When we follow our dreams...

...we toss a pebble into the world. Creating a beautiful ripple of inspiration.

Before and During!

I am finally getting the courage to post my before and during photos. Note, I am not calling them before and after because I am not "there" yet. But after a 175 lb loss in one year, the results are worth sharing.

A BIG thank you to all of my friends, family and supporters, as well as my fitness/wellness team led by Leif Anderson, with Sandra Swami and Julie Gronquist from Balance for Life Fitness Center. My FN 2 family. And of course, the one and only O'Neal Hampton - my light, mentor and friend whose story and courage gave me the strength to get off the couch and change my life.

I love you all and am forever grateful for the support I have received along the way.

Celebrating & unpacking the emotion behind the big pants

Last weekend I had the chance to "hang" with my FN 2 gal pals and our program director, Leif Anderson, in celebration of our one year FN reunion at Surfside on Lake Superior. This is where it all went down and my life began to change - for real and forever.

It was a wonderful anniversary filled with laughter, stories about dragging our butts out of bed to workout at 5:30 a.m. and pushing ourselves past what we thought we were capable of. We had a "real" discussion about where we each are today. Shari and I were among the first to hit the -100 lb mark and are mirror images of our former selves. Sue and Carrie made major personal life changes and both got to a weight they were comfortable with - now struggling to maintain. All of us are happier and smarter about our health, and - best of all - we're incredibly close friends.

The weekend was just the kind of pause and celebration needed. We climbed our mountain, took photos with our big pants, and got some quality time with each other and Leif. We drank champagne and toasted our success. And, we had time for "real" talk about the challenges we all face moving forward. Challenges ranging from love/boys, to how to live in maintenance, to bumps in the road that challenge our strength to stay the course, to skin issues after significant weight loss, and more. I feel truly blessed to have this group as part of my inner circle and I am so grateful for the opportunity to share the journey. Shari, Carrie and Sue - I love you.

Unpacking the emotion behind the big pants
The celebration weekend was the first time I pulled out my big pants and these photos are the first of me with the big pants - one year after my journey began. Wow, is right!

This past week, I have been thinking a lot about those big pants and how it made me feel to stand up in front of the world and hold them up in a photograph for all to see. I have to admit, that while the majority of what I feel is pride, success and accomplishment - there is a small part of me (a voice in my head) that wonders how I got there. That part of me feels embarrassment for having gotten to a place where I wore pants that now two normal people can stand in.

As I unpacked those feelings of embarrassment (and maybe a tiny bit of shame), I remembered what my mentor and friend O'Neal Hampton said on the first night of our boot camp: "Don't spend time thinking about how you got here...because you will stay stuck. Instead, focus your energy on moving forward and changing your life...to focus on the past keeps you stuck in the past..." Or something like that. (I am sure O'Neal said it much more eloquently as an O'Nealism I have grown so fond of, but the sentiment is there!). 

O'Neal is absolutely right! I don't want to stay stuck in the past or give it any credence. So I am acknowledging that it is there by putting it out into the blogoshpere and moving on. The truth is, I couldn't be happier with where I am today; and the journey to get here - well, it's been truly amazing. I wouldn't change a thing. Look at me! :-) But, I did need to stop and listen to that voice of embarrassment with a touch of shame over my pants and try to unpack it for myself.

In doing so, I have realized that this is the very voice that will keep me from getting back to the size I was. And as I stand up with those pants in a photo or on the road in front of lots of people and pay it forward, it is the size of those pants that empowers me to help others. They not only show how far I have come in one short year, but also let others know they too can outgrow (shrink) their pants. It is not only possible. It is VERY doable.

So I will keep those big pants around and hold them up next to the new me and feel empowered not embarrassed. Not only are they are a stark reminder that I will never go back there, but they may provide "hope" to others to know they, too, can do it.

For now, the pants are back in the drawer. But I can't wait to hold them up when I get to my goal and I will proudly display the photo with two of me in them. Yes, those pants are empowering. And that's how I will look at it moving forward.

I am a lucky girl to have had the courage and determination to get off the couch after nearly 30 years of being obese and sedentary to make a life-altering change. I did it! And if that is not empowering, I don't know what is.

Lori

A bran new day

Today marks the celebration and one-year anniversary of my Fitness North experience. One year ago today, we were coming into the home stretch of our two week live-in experience, anticipating our final weight loss numbers (I lost 21 lbs while on campus) and considering what it would be like to live in the real world.

As I watched the sun come up over Lake Superior this morning, I was struck by the beauty and opportunity of a new day. A clean slate. A fresh start. A new perspective. Anything is possible at the start of a new day. And I realized the analogy is perfect for where I am in this journey and in my life - I am celebrating a bran new day.

Weighing in this morning at a total weight loss in my one-year journey of -175. Feeling very proud of that number but more importantly of all of the accomplishments -- both physical and emotional -- to get here.

Yet I am careful to take note of the fact that it has not been a straight line to get here, but rather an up and down hilly and windy road that has made the victory over obesity and a sedentary life all that much better. The bumps and curves in the road have each provided a lesson. Those lessons (and there is a future blog in each one) have helped me better know myself and will most certainly help me hold this new life when the going gets tough in the future. And we know it will.

From hormones and life changes, to changing personal relationships, to work stress and the trials and tribulations of building a business, to weeks of plateaus, to surprising nutritional plans that play with the mind and remind me I am not in control, to family challenges, people drama, to the trials and triumphs of re-entering the dating market, and more! Whew, what a ride.

Through it all, I have learned:

• I am capable of absolutely anything! Anything, and everything.
• Life is soooooooo much more fun when the glass is half full and viewed through the possibility lens (this is how I am built, but I lost this optimism somewhere along the way under those 175 lbs)
• We need people - the lions in our den - to support us along the way. There is no way that I could have done this without the love, support and encouragement of hundreds of people.
• I cannot control other people or life circumstances, only how I react to it and hold it and that makes ALL the difference.
• The answer always lies within me (you) - sometimes you have to stop and listen to find it.
• Life is way more fun as an active and healthy person. Everything seems easier, brighter, richer.
• O'Neal was absolutely right: Connecting those 18" inches from  your head to your heart is the key to success. Our minds stop us long before any physical limitations do.
• I am a fashionista, bar none - and love, love, love fashion, style, clothes, accessories, trends...
• When you go through a major life change and a journey like this, you will find out who your true friends are - hold them close. They really matter!
• We are not perfect. Our bodies are not perfect, even when at goal. 
• Some part of my life going forward WILL include helping others who struggle with obesity, helping them see a light at the end of the tunnel and find the courage to take that first step. To be whole, I must pass this on and I can't wait!

Today, I get to see my girls! There were four of us who lived together on campus and shared every part of the Fitness North journey and have remained friends all year long. I adore them. I can't wait to see them and to celebrate where we are, who we are, and how we got here. More on our reunion soon.

To ALL of my Fitness North 2 family - thinking of you today and wishing we could all be together. To anyone looking for help to take that first step, email or PM me.

Lori

The people side of the journey

Mom and I Thanksgiving weekend 2011.

I am swimming in blog topics this morning and finally chose this one after a Facebook message from my Mom and my experience at the gym yesterday inspired me.

One of the most incredible things about this journey has been how people respond. 99% of it is good...in fact, amazing. But there is some tough stuff too. Let's start with the amazing!

From the very first day I blogged, and as I packed to head up to Fitness North boot camp, people have overwhelmed me with support and encouragement. Much of it has come from expected places. My close friends were there - Jimbo, Kate, Dennis and Jolita, and so many others. My college sorority sisters have been truly amazing, and the Marketing that Matters team with Jodi at the helm, equally amazing. Some of it though is unexpected. One of the unexpected surprises was how enthusiastically and aggressively each and every one of my family members wished me well - many of them encouraging me every day of the boot camp with cards and facebook posts, etc. I have not always felt this kind of enthusiasm for my accomplishments from my family, so this was an extra special blessing and it makes me so happy.

Throughout the last year, there have been many more positive surprises. Acquaintances on Facebook, former colleagues, more distant relatives -- all reaching out, some on a regular basis with cheers, kudos, and just general admiration. When the Fitness North story was published in the Star Tribune and I was on the cover of the Variety section - nearly 200 people personally contacted me by phone, email or Facebook. Most I knew, but many I did not. Yesterday, after my workout at Balance for Life, one of the trainers came up to me to congratulate me on my success. Last week at Balance for Life, it was another client who just raved about my transformation. Complete strangers who have only watched me from afar.

Lions in the Den
O'Neal Hampton told us the eve of our fitness camp experience, that indeed we would need lions in our den to support us along the way. I shared that story with my sorority sisters and they have "roared" for me all this past year - sometimes in a very fun and joking fashion, which of course encapsulates why I love them so much! My friend Jimbo, every step of the way, totally there. And so many people on Facebook who swoop in and comment, encourage and surprise me with their consistency following the journey and providing ongoing support. Some I suspect have had weight loss challenges of their own. Others may be inspired by the story of personal triumph.

Perhaps this is why NBC's Biggest Loser is such a hit. It's about overcoming the very thing that has eluded us; the most difficult to overcome. For me, and for the BL contestants, it is a battle with obesity. But don't we all have something that we battle? To see personal triumph in its raw reality - the good, the bad, the ugly - is inspiring. It makes people believe they too can do it.  And I am here to tell you - YOU CAN DO IT! And I will help you.

Paying it forward - helps others. Their success feeds your success.
The other really cool thing about putting yourself out there and sharing the journey in a more public way, is the opportunity to "pay it forward" and the number of people you can help...just by walking the walk every day. This is my favorite part.

I have not been afraid to expose the personal or emotional side of the journey because I believe there are thousands of people (millions actually) just like me who are struggling with the same issues. Feeling as lost, distraught, lonely and hopeless as I did. I know that if I can do it, they can do it. And, I am someone who has always hoped to change the world in some positive way. Perhaps this is my way...and my time.

If sharing my story as a compulsive eater who ate to deal with stress, hurt, worry, and literally "stuffed" emotions in an attempt to protect myself from a sometimes harsh world...if that helps you or anyone struggling with obesity in any way, then hooray! And if admitting to the world that I am less than perfect and opening up about the emotional side of this journey can help another overcome similar struggles or feel less alone, then woooo hooooo...it's a no- brainer.

I want everyone I love, and everyone in this country struggling with the disease of obesity to know that they too can beat it. They can change their health and thus their happiness quotient one day at a time. Just like I did. In fact, whatever your challenge or struggle, I now believe personal triumph is possible. I am living proof. And, not only possible, but perhaps easier than you think! Look for a light - for a ray of hope. For a helping hand. I had almost given up hope and then I found a light in O'Neal Hampton and his personal story, and with his encouragement, I took a leap of faith. Wow, did it work. (More on this in future blogs.)

Every day I hear from people in my life - some I know and some not - that my story has inspired or helped them in some way. Every day. I talk with people on the phone, via email/PM and I meet with people who want help. It feels sooooooooo good. Amazing! And it helps me stay focused on my program, too. It keeps the mojo going. O'Neal Hampton has been my mentor and role model in the Pay it Forward arena. And I am excited to explore this topic further, personally and professionally. You will see more blogs about it for sure, and at some point I will announce more formalized plans for what I will do when I reach goal to "Pay it Forward." There is no question it will become an integrated part of my life. It already has.

Way to go Mom
This morning my heart leapt when my Mom sent me a Facebook message that just by being with me over Thanksgiving weekend she felt inspired and came home Monday and started a nutritional plan and stuck to it. She lost 11 lbs this week! OMG. How cool is that? She blows my numbers right out of the water. And the thing is, my Mom is smaller than I am. Although obesity runs in my family, my Mom has always been the closest to normal weight.

I am so proud of you Mom and so excited. I want to help everyone in my family find success on this journey so they can experience the health and happiness I have found this past year. It is never too late. Go Mom! We are going to look "hot" at Christmas.

The tough part of the people equation. 
I am not going to lie, there is a tough side to experiencing dramatic change and becoming a different person. Some people in your life - for reasons that have nothing to do with you - simply will not relate in a positive way. They cannot be there for you or be happy for your success, and the relationship changes. Perhaps on some level they are jealous. Or, you are a reminder of something they don't feel they can attain. Or, by you changing how you relate, it simply changes the dynamic of the relationship in a way that no longer works for them. Maybe, none of the above or all of the above. Whatever the reason, it's difficult.

For me, this has been one of the biggest hurdles this past year. O'Neal warned me about it privately and encouraged me to stay the course even when people treat me differently and relationships end or change. What I didn't expect was where/with whom it would happen. Or, the fact that sometimes people can be spiteful or outwardly harsh to cover their feelings of insecurity, fear, or whatever it is. The challenge is to stay the course and to accept that another person's behavior/perception is simply out of your control. (What, out of my control?! Crap. You mean I can't single handily change or fix it...)

The thing is, I "get it" on some level because I have been on the other side many times and had to privately work through feelings of "I want what she's got" or "why can't I have that?" Perhaps on some level comparing ourselves to others is human nature. But, for someone who lives her life centered around the people she loves, very relationship-focused, it has been the toughest thing to process. And I am still working through it.

That said, I am finding my way. And I trust this too shall pass. For some, they may come back into my life in a different way. For others, perhaps not. I must accept and acknowledge the reality of these changing relationships, process my feelings (without eating to stuff the emotion), and be open to what comes next. Okay, enough of that.

For the most part, 99% of the people part of this journey is a true blessing. Getting here has not come with me forging ahead as a lone tiger. But rather with a plethora of lions in my den, supporting me, encouraging me, and rooting for my success.
To those of you who have read my blog, messaged me on Facebook, called me, or in any way supported me through this life-changing experience, I am deeply and forever grateful. You know who you are...and, please, from the bottom of my heart, know how very much it means to me and how your encouragement has helped me get to where I am today. The truth is, we don't do it alone.

Have a great and healthy day!

Hugs.
Lori

Nutritionally sound...healthy as a horse!

Where did the phrase 'healthy as a horse" come from? Are horses really the healthiest of the animal species or how did they earn this reputation? I wonder this morning as I prepare to start another crazy, crazy busy and probably stressful business day and eat my healthy breakfast...after taking my daily multivitamin and Vitamin C&D supplement.

When I think back to where I was one year ago and prior - an emotional binge eater who ate to deal with stress, feelings, and just about everything else. And, someone who didn't know that fruit was actually a carb! (Yes, it's true.) Honestly, I am astounded at what a difference a healthy diet makes. And frankly, how easy it was/is to make different choices.

Of course, when I was obese, I had heard about what to eat and why. I read the happiness and stress-relief studies that said if you just changed your diet and ate more fruits and vegetables and took a daily multivitamin you would feel better and function better. But of course I didn't really believe it. Or, rather, just didn't do it because it seemed too hard. Getting from where I was to where the experts said I needed to be nutritionally seemed like a big hurdle. I wasn't ready.

Well, team, now I can say without question it works. Wow, does it work! I hate to pick favorite lanes in this journey to health and wellness, but I have to say that nutrition has to be 80% or more of the equation. Working out and being active, yes, burns more calories. But, if you eat the right foods, you're burning the right stuff. And you're getting your metabolism to work with you. Cool!

I got a heavy dose of nutrition 101 at Fitness North where we were taught by the best - program director Leif Anderson -- and we were forced to read labels, count fat, protein, carbs, etc. and prepare our own meals. Let me just say, I am not a cook and never have been. I was a fast-food, microwave kinda gal. I ate more processed food than one can shake a stick at. Now, of course, I am eating whole food, not processed, cooking some and loving that I FEEL so much better. Yes, I have more energy. Yes, I am more productive at work and in my personal life. Yes, I am happier -- on the inside and the outside. And no, I am still not a cook. I do what works for me.

And that is:

• Buying only the foods that are on plan and not having anything else in the house, period
• Shopping for high quality whole foods - fruits, vegetables, etc
• Embracing the whey protein - especially when I can add fruit or peanut butter in the magic bullet
• Preparing my meals for the week on Sunday and making individual containers that I can just grab and go all week long so I always have the right thing at my fingertips (I get in trouble when I don't)
• Embracing the foods in my weight loss plan from the past year that I love and enjoying them with every bite - for me that is my eggs (LOVE my eggs and egg whites/egg beaters), turkey, chicken, and veggies galore
• LOVE Ms Dash on just about everything - they have about 6 or more varieties
• Made a decision that I am never, ever going to a fast food joint (other than subway) or a drive through again...not goin' there.

So my advice to those who think they can't take positive steps toward nutrition: YES, you can! If I can do it - as much as I hate cooking and label reading and counting/math ... you can do it! Again, start with baby steps. Here are a few suggestions.

• Find what works for you and embrace it. If you don't know, try stuff and see what you like. I knew I liked eggs - I didn't realize I LOVE them and almost can't live without them. Egg beaters too.
• Once you discover healthy whole foods that you enjoy, put them in your diet to replace something that is not. I guarantee that if you have a lot of weight to lose (like me) and you make these simple changes - like I did from fast food and processed food to whole food - even at one or two meals per day, you will notice the difference.
• Always have those foods around. And, if you can swing it, don't have the other stuff in the house at all or put yourself in a situation to buy it. I have not regretted one day that I no longer go through a drive thru or to a fast food joint. Not once. In fact, it is empowering.

In a few weeks, I will hear from my doctor how my health numbers look after one year and -170 lbs. I hope/expect they will be good. For as much as I hate doctors, hospitals and all things medical, this one I am actually looking forward to because I want to know the results. I have not been sick one day in the last year. Really? Isn't that amazing. Not a cold, the flu or anything.

Anyone else have tips or success stories to share about nutritional plans or strategies that work? Would love to hear them.

Happy day.
Lori

I hate to exercise...really?!

This morning on the way to my workout, I was thinking back to pre-Fitness North days and remembering the very first time I was introduced to the elliptical by my trainer Julie at Balance for Life Fitness Center. She asked me to do two minutes on the frickin machine, and I struggled mightily. And I believe that it was level 1!

During Fitness North boot camp just one year ago, I used to watch Phil just rock it on the elliptical and I always opted for the treadmill because I had a fear of the elliptical. (Be careful what you wish for because then Leif introduced me to the Arc Trainer!) When I had to do an hour of cardio at FN, I split my time and did 30 min on the treadmill and 30 on the elliptical.

Today, I opt for the elliptical every time and have been experimenting with increased levels and speed, but consistently do 50-60 minutes at level 11. Wow, what a difference a year makes. And the Ipad has helped too - not so boring.

I am someone who hates to exercise. Or so I thought...and of course that is what I told myself prior to Fitness North. The truth is, I don't love the gym. But I am an outdoor enthusiast! And I do love to walk, hike, bike, climb mountains, snowshoe (I think), and this winter I will find out if I love skiing - either nordic or alpine. I have the best place in the world to practice on Minnesota's North Shore - at Lutsen Mountains and on the more than 400km of cross country ski trails in Cook County.

I might even put on a pair of ice skates and give it a whirl. All indications are that I would love running and I have thought about 5K and 10K races or triathlons, which my sister Kristine runs. But, I haven't tried running hard yet due to the nature of my knees and advice from trainers that may not be a good idea. Perhaps I'll try when I get to goal and see how it goes. If I pursue running now, I might injure myself and not be able to work out and I am not willing to risk that. (Did I just write that - not willing to risk not working out?!)

The fact is, I have a new found love for activity and I get a high from pushing myself to new levels and tackling new challenges.This morning after two very stressful days at work and two missed morning workouts (yes it happens), I simply kicked butt in the gym. Both on the elliptical at my hardest push and highest level, and with my trainer Sandra who worked me hard. Jumping for god's sake, me? Hmmmmmm.

So the truth is, I don't hate to exercise. I get bored in the gym. But I LOVE outdoor activity and adventure and can't wait to try new stuff. I am not an athlete (or a ballerina) so we do need to consider my lack of coordination in pursuing new activities. I also LOVE how I feel after a good workout in the gym where I push myself. Finally, perhaps most of all, I LOVE how I feel as an active person rather than a couch potato.

Many Biggest Loser alumni go on to become trainers and run gyms or health and fitness programs. Likely, not this girl. But, the lesson here for me is that being active beats being still. ANYONE and EVERYONE can find something they like to do to be active - so find what you love and do it. I think you might find, like me, that you can then no longer live without it.

It's fun to be a healthy and active person. The bonus is that you meet other active and healthy people and who knows?! On Thanksgiving Day while I was out for my morning walk on a country road, I met the cutest guy out for his morning run. After just being chased by the neighborhood dogs, I didn't hesitate to strike up a conversation and wished him luck with the dogs nipping and barking at his heels. That was the end of the encounter but I smiled the whole way back - knowing that if I had been on the couch or still in bed too lazy to get up and work out, I would not have met this really attractive healthy and active guy.

So while I am not an award winning athlete. And I don't love the gym. I am active and need to be, and that darn elliptical has really grown on me. Who knew?!

What do you like to do? If you don't know, or you re a couch potato or a workaholic like I was who doesn't leave the desk, simply try stuff and find what fits for you...and then do it. Or, find an awesome personal trainer and you'll have the accountability. That works too. Like me, you might find there is no turning back to an inactive life.


Lori

P.S. Leif if you are reading this. Yes, my check in will include a report of two missed days of cardio in one week. Ouch. But life intervened and now I am back on the horse - so to speak! :-)

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.

Favorite inspirational quotes...at this juncture of the journey

This is going to be good.
First it begins inside your heart. Something moves. Then opens. Then frees itself. And now you feel a rhythm breaking its long silence. This is going to be good!

One day...
One day, she noticed something new in her reflection. Something that had a light all its own.

She climbed until she saw. 

Keep the promise you made to yourself.

Remember to fulfill the promise you made to yourself

These past few weeks have been tough. And it is in these tough times that I am reminded to keep it simple. To keep the promise that I made to myself about nine months ago - to put Lori in the equation...one moment, one day at a time...day after day after day.

If I do that, I will most certainly be successful. I might not do it perfectly, or execute the plan at every moment, but if I can say that I have kept my promise to myself I will ultimately get to the top of the mountain.

Womanhood/age, health issues and work stresses all have threatened my progress these past couple of weeks. And, for the first time in nearly nine months, the scale has moved in the wrong direction. Yikes. Perhaps most significantly, these challenges have impeded my mental game, and for me that is the toughest to overcome. Add to this the fact that I am extremely busy at work with new clients and really high stakes, plus the physical exhaustion, moodiness and irritability, the fuzzy brain -- and, well, in the old days of Lori that would have been the perfect storm. Good reason to throw in the towel. ...But not today.

Today, instead of giving up, I blog. I reach out to pay it forward -- which helps keep my program strong. I take stock in all of the amazing progress I have garnered to date and I give myself a break for not being perfect. Pause. Yes, I am not perfect! I shop for new clothes and take stock of how fun it is to buy designer labels in the smallest size I have worn in nearly 30 years. And, I go out for a healthy dinner at an amazing new restaurant with a close friend who just turned 50.

In these times of struggle, I consult my incredible program director and master of the ship, Leif Anderson, who reminds me to simply execute the plan. And my long-time adviser, Denise, in turn reminds me to keep my eye on the goal - Lori in the equation.

Sometimes we have to walk forward without the benefit of the light. Sometimes, we take one step forward and two steps backward. It is during these times that we must embrace the things we can't control and let them be a part of the learning. We learn...and move on. We do not stop.We do not give up. We do not throw in the towel!

I am reminded about the phrase in one of my favorite inspirational quotes: We have to "promise ourselves to be so strong that nothing can disturb our peace of mind."

So for today, that will have to do. This blog will mark this point in the journey as one of the rocky spots and I will be reminded that I was strong enough to overcome by simply keeping the promise I made to myself, and executing the plan one day, one moment at a time. Thanks to Leif, Denise, Mom, Jean, and all for your love and support. I've got this!


"Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. Look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true. Think only of the best, work only for the best, and except only the best. Forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. Give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others. Live in the fair that the whole worked is on your side so long as you are true to the best that is in you!
                                                                                --Christian D. Larson

Belts!

My most recent fascination is with belts. Just to be clear: The kind you wear as a fashion statement or to hold your pants up -- or both! :-)

For the first time in many years I can actually wear belts. They're in. They are unique and fun and a great way to show your style and personality. And, frankly, they are the best way to mark a shrinking waistline! It is a blast to cinch that belt smaller and smaller until you run out of holes and need a new one.

I think I am going to collect and keep my belts now in addition to my big pants as yet another marker of my journey. Hannah Curlee from BL11 said she saves a pair of jeans in each and every size that she has lost and has them hanging on her wall as a reminder that she will never go back there. Perhaps I will have a wall of belts!

How fun. What is your favorite belt?!

Lori

An active vacation, a mountain climb with the sisters...life is good!

I just noticed the drought in blog communication and decided to take a time out to focus on Lori.

I was on vacation this past week and, as a result, the work is piled high. Plus, I have close friends in town this weekend, a pool party, am behind with friend communication re: birthdays and special occasions. My pay it forward opportunities are piled just as high as the work. The yard work is calling. I have meals to prep for the week. Whew. I am starting to feel the stress of it all. Time to blog.

Writing this blog keeps "me" in the equation when times are stressful. Neglecting it often means letting "me" slip. So when there is a drought in communication, please email and ask what's up.

An active vacation...a role model

Lots happening of late. The most exciting of which is a great vacation to Bayfield,WI and the Apostle Islands that turned into an active vacation.

Unlike past trips where I was an observer, shopper, and diner, this time I did all of that AND played too. I walked every morning exploring the sites and sounds of the harbor and took my Mom and nephews with me on foot whenever possible. We played on the beaches, swam, biked the Island, sailed, walked, hiked to the sea caves, and walked some more. And it was fun! What a difference 130 lbs makes.

We had a great time and I feel more connected to my nephews because I could get out and play rather than sit on the sidelines. What a gift. I also really realized during this vacation that, indeed, I am a role model for them. And, I am certainly more proud of the role model I have become as an active Auntie than when I sat on the sidelines and cheered. So fun to explore this new role.

Next up - vacation number 3 this year and a "real" mountain climb.

I am sooooooo excited to report that my sorority sisters (among my closest group of college friends) will be joining me for one week in Maine at my friend Anne's house overlooking Penobscot Bay. This is a group that hasn't traveled out of the state of MN together since college, and has had a tough time all connecting regularly in MN. Between busy careers, families, kids' activities, and well, just life, we try to connect but seldom all 8 make it. So this is big.

The occasion is to mark my -100 lb (and I expect my -150 lb) marker on this journey. My friend and professional coach/mentor, Anne, owns a gorgeous house in Maine and has very graciously offered it as my reward for reaching this milestone. (THANK YOU ANNE!) I couldn't be more thrilled to have my group of eight "lions" - who joined me at Bluefin Bay last November just one week before my live-in FN experience - along for the ride. I am a lucky girl.

The plan is to mark this milestone by climbing a "real," more challenging mountain in Acadia National Park - and to crack the champagne on the summit. I have two months to train my knees/joints for the climb, and to reach my goal of losing at least another 10-15 lbs. I am in training now with my Twin Cities trainers - Julie and Sandra from Balance for Life - and of course, the Chief - my program director Leif Anderson. If any of you have climbed this mountain and have tips to share, please let me know. I am hoping to do the aggressive climb that includes getting to the peak of Penobscot Mountain and hiking over to Sargent Mountain as well. And hope my team of 8 will all join me.

There will also be some BIG birthday celebrations on this trip, ideally marked with a BIG birthday party on the deck overlooking Penobscot Bay as the sun sets. And did I mention, plenty of lobster and libations?! (Yes, Leif, I will be going "off plan" that week, certainly post mountain climb!) This group of 8 has been friends for nearly 30 years so the trip is without a doubt going to be one we will all remember for a long time to come.

In the meantime, business at Marketing that Matters is great, but balancing it all remains a daily challenge. This is something I seem to be getting better at, though it requires constant focus on the goal. The opportunities for new business are plenty and the MtM team is getting bigger and stronger as a group with each passing day. So exciting!

So, there is much to look forward to as summer winds down and fall approaches. FALL! My all-time favorite time of year and I look forward to MANY more trips up to my beloved North Shore including for a fabulous Unplugged X: the Northern Harvest event in Grand Marais, Bluefin Bay's Fall Food and Wine Lovers Weekend (hopefully accompanied by my Women in Leadership Group of new friends from last year), and of course, Girls Gone North Weekend at the Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts.

I've got nothing but joy and optimism for the future, my new active life, and the tons of fun coming down the pike. Feeling so blessed to be in this place. And yet, still taking it one day at a time.

What's on your agenda this late summer and fall?

Hugs.
Lori