"Falling" Off the Wagon

My trainer, Derek, told me I've "fallen off the wagon."

I don't think "fallen" is the correct word. What about pushed? Thrown? Impelled? I think those works would be more accurate. I didn't fall - I was SHOVED off that wagon! And who (or what) was doing the shoving? - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

In July of 2013, my brother-in-law, Perry, was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. On January 29, 2014, we lost him. In those seven short months our lives were changed forever.

My husband was an amazing caregiver to Perry as he dealt with this incurable disease. I watched him manage medications, learn the complex equipment needed to keep Perry comfortable, and provide endless hours of support and camaraderie.

And what did I do during those nights that Shawn was caring for his brother? Well, I stayed home - worried - ate junk food - and fell (plunged? jumped? dove?) from that proverbial fitness wagon. These new changes in my life, understandably, directed my focus and consumed my energy.

Yesterday our family and friends gathered for the MDA Muscle Walk. We walked together as "Team Perry." And as we laughed and remembered, I was reminded of something. I was reminded of why I climbed on that crazy fitness wagon to begin with - because WE ALL have just one life to live. Because we need to make the most of EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.

So HERE I AM - I'm swinging one leg back up on that wagon (crawling! climbing! ascending!) - with Perry in my heart and along for the ride. Let's go!

"Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place and I don't care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard you're hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done!" ROCKY 

My "Why" (for the Lose It For Lou Gehrig's Challenge)

On January 1, we started the "Lose It For Lou Gehrig's Wellness Challenge." For 50 bonus points in week 1 (a hefty amount!), we were challenged to share our reasons for joining the challenge in the first place. Here's my "Why"… 

In July of 2013, my brother-in-law, Perry, was diagnosed with ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig's disease). Here's a pic of Perry with my sis, Rita (also a participant in the challenge). This was before he was diagnosed, and it shows that crazy Thoman brother humor that they are infamous for!

As we've watching Perry deal with this awful disease, we've also been motivated to support the organizations that have done so much for him and his family - This fundraiser is benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Assocation. With the help of our challenge participants (31!!), we will be making a donation of over $300 to MDA! (FYI… if you want to help add to our total, CLICK HERE! hint, hint!)

Personally, I've also been reminded to treasure EVERY SINGLE DAY that I've been given - every chance to laugh with my husband, to snuggle my "boys" Max and Puggy, to dance with my Zumba divas, to run with my friends, etc. 

 

And so - this challenge, for me, is not only about raising money. It's about living the life that I want to live in 2014. In the past, I've let my weight hold me back. I didn't dream big because I didn't believe in myself. And I don't want to EVER let that happen again. And guess what - Now I want to bring YOU along for the ride! This year's motto - CARPE DIEM!!! 

What are you dreaming of? What are you waiting for? How will you SIEZE THE DAY in 2014?

About (almost) giving up…

Recently: My brother-in-law found out he has ALS. The budget for the diversity committee didn’t get approved. I caught someone littering in the car in front of me. I watched the news and learned about suicide bombings, government shutdowns, and what McDonald’s chicken nuggets are really made of. I got coffee at the gas station in a disposable cup and I used too many paper towels in the restroom.

For me, my biggest goal is to make a difference in this world (It may be vague, but it’s the truth). And all of this bad news made me ponder if what I’d been dreaming of (you know, simple things like reaching my goal weight, becoming a Zumba superstar, and inspiring millions to join in the fight for the greater good) would even matter.

So I skipped my morning workout session with my trainer, Derek. The next day I didn’t bother to run, and I had a second helping of that delicious salty caramel ice cream. And day after day, I started to get familiar with the status quo. My dreams got smaller, and my pants got tighter.

It took the trainer’s “tough love” to remind me that status quo isn’t what I’m after. I want the “uncommon life” where our biggest dreams are not only possible, but plausible. Yes, there are roadblocks, obstacles, sad news, loss. And there are those who will say that what we’re doing is futile. But among the naysayers, there are others who will prove them wrong - Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, Jr., Mother Theresa, and now… US. Me and you.

Us. Absolutely. So let’s embrace each day, encourage each other, hug each other, love each other, and be each other’s cheerleaders. Together, we can be so much more than we ever thought possible.

Are you ready to live an “uncommon life?” How will you begin?

Fitness Training with Derek - My Testimonial

I started seeing a fitness trainer, Derek Newcomer, in January 2012. He recently asked me to write my testimonial. Here is my story...

 

 

I’ve starved, binged, taken pills, joined weight loss groups, counted calories, eliminated food groups, exercised excessively, ignored exercise completely, and complained (a lot).

One thing I never did? Ask for help. I always thought that reaching a healthy weight was something I would eventually figure out – that I could do this on my own. But I never seemed to get it right.

One of my closest friends kept suggesting that I meet with her trainer, Derek. I worked up the courage for a consult, but I remember feeling so nervous when I got there. We talked about my food habits (well, let’s just say they weren’t the best), we talked about the many diets I tried in the past, and we talked about what I hoped to accomplish in the future (skinny jeans?!). But I left without signing up.

A few months later - when my weight and self-image started to keep me from doing things I enjoyed - I realized that my way wasn’t working, and it was time to try something different… I needed to ask for help.  

I started training with Derek in January, 2012. It was scary to listen and trust that it would work (and I think I asked Derek a million times if he really thought I could do it). But he had faith in me when I had none. One year later, I’ve lost 30 pounds.

But that isn’t the best part. The best part is when I get glimpses of what I am capable of (things I never imagined before). Am I really a Zumba® Fitness instructor? Am I really going to run my first half marathon this spring? Do I really have a muscle that is actually visible? I can hardly believe it!

I am so thankful for my friend’s advice, and for Derek’s patience, kindness, and encouragement. This has been an amazing year, and I can’t wait to see what we accomplish in 2013.

Beginning

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Lao-Tzu
Inch by inch, it's a cinch. Yard by yard, it's hard. Mary Kay Ash

That first, single step just may be the hardest.

Two weeks ago (after being inspired by blogger and social media guru Rachel Strella) I announced on Facebook that I would be starting a blog. I wanted to be a writer again, to authentically share my story and experiences, and to (hopefully) leave you with something worthwhile.

But although I was motivated to take the first step, it took me much longer than I had intended to get started. And in all honesty, had I not made my overly enthusiastic Facebook post (and been tagged by the awesome Ms. Strella on Twitter), I would be standing in exactly the same place I was two weeks ago. I absolutely would have backed out!

Why? Not because my goals were no longer valid, but because it's so darn hard to take the first step... especially when starting something new!

But where do I want to be a year from now? Do I want to be in exactly the same place? No - I want to continue to learn, to grow, to improve. And to do that, I need to get moving. So here it is... my first big, difficult, scary step away from the status quo toward something new.

Thank you for accompanying me on the journey.

What have you been waiting to start? Take that first step and tell me about it!