November 12th, 2015 Back To School

November 12th, 2015 Back To School

Today was exceptional. Except for a small amount of production time this afternoon, I had the day off. I needed this time to bring my focus in tight on the speaking event this afternoon.

I slept in fairly well. I put the finishing touches on the plans for my talk, prepared a great breakfast--then headed to the high school to survey the assembly center set up. It was perfectly ready.

The challenge today was to modify the content of my message in a way high school students could easily relate. I used my transformation, experience and story as a point of attention--then shifted the lessons and epiphanies into easily understood concepts they could apply in their own young lives. I made it about them, not me and I really believe it resonated well.

After an opening song and dance (yes--an opening song where everyone was encouraged to get up and dance for 30 seconds or so), a few quick jokes and a couple of laughs, we got down to business: "There are things we'll discuss today that you'll never forget as long as you live." That's a pretty bold statement--but judging from the intense focus and attention from many of the students, I truly believe it. I gave them homework; a simple exercise designed for them to clearly define their own core elements.

The overall message was about how we take care of ourselves and how we treat others is largely dependent on how we feel in terms of self-worth and identity. The concepts explored and the exercise offered, encouraged the students to identify, nurture and celebrate the core elements/qualities of who they are-and embrace these as authentic paths to their own personal happiness, rather than seeking self-worth/identity from constantly changing external sources.

Comedian Amy Schumer is a great example of someone who fully understands and applies these concepts. Recently asked if she was happier now that her career has blossomed in monumental ways, she replied: "I'm just as happy as I was several years ago, when I was waiting tables and tending a bar."

It's #TBT!
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Today's Throwback Thursday photo is a sampling of different speaking event photos over the last several years. Actually, not all. The tuxedo/yellow back lit photo was a private stand-up comedy engagement. I'm seriously looking forward to doing more!

I had a great food day, today. I enjoyed some excellent coffee. I didn't workout--that's tomorrow. I'm still sore from yesterday's session with the trainer. Oh my-- I worked muscles that have long been ignored...obviously, because they've been whining most of the day. It's a good sore. And the workout prescribed isn't too elaborate. I'll be doing it solo tomorrow and my next session with the trainer is set for Tuesday. These strength training sessions will be 2-3 times per week, with my usual cardio workouts 2-3 times per week. This makes for a minimum of four workouts a week and maximum of six. I like that balance and flexibility. 

My Tweets Today:






























Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
di

November 11th, 2015 This Is What's Next

November 11th, 2015 This Is What's Next

In honor of Veterans Day, I'm sharing some pictures of very special veterans in my life. To all who served, thank you. My dad and both grandpas were soldiers.
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My grandpa in World War 2

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My Dad in Vietnam

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With grandpa Haynes, World War 2 veteran

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Today was my bi-weekly weigh-in day at the doctor's office:
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This represents a .8 pound gain. I'm counting this as normal fluctuation. The last three weigh-ins:
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I feel like I'm hitting a sweet spot and that feels nice. Of course, as I change up my fitness routine, the dynamics will change, so I'll continue monitoring every two weeks, looking for trends in either direction.

I had my first official weight training session today. It was a total body workout! I'm so glad I kept my commitment at the gym tonight. The trainer knew of my concerns, hangups and special needs (right arm being considerably weaker) and she put together a plan I could do, anytime. I'm super excited about this development. This is what's next!

I've taken the day off from my radio show tomorrow (Thursday). I have a speaking engagement for a large group of high school students early tomorrow afternoon. I'll enjoy a little more sleep in the morning and I'll be well rested for this one! I'm truly honored to be invited! Can't wait!

In case you haven't had a chance to watch the latest Winning Loser Video Blog:


My Tweets Today:











































Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
di

November 10th, 2015 A Learning Process

November 10th, 2015 A Learning Process

The latest Winning Loser Video Blog was released today. The topic of handling compliments is explored and tied back to how we feel about ourselves with a suggested exercise to help strengthen how we feel in that direction. It's helped me tremendously.

The opening sequence of the video attempts some humor. I wasn't too happy with my script for the opening. It wasn't until it was done when I thought of 25 ways to make it better. There will be other opportunities! We're just getting started with these WLVBlogs. It's a learning process!

Special thanks to my good friend, actress Morgan Ham, for playing the therapist. I've had the pleasure of acting alongside her in two different stage productions. She's awesome! After handing her this script--I hope she returns my calls next time! 

It was a lot of fun. And the message after the opening, in my opinion, goes far beyond positively affecting our mental state during and after weight loss--it's a truly universal exercise to enhance genuine happiness for anyone, in any circumstance.


I hit my goals square today. I maintained the integrity of my calorie budget, I continued my abstinence from refined sugar, I consumed 64oz of water, I moderated the Tuesday night group, prepared a delicious dinner and exercised well.

Tomorrow is maintenance weigh-in day at the doctor's office. It really doesn't matter to me what it says. One weigh-in isn't enough information for me at this point. The only helpful information is a trend up or down and that's why I've chosen to get a number every two weeks. I'm simply looking for trends. Lately, it's been steady.

Tomorrow evening at 6pm is my first official weight training session. I'm resisting the urge to feel incredibly anxious about it and simply be okay. I'm choosing to be okay. This is important. I can only do what I can do and I guarantee not one person will laugh or be shocked by my lack of physical strength. This isn't junior high. 

My Tweets Today:






























Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
di

November 9th, 2015 Because I Wasn't

November 9th, 2015 Because I Wasn't

The following was taken from the archives, edited and republished for this post. It fits. I'm taking the best care I can tonight by going to bed and getting the rest I need. I asked two different support buddies for perspective with the decision to go to bed now, instead of the Y for my workout. They both agreed I was making the correct decision. I'm too tired. I go, now. Tweets from today, below.

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I've been thinking today about those friends that I know are struggling. Some are slowly losing their grip—others have completely lost their grip. I want to reach out to each one and explain, I understand.

The struggle of being over 500 pounds for so long, with all the ill effects of such enormous weight, wasn't enough to motivate me to change for nearly two decades. And just when I thought I was really changing, I'd slowly let it slip away---back into my 500 pound existence. I did that over and over. So what changed?

I knew that this pattern would eventually leave me without any options, only an early death. After analyzing my self-destructive weight loss patterns, I realized that I never made it/me important enough. I never gave it/me the importance level it/I deserved. It was way too easy to rationalize bad choices with a really low importance level.

Oh, it was life or death, but I never treated it that way until this time. Why not?

Because I don't like dramatics. The thought was always--I've got plenty of time, right? I'm easy...hey, it's no big deal! People die every day who were 100% convinced they had more time.

YES, it is a very big deal. 

I've been called fanatical and obsessive, even jokingly mocked and laughed at (I seriously don't care and it doesn't bother me at all--seriously, not even a teeny weenie bit) over my calorie budget, my accountability tweets and my abstinence from refined sugar, but you know what else they can call me? 

Successful.

I don't write that in a braggart kind of way. I write that in a matter of fact kind of way. Rest assured, I also know my success each day is dependent on consistent actions within the fundamental elements of my recovery. If I stray from the fundamental elements of my recovery, I'll be done in the worst way. That's also a fact.

If looking at my calorie budget or my abstinence from refined sugar in life or death terms seems fanatical and obsessive, then fine by me. I failed every other time because I wasn't.

I was easy---I was full of excuses and rationalizations for why I couldn't or shouldn't stick to my plan.

If you want success, you must be willing to get seriously dramatic with yourself. It doesn't mean you walk around with a scowl on your face or an intense glare. It means you hold your fundamental elements--the boundaries of your plan, with the same reverence an alcoholic in successful recovery gives his sobriety.

Let's get real and make this happen. It'll set you free.

My Tweets Today:


























Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
di

November 8th, 2015 Making It So

November 8th, 2015 Making It So

I hit the pillow ridiculously late this morning. Or would it be considered early? It was after 4am. I managed to get up at a semi-reasonable time, considering. I'm looking forward to getting back into my normal routine, especially when it comes to my workouts. This upcoming week starts weight training with a trainer helping me get started on a scheduled and structured plan. I'm letting go of my hangups and embracing this new thing. It's very important. I'm making it so.

Several of my close friends and advisers have expressed concern that I might be attempting to do too much, all at once. There's a balance I'm looking forward to finding. I certainly don't disagree with them--not at all. It's a real challenge to pace myself when I feel as good as I do. They're absolutely right, though. Scaling back on commitments a little and finding a balanced approach moving forward is critically important. I'm not denying the fact that I'm doing too much at times, but I will say some of it has been a scheduling circumstance where a lot of different things were too close together. And when you couple this with poor time management skills, there's only one way to describe it: Hectic.

We wrapped shooting material this afternoon for the next Winning Loser Video Blog, then I made my way back to Stillwater to visit with mom over dinner. I'm truly blessed with a great mom. I'm incredibly grateful for her in my life.

My Tweets Today:






























Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
di

November 7th, 2015 It Was Phenomenal

November 7th, 2015 It Was Phenomenal

This weekend's stand up experience was phenomenal. Not all of the material worked. Not all the shows were well attended. It was phenomenal because I met some amazing people with fascinating stories. It was phenomenal because I had the opportunity to do something I absolutely love doing. They've asked me to come back. And I'm there, any time they need me.

Doing stand-up without a single reference to my size or any harsh self-deprecating material felt nice. My weight loss did come up in conversation after the shows tonight. And I had an opportunity to share a small amount of my philosophy of transformation and personal experience.

I find I'm not as comfortable talking about my weight loss/transformation in a casual setting, after a show like this, because it feels like I'm talking too much. I'd rather be quiet and listen. At the same time, I love sharing my perspective and experience, especially if I feel it might help to inspire someone. I felt like that opportunity existed tonight, so I'm okay with how it became a topic of conversation.

I stayed late tonight, visiting with my cousin Candi, with the two other comedians and with the owners of the club. It was worth every minute.

I grabbed some coffee with 2% nilk and my #lastfoodofday before heading back home.

It's super late, I'm calling it a night.

My Tweets Today:






























Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
di

November 6th, 2015 So I Let It Be

November 6th, 2015 So I Let It Be

Today didn't go exactly as planned. My plan was to arrive in Stillwater by 5pm, enjoy dinner and arrive at the venue for my stand-up gig by 6pm. I became too busy at work to get away when I needed in order to make that plan work. Instead, I was rolling into Stillwater a little after 6pm, grabbed my go to meal in a pinch of almonds, banana and cheese--and still, my calories were too low.

I clearly didn't plan well. I decided to order something after my second set, only to find the kitchen at this hotel venue closed. It was frustrating. I decided to make the best of a less than ideal situation and wait to get some food until after the late show. That's what I did. It wasn't ideal to eat this late. I don't like to eat this late, but it was within my budget and I was hungry, so I let it be.

My stand-up wasn't too shabby tonight, considering these were my third and fourth sets of the last dozen years. It's really like riding a bike. And considering 75% of my material was brand new untested in front of an audience stuff, it was awesome.

I found myself doing the same things I once did in the middle of my "stand-up days," as I like to refer to them. I was immediately critiquing myself--and every bit. How can I refine, edit and get to the punch quicker? I finally reminded myself why I'm doing these sets and future sets. I'm not in pursuit of anything other than the pure joy found in doing the material in front of a live audience.

I did not want to get off stage after ten minutes. I wanted more time to work stuff out! I'm looking forward to tomorrow night's shows. This is a good experience ahead of a corporate stand-up booking on December 12th where I'm doing forty minutes.

I think I have a tendency to get over-confident. I pride myself on being able to adjust on the fly fairly easily--but today's experience proved I must make sure I'm a little better prepared.

I have a location broadcast from 11am-1pm tomorrow. It will be a much easier schedule. My early dinner plans shouldn't have an issue tomorrow at 5pm.

I'll let the tweets take it the rest of the way....

My Tweets Today:




























Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
di
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