. My enemy was overeating junk food not drugs, tobacco or alcohol. I was learning with the help of my group and T-friends to listen and not be so negative about myself. I became a student of learning and a teacher of hope. I begin to stop and look at what I have done to get to where I am and learned that I needed to change in order to succeed. When I decided to give up the fight and except things as they are I knew I would be a better person and I was. I begin to write down what I was feeling and try to express those feelings in my blogs. I wanted my T-friends to know that my reasons for taking the challenge was real. I begin to invite members, greet new members and comment on their blog or stories. I was learning to give , not monetary, but from the heart. I learned that by believing in myself it was easier to believe in others. After all we where here to succeed and become winners. When I found out that I had cancer a cold feeling came over me, but within minutes I was ready to fight for my life. The fear was gone and I was ready to face the out come no matter what it might be. Along with the cancer comes special dieting which is not to much different than the EFL plan with only a few changes. I have only one personal truth , learning not to fear death, but to learn to live. I will complete my transformation. It will now take me longer, but now I have even more reason to succeed and that is to prove to my self I am not a failure and become that Hero I have always wanted to be. Someone who is fearless and stands tall. John
I can't believe that this is my last assignment. The assignments have been the highlights of my weekends. Each one amazes me as it take me closer and closer to my goals and opens my eyes to something new about me. I would say the THE TRUE TRANSFORMATION EXPERIENCE for me is that I am a changed person. WHAT I HAVE LOST: is negativity, judgement, sadness, envy, and doubt. WHAT I HAVE GAINED: is knowledge, energy, peace, contentment, kindness, and love for life as well as others. I HAVE STOPPED: worrying, complaining, judging others, gossiping and putting me first. I STARTED: learning, setting goals, helping others, teaching, and a relationship with God. I ENDED: the life I once knew because now I can see myself for the first time. I BEGUN: a life in which God intended me live, full of hope, love, laughter, kindness, gifts, rewards, accomplishments, dreams, wishes and to never stop learning about him and myself.
What I have lost is most of my mind. What I have gained is more of the infinite that is around it and in it and through it..........Still gotta drop my gut though!
WOW! What an amazing piece Bill! Thank you so much for truly taking each week and breaking them down - what a great tool of reflection. Here it goes: what you’ve lost: I've lost self doubt and self sabotaging my efforts what you’ve gained: I've gained strength, energy, and love for myself through this journey what you’ve stopped: Picking fights with my family members to make myself feel good about being 'better' what you’ve started: Embracing everyone's differences and accepting each person for who they are and what they believe in. what you’ve ended: A cycle of self abuse, eating dirty, not taking care of myself soul, mind and body what you’ve begun: Exercising, eating clean, falling in love with me, and sharing myself without reservation or fear of the unknown
Thank you Bill for providing this 18 week journey. And thank you everyone who I shared the journey with for being there and sharing with me. I could never have thought my year would start off like THIS! I've lost a few things. I've lost the belief that I need to work hard to have control. That I need to work harder to increase my level of control over things. I now know there is a larger force at work that I can rely on. I have to do what I have to do, but trying to control gets in the way of things. I've really lost my former habit of looking back to the PAST. Whether in regret, or in longing. There is no real place for that habit when you are committed to move forward and grow. I no longer fear how others react to me nearly as much as I used to. I welcome all reactions and responses. I have started to feel that I have a real contribution to make from just being THE BEST ME THAT I CAN. And that means giving and caring and helping. I feel that by being like that I can really help influence others for the better. I have felt this now. I have lost a lot of impatience with others. And intolerance for others. That loss feels great! I have started learning to love everyone - because that only makes sense if we are all from the same source. I've learnt to love people in general. To have a genuine interest in how they are. This has helped me lose my fear of getting close with people and being open with them. I am learning more and more that there is nothing to hide. And that it is safe to really let yourself be known to someone else. I have gained a greater understanding of transformation. The concept of death and rebirth makes it much clearer. I now see that life will continue with more deaths and rebirths along the way. And they are to be enjoyed. I now know that I can handle these cycles. I know not to hide away from changing. I am committed to embracing it. The world will no longer be a hostile place to me. It is a friendly and safe place to be. And within this safe place is a great opportunity to share and grow and learn together. Because we can. Thank you everyone. I can't wait to continue this journey together. LOVE, PHIL
Bill, I want to Thank you for this opportunity--I appreciate it. I want to answer these questions in order so I hit all that is asked. The true transformation of Brian Jermyn really is just the beginning, and I really do believe that now. Back in January I would have said yes I will finish and had a good feelng I would, but didn't know where it would take me. That question is answered now--this is just the beginning of this great journey. What you've lost and what you've gained: I have lost weight, and I have lost bad habits, I have lost a lack of confidence, and I have lost the fear of facing my fears. And I now have gained the confidence I was looking for, I have gained the knowledge of eating 6 healthy meals every day to fuel my body with the necessary foods and equip myself for success. I have gained that confidence so I can look my fears in the eyes and attack them. What you've stoped and what you've started: I have stopped eating at fast food restaraunts, and I have stopped eating the big meals to make me full, and I stopped being afraid to make the wrong decisions in life. I have started eating the EFL meals every day and have started a regimented routine that works for me. I have started making decisions knowing that they may be wrong, but I will learn from them, and the Lord will love me no matter what (I will always have my families support as well--very comforting). I have started consistently drinking the right amount of water each day. I have started being more of a teacher and trainer at work, and at home and on t.com to others that can help (even if it is ONE person, then I realize I MADE A DIFFERENCE). I wrote a blog aout the little boy with the starfish titled "Making a Difference"--it is special!!! What have you ended and what have you begun: Well I have ended all of the negative thoughts that used to run through my head about work/home--and have found a fantastic Balance between the two. I have also ended the thoughts in my head of "this can't be you", and you can't give your Very Best every day. I have begun realizing that these thoughts in my head need to be positive for myself and for all around me. The positivity I share now is contageous. I love the way I can motivate, inspire and capture someones attention with the work I am doing here on t.com, it is truly a blessing, and again even if you've made a difference in one person, you've made a difference. I have begun enjoying my family more than ever before--I love them from the bottom of my heart, I really do!!!! I have become a better husband and father and that was my mission when I started. I realize now that life is too short to "not enjoy every second of it" In some of the fitness magazines there is a picture of an elderly man holding a baby and the title says "you are born weak, and you will die weak, what you do in between is up to you"!!! This really is true, it is up to me, and I chose to begin this fantastic journey called "TRANSFORMATION" and I thank you Bill for giving me this opportunity to take this journey with you. And I thank the lord for allowing me to be my very best every day. Thank you, Brian
I can describe my Transformation in one word and that word is POWERFUL! How powerful you ask? An earth shaking transformation. When I started back in January I would never have thought I would have made this great progress so soon in my life. I’ve always wanted to be fit and healthy but never dreamed that this would happen to me. When I started I was so scared to post my before picture, once I took it I thought there is no way I want the whole world so to see this. It took me 2 weeks of praying to my Lord and Savior asking him for the courage to do this. Then one night a vision came to me in my mind a very clear vision of this healthy and very fit man that I will become. But I had to take that big leap and post my before picture. That cold night back in January I did just that and from that moment on I never looked back once. This step which is one of the biggest you make out here is a must do for anyone involved in their Transformation process. I cannot begin to tell you how much I have grown since that day. In the past I was a lazy person who had no desire, no motivation, no energy, carrying around heavy baggage, a sad lost inner soul who could not find his purpose. These past 18 weeks have made me a new and improved man, husband and father. When I look back through all the assignments that Bill has provided for us, I take each one and carry it close to my heart. I’m making this a very personal journey, one that I am embracing on a daily basis. Throughout this process I have learned to let go of my past, I have learned to kick failure to the curb, to forgive all the people in my past that have hurt me, to open my heart to forgiving and sharing all my concealments. I have a new inner soul that is fully transformed. Yes you see my outside appearance, a man who has lost 55 lbs, 10% body fat, 28 inches overall included 10 inches in my waist alone. But the weight that has been lifted off of my soul and heart is over 100 lbs. I have release so much weight over the past few weeks it’s incredible. My heart no longer is hurting; my soul is filled with all this love and energy. I want to jump up each day and embrace it fully. I now live each day to its fullest; I want to share this journey with everyone I come in contact with. When I see a person who is down and out I want to reach out to them and put my arm around them and tell them there is hope, come follow me and let me show you the way. I’ve learned to take this whole process one step at a time, one day at a time, one meal at a time and one work out at a time. When I calculate all this together and write in my journal my meal plan along with my work outs I see this complete transformed person who has not reach the end only the beginning. As each day I learn more and more. I want continue the journey with each of you out here; I want to run side by side to the finish line with all you. -John
I am sorry to jump in and not answer directly Bill's assignment, but I could not resist. I just want to send a Super Cheer for all of your T.com Challengers participating, writing your assignment 18 and FINISHING Strong! You guys did it. You did Not Quit! You are great example for all us that are starting a Challenge. Thank you Challengers. Thank you Bill for creating this wonderful virtual community. - Ikigai
Well, it's Day 2 of week 18, so I still have 5 days to gain even more wisdom. Ok, I've lost about 30 lbs of bodyfat, I've ran a 5K (which would've been emposible 18 weeks ago), I wore a large shirt Monday in public and didn't feel like I was a wet t-shirt contestant, I bought size 36 shorts the other day and they're roomy, I think I could fit in a 34. I'm more patient with my kids in the situations where I would've went off on them, I don't cuss at people while driving anymore, I automatically eat healthy 6 days a week (I passed on some junk food Sunday cause it wasn't healthy, I later realized I was there to get junk food cause it was freeday), I've talked to a bunch of people on this site, I actually showed up for a Meet and Greet (I would've been too shy to even show in the past. Go Hoosiers!), I sleep straight through the nite (I used to wake up every hour, like clock work), The biggest thing I learned was that this isn't about an 18 week contest, it's about a lifestyle change that's meant to be maintained 4 life!!!!
What an awesome positive confession this whole 18 assignment statement is. I think I might just read this everyday as a confession over my life. What I have lost is much more than weight all though I have at this point lost 36 pounds and I have gained right much muscle. I have lost my desire to eat bad food, I have lost cravings for suger, I have lost that lazy sit on the couch and do nothing feeling. I have gained a desire to eat good wholesome foods and to help my family do the same. I have gained much energy so sitting on the couch and watching TV makes me uncomfortable. I have gained much more love of life and a bright out look for my future. I have ended the lazy feel like I have no energy life in exchange for serving my family more fixing dinner for my wife and children washing dishes and do laundery, wow all that is new. I didn't feel like doing anything before. My out look on life I believe has been balanced through this transformation. I know that I will be borned anew each 18 weeks I do for the rest of my life. I want to continue to help others to live life to the fullest and be whole and healthy.....Love the Journey..Jeff
I have to leave in a few minutes but I quickly wanted to finish this assignment with what came to my mind first and foremost: What I've lost : a lot of inches and a lot of ego, some weight, feelings of unworthiness, seeing myself as not good enough to accomplish God’s original purpose for me, the feeling of being a quitter and a failure and what you’ve gained: more self-confidence, closer walk with the Lord, more awareness of the needs of those around me, more love and compassion for others, more muscle, a healthier body what you’ve stopped: I have stopped procrastinating, I have stopped being a victim, I have stopped feeling the pain that I have carried with me since I was 4 years old, I have ended all of the excuses I used to use, I have stopped eating junk food and what you’ve started: the journey to the NEW ME – actually the Real Me; exercising!; pushing myself to do things I never thought I could, taking responsibility for the choices that I make; thinking before I react – using the NEW way of thinking rather than the old what you’ve ended : making excuses, excuses, excuses for why I can’t or why I’m not…; seeing myself as a failure; a lifetime of feeling worthless and not good enough; years of quitting, not really trying; limiting myself with my negative belief system and what you’ve begun: exercising regularly and eating clean, pushing myself to do more, reaching out to others to change their life by joining Transformation, feeling more compassion for others These are just the quick ones that I can rattle off my head - but they're really important changes to me!!! Thank you, my Lord & Savior Jesus, and thank you, Bill Phillips, for being used by God to impact so many lives.!
Transformation has been, for lack of a better term, an awakening. I knew when I began this journey that a healthy body would help me face the challenges in my life, but I had no idea the scope of mental and spiritual awakening that I would enjoy. I have been awakened, into health and happiness. I am a soul which has been released from chains of depression and despair. What I've lost: I've lost nothing. Not time (every minute well spent), not treasure, not freedom… I've lost nothing at all. Though I've become lighter in body as well as spirit, I don't view this as a loss. What I've gained: I've gained insight into myself - I've gained a sense of self worth - I've gained friendships - I've gained confidence - I've gained desire to succeed - I've gained desire to inspire others - I've gained inspiration in others - I've gained love - I've gained humility - I've gained support - I've gained health and a body unburdened by emotional or physical weight that it didn't need. -I've gained faith and belief that I was created to be healthy and abundant in blessings What I've stopped: I've stopped holding grudges. I've stopped feeling that I was entitled to something for the mistakes of others. I've stopped blaming myself for things outside of my control. I've stopped blaming others for things outside of their control. What I've started: I've started loving unconditionally. I've started believing that I am worthy of love and happiness. I've started identifying my dreams and taking steps toward achieving them. What I've ended: I've ended a life of "faking it"- going through the motions without truly believing in myself and hoping that nobody would notice. I've ended a life of anger - holding grudges literally since childhood. What I've begun: I've begun putting effort into every task so that I can know without doubt or illusion that I've put my complete and best effort into them. I've begun caring for others in a way that shows them my heart. I've begun to be truly present in all my interactions - peacefully dedicating myself completely to the activity at hand no matter what it may be.
I have lost negativity in my life. I have lost the anger that has been there for years. I have gained new strength within myself and most of all I have gained love for myself. I have stopped drinking excessively and using alcohol to cope with stress. I have stopped being the victim. I have started reaching out to others. I have started a new relationship with my parents. I have ended all the pain that I have felt since childhood. I have ended all of the excuses I used to use to avoid people, places and things. I have begun to see the good in everyone. I have begun to place my trust in God that everything is as it should be and always will. I have taken this journey with many others and discovered that life is good! We are all responsible for the choices that we make, whether they are positive or negative. It wasn't until this journey progressed that I realized, I do not have to just let life pass me by, I can be proactive about it. I can make the changes that need to be made and not rely on others to direct me as I go. I do not need to carry around others baggage. I am not responsible for their thoughts, emotions or actions. I cannot control others, only myself. I have become a responsible adult. We will always continue to grow and change, this we can all be sure of.
This transformation started out for me that I was going to shed some pounds and maybe turn some fat into muscle..little did I know just how much I would tap into who I was and how much I was about to transform more than just my body, I have changed the course of my life and the essence of who I am. I have lost pounds and inches, I have lost the feelings of anger, avoidance, hurt guilt hate and the feeling of boredome in my daily life. I lost that empty shell of who I was but I thought that I was ok...that I was content...I had no idea up unitl about 2 weeks ago that that part of that shell was a lie and just how much energy and how exhausting it was to live that lie...So I shed that shell of that woman who was not seeing herself clearly. it was like I was seeing my life through a cloud and that was the woman who accepted your challenge on January 4, 2009. That person I have said Good bye to... I have also stopped playing the tapes in my head associated with self loathing, not believing in myself or not even putting all of my faith into God above that he would provide everything I needed in my life to be content like he intended us all to feel. I have replaced those with positive thoughts and positive self talk believing in me and knowing that I have the potential deep down inside of myself I see myself in the mirror now and I smil...brighter that I ever have I even radiate from the inside out I am beautiful and I am worth all of it!! I have the capacity to love others as much as I can now love myself... Where did this come from??? I am not afraid to share with others things that I have learned while I have started this journey to who I am...I have ended old habits of putting things off because I did not want to do them because of lack of commitment, focus, self esteem and self confidence. I have begun to see myself as a strong, empowered, loving compassionate, open and caring person. It is amazing the me that has shed that shell and stepped out into the light. If I can accomplish these amazing feats in just 18 weeks I can only imagine what I can accomplish in 1 year and even 5 years. Thank you Bill for growing like you have over the years and sharing the very best of you with us. The course of my life and that of the ones I love has been forever changed because of you and your love and guidance and the belief that we can do anything we set our minds to in a very short amout of time. There are no words to express my gratitude and Thank you just does not seem to be enough...So from the deepest depths of me I send you a Warm hug as big as the Texas Sky.. Love you...~Kim
Bill, when I started this transformation I thought I had it all figured out. I thought I just needed to lose the weight and everything would fall into place. Being in ministry I thought I had the spiritual side down. I had already worked through so many issues from my past that I didn’t think those were the problem either. But as I have shared before I knew there was an issue because there was excess weight! So I trusted in the process. I begin to detach from the outcome and just learn from the journey and as a former control freak that was a huge change for me. I was losing control and gaining a quite strength. Strength that comes from faith! I felt like a fraud when I started this challenge. My heart was telling me who I was but my physical self wasn’t living in that vision. I lived in fear and judgment. I feared what others thought of me and I craved acceptance. I judged everyone; constantly comparing myself and feeling less than good enough to accomplish my purpose. Through this amazing journey I have gained true faith and trust. I have gained a freedom in living my belief that my God is big enough to do mighty and powerful things through me no matter what. If I remain available and present He can use me even in my weaknesses. I have stopped comparing myself to others and started to appreciate my own uniqueness’. I have stopped judging others and begin to see them as God sees them. My heart has turned from critical to compassionate. (and I thought I was compassionate before…the fraud I was) I have inspired people just by being me and not having to pretend I am something I am not. I have given up the limiting belief of doing enough just to get by and I am pushing myself to do things I never thought I could. I am physically lighter but the most incredible feeling is being emotionally and spiritually lighter. I actually feel that my light is shining now for the whole world to see! I always wondered what people like you or others that shine so brightly had that I didn’t. I felt like I had a relationship with God and that was suppose to be “the answer” but now I get it! I have truly surrendered and my old self has died. The new self that is risen and, well let’s just say I am smitten with her! Thank you Bill for this journey. This has been life changing. Forever grateful, Brenda
For me what I have gained is a love for life, a passion to help others. A real appreciation for each day, to enjoy it to the fullest! The person I was in Jan. when I started is dead and gone. He was a person who lived day to day, with no hopes, dreams or goals. Now I am working to become more like you Bill. I now truly care for others and I want to help them in any way that I am able. I appreciate Bill and Stoney, and all the leaders and friends for what they have done for me, I now have my life back thanks to you. I look forward to sharing my experiences with others so I may help them the way you have helped me. I am no longer sitting on the sidelines watching life go by, I am now in the game! Many Blessings to all of you, I Pray for you daily. Terry
Wow.....thanks Bill......I will post this on my wall and read it daily....what a great summary of what our teachings have been so far.....In a brief synopsis of your questions (I will post more on my blog to truly, fully complete this assignments): What I have lost -- my bulging belly, my high blood pressure, my high blood sugar level, and my desire to control others’ decisions and choices……What I have gained – muscle, muscle, muscle, and an insight to how I am suppose to feel, how I want to feel, and how God intended for me to feel all along….What I have stopped – eating candy (except on free days), drinking alcohol, putting things off until another time, using hateful words towards others to make myself feel better, and looking back…..What I have started – building a new me (the real me), appreciating those people in my life, taking care of the talents and treasures God has present to me, playing with my kids…..What have I ended – the sad, depressed, judgmental, sarcastic, lost, sometimes hateful, and drunken life that I was living….What have I begun – to live my real life, the greatest life possible, and to see the world as a place of abundance for me and everyone else. To see past myself and know that there is enough happiness, success, and reward for everyone in this world. I no longer judge others by how they treat me, or what they have done for me, or if they were better or worse than me – I treat each individual as an equal, and want nothing but the best for each and every person. I have begun to hopefully make a difference in the lives of others, while making my life better by giving and sharing with others……thanks bill……..brett
When I came to transformation I thought I had my spiritual life together. I had a me against the world attitude. I was still bitter and angry, just hiding it well. I was loving and compassionate only to get something from others. I was desperate not to slide back to the old eating patterns. I was really not well at all on the inside or the outside. It took some time and a lot of soul searching with the lessons that you have outlined Bill, but I have made a lot of progress. And i am still growing each day. It's now time to dig in a little deeper every day to understand and correct the flaws in my life that I had pasted over with a smile and a laugh. I had to get real with myself and come to grips that i was not who God wanted me to be, Through the journey of self discovery i have learned so much about what makes me tick. My fears, my anger, my doubts and my tiny view of the world are all leaving. They are being replaced with love and kindness, great faith, real joy and a vision to change the world by helping just one more person to wake up and see that they can get out of that hopeless state of mind and body. I could say thank you a million times Bill and it would not be enough. You have allowed me to discover the Dusty that God really created. For that i will always be grateful. I still yearn to learn more about me and the role i can play to be the change in other peoples lives.
I’ve lost the belief that I was born to be fat.>>>> >>>>I’ve gained a new found sense of self-respect. Not so much because I made a dramatic physical transformation, but because I did it at an age where many choose to give up the battle and begin a slow march to the grave. Instead, I chose to visualize what I wanted to be, and to make it a reality.>>>> >>>>I’ve stopped making excuses for my poor physical condition. I was not born to be fat.>>>> >>>>I’ve started a sustainable lifestyle of healthy eating and exercising.>>>> >>>>I’ve ended negative thinking about my body; the “Fat Boy” mentality that I don’t deserve to have a fit, healthy body.>>>> >>>>I’ve begun a lifelong journey to be the change.>>>> >>>>All the best in your Transformation, > WorkoutGuy
Bill - Stunning in every sense of the word. I will print this page and re read it over and over. What empowering words. Transformation has given me a total renewal of life. I have lost a lot of bad habits, I have lost a lot of weight, I have lost a lot of ego, I have let go of a lot of fear, I have become empowered, I have gained confidence while loosing cockiness. I have learned to fuel my body, how to eat for health. I have gained a sense of self worth, I have found who I am. I know god loves me, there is no doubt that I CAN. I have found a new appreciation for life, for my existence, for opportunity, for service. I have learned charity. I have learned humility. I have started to believe in me, I look at life through new eyes. I see the beauty in all people. I love more, I laugh more, I feel more, I am more. Transformation has changed my outlook on the future and the future is bright...................thanks Bill..........I love you man................DUDE
To fully understand my true transformation experience, one has to understand my old self. I was in a very dark place before, that consisted of anger, anxiety, depression, and a lost of self control which was caused by my unhealthy destructive eating habits. My overweight body was a reflection of the inner struggles within me. I was running away from life, drowning my fears and filling the void within with food. My old self, my ego, the natural man that was within me was an enemy of God. I was running from Him. I was disobedient to His word. I feared the light because it meant change. I feared my true potential. I feared myself and what I could become. I shrank in life out of fear. That Divine heritage, that link, that spark of godliness which is within each of us that is connected to our Father beyond the veil was fought by the natural man within me. I was under the false illusion that obedience to Him, to His word, to His Light was giving up my life and would bind me down. I thought I knew myself, I knew more than my God, but that false limiting belief actually bond me down to a destructive life that was limiting me from true growth and my the purpose of my creation. With hitting a low in my life, the initial reason to take on the Challenge was to change my physical self, but little did I know that the real transformation would take place within me. As I went through the process to change my body, the real change started to take place within my heart. Anger was replaced with peace. Hardness was replaced by humility. Anxiety was replaced by peace. Heaviness was replaced by lightness. Ignorance was replaced by light and truth. Addictions were replaced by healthiness. And fear was replaced with faith, strength, and love. My brother painted a picture that depicts the old self, the natural man, the old life. In the painting, one can see a statue of a face that represents my old life. The statue is crumbling and around the statue is broken columns laying on the ground which depicts death, the end, and the giving up of ones self. Part of the surrender process of ones heart, of ones old ways, of giving up the natural man, giving up the ego, laying down ones life, is death. After death, there is life, there is resurrection, there is birth of a new life, a new beginning. The arch way in the painting depicts the entrance to the new life, the new way, the new beginning. Destruction is left at the door as one passes through the veil, through the door into the next life, a new beginning. This transformation took me to my knees and forced my heart to put off the natural man within me. It humbled me. and as all spiritual growth begins with humility, it placed me in a position to surrender and give myself to turn to light. The transformation broke me down and a purification and santification took place as I turned to that God that gave me life. As I truely sought after the one they called Jesus and drank that living water that giveth life, the true transformation took place within and my heart was healed. (Please See my blog called Assignment 18 to view my brothers painting) With this new life, change of heart, I have desired a return to the temple to gain light. This drawing by my brother is called "Approaching the Temple". In ancient times, prophets always went to the mountain tops, higher ground, sacred ground to get closer to God, closer to light, to receive revelation. Sacred temples were erected to enter into the presence of God. The figure in the drawing is man approaching the temple which has drawings of ancient figures on the walls. Within the temple is greater light and knowledge soughted by man throughout history. This drawing was given to me by my brother for my desire to seek greater light. (Please See my blog called Assignment 18 to view my brothers drawing) My true Transformation experience has been a change of heart, a broken heart. I have lost the natural man that bond me down and become a man of Transformation, a man with a new beginning . I have stopped running away from my God. I have allowed myself to feel the fear within, to demonstrate courage and face myself, be my true self and live to my true potential. I have ended a life of destructive unhealthiness and began to accept and live my personal truth: "I Come From a Divine Creator of Health, I Am Health".
I can't begin to express the learning that has taken place in the past 17 months since I met you the first time in Phoenix. I know for me the best way to continue to be the new me is to pay it forward and help others. I have a new student who hasn't been able to weigh yet the nurses scale won't weigh him. I hope that I can give him the help to have the success so that he can be his own inspiration. kennie
I gave up my belief that what I do for a living is who I am as a person. I will achieve my life mission no matter what, in job, in community, or in self.
Hi Bill, What I have lost--boredom, apathy, avoidance, sadness, frustration, lack of commitment, lack of focus, & confusion. What I have gained: energy, loving my life, focus, passion, clarity, joy, fun, expansion, knowledge, connection, peace & so much more. I've seen a couple of license plates in the last few days that sum it up for me. The first was "iluvme" and the second today was "a joy". I do love myself and my life is a joy. Thanks again for this community and for all that you do! Love & Joy, Dianne
Oh Bill...I don't know if words can do it, but I'll try... What have I lost? I have lost the blindness and separation I had. I was completely unaware of what my limitations and imperfections were because I didn't want to admit I had them. I kept myself separate from others and didn't relate to being like anyone. What have I gained? I have gained awareness of myself as a person who has lived with mental illness my whole life. I had no idea until recently. I have gained courage to listen to that small still voice inside that said, "Get checked out. Something is going on." What have I stopped? I have stopped blaming everyone around me for the things that weren't going right. What have I started? I have started taking responsibility for my actions, and their effects on my life and those around me. I have started therapy so that I can spend the rest of my life as a well person. What have I ended? I have ended the period of my life where I was unaware of why I was hurting, why I couldn't control my impulses, why I couldn't succeed at anything I tried. What have I begun? I have begun walking down the clean, clear road laid out before me. I know what the obstacles are and I know how to treat them, climb over them and how to remove them from my life. I have begun true and lasting self discovery and the road to health. Thank you. I am brought to my knees with tears of gratitude and joy.
I had the belief that I couldn't exercise ever. With all the back surgeries I had endured I thought I couldn't do it. But I changed that way of thinking I took my first step in the right direction and now I am able to exercise. I still tend to hang on to the belief that I can't push myself any further because I fear that I may hurt myself. So now I am replacing that fear with Faith, I can do all things through Jesus who strengthens me. I will not allow fear to run my life. I have to admit it will be a hard journey but I will not give up, I will not quit fighting. Someone once told me that if I set a goal for myself and able to achieve it, I have won the race. My goal can be to come in first, to improve my performance, or just finish the race -- it's totally up to you......... And that my friend is exactly what I am doing in the here and now. I see my life right now and I am happy and blessed, not only do I have my health back but I have a purpose to keep on keeping on. As long as I continue with the right attitude and look within me I will continue to change and I will continue to defy the odds. I know there will be days that I hurt really bad, but as long as I keep on keeping on and as long as I have that mentality and the strong will to go forward I know I will push through. Thank you Bill for everything. =)
Bill, I know this is off topic, but after reading your blog 18 recapitulation, I have to say this: I first came across BFL at the end of the last century, and felt that you had earned an authentic expertise in fitness and health, and you were a smart entrepreneur. The 'how-to' then was certainly highly useful, but the real eye-opener for me was what was really possible by 'ordinary' people. What you have gone on to build from there over this past decade is ... great, in the full sense of that word. Brilliant, yet profound. A growing community of re-scripted potential capable of significantly influencing seemingly intractable national epidemics like obesity, addiction, and closed, limited lives. I know that at this stage for you, the snowballing results of your students are their own reward. But I wanted to try to express my admiration for what you have achieved, and for what you are striving to bring about.
My true Transformation experience has been a beautiful beginning to a new healthy life!! – I've lost 30 pounds of body fat and 30 layers of fear and negative self-talk!!! I've started living a lifestyle with fresh vegetables and a fresh outlook! Even though I am working out every day, surprisingly I am finding more free time in my schedule because I have so much more energy. I have discovered that my body was not producing cortisol and corrected it with supplementation and a healthy diet! I have staved off Type II Diabetes and early heart disease! My world has opened to an incredible community of beautiful people who I can truly call my friends in almost every state of the U.S. and several other countries worldwide. I FEEL CONNECTED TO GOD AND EVERYTHING THAT IS! I THOUGHT THAT I WAS FLYING (finally loving myself), BUT NOW I KNOW THAT MY SOUL HAS BEGUN TO SOAR, BECAUSE IT IS NOT JUST ABOUT ME, IT IS ABOUT THIS POWERFUL CONNECTION THAT IS HEALING THE WORLD!
Man I can't wait to get at that level mentally , physically, and spirtualy after these 18 weeks. Congrats to all who finished the first 18.
I LIKE TO SHOW UP. THAT'S THE ONLY THING THAT MAKES ME KNOW MYSELF. FEAR IS A FEELING THAT I REALLY HAVE TO PUSH BACK. I DO FEEL IN THE LAST 4 TO 5 YEARS AFTER A BAD CAR WRECK I AM DOING A LOT BETTER. I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT I AM AN ACTIVIST, INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER AND A DANCER. IT IS REALLY HARD TO BELIVE THIS. IT IS REALLY AMAZINIG TO ME. I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO ME NEXT. I CALL THEM GOD-WINKS. MELANIE.
My true Transformation experience has been the most powerful experience of my entire life. I have lost and gained more than I have been able to keep track of. Physically, I am healthier having lost 50 pounds of unwanted fat from my body. But the weight I have lost on the inside is what gives me a light heart vs the heavy heart I used to carry around. It’s clear to me now why my physical appearance was what it was. Simply a reflection of what was going on inside. I have lost the garbage that I had carefully collected as far back as I can recall. For me the garbage was negative words, thoughts, beliefs that were holding me back. Limiting me. I have gained positive beliefs, confidence, appreciation for myself which I never had. I have gained the ability to love myself and own the responsibility of taking care of my body by feeding it right and exercising it right. I owe it to my creator to do so. I used to think my body was to be ashamed of, regardless if it was fit or not. Now I know that my body is a gift, and I only get one in this lifetime. I have gained the ability to FEEL and recognize that I have (“am”) a Soul. I have stopped being a passenger in life and have started taking control of what is in my power to control. I do my best to make a positive difference each day. I have stopped dreaming and wishing and have started taking action. I have stopped watching and started participating. This is a life journey and I am ready to keep learning and growing and reaching new levels of awareness along the way. I used to think at some point the awareness, the inner happy, the positive energy...all the good stuff would level out. Well, I am still waiting :). Not convinced it’s possible to level out because there is always room for more growth no matter where we are in the process. Thank you Bill for teaching us how to live healthier and happier lives, one soul at time....actually, in your case, “many” souls at a time is probably more accurate. I feel blessed and will forever be grateful to you. I love, respect and appreciate you deeply, in the most respectful way. Thank you! Thank you! and then again Thank you! Did I mention...THANK YOU?!?!
My 18 week transformation experience has empowered a deeper healing in my life. During this time, I’ve lost physical, emotional, mental and spiritual weight, and I’ve gained strength and health in my physical, emotional, mental and spiritual being. I’ve stopped trying to fix situations in my life and the lives of others, and I’ve started to listen more, mostly to God, to myself as a whole, and to others. I have ended an overwhelmed existence, and begun a bright and beautiful today and many many future tomorrows!! I love you, Bill! I thank God for you! Love MaryPat
I shed some pounds & inches, as well as many limiting beliefs about myself and life in general and I gained a whole new perspective! I stopped smoking, started participating in my life. I ended 20+ years of self-loathing and began to actually care about myself and the world around me. I'm upbeat & positive most of the time now, whereas before, not so much. Physically I didn't do the work the way I needed to, but I sure dumped a whole lot of baggage! I'm excited to begin the next Challenge because this time, I'm in it to win it!
You took the words right out of my mouth! LOL. One thing I am sure of....I am soooo happy. The second thing I am sure of...every new day is a gift. Thanks and on to round 2.
I have learned much about myself on this 18 week journey. My authentic self is starting to shine through and I have let go of doubt and fear. My self talk has changed, I can now nip negative self talk in the bud and replace it with a posotive one. I am in tune with my body and what it needs. I pay attention. Thank you Bill. Tonia
Bill, this process has meant so much to me. There were so many limitations that I was placing on myself without even realizing it. I feel whole and worthy for the first time in my life, and I look forward to starting my second challenge on May 11. Thank you, again, for everything. Robin
I really changed the way I view everything and everyone......I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Imagine the whole world thinking like this special group of people you have gathered here!
IIt's hard to realize just how much I have changed and gained from this challenge. I am truely a new person that my entire family has watched grow from a person that always had it my way to a person that says how may I help you. This has been an increadible journey. I'm looking forward to the next 18 weeks. thanks Bill Love, Linda
okay dokay now...lemme hurry up and get the typing, so I can complete the 2 newest ones :-) This'll be completed momentarily :-) Shawn
I am eternally grateful for having come across this website and its wonderful people. I have been able to go deeper within myself to truly discover my real potential and what direction I am destined to go. Thank you, Bill, for giving me the tools to find my inner self and help guide other people along the journey.
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