Good Morning Team! I am not superstitious but yesterday was truly a Friday the 13th for me. But today is a new day so I am happy for it.

Yesterday I went to bootcamp and then later swimming. I did pretty well with my laps. Today is marathon coaching and then family time with Mike's grandma and then maybe going out for yogurt for a intern that is leaving our church.

Chris, hope you have a better new day today.

Reetu.. it does take a lot of effort to actually finish what we started here. It is worth it for ourselves.

Just wanted to share that I am at my lowest weight in 25 years.. I am so excited.. Now I have a lot to do to tighten up and lose those last few pounds, but it just feels good to be here now. I got to 129 on my new scale which was two pounds heavier than my old one..

Have a wonderful weekend.. Marilyn

Hi Folks,
Did some heavy weights yesterday and a nice walk. Another walk today and a bike ride when I sign off. Pretty muggy again. That bike breeze will cool me off sweetly. Have a great weekend.

Million Pound Guy

I trust that all of you are having a blessed day and are living a blessed life. Please excuse my absence over these past several days. I have been here reading posts but my time has been very limited. No excuses, of course, just legitimate reasons stemming from life events, a busy schedule and simply not feeling my best as I work to overcome a longstanding addiction to caffeine.

Let me give you a quick run down of my past three weeks. The last week of June I began a serious dialogue with two local individuals interested in working with me in a training/life coaching capacity. After a week of back and forth communication during which we clarified goals, delved into heart and spirit related matters, both of them made the decision to commit to themselves and to me for an 18 week period during which their nutrition, exercise and mindset habits would be transformed toward the creation of beautiful renewed beings. Much time and energy went into the formulation of their individual plans as we established a start date of July 2nd.

Along with my clients, I began my caffeine detox as well as a juice fast on July 1st which almost immediately resulted in some pretty nasty withdrawal symptoms including intense headaches, fatigue, lethargy, irritability and more. I am pleased to report that the fog is beginning to lift and I am feeling the abundant energy of LIFE as the green juices, extra hydration, meditation and improved sleep work their magic. I'm now two full weeks completely caffeine free. That is a huge WIN for me considering I was using pre workout energy supplements, a mega sized Starbucks coffee and one or two energy drinks just to get me through each day. I am doing a lot of reading and learning a great deal about the negative health impacts of caffeine use and abuse. Very eye opening to say the least.

One week ago I received a letter in the mail informing me that I and my family would have to vacate our current rental home by the end of August due to the owner deciding to sell. This was not expected nor favorable news in light of the fact that I had just spoken with the property owner a couple of weeks prior and we had agreed to extend our lease through July of 2013 to allow my daughter to finish High School without distraction. This news immediately hurled us into the process of searching for a new home to rent along with beginning the sorting, organizing, and packing of our belongings.

Combine all of the above with an involuntary change in my work schedule (Due to staffing and business demands my days off were changed from Friday/Saturday to Wednesday/Thursday and I'm currently in the middle of a 10 day stretch without a day off) and you can see how I might be scrambling a tad to stay on point and not allow the winds of circumstance to blow me completely off course.

I want each of you to know how GRATEFUL I am for you. You have been a blessing to me over these last 18 weeks. The HUGE good news is that I have made progress in all areas. My weight is down by 6 pounds total (weight is not an issue for me any longer, but the elimination of caffeine, dairy, grains and all processed foods combined with my juicing has impacted my weight and body fat percentage in a positive way) and I am leaner and stronger than ever.

I will be scheduling a Conference Call for this coming Wednesday (July 18th) to celebrate our 18 week journey and to announce final recognitions. I am hopeful that all of you will find time to be on the call to Celebrate along with me and share your heartfelt sentiments pertaining to our journey together.

That's all I have for now, other than to say Thank YOU again, tell you how much I love all of you and how blessed I am to have you in my life.

God Bless

Hi Guys!
The park had a free outdoor movie this evening. It was appropriately, Yogi Bear! Pretty cute & the setting reminded me of the good old drive in days, only no privacy or steamy windows, tee hee! Did I just admit to something??? LOL!
To start my day, Mellie’s creed, Goss Coaching & other positive connections: Done J
Exercise: swimming J
Meals: planned free day
1) shake & tea
2) probar
3) shake & apple
4) pulled pork & veggies
5) pop corn & water
Meditation: No, I’m goodJ
　
Gratitude for:
1) Quality family time.. J
2) Pond dipping w/ the g-kids tomorrow at a different park. J
3) For you guys loyalty to report in. J

What I can do today to achieve my goals: I know I never change these goals, but I do read them every morning. I also look at that fat /muscle picture. Mental clarity & visuals help me stay focused most of the time.
1) Stay focused on personal growth, nutrition & exercise.
2) Keep visualizing the real me to come & to give it all I have!!!
3) Live in gratitude.
4) Know that I have control over my destiny.
5) Give & do for others w/ compassion in my heart. (sharing, listening & inspiring them to do well).

　　 Quote:
“ A bad attitude is like a flat tire, you can’t go anywhere until you change it”.

Marilyn, what is a health bridge & where do I find one? My posture is suffering also.
Chris, I hope your day was better than yesterdays. Funny, but the 13th has always been lucky for me. Or at least a good day.
Reetu , Focus on you & find those much needed 20 mins.
Cristin, Welcome back! No excuses or lectures, just good doses of support.
Michael, your plate has been really full. Congrats on detoxing even w/ the stress & withdrawls. Not sure what the law is in your state, but here that 30 days to vacate doesn't mean diddley. Check with your local housing court to protect your rights. 30 days to find a place in the same area is not always easy.

Good Morning! Had to believe it is the middle of July already. Yesterday I ran with my marathon group and then met up with Mike after his ride at the rehab facility to meet with Mike's grandma. Then off to get my friends bike tuned up for my triathlon next month. Today is biking, church and maybe checking out a local festival nearby. Last day of summer school tomorrow and we are making fruit kabobs and having cheese pizza. My sister talked me into ordering glasses on the internet and they came yesterday. I think I like them and they are a lot cheaper than going through a eye doctor. Have a good day friends!
Chris

The good news - the lower back pain is gradually improving; the bad news - still no Curves until after the Pilates session on Tuesday. The Pilates small class I'm going to is a type especially in tended to "develop optimal neuromuscular performance by focusing on core stability, while safely balancing muscular strength with flexibility . . . incorporates modern theories of exercise science and spinal rehabilitation introducing these principles and reinforcing them over time . . . awareness of how the body moves is developed". So I'm hoping to get started on some rehab for the present problem and education to minimise chances of recurrence.
Another very busy week and adding in 2 or 3 meetings a week & daily check-ins to an already busy schedule is proving challenging - but very worthwhile in other ways.
Exercise: see above and I'm still trying to keep up the steps and stair-climbing as much as possible
Nutrition: pretty good - 3 balanced meals and 2 snacks, focused on protein, veg & fruit and wholegrain carb only. Another pound down this week - after this it's into lowest since ? territory.
Community connection: a little of everything but a bit constrained on time.
Spaces: work office still improving ahead of the refurbishment, home still !!!* but some clearing must be done by Tuesday afternoon since there's a guy coming to do some work on living room aerial sockets.
Progress not perfection: sister and I have started coming up with lists of at least 5 positive points each from our days to swap on our evening calls since we have so much of the other sort of stuff going on at the moment.
Steps: two more done and posted


Chris - a definite case of 'here's looking at you, kid' - to coin a phrase.


Hope you are all heading in the right direction - as ever . . !

Blessings, Jess

Hello Mastery,

I am so happy to have met you here in this group. Thank you for letting me be honest on my life. It has been heart warming to be able to release so much that I held in me through the assignments and through the main stream. I will always be grateful to all of you and as the Transformation journey continues for me, I am looking forward to doing grander things in life. Tomorrow I start my 16-week training for a full marathon in November. This is the reason for my absence in this stream. I have had lots of thinking to do and I stayed focused on finishing up the Mastery 18-week challenge. I will always be grateful to Michael and Bill for creating this group. It has changed my life for the good and I will not be looking back at my past. I will be leaving them here in the assignments and main stream. No more tears, pain, guilt, or depression. Just happiness and gratitude for this journey. THANK YOU AND MUCH LOVE ~YVONNE

Been out all last week at a summer mtg in Dallas...long week for sure, late hours with co-workers, and I had to present to the entire group, so lots of work on what I do everyday that makes me successful at work. Exercise and eating were the most lax that they have been since I started this 18-week challenge.

Got home and couldn't wait to get back to the gym - felt great. It's 4am Tulsa time and I need to get my after pics done and measurements, but it won't be until later, if possible. I've got a long drive this morning (anyone heard of Enid, OK?) and then off to Denver tomorrow.

You all are so inspiring...it's good to catch up with all the posts after being out of the loop for a week.

I hope my friend Laurie has successful surgery in September - way to go getting back on track with some exercise (I never did join PF, not yet anyway). Have fun in Hawaii!

Bill and Michael have done a wonderful job with this group. Bill, thanks for the recent advice.

Got to jump in the shower...have a great Monday everyone!

JIM

Jess.. glad you are seeing a bit of improvement

Yvonne.. good for you.. enjoy your next steps to fun and health

Sherri.. healthbridges.com
Christine told me that this works for her and her family, so I ordered these wooden boards that you lay down on and awakens muscles by the curve that forces your back to stretch. I am finding it very painful, but I think it is working.. Twice a day you lay down on i9t for 10 minutes..

Good day everyone.. Marilyn

Monday, July 16 - Had a really great day with the family yesterday! We decided to take in a short hike from one of the ski resorts in the area. We drove up to Brighton, and it started to rain lightly. There were a few folks out, but they were outfitted a lot better than we were; I hadn't packed any kind of rain gear for us! Oftentimes, in the mountains here, the rain moves through quickly. We decided we'd wait a few minutes to see if it would clear. It kept raining, though, and we considered just trying another time. I got out to see how bad it really was, and it wasn't bad at all, actually. It was raining, and it was cool, but it wasn't cold, and it wasn't too wet. We figured we'd just head out and see how it was; worst case scenario, we could just turn back. We headed up the trail, and it really was just beautiful - lots of wild flowers in bloom, and amazing mountain views. The rain started to pick up, and we decided to take shelter under a tree. The rain kept coming, and we decided, especially with the 3 kiddos in tow, the smart thing would be to head back. And even though we didn't complete the hike, we had a ton of fun! The kids were all wearing smiles, and they are anxious to go again. What a fun day for sure!

LOL Bill! It appears that the parks where out to get the both of us. Here's to making the best of bad situations.

Marilyn, Thanks for the info. I'll check in to it. Have you tried inversion tables? I'm not fond of all the blood rushing to my head, but I do like the feel of that stretch.

Jim, nice to see you back on here. I agree, with the info given by Bill & Michael, my journey is more complete. Like having my own personal trainers.

　
Hi guys!
OMGosh I got lost on the new park adventure on Sunday. I ended up doing a mile walk all up a hill to get the car only to realize it was the wrong road!!! It was 97 degrees & humid as anything. I was sweating & scared. Wasn’t sure how I got turned around, but ended up asking for help. Two ladies offered me a ride back down the hill to reunite w/ my g-kids & Dan. As we got to the bottom of the hill the pond dipping group was walking by. I started saying there’s “my family” as I jumped out of the car. I’m not sure I even thanked them for their help!!! Dan thought the car had been stolen b/c I was gone so long. (Nice that he came looking for me, lol) He just stayed w/ the group & was wondering to the next river bed. He laughed & said he new I’d show up b/c I’m a survivor. Gee thanks, I think?! He also called me out on the uphill mile. When they were done I put them in the car & the odometer proved my case. What sympathy? All he did was laugh at me in amusement!!! My walk should have been a simple 5 mins away, but I chose to take a road instead of the trail b/c I had on flip flops & was afraid to cross w/ a snake by myself. Lesson learned…Continue to face the fears head on!
On the bright side, in spite of all the obstacles, I did that dang mountain climb (slight exaggeration, lol) & I believe I will use it for my cardio once in awhile in the future.

　
To start my day, Mellie’s creed, Goss Coaching & other positive connections: Well do when I wake up. Assuming I ever get to bed, lol! J
Exercise: swimming & sweating my butt off watering flowers!J

Meals:
1) shake & tea
2) probar
3) shake & berries
4) salmon & veggies
5) almonds & shake

　
Meditation: No, I’m goodJ
　
Gratitude for:
1) Mellie’s return w/ new hope! J
2) The boxcar derby parade & free carnival yesterday. J
3) The internet that keeps me informed of area events. J

What I can do today to achieve my goals: I know I never change these goals, but I do read them every morning. I also look at that fat /muscle picture. Mental clarity & visuals help me stay focused most of the time.
1) Stay focused on personal growth, nutrition & exercise.
2) Keep visualizing the real me to come & to give it all I have!!!
3) Live in gratitude.
4) Know that I have control over my destiny.
5) Give & do for others w/ compassion in my heart. (sharing, listening & inspiring them to do well).

　　 Quote:
“ Nothing bad every happened to a writer, it's all material”.

Hi!! Was in bed the last few days with some kind of allergies. Much better today. Went out to Running Lab to get my running gait assessed and appropriate shoes. I love my new shoes!! Comfy and as an added bonus its colourful!! I went out for a short 3 km run today to test it out, and it was awesome.. I'm in love with my new toy Got some weight routine done, too.

Have a great one!!

Reetu

Glad you are better Reetu.

Bought size 6 pants yesterday..
getting rid of more fears.. unbelievable how they pop right up

the health bridge, although painful, is a good thing..

So, as we wrap up our challenge, I really want to thank everyone for all the connection and info we had here.. I am pleased with my results which took me where I had no idea I would be going.. Marilyn

Tuesday, July 17 - Out the door at 5 AM for 5/25 LBWO at the gym, and it kicked my tail GOOD! First group of sets was definitely an eye-opener, and I started to find my mental stride around group 3, though my muscle were starting to bark at me a bit. Took all I had to push through those last sets, but I got 'em!

Finished reading my book on the American Revolution this weekend. I'm overcome with gratitude as I reflect upon everything that happened to establish this country. And I'm most intrigued by George Washington; I have a deeper respect and admiration for him - what he accomplished in the face of incredible and overwhelming odds is nothing short of truly amazing. I was looking at some famous George Washington quotes yesterday, and I ran across a couple that reflected his views on discipline...

"Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable; procures success to the weak, and esteem to all."

"Discipline, more than numbers, gives one army superiority over another."

Washington and the continental army succeeded despite incredibly overwhelming odds against the most powerful army/navy/empire on the planet at the time. They succeeded because of their faith and passion for what they were doing, and their discipline.

I think there's a really powerful fitness parallel there. Anyone who has ever pursued a health journey has undoubtedly felt overcome by overwhelming odds. But if the faith and the passion are there... and if the discipline is there, you can absolutely succeed!

Day 9 here and I am still going strong. I feel great and am staying on track with workouts and clean eating. In the meantime I am dreaming of afternoon walks/hikes in cooler temps...which will be a while yet here in AZ.

Wishing everyone a fantastic day!

Laura

Join Me

Well, a 21-Day meditation challenge sounds nice, but I'm just going to have to close my eyes and visualize Facebook, lol.

Just checking in here to report that my new computer is up & running. Everything went very smoothly, except for a couple minor hiccups with system memory. I took my time with wire management in the case, too, but it's looking pretty nice now. Windows is installed, and I've started back on the music for just long enough to test it out. It now takes under 6 minutes to process a CD instead of 30 minutes.

What's really nice, though, is that this feels like a turning point in my epic journey toward healthier spaces. I reached the "pinnacle of mess" this past weekend when I had wires and parts and boxes spread everywhere (along with the CDs still). Now that the heaps of parts have been assembled into a computer I'm over that hump and the cleanup process has begun again. I can even get rid of a couple really old computers that I'm never going to use again. That will be cleansing.

Hope all of you are doing well. Len, that 50-mile time trial sounds epic! Bill, good to hear you're tearing things up on the road (travel always throws a big wrench in my routine). Yvonne, I loved that pic with the dog! I really need to get outdoors again soon! Sherri, nice job on the accidental workout. Marilyn, high-five for your results! Have you been on any beach-walks lately? Confession: I picked up some more Five-Fingers (I had a $20 referral bonus to cash in, so I got some Komodos in Blue/Black and a set of the new SeeYas in Dayglo).

Cheers!
Chip.

With









We ask that you please join us in this celebration of the successes we have experienced over the past 18 Weeks. Each of us has taken positive steps along the path. We have learned together; we have grown together. We're all deserving of praise and recognition for the time and energy we've devoted to this process. Please do not diminish or discount your contribution. You are all loved as well as valued whether you were here for a short time or for the long haul.






WHEN: Wednesday, July 18th







5pm Pacific, 6 Mountain, 7 Central, 8 Eastern, 9 Atlantic








Conference Dial-in Number: (760) 984-1000



Participant Access Code: 877620#





Also, at the conclusion of our call we

will announce the person earning much

deserved recognition for the success they

achieved over the third phase (18 Week Mark) of our

Mastery Challenge.