What a difference a year makes

One year ago today, I was...

• At my all-time heaviest weight ever (exactly 170 lbs more than I weigh today!)
• Coming off a spell of working seven days a week, often 18 hours a day to build my business - sometimes going weeks with no more than 3-4 hours of sleep per night
• Focused on everyone and everything but me - trying to be all things to all people and hold up the world
• Garnering my success from how much I did, and who I helped
• Feeling very tired and uncertain about my future - professionally and personally
• Resigned to being single
• Unhealthy and worried that I could/would die early of a heart attack, with heart disease running rampant on both sides of my family.

I was also...

• About to embark on one of the biggest personal challenges of my life
• Scared to death about what the next two weeks would bring
• WAY out of my comfort zone
• Quieter than I think I have ever been
• Absent my sense of humor
• Wondering what the hell I had gotten myself into!

That's because one year ago today, I officially started the Fitness North program on the North Shore of Lake Superior. A two-week, live-in weight loss and fitness program (think Biggest Loser) started by Sheryl Babbitt and O'Neal Hampton (Minnesota's own celebrity on Season 9 of NBC's Biggest Loser).

This program promised results, and promised that we would work out 7-8 hours per day, six days per week at levels we couldn't even fathom. And we did. (In fact, about this time last year, I was climbing a mountain!) To be successful on campus, we learned we had to give up control and the "I can'ts" and do what we were told, when we were told - living only in that moment. We followed the lead of program director, now owner of Fitness North, Leif Anderson. And, we had to push ourselves -- mentally and physically -- past anything we thought possible. In doing so, we learned that indeed WE CAN DO IT and we would survive. In general, Fitness North promised to be the jumpstart we needed to not only achieve our weight loss goals, but transform our bodies and our lives.

Well, one year later, I am living testament to the fact that everything they promised is true! I did it. I not only survived the two-week rigorous program and lost 21 lbs while on campus, but my outlook, my energy and my life began to transform in those two weeks...forever.

For me, the journey was focused on putting Lori into the equation - right in the center of my own life. Perhaps for the first time ever. It also meant giving up the reigns of control and doing things a different way - because certainly the way in which I was living was not working. It meant going 100% all in -- like I did every day in my professional life -- but focused on this one thing that to date had eluded me. I simply had not been able to solve my life-long battle with obesity (and if we're being honest - deep down self-worth).

I am overwhelmed, overjoyed and simply amazed at the results of the past year. My accomplishment - pretty awesome if I do say so myself. Victory over this life-long battle that most certainly was going to kill me early! I am surprised most by the relative ease with which it came once I went 100% all in and believed in myself, keeping myself at the center of the equation every day and in every decision that was presented to me. Not saying it was easy, but doable. Really!

One year to the day I started this journey, I am:

• 170 lbs lighter
• Physically capable of amazing things - climbing mountains, hiking miles, biking, snowshoeing, and hopefully soon to be determined - skiing for the first time in my life
• A happy, optimistic, passionate about life, 100%-all-in-every-day Lori
• A total fashionista with the cutest clothes ever, including dresses and skirts and suits
• Focused on eating to live, not living to eat
• So much smarter about nutrition and my body
• A thriving business owner who works a lot but not at the expense of herself
• Still a giving, caring person focused on changing the world - but just not holding it up and sacrificing myself for others to prove my worth
• Emotionally - sooooooooooooo much stronger and happier
• A glass-half-full gal
• Able to loosen the reigns and give up control when I need to
• Smiling and having fun every day
• Inspiring and motivating others and paying it forward with my story, my passion and my results
• Excited as can be about the future - and what comes next. I can't wait!

And the list goes on, but this blog should not. So much more to say about the journey, the physical and emotional transformation, and what comes next. To that point, I have challenged myself to blog every day of my two-week Fitness North anniversary to take note of the journey and I hope in some way to inspire, motivate or give hope to others. So stay tuned if you are curious, care or need/want help.

THERE IS NO QUESTION THAT IF I CAN DO IT...YOU CAN DO IT!

Before I sign off, I must thank the leads of the excavation team. I simply would not be here today if left to my own devices and if I had not meant the people I needed along the way, when I needed them. There are so many who have inspired, motivated, led, pushed, encouraged, supported (roared) for me, but these are at the very top of the list and must be recognized again today. On our one-year anniversary.

•  Sheryl Babbitt for sharing her story and having the inspiration to start Fitness North. She is the founder and she found Surfside on Lake Superior, which meant in turn, she found me. Thank you Sheryl! Fitness North has now gone on to give the same jumpstart it gave me to (I think) hundreds of people and still growing. Please check them out at fitnessnorth.net.

• O'Neal Hampton my mentor, coach, single inspiration and leading lion. There is no question that without O'Neal's personal plea, success story, and exuding confidence that I could do it, I would not be here. O'Neal looked me in the eye the very first time I met him in person and said, "We can do this. We've got this. I can help you." And he did. His unbelievably generous spirit, optimistic persona, and happy confidence that he can help others achieve the kinds of results he achieved on the Biggest Loser is God's gift to anyone who crosses his path. His personal style and his story were the perfect impetus for me. I believe he was put in my path for a reason and at just the right time. He is my hero, my friend, a confidant, mentor and coach. I cried that day after I met him in a business meeting because I knew in that moment that my life had just changed forever. Check out the O'Neal Hampton Wellness Foundation and O'Neal's newest venture - a live-in weight loss camp in Texas with fellow season 9 Biggest Loser Cherita at U 1st Fitness. Life changing.
• Leif Anderson my other gift from above. The guru of fitness and nutrition, bar none. I challenge you to find someone better. This man knows his stuff and combines that knowledge with a personal caring, passion and style that is unmatched in the industry in my book. He knew when to lead, when to push, when to coach, when to hold your hand, how to navigate the landmines, and he definitely knows how to determine your personal body chemistry and work to get results. Without fail. I learned that if you follow Leif's lead, good things will happen. I have had the absolute pleasure of continuing to work with Leif personally this entire past year, on personal nutrition and fitness plans aimed at achieving my goals long term -- and being able to maintain it. And look at the results! Plus, his gentle caring side, his integrity and his passion for my success have blessed my life each and every day of the past 365. Wow, Leif, how can I ever thank you for this gift? You are simply incredible. People - check him out at Fitness North and Adonis Personal Training. The greatest blessing of all for me, perhaps, is to call Leif my friend.

Sandra Swami and Julie Gronquist, my personal trainers in the Twin Cities at Balance for Life Fitness Center are the other part of the Lori Health & Wellness Team. Julie has been with me on several false starts to the journey and knows the good, the bad, and the ugly. Sandra is kicking my butt every week in the gym and she is without a doubt one of the best personal trainers I have worked with (right up there with Leif Anderson). So, team, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Long blog. So much to say. More later. For today, I am blessed and so incredibly grateful for this new life I have been given. Gratitude is the word of the day.

Hugs. Today is a new day. Tomorrow starts today - what a great tagline for Fitness North. I wonder who came up with that! :-)

The new and improved,
Lori

P.S. Yes, at some point the before and after pictures will be published along with my starting weight. I am working up the courage.

100% - All in!

These past couple of weeks have provided a life lesson in what it means to be "100% - all in." To reach my health goals (or "Reach my potential," as the master Leif would say), I am now on one of the strictest nutritional programs since my weight loss journey began and working out at the highest cardio level thus far since I left the Fitness North campus just shy of one year ago.

For fun, I have named Leif's nutritional plans. This one - by far the "strickest" to date - is not-so-fondly called - Starvation Lite. (Only because I had already named a 1,200 calorie plan the Starvation Plan! And this one is stricter!)

I joke, but the truth is, this is the first time in nearly a year that I can honestly say I am hungry and feel some deprivation. That's not all bad. It's how we keep losing weight after a 160 lb weight loss in 11 months! I get it. And, according to Leif, I am getting all of the nutritional value my body needs. Plus, I did ask him to guide me to a 25+ weight loss in 6 weeks so I can reach a new all-time low weight by Christmas. So he is just doing his job - and quite well I might add. (Thank you, Leif!)

The topic of today's blog is about the process of committing yourself to something/anything at 100% - going all in, if you will. And, to stay the course at "100% - all in" especially when the going gets tough. Like on this plan where I end my evening meal each day quite hungry. (In the old days, my binge time.) Or, when I don't want to get out of bed in the morning 30 minutes earlier to do my additional cardio. Or, when life happens and family members are in car accidents, clients need you after hours, and you can't get to everyone and everything. Or, when hormones strike and unexpectedly mess with your head as well as your body weight. It's in those moments that it is most difficult to stay the course and stay committed at 100%. It is in those moments that sometimes, even when you go all in, you falter.

This morning (Friday) as I drove back from a kick-ass workout with Sandra Swami, my trainer at Balance for Life Fitness Center, I realized that "100% all in" does not necessarily mean perfection. For me, it means committing to something and exerting a level of effort that is 100+% - bar nothing. Leaving it all on the court. It doesn't mean that you will achieve perfection. The fact is, we're simply not perfect beings. Not me. And not you. Aaahhhhh, there is that lesson again - progress not perfection.

But the truth is, when you give 100+% and put everything you have on the table, good things will happen. Progress will be achieved. The results will be there. But you WON'T always be perfect or do it perfectly. And thus the results may not be perfect. That's okay. The thing I have to remind myself is that perfection is not the goal. Giving it your all, doing your very, very, very best and keeping your eye on the prize. That's the goal.

I expect to end this week on my new "Starvation Lite" plan with great results to show for my 100% all in effort. Not perfect, but great. And I can honestly say that I have exerted a "100% all-in" effort and focus throughout the week. I feel good. I feel strong. Nope, I didn't do everything perfectly at every meal and every workout all week. I slipped. But the thing is, I didn't hold back. I focused every day and consistently followed the plan to the best of my ability. One foot in front of the other. One day at a time, and the scale will show it. I will take what comes and know I did my best.

And with it, I will take the lesson that I am a committed, passionate, 100% all in human being who is totally rocking this journey! Sometimes I make mistakes and slip. It just means I am human. And when life intervenes and realities keep me from perfection, I won't beat myself up. I know am not perfect. In fact, who really wants to be perfect anyway. How boring?!

So, onward and upward (or downward on the scale) we go! "100% all in" feels pretty good to me. I have achieved amazing results both physically and emotionally this past year by being 100% all in. Which to me means determined, consistent, committed, passionate, and focused. It doesn't mean perfect.

What does it mean to you?

We climbed until we saw...a celebration of personal triumph, friendship and much more

On Sunday, October 16th, I climbed to the top of Penobscot Mountain in Acadia National Park with seven of my closest friends (my U of M sorority sisters) to celebrate a physical and emotional transformation that has truly changed my life.

It was an amazing experience aimed at celebrating a personal triumph, as well as lifelong friendships that have endured the test of time. This mountain climb was symbolic, celebratory, challenging, and emotional -- with a touch of thrill and adventure to make it extra special. The truth is, it will be something I will remember for the rest of my life and I suspect my friends/sisters will too. Certainly it will make for great conversation at our girlfriend getaways for years to come!

The Climb. Penobscot Mountain
offers several paths to the summit - some longer and a bit more harrowing than others. In total, it's only about 3.2 miles but we inadvertently got lost a couple of times on the descent and hiked more like 5.5 miles in four hours when all was said and done. We only know this now -- after retracing our path via a map we bought at the Acadia gift shop post climb.

Because we took the long way down the mountain with a few twists and turns, we didn't finish until dark! Yes, we were deep in the woods of Acadia as night fell, uncertain if we would end up at the trail head where we started. At one point as the sun set over the mountains and the forest grew dark, some of us were contemplating hunkering down in the woods overnight.

It didn't appear that anyone at the park knew we were still out there. Cell phones didn't work and we didn't have a handy dandy hiking GPS -- or a map! Luckily, we did have savvy BWCAW hiker Karen in our group and she led us out in the nick of time.

Our hike began at the famous Jordan Pond House. All eight of us set off together at about 2:30 p.m. entering the woods by crossing Jordan stream over a small footbridge. At about .3 miles we came to an intersection marking the Jordan Cliffs, which my dear friend Anne Knapp had warned us about, so we quickly avoided that path and headed up the Spring Trail.

Little did we know, the Spring Trail is not really a trail. It's more of a steep scramble between boulders (real mountain climbing) and it required us to pull ourselves up through some pretty tight areas. Luckily, there were a few iron rungs and rails built into the cliff side to assist. But there is no question that very early on pretty much everyone in the group, including me, wondered what the hell we had gotten ourselves into! This was no Oberg.

In one spot, you had to use both hands and feet to pull yourself up through a narrow patch of rocks. I was uncertain whether I - or other members of the  group - would make it. There was not only worry about how we would get up the boulders but also some fear of climbing down this narrow stretch while keeping our footing. And this was only .5 miles into the climb!

We all decided to go for it and helped each other through. To be honest, while at first it was a bit scary, it made the climb feel "real" and the challenge made it even more adventuresome.

Before we knew it, we had each navigated the narrow patch and reached the overlook above Jordan Pond where we rested, enjoyed the view and a photo opp, and wondered if indeed we had crossed the most difficult part of the trail or if there was more to come. Everyone decided to continue on. Yeah!

Secretly, after we all got through the tight spot on the Spring Trail I was excited! Though I'd be lying if I didn't say that several in the group were crabby as they worried about the descent. So the thrill of it all didn't last long as I felt responsible for getting us there and for not fully understanding the difficulty of the climb.

After another short climb straight up, the trail opened up on the mountain face and we ascended the granite mountain top. We followed cairns and blue paint markers that marked the route. The panoramic views from the open side of the mountain were simply breathtaking! I mean...breath-taking. By far, the best I have experienced. Mt Dessert Island and Atlantic ocean as far as the eye could see. Incredible! Jean was our group photographer and took scenic photos along the way, while I seared the views in my memory since I chose not to carry my camera on the trek.

We all made it up the mountain another mile to a large rock located about .5 miles from the summit and cracked the champagne. We toasted to my amazing journey, to sisterhood, and to our climb -- for some their very first mountain climb. It was truly incredible to have my beloved friends and sisters with me to celebrate -150 lbs, a new life, and all that is yet to come. Words simply cannot describe how incredible it felt to be surrounded by such love and support. All I can say is WOW - I AM A LUCKY GIRL!

Several of us continued on to complete the entire 1.6 miles to the summit of Penobscot (which the Internet says is 1194 feet above sea level but Betsy's car GPS said 1200 feet). From the summit, which consists of a pile of rocks and a marker, we experienced even better panoramic views of the ocean and the islands of Maine, as well as Sargeant Mountain.

After a brief photo opp with each of us standing on the summit, and another champagne toast (thank you Karen) we descended the mountain at a pretty fast clip, determined to get off the mountain before sunset.

On the way down, we made a group decision to follow Penobscot Mountain Trail and hopefully avoid the narrow descent over the rocks of Spring Trail. It was quite a bit easier to descend the mountain via Penobscot Mountain Trail but it did take longer. My friend Jean, who had fallen off a horse a week before, made the climb with a bruised hip and needed to go slower on the descent.

At one spot on the carriage road, there was confusion about which path to take and, after cussing out the Acadia park guide we spoke with before the climb who declined to give us a map, we picked a path for our descent and started to follow it. We soon found out this was incorrect as it took us back to the carriage road where we had originally started. The trails were not that well marked and without map, we were lost. After a couple of false starts and wrong turns, we finally hooked up with
Asticou Trail - a 1.2 mile trail that led us through the woods and back to the small wooden bridge over Jordon Stream. VICTORY came just as night fell and the forest became dark and, admittedly, a bit scary.

To celebrate our victory and dull our aching muscles, we finished off the champagne at the bridge and took one final photo to document the darkness that fell as our trip ended. The Jordon Pond House was now closed (further evidence they would not have found us in the forest had we not come out) so we hiked our tails back to the car and went out for dinner in Blue Hill to celebrate. Mission Accomplished.

Symbolic. For me, the journey up Penobscot Mountain was symbolic. Ten months and 150 lbs ago, I not only didn't hike, but I certainly had never climbed a mountain, and hurling myself up a big granite boulder - well, that would be unheard of! So this trip up Penobscot was a symbol of accomplishment and personal triumph for sure.

We climbed Minnesota mountains during Fitness North and the pride I felt after my first mountain climb up Oberg was probably much like that of my sisters on this climb. The challenge of Penobscot and the stories we can now tell about our venture makes this one extra sweet!

The climb was also symbolic in the sense that my friends and I were celebrating 30 years of friendship and sisterhood, accompanying each other on a life journey through joys and celebrations, pain and heart ache. These past 18 months, in addition to my personal fitness journey - Cindy lost her Mom and a sister in law, Annie lost her sister, Kathy lost her beloved aunt and her daughter got married, Betsy lost a job and  is in transition... and the list goes on. We have seen each other through some pretty incredible journeys - triumphs and tragedy. And this trip up the mountain, was a celebration of all we have endured and a friendship that has remained through the gifts of laughter, love and devotion.

Celebratory. Certainly, for me, the climb was a celebration of all I have accomplished and all that is yet to come in this new life. And, I can't think of anyone I would rather celebrate with than this group of amazing women who have been by my side for 30 years. The fact that I could celebrate it myself and truly take in my own accomplishments - well, that's icing on the cake called success! (figure of speech, of course. No cake served.)

Challenging. It is fitting that this climb was more challenging than I had anticipated. It sweetened the accomplishment to tackle something that was tougher than expected and challenged my strength and endurance. And, to do so with my girls definitely brought us closer together. We had to help each other through, as we have all of our lives. And the shared victory was sweet.

Emotional. When I reached the mountain top, I took a moment to take in all I have accomplished and I cried. Overwhelmed with gratitude for this second chance I have been given, and surrounded by love and support from my sisters, I took a moment off by myself to thank the excavation team - Leif, O'Neal, Sandra and Julie my trainers, and all those who have supported me and helped me get here..right here to this mountain top where I truly feel on top of the world! What a gift.

As I close this blog, I am reminded by the poem that my friend Jean sent me just before I started my Fitness North program last November. It seems fitting now to repeat the last line here: "I HAVE A MOUNTAIN TO CLIMB!"

I simply can't wait to do it again! I had a blast. Jean, Cindy, Karen, Kathy, Betsy, Barb and Ann - I adore you. Thank you.

Hugs.
LOR (Schaef)

P.S. A special thank you to my friend Anne K. who offered her gorgeous coastal home as my reward for achieving my weight loss goals. This was a dream come true. She knows how much I love the coast of Maine and her unbelievably beautiful coastal home. And this mountain climb in Acadia was the perfect way to celebrate. Thank you Anne...for everything!

I hear ya horse, carbs and mother nature

What do healthy carbs, a horse and mother nature have in common? This week, a reoccurring lesson that Lori is NOT in control!

This past week, I had to dig deep to sustain trust in my program and my program director extraordinaire, Leif Anderson. And, I had to once again learn to give up control. It turns out, I am not in charge of the universe! Damn. And I do better when I recognize and embrace that.

Leif had me on a "carb up" plan (my terminology not his) and I gained some weight with the idea that I would then drop fast once I went back to the more restrictive plan. The goal was to get me another 5-10 lbs down before my impending mountain climb in Acadia with my sisters/friends. So for a week, I ate so many carbs I actually felt ill on day one. Mind you, these were healthy carbs and all good for me - such as whole grain bread, oatmeal, fruit, sandwich thins (the healthy kind), sweet potatoes... I just haven't had many carbs in plan the past 10 months and this scared me psychologically more than anything.

But follow the plan I did at nearly 100%, working every day to trust my trainer. When it came time to restrict this week I did and expected the weight to drop right off and then some, making my "cute pants" fit better on vacation. Turns out, I am not in charge. Mother nature and the universe intervened with something called hormonal disturbance or some might say peri-menopause. Crap. And, walla, instantly rather than losing I am gaining or remaining steady despite my determination and near 100% execution of the plan. Can I just say, this sucks!?

I tell you all this personal stuff because the lesson is so critical to my success in this program, and well, frankly in life. We are not in control! Stuff happens. Hormones happen. Friends fall off horses one week before a big mountain climb and may not be able to do it. Weather may prevent perfect views from the summit. I may climb that mountain carrying water weight I didn't have a week ago that makes me feel heavier and my pants tighter. So what!

Once again I am reminded that when I roll with it. When I embrace what is real and happening in the moment and give up my desire/need to control it, I feel better, things look brighter and I enjoy life more. This mountain climb will hopefully happen. My sisters and I have been planning it for months. But if it doesn't, or it isn't as perfect as I had envisioned in my head, so what. I will be with my sisters/friends and I will be celebrating a journey that is changing my life in ways big and small. I will embrace whatever comes in that moment and realize it is meant to be.

Thank you Leif for reminding me of that. Mother nature, well I guess, thank you too. And horse, I am still mad you bucked off my beloved friend Jean! But, thank God she is going to be okay and she will get through this. The sisters will help her up the mountain.

I have to go now. Got mountains to climb.

LOR

10 months...150 lbs lighter...goal in sight

I simply had to mark this point in the journey (yes, Rochelle, I called it a journey!). Ten months ago today -- Nov. 28, 2010 -- I officially started my Fitness North program at Surfside on Lake Superior and learned exactly what I am capable of -- physically and emotionally. The answer is: Absolutely anything!

This was proven in those first two weeks at fitness camp and has been tested, tried and true many times in the past 10 months: At -100 lbs; when challenged by serious life stresses or physical limitations; when pushed by my trainers; when emotionally challenged or disappointed by people/relationships; when I climb mountains for fun; and again today as the scale reads -150.

As I start my day, I am thinking of all of my FN 2 lions. Remembering how scared, nervous and yet determined I was 10 months ago to prove to myself and others that I could do this. To make this the biggest accomplishment of my life to date. I felt so far out of my comfort zone it wasn't even funny. I was quieter than I think I have ever been in my life with head down doing exactly what I was told, giving up control to my program director and trainers. I was more determined than I ever remember being about anything. And, more in tune with my body and my physical capabilities, as well as my emotions, than perhaps I have ever been in my life. That and a whole lot of hard work...and look at me now!

I will continue to walk the path every day and have months to go to reach my goal. But I will get there. You can too. My heart is full today. I am a lucky, lucky girl. A late bloomer but never the less, I am a bloomer! :-) Thank you to those of you who have stood by me, encouraged me, pushed me, and cheered me on. You know who you are and you know that you have been an integral part of my success. I love you all.

Wow, what a way to start the day and I celebrate by going back where it all began at Surfside on Lake Superior - my home away from home and right where I belong today.

With a full heart and a healthy new glow...

Lori

So many changes...so much to look forward to

Wow, my heart is full. These past couple of weeks have been good ones for my program, and I am struck by how much day-to-day life has changed. In little ways and big ways. It's difficult to describe really, but life is full and enjoyable in each and every moment. Even in the tough moments because I find myself with the tools and the courage to change course and direct myself back to the goal. And it feels so great!

I just got back from a week on the road where I hiked my mountain in record time - cut 25 minutes off my best Oberg Mountain climb. And I can't wait to get back and do it again this week with fall colors abloom.

Here are just a few of the ways life has changed in recent months.

Parties in Public. Last night I got all dressed up for a wedding with my close college friends/sorority sisters and I was actually looking forward to attending, to getting dressed up and seeing people I haven't seen in 15 years. In the past, I would have dreaded the gathering and frankly avoided it for that reason. I would have stayed home and wallowed. This time, I dressed and danced - and stayed on my program while doing so!


Picture Me. I absolutely love getting my photo taken right now and charting my progress. I bring my camera and actually ask people to take my photo. What?!! This is the girl that hid from the camera for years - 15+ years. It's crazy and my friend Jean and my sisters are happy to oblige.

Hiker/Mountain Climber. As I prepare for the impending mountain climb in Acadia National Park in three weeks with my sorority sisters, I realize I want to hike/climb all of the time. I LOVE IT! Can't wait. And yes, for the record, this is exercise. And I used to hate it and avoid it. "Hiking" on the North Shore for me was walking from Hwy 61 to the lake via Temperance River State Park! Now, I am plotting the next big climb and hoping I can convince some of my sisters to do a second mountain top with me while on vacation in Maine.

Fashionista, Bar None. I am a fashion queen and a shopper with new clothes, in new sizes, and so many cute things from name brands that only "little" people could wear. Soon, I have to stop shopping and just enjoy the new closet of fashion I have built! But wow, am I having fun. New clothes, shoes, coats, accessories. Frankly, I don't have enough places to wear all of this stuff. Or the financial means to sustain it! New mountain climbing/hiking shoes, new fashion boots, new skirts, Italian tights, slinky, sexy shirts, a new leather coat... OMG, this is fun.

The strategy of it all. I simply LOVE talking and thinking about why this program is working for me and how I can help motivate, encourage and support others in the journey. There are so many people to help and I simply know that if I can do it, you can to. It is a life changer, bar nothing I have experienced. And at the risk of annoying all of my friends and those who follow this blog - I want to pass it on, pay if forward, make this in some way part of my life's calling.

My heart is so full with all of the love, encouragement and support I have received on this journey from so many people. Close friends and family - my mom, sister, nephews and dad, Jimbo, my sorority sisters, my FN 2 family, Leif and O'Neal, the Marketing that Matters team, my Bluefin Bay family, and so many, many friends and others who I didn't even know were following my progress. Wow. I am overwhelmed and blessed - and I can tell you, it does indeed make a difference in my motivation and my progress. It totally inspires me to press on.

Next Up: Of course the mountain climb in Acadia in three weeks with my sorority sisters and some of my closest friends in the world! Then, we'll see what next. The big and bold goal I just asserted is that I hope to reach my ultimate goal by my birthday - February 14, 2011. Discussing it now with my Chief and my trainer to see if we can go for it. How cool would it be to be celebrating my birthday in 20 weeks - 4.5 months - at goal! I think there will be one big party to celebrate. And I mean BIG party!

Thank you all for your continued love and support. I adore you. And I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You know who you are.

Lori

What a difference a week makes!

It's not surprising that this "journey" to better health and living has its ups and downs. Last week I blogged about two weeks of downs/struggles that caused the scale to move in the wrong direction and me to lose my emotional edge. It also had me worried that health issues (I will spare you the details) would interfere with my plan and progress longer term.

This week, I am happy to report that I am back on track and reporting a -10 lb weight loss for the week! For me that is a huge. It means I lost what I gained in two weeks and a few more to get to my lowest weight in well - a really, really long time. All worth celebrating. Yeah me!

But what is most compelling about this is the process of how I got there and what I learned from it. Thus this blog. The lesson behind the challenges and triumphs is important to me and likely for anyone else struggling with weight issues, life balance and having time for themselves, achieving all they can achieve...

So, in true Lori fashion and in the spirit of the title of this blog - "She Climbed Until She Saw" - I want to make note of the lessons behind the success, and acknowledge that this is a twisty road I am on and I must be mindful of the successes and celebrate them but also be grounded in reality. My reality is that I still have a long way to go to goal, it is getting slower and tougher, and there will be many more challenges ahead, and in those important lessons. The best we can ever do is be aware, fully experience them, learn, adjust and keep on a truckin.

What I did right this time...

• Realized what is in my control and what is not. Accepted what I can't control and adjusted/focused on what I can. Okay, truth is I can't control the fact that I am aging and stuff happens. I can control how I process it, react to it, and attend to it. I was awfully quick to freak out and play the "victim" when I wasn't feeling well and physical and emotional symptoms were affecting my day to day life in a big way. But after some reading/self-educating, very little wallowing, and garnering support from other women friends, I was able to accept what I couldn't control. I made up my mind that I wasn't going to let the physical and emotional changes in my body affect my program. I made attitude adjustments, refocused and moved on. Whew. That's kinda cool.
• Worked the plan. I listened to my program director, Leif Anderson, and everything we were taught at FN and I worked the program -- one meal, one workout, one day at a time. Slowly but surely the combination of my execution of the plan and the physical issues self correcting - I felt a lot better. The  pounds started to come off and by week's end I was back on track and smaller! 
• Working the plan is also about more than the meal plan and workouts, its about journaling and blogging, food tracking every day, shopping and staying focused on future goals like my mountain climb... I know what to do to execute the full plan and every time I do - whola it works!
• Lori in the center. I followed Denise's advice and what I know to be true about my number one goal - I kept myself in the center of the equation - even when I had good reasons (excuses) not to. I was every bit as busy if not busier and more stressed with clients this week, but I held on to my workouts, my sleep and my overall plan.
• Acknowledged the emotional and embraced it, but gave up victimhood. I acknowledged that I am a passionate and emotional person and gave myself the two weeks to be emotional about what I needed to feel, but I didn't wallow (okay, well, maybe just a little). I moved on and adjusted my attitude. Again, back to number one, the only thing I can control is how I react to it. So the optimistic, fun, passionate Lori came back to lead the charge and had fun doing it. I really am a funster and kick butt when I am focused!
• Check out my photos from a fun Labor Day weekend photo shoot in Rochester with my adorable friend and photographer Jean Voxland, and a shopping spree with my Mom that yielded many cute designer labeled clothes and some great new workout clothes. Yeah!

So the lessons here are simple...really. And I needed to make note of them for me and for all of you who may have similar ups and downs. For now, I am enjoying the ride and embracing my great week, and gearing up for a fun but crazy busy week on the road. I am excited to hike and climb some mountains on the North Shore for my workouts. Certainly, I will be more challenged to balance the work with Lori time and stick to the meal plan while traveling. All things I have done many times and can more certainly do again.

All smiles today as I pack my cute clothes for the next leg of the journey.

Lori

Click on this link to view images from my Labor Day Fun photo shoot - me at -140 lbs.