Opportunities for healing, renewal and growth

One of the greatest gifts in my life is the incredible friendships and relationships I have with so many different people. I am a people-focused person and I live in the world of possibilities. My Myers Briggs Personality Type is ENFJ, a person driven by high standards when it comes to understanding and caring about people; understanding, supporting and encouraging others. I LOVE this about me and have no intention of changing!

That said, this highly people-focused way of living, often means that "people disappointments" (which are simply part of human nature) are very tough for me. It is easy for me to be rocked to my core by a people disappointment...sometimes to the point where I throw in the towel on me and play the victim.

A very wise man and mentor - O'Neal Hampton - told me in the beginning of this journey that "it would be the people disappointments that would challenge me the most on my way to better health and happiness." Whether it be a simple disappointment, a hurtful lie or act, someone simply acting out of jealousy or competitiveness, or a larger hurt like a betrayal of trust. No matter. I took what O'Neal said to heart and have been observing my reactions during these past months to the "people disappointments" in my life. And, for better or worse, whoa, was O'Neal right! (Not surprisingly - :-)

The tough news is that "people disappointments" are part of life -- again, we are all human and we all make mistakes, often saying and doing hurtful or stupid things whether we want to or not. Some are tougher than others. Some are more intentional than others. And some, hurt way more than others. I have always tried to live my life with the utmost integrity, honesty and high values for how I treat and relate to people. Thus, I have never been afraid of putting myself out there and giving my all, including incredible intimacy and trust. This does mean that I get hurt more easily. And, when I do, I have learned that the old Lori just completely "threw herself under the bus." Internalized the conflict, personalized it, and in the process often became a victim.

During the past 7 months, as I have worked to put myself first, things have changed. I have done a MUCH better job of working through people disappointments big and small. I have learned to hold people as humans who make mistakes and, perhaps most importantly, I have done a better job of keeping my reaction to the disappointment separate - something I choose. I can choose to be the victim and sabotage myself and my happiness, or I can choose to be happy and to move on. In control of my own destiny. Now, I am not saying this is easy! Heck no. But, these past months I have had plenty of opportunity to practice -- practice forgiveness, practice choosing happiness, and often simply choosing not to get embroiled in the drama but rather chock it up as something I simply can't control. Whew, can we just celebrate those accomplishments for a moment?!

As I determine how I want to live my life moving forward, this is how it has to be. Lori first, and a Lori not embroiled in drama she can't control. Lori happy! So far, I am doing well. And this past week, an opportunity presented itself to take this work to the next level. To actually heal and renew myself and a lost relationship. And, I have to say, I am truly blessed that I was healthy enough to be open to this opportunity and grab hold. The payoff is great!

For me personally, the lesson is about learning to choose and direct my own happiness -- even and especially in the face of some of the toughest people disappointments. It is a day-to-day challenge and a work in progress. But I thank the universe for the opportunity to learn the lesson and I am so glad I had the courage to grab hold and trust myself and the process.

"Today I am filled with love and gratitude for those people who are challenging me in my life. And I know that through love and gratitude, there is opportunity for ...."

Hugs!
Lori

Opportunities to continue the climb

This is not the blog I expected to write. The events of this past week have shaped a new topic that I am only beginning to explore - recognizing and grabbing hold of opportunities when they present themselves. And, they do...every day! For regular readers of this blog, you know that my personal exploration often happens as I write...right here, on this blog, before your very eyes. So bare with me.

This past week has been one of incredible opportunity. Opportunity for awareness, for healing, for health, and for personal growth. How lucky I am to be presented with so many opportunities (perhaps formerly viewed as challenges) and to be open to them -- able to grab hold even when I am not sure what will happen next or what I will find at the top. As you may know, my personal journey has been about climbing mountains, literally and figuratively. This week I did both!

The climb to the top
On Independence Day, I completed my first climb to the summit of Carlton Peak on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Some of you have perhaps climbed it on vacation. For me, it was a milestone. The peak is part of the Superior Hiking Trail and, in my bold assertion that I am now a hiker, I added the goal of hiking the entire 277 Superior Hiking Trail to my bucket list. While I have climbed Oberg Mountain 6-7x (thank you FN), this was the first for Carlton.The hike is not that long, but it ascends rather steeply and then offers a steep scramble up a rock to the summit where the views are definitely worth it.

My Mom went with me on the hike part way and then stayed back while I climbed up to the peak. She was a real trooper to do as much of the hike as she did. Since Mom was waiting, I hauled it as the mountain ascended, rarely stopping to take photos (kept hearing Leif telling me to keep movin'). As a rookie hiker, I neglected to bring the water bottle or the trail map - and for those of you that know me well, I am EXTREMELY directional challenged. Turns out, even on the Superior Hiking Trail you are given options of trails and you have to make choices. I usually make the wrong one.

It was a warm, sunny day and by the time I got to the Britton Peak overlook, I was hot and tired but I made good time, got some great photos from the overlook, and stopped long enough to truly embrace the accomplishment -- both getting here today and getting to the -130 lb mark from what I weighed about 7 months ago.

I thought I was at the top of the mountain when I saw a sign and the steep climb up a boulder to the actual peak. I was nervous about the climb up the steep rock by myself, without water, but how could I come this far and not get there?! There was no question I was doing it. So up I went. And, as I climbed that rock with not much to hang on to, I tossed up a little a prayer (or more like a plea): "I could use a little help here!"

Once past the steep rock, there were more trail choices and a bit more climb. Now, I was really wishing I had my water. As I looked to my left, I heard voices. Three handsome young gentleman were sitting on the edge of a rock taking in the view (good thing I didn't take off my shirt and make the climb in my sports bra - which I had considered). One of the young men jumped up and asked if he could help as he heard my heavy breathing recovering from the climb. He immediately asked my name, told me his, and offered to show me the way to the summit (it was apparently only 100 feet away!). While there, I told him my story and he told me his -- he and his buddies were all in seminary school studying to be teachers. He was at Saint Thomas seminary. Prayer answered. This time in the form of three nice young men perfectly suited to assist me. How cool is that?!

Paul and his friends offered their water. I took their photo on the summit. And then they led me down off the mountain, including helping me over the steep descent down the slippery rock, where yes indeed I fell and practically knock Paul off the mountain! He grabbed my camera and my hand, and they all helped me down. (Just a bit embarrassing.) Despite my urging for Paul to join his friends and let me hike the trail back to Mom at my, now slower, pace, he stayed with me. We had a great talk along the way -- what an incredible person. When we rejoined his friends, they offered more water, and got me safely back to the log where my Mom was just thrilled to have greeted each and every one of the runners and walkers in the Tofte Trek 10k that passed by her on the trail while I was climbing my mountain.

So there you have it. I was presented with an opportunity to climb another mountain on my way to realizing the opportunity for greater health. The feeling of accomplishment was huge, and the new relationship with my "mountain saviors," priceless. Paul and his friends were just what I needed, when I needed it, to get to the top. My prayer was answered.

That day, Mom and I spent the afternoon with my work colleagues and friends from Tofte at the community parade and festival, and then later at the amazing fireworks display over the lake by Bluefin Bay. (I LOVE fireworks!) I saw everyone from the community that I know - my extended North Shore family -- and many people from the Twin Cities who were up vacationing. All, were incredibly complimentary and reinforcing of my progress to date. It made me feel so great and re-energized. Another incredible gift.

The lesson here. Most people are totally amazing human beings and will support you when you are open to it and allow them in. I have so many "lions" with me on this journey, I feel just incredibly blessed. The gratitude I have today for where I am is overwhelming. And the lessons from the opportunities are just beginning. I will close this blog  and finish part 2 - Opportunities for healing and renewal -- in the next one. Stay tuned!

Lori

"I am so grateful that the universe will thrill me with magnificent surprises today."

A whole new level...WWLD!

Was feeling a bit sluggish this morning when I forced myself out of bed one half hour late for my walk around Como. The first minute or two were slow - off my usual pace - although my back feels so much better (yay...almost 100%). I kept telling myself to pick it up, but my feet didn't seem to respond. Most of you have probably had mornings, days or workouts like that. It happens.

About two minutes in, I started thinking about BL11 Olivia and BL11 Hannah and how incredible they look. I love their fun and spunky attitudes as they head into their new lives. Then, I imagined myself at goal weight (pictured it in detail - cute sexy workout outfit, new sassy haircut...). I started smiling and imagining what it would be like to travel with my big pants to speak, motivate and inspire others who share this struggle. And I kept smiling as I imagined in detail the new at-goal-weight Lori and sister Kristine - just like Hannah and Olivia! The pace quickened.

Before I knew it, I was playing a mental game of let's haul b_ _ _and see how many people you can pass on the walk. And, pass I did! Couples were easy --they were slow and into each other, not the walk. Dog owners were easy -- some had a quick pace but the dog would act up and  I was off. The men, pretty easy because of the motivation to: 1) see the view from the back and the front; and 2) My competitive nature - I'll show them I can move! Before I knew it, I had passed about 8 people and felt like maybe I was back at FN with the Chief - Leif Anderson - telling me to "pick up the pace...keep moving...you can do it, Lori...you're a fat burning machine!...REACH YOUR POTENTIAL!" Not necessarily in that order.

By the end of my walk, I beat my best time by nearly 5 minutes! At this point, I could stop and head home or ask myself: WWLD - "What Would Leif Do?" Or, more accurately, "What Would Leif Say?" Without hesitation, I kept walking up the hill to the waterfall and -- with a brief pause to imagine myself with my sister, Olivia and Hannah at goal weight -- I kept moving around the upper trail. The view was gorgeous! This was a part of the park I hadn't seen on foot or experienced before. And I was movin. What a cool perspective from which to view my lake...and life!

Without missing a beat, and with the phrase WWLD, I hit every hill hard. I took every trail and I walked for another 15 to 20 minutes -- running slowly up some hills just to see how my back would do. The entire time, I heard Leif's voice in my head coaching me on. And yes, at the top of the hills I did the Rocky fist pump and I don't care who saw me! :-)

At the end of the walk, as I was "walking it off" to let the heart rate slow after the hills, I started to think about WIFM - What's In It For Me. WIFM is the common phrase that marketers and communicators keep in mind when thinking about their target markets. Consumers will always think/ask/be motivated by - WIFM.

Of course, for me...on this glorious morning, the answer is easy. I pictured myself again at goal weight smiling from ear to ear, helping people with my story and my big pants. By the way, in my visualization, I am wearing a hot little red skin tight workout jacket and pants and lookin really good!

The best part of this story, and it encapsulates what I have learned these past 7 months, is this: I KNOW that although today I asked myself WWLD to get me through the workout with high intensity - pushing myself beyond what I would normally do.Tomorrow, I will say, WWLD (What Would LORI Do?)...and it will be the same answer. That, my friends, is progress.

Sisters and soulmates...let part 2 of the journey begin!

On Friday, June 17, the second portion of my journey to climb a mountain resumed in earnest. After winning the weight loss contest at Balance for Life, my head trainer and coach Leif Anderson decided we needed a time out. So, for nearly two weeks, I eased off on the food plan and the workouts and tried to imagine life in maintenance mode. This was, by design, an attempt to give my body and metabolism a time out, and I think also to mentally give me a rest. Though honestly, I am raring to go and wasn't sure I wanted a break.

And so began the second half of the climb with a load that is about 120 pounds lighter than 7 months ago, and with my beloved younger sister, Kristine, by my side! Yep. I now have a partner and teammate.

It's no secret that many in my family have serious weight issues. Many of us have tried various diets and exercise programs over the years only to fail and often gain weight in the aftermath. My sister Kristine defied those odds. She has been an inspiration in that she lost about 80 lbs on her own over the course of the last two years, and has been running triathlons for fun! These past few months have brought life stress for Kristine via a job promotion, house on the market, a move, and a relationship change...consequently she has struggled -- losing and gaining the same 20 lbs. During my Fitness North on campus experience Kristine was one of my biggest supporters and fans. She organized a letter/card writing campaign in the family, blogged or emailed me every day, and was largely responsible for getting me in the pool in my new swim outfit!

Inspired by Biggest Loser 11 winner Olivia Ward and her sister Hannah Curlee, I asked my sister if she wanted to team up for the second half of the journey. She agreed, and on June 17 we ventured out to cross the finish line to better health and happiness together.

After a weekend of long talks and walks around Como Lake, grocery shopping for the right food, and goal setting to mark short and long term progress, we celebrated by taking my Dad to the Twins game on Father's Day. We proceeded to bring our almonds and protein water and eat healthy while enjoying one of the best end game finishes (Twins win in bottom of the 9th) you can imagine! What a way to kick off our experience together.

I couldn't be more excited to have my beloved sister and soulmate as my partner on this final leg of the journey. We'll be posting here about our progress, our triumphs and our trials. And I hope we cross that finish line together with all the vim and vigor (and sexiness) of Hannah and Olivia from BL. Here we go!

New life...at Como and everywhere

My walk around Como Lake this early morning was simply spectacular and I couldn't wait to get home and blog about it. First of all, the morning couldn't have been more glorious - high 60's or 70 degrees and sunny with a light breeze and a calm and quiet lake. Gosh I LOVE this place!

What I noticed this morning is that there was new life everywhere...and for me that was rather symbolic. Around the first bend of the lake I noticed 3 sets of mama ducks and their babies lounging and playing in the calm lake. The next corner brought baby bunnies and mama not too far away snacking on breakfast while keeping a watchful eye. Later, more families of ducks and geese gathered on the shore - perhaps also scrounging for breakfast. The water was glistening, the air fresh and clean and Lake Como's Restoration Habitat Shoreline Project well under way.

I also noticed that I personally spring to life when I take these early morning walks around my beloved lake. I spend my time thinking about things -- focusing on my program and what comes next, how I will look and feel when done, how I will celebrate and with whom, when -- including parties, makeovers and travel. What my makeover will look like? What new adventures will come my way personally and professionally? My mind is fresh and brimming with ideas.

I close my eyes and breath deeply as I think of my Women's Leadership Community and, in particular, Margy Nelson one of the leaders of our cohort who introduced me to the mind and body connection in a way I hadn't embraced before. For Margy, I close my eyes and do a BAQ. I think of inviting my new women friends --  who I don't see much anymore because of our busy lives -- to join me on one of these walks. How cool would that be?! I think about inviting my friend Shari from FN, who has been my partner, mentor and friend on this journey walking nearly an identical path, to join me for a makeover when we reach our next big milestone. Fun!

Cheerfulness is a general part of my personality and it has never been a problem to conjure it up when I am centered and happy, but I can also get pretty stressed and crabby on occasion. On these walks, at the start of each new day, I am always cheerful, centered, excited to see what comes next. Today my goal is to bottle that and hang on to it during the stressful and challenging moments sure to come as I try to build a business. Holding that cheerfulness, I greet my fellow walkers and lake travelers. And yes, there are still more men than women! Yeah.

Today on the way back from the lake, I saw a father chasing his young son around the yard, picking him up and swinging him in the air. He was in his dress clothes, clearly headed to work but he took time to play with his son to start the day. It made me smile and think of Jimbo and Jack, and all of my other men friends who are good dads.

Everywhere I looked and everything I saw this morning on my walk was a sign of new life, and new beginnings. I am so hopeful for myself, my friends Shari, Carrie, Sue, Phillip and my other FN friends (under the guidance and support of O'Neal and Leif)....for all of us who have shared this journey. There will indeed be new life, new beginnings, new chapters yet to imagine. For me, there already have been. The future is bright because we are changed and changing, and we are so strong. I am excited for what comes next! And every time I walk around my beloved Como, I bring that hope and each of these people with me in spirit.

Who wants to join me on the next walk? Application process is wide open... Have a great day everyone and enjoy the new life that surrounds you. Cheers!

P.S. Yesterday, Monday, June 13 I started chapter 2 of my journey. New plan, Leif's guidance, my Twin Cities trainers in place - and a new VERY exciting chapter. My sister is joining me for leg 2 of the journey. I can't wait to tell you about it. But now, I must work.

I'm a hiker!

I am discovering so many new things about myself as I get smaller and healthier, both inside and out. For example: I love the outdoors; I would go barefoot 24-7 if I could; Ms Dash rocks; yard work is not as bad as I once made it out to be; I can pull off a low neck tee; I love getting my hair cut; pedis rule; I always root for the underdog; I am a bit of a fashion/ clothes horse; and I LOVE hiking!

This past week I had the privilege of living and working on the North Shore of Lake Superior, again...as I have done countless times these past four years. But now, I have a whole new relationship with the shore. I am one with nature; an outdoor explorer in a whole new way (on foot!). Turns out, one of the things I love most about the shore is hiking the state parks and the Superior Hiking Trail.

I started the week with an early morning hike from Surfside to Temperance River, up the raging, roaring river and back. The hike is about 1.5 miles from Surfside to Temperance along the paved Gitchi Gami bike trail, and then you travel up the rugged terrain of Temperance alongside the raving river and gushing waterfalls. Unfortunately, I had to work that day so I had to cut what could have been a half a day hike, short.

The hike was perfect. It was early and it had rained the night before so there was a bit of dampness in the air, dew on the plants. and the smell of fresh mountain air was invigorating. It was totally quiet. I had the trail all to myself the entire time, except for the occasional critter. I was so confident that no one was watching that I ran the steps next to the Temperance River like Rocky (yes fist pump and all) 3x to get in a little extra cardio! I walked as fast as I could both out and back and challenged myself to beat my time the next day.

When I was finished with my hike, I was a new person! So relaxed and refreshed. Enjoying breakfast on the sunny deck overlooking gorgeous Lake Superior, I vowed I would hike every day at least 1x per day from now on while working on the Shore. Oberg Mountain is my favorite mountain hike thus far, but Carlton Peak is next up. I will let you know how it compares. And while Temperance is such a favorite of mine and always has been, I ventured out along other trails on this trip as well.

Before I departed, I got a copy of the Superior Hiking Trail guide published by the Superior Hiking Trail Association, and am studying it now to see what goals I will set for this summer in terms of miles of trail hiked, etc.

What a gift to learn that this is something I love and look forward to, and what a different way to experience my beautiful North Shore up close and personal. I am a lucky girl!

Now added to the bucket list is the goal of hiking the entire Superior Hiking Trail (all 277 miles) and photographing and blogging about the journey. For those of you who don't know the trail, you are missing out. The Superior Hiking Trail is a long-distance footpath that runs along the ridgeline overlooking Lake Superior's North Shore from Duluth to the Canadian border. The Trail is complete from Two Harbors to the border, and a full trail hike is 205 miles. The full trail system is 277 miles.

Happy Trails! Let me know if you're up for a hike this summer or fall.

P.S. Kicked it in the gym this morning and the inner ballerina even surfaced!