Get "In The Flow" Daily

Right here at

Mastery MAINSTREAM

THE PLACE FOR:

Daily Interaction, Support, Encouragement,

Sharing Our Journey Apart from Assignment Work.

It all happens Right Here!

We ENCOURAGE YOU EACH DAY to look at the post directly




above you and seek that person out to offer praise, read a blog,




add a profile comment or support in some way.

This is the Minimum Encouraged Standard!

I'm in the FLOW and ready to Go!! Hey ... I have a

Transformation of my own to complete after all. I'm FAR

from a completed project. Being first in the stream is

awesome. The water is brisk and invigorating. Who's

jumping in next?

Hey Team... So looking forward to the next 18 weeks and beyond with all of you. For those that don't know me too well, I am a Canadian from Kingston, Ontario. I am a husband, and a father to wonderful children. I have been a member of Transformation since May 2009 and I strongly believe in the intention and the process that Bill Phillips has set forth.

I am an experimenter. I have tried and (in some cases) re-tried a number of different diet and fitness programs and formats. Through trail and error, I have (I think) found a path that works best for me and my own success.

I have been a follower of a couple of BeachBody programs and I believe that they have been helpful in my life -- P90X and Insanity. I am currently doing my fourth round of P90X. However, I have customized it to meet my needs.

I really do not like the YogaX in the program, so I removed it and replace it with a number of other workouts. I also feel best when I do additional weight/resistance workouts so I do BodyPump at my gym at least once per week and an extra UBWO and LBWO on Wednesdays and Friday's. For those counting at home, I generally do between 7 and 11 workouts per week.

I, like many, have struggled with the best nutrition program for my success and I sometimes find myself in the pantry elbow deep into my kids cookie bag or enjoying my third spoonful of Nutlella right out of the jar. I suffer from big peaks and big valleys. As such, I have learned that controlling carbs for me is essential for success.

I am currently following the Primal Blueprint as a nutritional framework. It is kind of like Paleo-light. The author of the book and the website Mark's Daily Apple is Mark Sisson. Essentially I am eating protein, veggies, nuts, some dairy and some fruit. I have recently adopted this method of eating after a recent personal challenge following a more "balanced" approach that did not work for me (but it was a good lesson for me).

Between November 2011 and last week, I had gained back a 19 Lbs of weight that I had lost as of my all time low of 247 Lbs when I finished Insanity in November 2011. I used to be 307 Lbs (April 2009). I have had some real success with weight loss and craving control when I follow controlled carb eating or primal eating. This past week, I have kick-started my healthier future with 6 Lbs lost. I am hitting the ground running!

I have been very blessed to have many T.com friends who have supported me and provided inspiration along the way. My biggest supporter is Lisa (Fitness_Crazy) who has help be my Accountability Partner here at the site for over a year. She is a member of this group and a real blessing in my life.

Also, I had the privilege of participating in Michael's (Fitpro) Gratitude Challenge at the end of 2011. He is such a pillar of light and support. I so look forward to working with him again in this challenge.

I have so many wonderful Transformation experiences that I could share, but suffice it to say, I am so very grateful for this community and the process / tools we have to make positive change.

OK now Michael, I am ready to pick up the hammer and build that house! There is no quit in this Transformer!

Cheers
DJ

Hello,

My name is Marilyn. I live in new York and am 64 years old. I joined transformation a year ago because it combined spirituality which was my main interest with proper nutrition and exercise. I liked the combination and was in Marty and Carin's group which has now become Fearbusters. I lost 25 pounds and really had a chance to stop my emotional eating through my choice and awareness. I'd like to lose those last 10 pounds and create a strong and functionally fit body. I am approaching these next 18 weeks with an open mind to learn more about myself and to continue on a transformation journey with supportive people.

Michael, DJ & Jillian: greetings! Looks like I'm 4th to jump in the stream.

Jillian: Congrats on your prior success and having completed a half marathon! I hope this challenge finds you pleasantly surprised with what you can do.

My wife Autumn and I live in Gilbert, AZ. I found Transformation a year ago when I was overweight and not really enjoying life very much. I've been a fan of Bill's work (Body-for-LIFE, Sports Supplement Review, etc.) years earlier and figured whatever this "Transformation" thing he had going was bound to help me shed those extra lbs. Sure enough, I lost about 60 lbs and transformed myself into a runner thanks to a friendly challenge from Michael and Autumn's courage to commit to running the Phoenix Half even before I was sure I wanted to commit to it! So, Autumn and I both completed the Rock 'n' Roll event on January 15, and now here we are, ready for another challenge.

I'm in reasonably good shape, especially compared to last year, but I'm also currently in that most dangerous of places: my comfort zone. I'm signing up for the Transformation Mastery challenge to make sure I get off my butt and continue to do the work, so that I can make sure healthy habits stay a lifestyle instead of letting 2011's accomplishments fade into a temporary high point.

Since I had some success last year, I'm hoping to do a little more this year to help others. Areas where I feel I have the most to offer include:

overcoming depression
how to get more fresh veggies in your diet via healthy smoothies
how to start running when you're not a runner
everything you want to know about Vibram FiveFingers (toe shoes)

If anyone has questions in one of those areas, feel free to ask me either publicly in the forums or in a private message if that's more comfortable. My door is open.

So, that's my intro. Who's next?

Cheers!
Chip.

Marilyn, congrats on 25 lbs gone and welcome to the group! Apologies for not mentioning you in my previous post, but your post showed up while I was still drafting mine.

Chip, What is Vibram Fivefingers? Congrats on your successes to date. Yes, we do have more to go and not just rest on our past success and watch it fade away. I am trying to create a lifestyle for the rest of my life where I can feel healthy and strong and continue daily to grow spiritually and physically and also feel comfortable.. not rushing to lose and gain quickly or feel deprived. Marilyn

Hello team,

My name is Maria and I've been here since June 2008. I've lost 40-50 pounds since my heaviest and have more to go. I am a special education teacher but gave it up to become a certified personal trainer and a corrective exercise specialist.

I'm excited to begin this journey and reach some of my goals!


DJ,Jillian, Chip, and Marilyn it's going to be an awesome journey!

Let's get the party started!!!!

Chip, I have a pair of vibrums but haven't run in them yet- I'm also studying chirunning to become better and quicker as well as pain free.

Wow, such great stories Michael, Marilyn, DJ, Jillian, Maria and Chip

I'm very inspired. I came across BFL two weeks ago and then Transformations last week. I've been a sponge and thought what better way to jump in than head first, right?

I'll be honest I took my photos yesterday and almost found myself in tears. I have a great deal of anxiety when it comes to sharing them, perhaps some of you can relate.

My weight has escalated over the last 3 years, after I ended an engagement. I think I thought if I packed on weight it would be a way of protecting me - overweight, no dating, no relationships = no worries. I'm done hiding behind the weight and ready to move forward.

I am so excited to be teaming up with all of you in this transformation.

Laura

Hi, Laura.

Welcome and congrats for taking the courageous step of jumping straight into this challenge. Don't worry, your anxiety and emotion over your before pictures is a very common reaction. I had the same kind of reaction last year, along with plenty of doubt about whether I could stick with my challenge long enough to make any real difference, but I did. As a gesture of solidarity, here's my before photo from 2011:

So, there I am--sickly complexion, dead eyes and pudgy body hiding the real me from the world. But none of that is anything to be ashamed of. They're just symptoms of some hard travels in my life. If you put your heart into each step of this challenge I guarantee both the features that bother you in your photo and the anxiety that goes with them will become distant memories, and when that happens you may find yourself appreciating your before photos as a reminder of how far you've come.

Have a great journey!
Chip.

Greetings to All!

Michael-a BIG thank you for starting this group! It's clear from the member posts above that we have a really great group of people here. And personally speaking, I feel this group is an integral piece of the puzzle which will allow me to see my first 18 week challenge through to the end!

DJ, Jillian, Maria, Chip and Laura...it's a pleasure to know you. It does indeed sound like we have a wonderful group filled with positive, motivated people. It's going to be great to learn more about everyone over the course of the next 18 weeks.

In a nutshell, I've had many failed attempts at a successful challenge. I first learned of Bill Phillip's BFL book in 1999 and then his Transformation book when it came out a few years back. I'm SUPER excited because THIS 18 week challenge I WILL see through to the end.

The missing link for me was always about accountability. Without a group/person to be accountable to, I was free to make excuse after excuse as to why I couldn't workout, eat clean and/or see a challenge through to the end. With the daily support and positive accountability this group will provide, I have everything in place that is needed to be successful on my 18 week journey.

I am currently 50-60 pounds overweight. At 6'0 tall, my weight is evenly distributed on my frame; although my face is fuller than it is when I am not overweight. I am looking to rid myself of unhealthy body fat and replace it with lean muscle. It may take a few challenges to get to where I want to be but that's OK. My overall goal is not just lto lose weight and gain muscle. I am looking to use the Transformation tools as a foundation to a new lifestyle for myself. And of course, I look forward to making some wonderful friends along the way too.

Here's to success for all of us!

Laura

Looks like the list is growing fast! Looking forward to growing and progressing with all of you!

I am ready to continue learning in this fast paced changing healthy world! I am a retired salesman.

Lovin Life
Mick

I am thrilled to see such a great beginning! I love reading about my teammates.

I'm Tracy and am a proud wife and mom/Stepmom to 2 teenage girls. I am also lucky to share my home with 2 rescue dogs, one of which is from Afghanistan. I work a relatively stressful full time job and am active in my church. I just celebrated turning 42. last week.

About a year ago I quit smoking with the help of some great t.com folks and since then have also developed some arthritis issues. I also started eating too much and not exercising enough and I am now 20 pounds heavier.

I have done quite a bit of internal work over the last year that has been incredibly helpful and I am now ready to have my outside match my inside.

I am looking forward to sharing this time with all of you and getting to know everyone better.

Tracy

Laura (UW)

It does sound like you are ready. As you noted, the benefits of accountability and community support cannot be highlighted enough. Also, really grasping that every day does not (and will not) have to be perfect. Learning and building from mistakes rather than letting mistakes consume us (or let them be the fuel for excuses).

I look forward to celebrating 18 weeks from now when you do finish our challenge!

Laura (Mrkt)

Way to jump in with both feet. You have some real experienced people here that can help you achieve your best! Enjoy the process. Success comes when you enjoy the process more than the results. If you enjoy the process, we find a way to make it a part of our daily life and not simply a program we are following!

The before photo process is a necessary evil. Embrace it and use it as fuel to achieve. You do need to know where you are before you can get to where you are going. Enjoy the journey!

Cheers
DJ

Wow!

I just got done reading through your posts above, and that's the best word I have to describe - "Wow!"

We've only just started, and already I feel such great energy and intention! It's inspirational to be a part of this!

As I look at the member list for this group, I know some of you, and I'm anxious to get to know the rest! Here's a bit about me...

My name is Bill and I'm almost 42 years old. I'm happily married to the love of my life and we have 3 amazing kiddos. I started my weight loss journey 11 years ago when I found Body-for-Life. At that point I was at my heaviest, 270 lbs with a 44" waist. I was MISERABLE. I did BFL as a last ditch attempt, and I was amazed at how quickly I was able to shed the weight. After 6 months, I was down to 200 lbs.

When I found out about transformation, I jumped in thinking I could guide people based on what I'd done with BFL. I realized very quickly that there was soooooooooooo much more to transformation than diet and exercise. I completed my first transformation, and it was life-changing experience for sure! I shed a bit more weight, but I got so much more in terms my mental/emotional/spiritual wellness. I had the opportunity to go to a transformation event centered around the Dallas marathon in early 2010, and that was a truly amazing experience! I got to meet so many wonderful people!

One of the most powerful things I've learned is to really love the journey. And a constant journey it is! Exercise and nutrition continue to evolve for me. More on that stuff in the corresponding threads!

Suffice it to say, I'm deeply excited to work wot Michael on this group and to work with each of you! This WILL be a powerful journey!

Much light-

Bill

Thanks Chip, Laura and DJ - such great words of encouragement - I so appreciate it

Chip I looked at your before and your after photos - major transformation - great job. It is people like you that are so inspiring and prove the journey works!

-Laura

Thanks my warrior friend Michael for this AWESOME group here and all that you do !!!

I am kat from wisconsin, just turned 56 , have 2 daughters and 7 grandkids :-) I have been trying to transform for about 2 yrs now. unfortunately i go "gungho" and then dont see fast results or any and then quit and then feel bad and start all over again- its a vicious cycle and i want --i am going to stop once and for all. I know what it feels like to feel good and i am going to get that way again :-)

I am looking forward to learning from you all and becoming great friends for this 18 wks and beyond !!! I am proud of everyone just for being here and i thank you for your support in advance.
lets all make this happen for all of us !!!

Hello everyone,

Please call me Buff, my focal point for the next 18 weeks will be all about transforming into a better version of myself spiritually, mentally and physically. I hope we all tap into our unlimited potential and embrace the challenge ahead with reliable laser focused

Determination. May we all push through when the going gets rough and may we never forget why we embarked upon this endeavor. May we encourage, motivate, and uplift one another and may we never give up on ourselves....never!

Okay you beautiful group of Champions lets rock this thing!

Hi Friends! My name is Chris and I am excited to be here. My goals is to maintain my exercise and start to really fine tune my eating. I am a special education teacher and also a certified trainer. Currently I teach second grade and work part-time for the special recreation. I am involved in my church with music singing both solos, worship team and choir. I also coach right now for a half marathon program but am training for a full marathon in late April. I am hoping to really use this challenge to fine tune my mental, physical and emotional health!