Typhoon Haiyan

A really good friend has been distant during this time of fear and confusion.  Although her husband has contacted her with good news regarding his safety, and that "his hotel had quite a bit of wind damage but not really any flooding", I find the information still leaving her far from comfort with his situation.  Her partner for life is in a country that is currently dealing with the effects of what has been touted as the “strongest storm in recorded history”, through many news articles.  What can I say or do to reach out to my friend who is more than 8,150 miles from her husband?  I simply express my concern on Facebook and send text messages.  This seems tacky, to me.  One might ask why I choose to text, instead of call.  My response would be that my friend is a nurse that has night hours.  Her dinner is the average person’s breakfast.  It is quite difficult to make arrangements for us to have a sit-down.  I will attempt to call her, tomorrow.  If there is something to learn from experiences I’ve had and situations others have encountered, it is that you do not take time with those you care about for granted.  It is irreplaceable.  Unfortunately, for me, the current time is too late to hold a conversation with my friend.  Others may find this odd, but I have a client to train in just under six hours, but I simply cannot hold back the thoughts of concern.  The bulletins reporting the effects from the storm continue to take on the news.  We can only hope for the best.  I hope there are citizens of the United States of America who are financially able to help those in need that have honestly been negatively impacted by this catastrophic typhoon.  My heart goes out to those impacted by Typhoon Haiyan.

What We Don't See

In their shoes...

  

   There once was a time in my life where my opinions were completely without consideration for others.  Yes, I know.  It's hard to believe.  Through 'trials and tribulations', I've found ways of opening up and allowing myself to see the world around me.  I thank that to my family, true friends, clients, students, and even people I have only met once.  Have you seen a person in need?  This need could be something as little as a pen or as big as a house.  Let's think about where we are, today.  I was able to wake up, underneath a warm and fluffy comforter with options ahead of me.  Which articles of clothing should be worn, today?  I am training clients and teaching classes.  I'll sweat, and need to shower and change.  Wait!  What about the ability to choose any soap purchased and stored in my 'surplus of hygienic items' closet?  How crazy does it sound to read that there are a minimum of seven tubes of tooth paste, and more than ten tooth brushes?  Let's not forget about the floss, bandages, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, and the list goes on.  Step into my kitchen.  I have fresh and frozen vegetables to select from.  There is also chicken or fish.  The number or herbs, spices, and sauces are unbelievable!  Yet, it is all too clear that some of these items can go to someone else who is without.  

   Step outside of your comfort zone.  Have you been to 'that part of town' where someone is wearing tattered clothing, in need of a shower, and unwilling to look you in the eyes?  I've seen different cultures and environments from the United States, South America, The Caribbean, and Asia.  Yes.  I have also passed judgment, in the past.  Could you imagine the many motives leading to an arrest?  The result of being arrested is jail time.  Did you know that there are people who commit crimes to get out of the 'weather'?  This weather may be the actual weather outside, or it could be a situation they are in.  The only way to escape the situation would be to go directly to jail.  They may not "pass GO and collect $200", but they will receive shelter, food, water, a new outfit, and maybe even a shower and medical attention. They may not know that there are options in life.  If they do, it may seem as though these options are merely dreams or figments of their imagination.  What about the guy on the corner, with a sign that states "ANYTHING WILL HELP"?  

   Today, I enter a major intersection halting to a red light.  Immediately, my eyes notice a middle aged man with this very sign, as mentioned above.  Thoughts are running through my head.  My hands begin to move in search of a granola bar.  There are only seconds allowing time to make contact with this individual to ensure he receives a bite to eat.  I'm guilty of thinking, "is this another guy that's trying to get cash for alcohol, drugs, or some other discretionary want?"  Overlooking this abrupt discussion in my mind, I wave this crunchy peanut butter granola bar package above the steering wheel to catch this man's attention.  He smiles as he swiftly walks my way.  Pressing the window button to roll down my window, I reciprocate the smile and hand the snack to him.  He grins and begins to walk back to the center of the median, as I control the window upward to close.  Almost instantly, he turns to me and begins to speak.  My window opens.  His words were, "I'm 54 years old and have bad teeth.  I can't eat this.  Thanks.  God bless."  I felt let down, but concerned.  How can he eat?  Not only was this crunchy, but there is a way to soften it up.  If one is truly hungry the steps would be by all means necessary, right?  Every morning, I eat oats and peanut butter in water for breakfast.  Then, there's a sudden thought that clouds my mind.  Does he even know there are options?  Does he think the only way to successfully eat a granola bar is with solid and strong teeth?  Should I object and educate him of the options available?  Before I could roll down the window, the light turned green.  The moment had ended.

   There is a psychological component.  It's not a statement of whether someone is what we would consider as crazy.  How about chemically imbalanced?  Our entire body is full of hormones.  When these hormones are off, the brain's thought process and responses may not connect as they should in a normal functioning body.  Should we judge these people?  There is no room to judge anyone.  I have passed judgment.  This is not admittance, but simply an acceptance for thoughts and actions from the past. 

   I want to help many people in avenues beyond personal training and fitness.  Behavioral changes are needed to cope and move forward when what is taking place is inefficient or unsuccessful.  Can one person help make a difference?  

   Imagine being in their shoes...  

Supplement and Rx Updates

   Walking into the doctor’s office for issues outside of being ill oddly seems relieving to some degree.  Unfortunately, expressing physical ailments due to an injury is not so comforting.  As the nurse opens the software to access my medical information, she communicates the need to confirm my current standings with all prescriptions and supplements previously entered into their database.  

   Now, allow me a moment to back track my thoughts here, and press rewind from this doctor’s appointment.  Briefly, I’ll discuss the reasons for taking these supplements.  They were what I thought to be, and many people taking them believe to be, natural and would provide the supposed nutrients I was lacking throughout my bikini competition preparation and everyday living needs.  After all, you attain the required nutrients in one, two, or even three quick pill-taking schedules, throughout the course of each day.  Well, let’s fast forward to this current semester of my college experience.  I have completed extensive research that was more than the required material necessary to successfully approach the subject of why supplements are not necessary.  I am fascinated with cause and effect.  The facts become an important factor into what I do with my life, as well as what I educate my clients and student with to help them better their knowledge on life and fitness.  As a result, I have removed all supplements from my daily intake.  

   So, let’s come back to the present moment.  The nurse begins reading the list of supplements that I had previously confessed to taking for health and fitness gains. Many people are unaware of the negative side effects of taking prescriptions and supplements.  Whether they’re mixing these or separating them between meals, the need to inform the medical staff of the prescribed or over-the-counter medications is vital.  She reads, “fish oil, flaxseed oil, choline and inositol, L-carnitine, vitamin B-12, etc.”  I respond, “Nope.  Go ahead and remove all supplements from the list.  I absolutely refuse to take any supplements.  My body can do fine without them.”  Yeah, I guess I could have come across as arrogant, but I’m holding firmly to my belief that I can attain the vitamins and minerals my body needs through consuming nutrient dense foods.  The nurse continues down the list, “One A Day^® Women's”.  My response to that was, “You can delete that one, too.”  She paused and stated, “You need vitamins”.  I replied back, “There’s nothing I need from a bottle that natural whole foods can’t provide.  My body needs what the earth has to provide with less processing.”  This nurse has never met me, and seemed to be somewhat confused.  I can understand, as the average adult seems to believe that pills are the answer to what’s lacking in many areas of health.  Again, she returns to the monitor to review a few more listings.  She asks, “What about vitamin D?”  My reply, “I don’t need that, either.”  As she began with a rebuttal, I kindly interrupted her to state that “I spend plenty of time outside and focus on eating nutritious foods”.  Yes, I had to inform her that as a personal trainer and yoga instructor, I continue to conduct my own research to not only learn for myself or complete continuing education credits, but for my family, clients, and students as to the tools that will help me with my wellbeing, and theirs.  With a smile, she gladly removed all listed supplements from the list.  Shockingly, the screen shrunk from a full page to 4 prescriptions of what I consider minor, but necessary medicines.  That was a feeling of relief!

   Do you research supplements you plan to take, or are currently taking?   Are you aware of the pros and cons involved with taking those supplements?  How extensive was your research, and the research completed by those who published the findings?  Ask yourself why you can't get what you need from whole foods.  Could you make behavioral changes that will better impact your body and quality of life, and step away from taking supplements. 

Setbacks and What You Do With Them

How important is your body to you?  When faced with a setback, do you spin around the question of why you are in “whatever” this issue may be, or do you find yourself determined to overcome “whatever” this hurdle is?  I’m just as human as the next person.  I’ve had my ups and my downs.  It’s how I choose to handle my situations.  Again, I find myself faced with a minor setback that will prevent me from running, just a little bit longer.  As I speak to my clients on listening to their bodies, I must take my own advice.  Imagine the feeling of being very active to limiting activity for several months.  While many people think it is the end to my career, I find no need to sit on the sulking mood and giving up.  Instead, I continue to move forward.  Determined and focused, I train clients, instruct boot camp and yoga classes, and workout.  This is imperative to my survival!  I know that in time, my body will find a way of healing itself.  During this process, I have and will continue to learn to be calm and cope with what is in front of me.  Along with practicing yoga, I carry on with strength training, and limit my level of cardio.  It is my body that will only allow me to endure so much body weight in motion.  I’m accepting of this, and will not allow this to be what “breaks or makes me”.  Each day is a new day.  Tomorrow, my body will not be the same as it was today. 

I must understand that every action I take will influence those around me.  Showing others that I can overcome adversity, and knowing that has made an impact on at least one individual will be very rewarding.  It is this opportunity that is in front of me and it allows me to understand I am here to help others in a way that inspires them to move forward. 

Encouraging Positive Change Through the Suggestion of Mantras

As I develop a plan for each new or existing client, or class, I find myself thinking about a mantra to help clients change their behaviors and outlooks on not only their level of fitness, but their lifestyle.  

Create a mantra with a purpose.  Find yourself committed to this mantra, as your focus will continue to change your inner self.   Write this mantra on a piece of paper, a pebble, or any other material you will bring with you each day.  When finding yourself straying from your focus, rediscover this mantra to reconnect with your true intentions.  

Begin by learning to accept the challenges with ease, an open heart, and an outlook of bliss.  Joyfully take and face everything that has to emanate your way.  Realizing your life is the largest gift that reveals such a boundless potential for the healing of your body, mind and spirit.  Everything that transpires is led to you to help you become resilient and better.  So be thankful for all the lessons and encounters.  Come out of the dark days.  Wake up on the shiny and sunny side, aware, confident and determined to let go of the old ways of existing.  Start being in the moment and living a life full of energy and give that to others.