Yesterday I was reflecting back on Denver and listening to last Thursday's Talk Radio and I began to feel insignificant compared to all of the folks here in the T-Community making such huge and profound changes in their lives. People like Shane and so any others losing 50 to 100 pounds (or more!) of fat. People like Chris WInters and my friend BrettC fighting and winning their battle with addiction. People like Jerome and Marty moving ahead with life in spite of facing huge adversity. And the list could go on and on.

So who am I to even think that I could ever be a contender for being a future champion? Yes, Denver was a pretty humbling experience for me. Then yesterday at the gym, something happened that brought it all into perspective. I had a similar experience several months back, so this made it even more special and inspiring to me. I was just about finished with my weight workout and was replacing one of the dumbbells when one of the younger guys in the gym, I think he's one of the High Schoolers less than half my age, commented that I have awesome triceps. He continued on to say that he's been watching me workout and has changed his routine to do what I do.

Although I've made progress in my inner transformation this past year, I still carry parts of my Fat Boy image with me from childhood. I was stunned that this good-looking well build high school kid would see me as a role model in the gym. We then had a brief conversation about the importance of working the triceps from multiple angles.

With just a few words from this kid, my mood went from solemn and reflective to energized and once again wanting to spread the message that age is just a number we get off of the calendar. Chronological age has little to do with physical age unless we choose to be slave to it, and it has nothing to do with spiritual age. Spiritual age can even defy the calendar and move backward if we learn how to master it. Dick Hoyt is one such example of someone who has mastered this principle.

So, whether or not I am champion material for this Transformation competition is immaterial to the real competition, the competition of life. I chose to be a winner in that competition, to bring physical age in alignment with my spiritual age, which puts me back with the Younger Generation crowd.

Jim,

Ok,so I'm not "quite" 50 yet... ha ha ha.... fighting that all the way.... but wanted to comment on your story when I saw it pop up....

You already know you are my Hero.... you have the most giving, servant's heart, and I love you for it. Transformation is about SO much more than just the outside appearance, although that is an important part, and yes my friend, you have done VERY well with that! It's awesome that you are inspiring the younger generation half your age - can I get a whoop whoop! lol!

How we inspire others, and who is watching us we may not always know..... your light my friend, shines from the inside out, and you are a gift to us all. A champion in my book!

Love & Hugs, Your friend, Deita

Great post, Jim. You inspire a lot of people- myself included. YOu are The Change inside and out-steve

Jim- just wanted to pop in and let you know that I am honored by your friendship and great example. This is going to be a fantastic group!!! Very inspiring!!!!

Ok so I have been know to Crash the






This is the last time I’m doing that LOL J


Almost done with the HHC Challenge, You ALL did Awesome J


Please click on the link below this is for "YOU"


http://www.transformation.com/Kenwoodjens/blog/Uncategorized/BELIEVE-IN-YOU/63485


And Never Stop







Now do not forget, Transformation ONLY STOPS when you choose to,
for me it is a lifestyle, sign up for Bills AWESOME Next challenge


http://www.transformation.com/challenge/2010/





God Bless YOU ALL AND

Jim, I hope you are planing to continue this group in 2010, I look forward to sharing my goals with you for the up coming year. Terry

Hi Terry, Well the group's not very active. I think folks are in more groups than they can kepp up with. I know I'm in that boat. I started cleaning up my group memebrships today to get to a more managable number.

I'll continue with the group if there is real interest from the community. THe community is growing by leaps and bounds with the new 2010 challenge, so perhaps there will be renewed interest in the "mature" members of the community.

I should put up a group icon photo too. Any ideas?

Also, if you are interested in an accountability group that is active on a daily basis, please feel free to join my group by following the link in my signature line. We have a great small and highly interactive group.

Happy New Year!