THANK YOU

Thank you thank you thank you.

Beware of the flying monkeys

You know I get a lot of inspiration on the bikes: maybe it’s because I spend so much time on them. Maybe because my ADD kicks in halfway through and if my mind doesn’t wander it might just explode. But you can tell a lot by how people work out on the bikes. Now granted – I don’t know the whole story and there may be extenuating circumstances. But I was working out Saturday morning and the woman to the left of me was taking her sweet time reading her magazine and going about 45. (ok, I peeked) Now the woman to the right of me flat out scared me - I’ve affectionately dubbed her Manic Mary. She jumps on the bike with a purpose and never got below 125-140. Then there was me – right in the middle averaging in the 80s or 90s. But I was there for over an hour and kept seeing people come and go. Some were just there to warm up. Some were driven to do as much as they could in the shortest amount of time. Some were just leisurely enjoying the ride. Sort of like the overall gym experience, and honestly I’ve been all of the people on different days. But I’ve decided I want to be ALL of them – always driven, always enjoying the ride, and always there for the long haul. I wish I could have had the results other people have – but then I think of the success I have had. Which was excellent….then. This is now. Now I want to obtain those seemingly unobtainable goals – like Michelle Obama arms. Heck, I’d be happy if I lost the old lady grandma wings. And I will. But on my cardio days maybe I’ll take time to slow down and enjoy the journey. Then speed off on my own little yellow brick road. Just have to dodge the flying monkeys.

It's a new week! FINALLY!!!

Well, today’s the start of a new week. It’s been an interesting couple of past weeks. But this is a new week, and I’m ready to put the old behind, and start anew.

While my strength seemed to decline for a few weeks, I think I surprised both Jake the Great and myself with the leg presses. It felt good – strong – and when I’d reached my max and yelled out the last ounce of strength – Jake added up everything. It was 405 lbs! So I’m guessing that my legs are becoming more strong!

And I am too; both externally and internally. Because as my strength increases on the exterior, it pumps me up and helps me know the only thing holding me back, is ME.

I had a chance recently to read the online magazine sent to people with my disease. I think some of the main tops were categorizing your clothes by color so if you lose part of your vision you can still “look” nice. How to deal with the legal aspects of no longer being able to do your job. PT exercises to help you get out of bed more easily. You know, encouraging things like that. J

Me, being me, called the national office to share my story thus far. At first they thought I’d been misdiagnosed until they found me in their data base, from YEARS ago. Then they said to keep them apprised of my progress.

Like they could stop me!!!

But next week my prayer is that I am able to do as much, if not more, than before. But if not this week – I know I will – and soon. And I’ll tell you all about it!!

February 7, 2010

Ok, the only “wise” words I have are:

GO SAINTS!!!!!!!

You HAD to know I’m all about the underdog!!! :)

The lesson I learned is don't listen to what anyone says or what has happened in the past - you go out and play your best game or work to the best of your ability. Naysayers will always be there - trust me, I know. But it doesn't matter. Get the passion deep inside and see what you WILL be, not what you are - then work to make it happen.

Grow Your Business = Grow Your Mind!

Submitted by: Lisa Remley, Training & Development

Be a student. Stay open and willing to learn from everyone and anyone. Being a student means you have room for new input. When you are green you grow, when you are ripe you rot. By staying green you will avoid the curse of being an expert. When you know in your heart that every single person you encounter in your lifetime has something to teach you, you are able to utilize their offerings in a profound way.
-- Dr Wayne W Dyer

Bittersweet

You know, I was all excited about February 1st; this marks 16 years since my first medically documented episode of M.S. As I told a man at church yesterday I wish I could bottle how well I feel. If I could, I’d be a millionaire overnight. This journey has been so exciting and life-changing that I honestly some days feel like I could take off and fly!

Then I got the call from my Mom last night that my uncle who also suffered from M.S. had died from complications of the disease. Talk about having your wings clipped.

Then I began to reflect on my uncle’s life. The things that stand out to me was his active lifestyle pre-diagnosis. Like the summers he spent playing his beloved baseball. And how every Saturday night how he would take my aunt to the Elks Club where they would Swing Dance the night away. I remember once driving to the small town where they lived for one of the dances, and how they had a Shiny Belt Buckle dance. He explained to me that’s when the men have the big ol’ belt buckles on, and they dance so close to their partners that by the end of the dance their buckle was shiny. Those are things I treasure.

The memory that I won’t take with me is his quiet acceptance of the disease and its progression. Unlike him, I will NEVER accept this disease. I’ve forgotten that there is a bigger picture here – not just today – but tomorrow. And my tomorrow will be stronger, more determined for a better future for me, and everyone else. But it will also be filled with a little more joy and appreciation for the gift that life is.

It shows me that this is the correct path - I was going to say for me - but I think it is THE answer. Correct your diet and work out. It isn't always easy - but like I always say - it is ALWAYS worth it. People with the disease ask me how I can work out, don't I get tired? More tired than you'll ever know, but I would get tired sitting on the couch too. At least this way I feel like I've accomplished something. And the fatigue factor lifts, and when it does, man do I feel good!

So whether the grind of your job, your family, or just life has gotten to you, take a second. Take a deep breath, and truly enjoy the moment. Laugh a little deeper, love a little more, and forgive a LOT more.

When I work out with Jake tonight I think I’ll ask if I we can use the piece of equipment that I love because it makes me feel like I’m flying. I feel the need to just fly tonight.