Life Coach Gerri Helms has been a positive influence on me for five years. Her weekly coaching sessions took me through the process of writing Transformation Road-My Trip To Over 500 Pounds and Back. I remember her asking, how long do you think you need to write this book? My answer was 90 days. It took a year. And she held on. Without her encouragement, I can't say for certain if I would have ever finished that project.
After the book, we continued a mutual support relationship. And when I stopped writing, stopped doing everything that worked well for me--and started slipping fast, I didn't want to hear from her.
She was a voice of truth. And in the middle of relapse/regain, I didn't want to hear the truth. She wouldn't give up on me, ever. She knew, instinctively and by experience, the struggle I was experiencing and still, despite my resistance to all things good during that time, she wouldn't let go.
I owe her persistence and genuine caring a large debt of gratitude because without her influence and teachings, I'm not so sure I'd be where I am today.
Thanks to modern technology, we've developed our relationship quite well over the last five years and work together co-facilitating our two teleconference support groups--but still, we had never met face to face. Until today.
Gerri and her husband Dave made the trip to my hometown today. They're in the Oklahoma City area for a few days, so being an hour away--there was no way we were missing this opportunity. We embraced in a great big hug outside the restaurant where we agreed to meet for lunch and then proceeded to visit all afternoon. I even had the chance to show them around my hometown--taking them to where I grew up, showing them the places that mean so much to me. It was all capped with coffee and more conversation at Starbucks. It was a fantastic afternoon.
After we parted, I hit the trail at Boomer Lake for a good 5K walk/jog--and mostly brisk walk. It was 95% brisk walk because I forgot to bring my change of clothes--and these jeans are loose on me--even just walking, I had to pull them up regularly. I almost let this keep me from the exercise. I'm glad I didn't. I needed a good one today.
I spent the evening with Mom. I planned to cook for her, but we ended up opting for dinner out. I normally don't dine out two meals in the same day, but I made a good exception tonight.
Mom is doing so well. She's walking at least five days a week and maintaining a good calorie budget--and she's losing weight. I'm excited for her and very proud of her! You can see her progress in the mother/son selfie.
I'll be seeing Gerri and Dave again tomorrow as they travel to my neck of the woods. I plan on giving them a tour of the studios where I work. We're catching up!
My Tweets Today:
Dark roast with two tablespoons half & half. X 2 cups. 80 cal. pic.twitter.com/ITdS0bhOL1— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 29, 2015
Light breakfast. Two scrambled eggs prepared with one tablespoon butter, 125g strawberries & 5.7oz peach. 345 cal. pic.twitter.com/NARMkIkVgu— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 29, 2015
2 cups water. #wateraccountability pic.twitter.com/XurlVxYUG8— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 29, 2015
9 tortilla chips with fresca salsa. 136 cal pic.twitter.com/zHI6zSwjaX— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 29, 2015
2 cups water with lunch. #wateraccountability pic.twitter.com/rS78wmSWxz— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 29, 2015
Fajita chicken (8oz) tacos with full fat sour cream (2tblspns) and lettuce. So good!!! 535 cal. pic.twitter.com/nswSMq1uPE— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 29, 2015
Afternoon dark roast with 2 tablspns half & half. 40 cal. pic.twitter.com/IAkn5f8p3b— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 29, 2015
Afternoon coffee with Life Coach Gerri Helms!!! pic.twitter.com/hlGgLBxm5x— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 29, 2015
With Life Coach Gerri! pic.twitter.com/JNBkHEdYdr— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 29, 2015
3 cups water. #wateraccountability 1oz sharp cheddar & approx. 6oz banana. 216 cal. pic.twitter.com/rHgUwQ464Z— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 29, 2015
5k at the lake starts now! #letsmovethisbody pic.twitter.com/6xTL88fJZA— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 29, 2015
Images from this evening's 5K around Boomer Lake. #feelsgood Mostly brisk walk. Was fantastic. pic.twitter.com/FUJq7Mk5xq— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 30, 2015
1.5 cups water. #wateraccountability pic.twitter.com/GMEZ0IcjtT— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 30, 2015
Appetizer. Fried mushrooms! Approx. Average of 30 calories per mushroom X 8. Worth it. 240 cal. pic.twitter.com/3sbhyltHMF— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 30, 2015
I rarely dine out twice in the same day. I'll make an exception for momma. :) pic.twitter.com/Z2yd7jnefn— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 30, 2015
Refill. 1.5 cups, no ice for easy drinking. #wateraccountability #watertracking pic.twitter.com/XDk9mGZnIl— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 30, 2015
Gluten free thin crust veggie pizza. Split the small. 470 cal. pic.twitter.com/Wd6zue0kdZ— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 30, 2015
I've researched this place thoroughly. You might be surprised the lengths I'll go to insure items are within my food plan. #importanttome— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 30, 2015
Coffee for the drive home. Long day--great day!! Regular coffee w/half and half (2 tblspns). 40 cal. pic.twitter.com/GOd47D8uej— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 30, 2015
6.8oz pear & 5.7oz peach. #lastfoodofday 171 cal. pic.twitter.com/nd01I5z8Xe— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 30, 2015
Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean