Never give up!

I’ve said this many times, but the power of your mind is the sole conductor of your own train.  You tell your body what to do, good or bad.  How you control your thinking is the key to weight loss and becoming healthy and fit…yes, the power of the mind.  No one said it’s easy, but it definitely can be done.  I know from my own experiences over the last two years. 

The same can be said in other areas of your personal and professional life.  Keep a positive mindset, stay focused on the big picture, and never give up.  Sometimes it’s easy to say, but not so easy to do.  I have gone through a career related roller coaster in the last few years and always wondered if I would ever find my professional sweet spot again.  I decided to treat my job search like my own body transformation.  I tried (super hard) to stay positive; I stayed focused on the big picture which is the career that I used to have and wanted back so badly again; and I was persistent and never gave up my continuous hunt for it.  I’m happy to say that it’s finally paid off and I just got hired back in the broadcasting industry.  I’m over the moon with excitement and gratefulness.  Once you’re out of that field for a while, it’s really hard to get back into, but I was in a relentless pursuit to find the right fit for me again and never gave up.    

Because of my body transformation, I know that I can do anything that I set my mind to.  You can too.  Keep your focus and decide that YOU are the one in control of your own destiny…YOU.  Never let this world or your surroundings dictate what your future will be.  You can mold the direction of your future by your own thoughts, your own actions, and NEVER give up on yourself…never.  

A State of Mind

I just returned from a trip to Texas.  (Yes, it is bigger!)  Not only did I thoroughly enjoy my visit and love the DFW area, but I’m seriously considering relocating there.  That’s another story.  For now I want to reflect on thoughts during my trip.

As I sat at the airport, I noticed how busy it was with spring breakers.  Pretty soon summer vacations will be in full swing as well.  People will be dispersing all over the country and the world to see things that they have never seen before, done before, or just try to relax and forget about the day-to-day grind.  No matter what your plans are or will be, plan for your healthiness on your trip as well.  I know, it doesn’t sound as fun as having margaritas and mai-tais on the beach, ship, or by the pool.  But, just because you’re in a different location doesn’t mean that you need to freak out and forget everything that you’ve learned and worked so hard for.  You’re still going to be in that same body when you return home.

Because of my new healthy mind, that’s my first priority when planning a trip.  Some of the things I consider are…does the hotel have a gym or gym close by?  Does my room have a refrigerator or microwave in it?  Are there grocery stores within close proximity of the hotel?  What’s the restaurant situation?  All of these things are critical when you are choosing what to put into your body and choosing how you would like to look and feel for the rest of your life.  Sometimes I do look like part of the Beverly Hillbillies clan coming back to my hotel with giant bags and bottles from the store, but I’m the one in charge of this body, so who cares!

Before you pack your bags this year, make a mental note of how you can give yourself a healthy vacation so you can have many more in the years to come.  Try not to completely lose your mind and focus when you’re in a different environment and think that your body doesn't matter anymore.  Living healthy and fit truly is a state of mind...continue to live that lifestyle no matter where you are in this big world.

My teacher, my motivator, & my inspiration.

Since celebrating my two year anniversary of my transformation, I thought it would be appropriate (and fun) to see the person that was responsible for motivating, inspiring, and teaching me how to transform my body…Tosca Reno, the author of The Eat Clean Diet book (among several others).  I met her last year at The Arnold Classic in Columbus and knew I had to see her again in person at this year’s show. 

I took a revised copy of my success story and my Eat Clean Diet Cookbook for her to sign.  I waited in line to see her at her booth and thought that I would just give her a quick hello and another “thank you”.  I began telling her how much she has helped change my life, but it suddenly became very emotional and I was overcome with tears.  I’m not a pretty cryer, so I tried really hard to quickly compose myself.  I told her what her book has done for me, and how much my life has changed because of her powerful words.  She was so sweet and kind listening to me, that I felt like I was the ONLY one there with her at a convention center filled with thousands of bodybuilders and athletes.  Tosca is a class act all the way.

One might think just changing what you eat is no big deal, but it is.  I committed myself to a new life the day that I read her book.  She has taught me so much more than just what to eat, but how to live fit and healthy for the rest of my life.  I will be forever grateful to her for that.  J