a message to learn from

My last post I wrote about a friend Michael Brandt who is now walking and running on the streets of gold in heaven.  This past week I have been looking through the emails we had shared over the past year.  And one specifically jumped out at me.  I would like to share it with all of you because it not only has meaning...... it has meat to it!  What do I mean by that? Michael said it like it was, he put a lot of thought behind his words and then spoke it, not many people do that.  I myself have been known to just blab, hence the need for a blog, LOL.

I really enjoyed Michaels wisdom which is why I felt comfortable asking difficult questions like in this email below. Here is how it read.......

Hey Michael,

How do you keep your thought's "under control" so to speak. How do you keep your mind from racing and thinking about the next day, what could or would happen?

I struggle with fear, not anxiety fear but more my mind wanders, I am a "worst case scenario" person 

I have been learning over the past year to fill my mind with positive not negative thoughts, which has helped me to become stronger.To have more control, and to really bring it to the Lord. But still I find myself..... fearful. I have had a number of really difficult things happen in my life to cause fear but in looking back I definitely see that God has worked it out for  His glory. I think I still just really struggle with trust. Funny huh? I don't trust our Creator!

So I thought I would ask you your advice! How do you keep your thoughts healthy?

Jen

And this is how he responded..........

First of all, you assuming that my thoughts are healthy to begin with is a stretch!  I have lived my entire life being fearful…until April 1, 2011, the day I was diagnosed with ALS.  Suddenly, I felt released….liberated….done with needing to be afraid.  It’s a bit weird, but true.  I didn’t need to prove anything to anyone anymore, and I knew that God had a plan for me.  Of course, I occasionally feel sadness when I think about all the time that I will miss with Barb and the boys, but I trust that God’s plan includes taking care of them and filling them with  more joy than if I had been here with them (which of course, I plan to be right beside them in spirit until we’re reunited in heaven).  Plus, I’ve been enjoying my “accelerated-compressed retirement” so much that I’ve totally forgotten about being afraid. 

I’m not sure if any of this is helpful to you.  But it has reinforced this basic premise for me: shit happens---trust that God will help you deal with it. Michael

Isn't it crazy how something that seems hard to grasp.... can be simply summed up with one word..... Trust.

I took his advice back then (last may) and began to trust more, live more and fear......less.  A wise man Michael Brandt,  a wise man, thank you for your friendship and candidness. 

All of us can learn from Michael.  He became diagnosed and LIVED, most of us live without disease or pain but we do not LIVE.  I am thankful today,  I am living the life I dreamed of.  Living a life full of fulfillment, and a life that has purpose and shares it with others.  

Have an amazing day and LIVE without fear!

Jen

See you again

Wow.... heaven got a really cool guy yesterday!
Michael Brandt was diagnosed with ALS in April of 2011 and today he is spending his day disease free.  Michael spent the last 2 years enjoying life and living life to the fullest.  He spent more time with his family and pursuing what really mattered in life......his purpose.

Michaels family and friends have been a constant support through these last very difficult weeks.  I can't imagine how difficult it was to watch this terrible disease take it's toll.
But what  has stuck with me the most was Michael.  Here was a man who spent hours upon hours in a body that would not move, that slowly began to fail him and in the end completely shut down.  His mind was still sharp, his wit and humor still evident... like the radiant smile and eyebrow raise I received in the hospital when Barb shouted "Michael your girlfriend is here to visit"  And not once did I hear him say why me?  He embraced his situation with honor and dignity, he was an advocate for others battling ALS.  He was and is and will always be....... an inspiration to many many people.

Over the summer I was invited to photograph a special family reunion out at their lake home.  When I started photographing I could tell Michael was having a hard time.  His smile was forced, his face a bit strained.  Barb said he was having a hard time, really realizing this would be the last time they would all be together.  As the day went on and a few lighthearted jokes were made and Michael began to relax, and this smile started to shine. To this day this is my most favorite picture I took in 2013........ What an amazing smile Michael

Barb and Michael Brandt

My sadness is not for Michael, I know where Michael is....... standing on the streets of heaven.  My guess is he has already taken on some amazing leadership role.   My sadness is for those who are left behind.  It can feel like such an empty hole when someone so important leaves your life.  It can feel overwhelming when you want to share a big event and that person is not there to share it.  It can be painful to be alone with your thoughts.  

Loss takes a while to heal from, and does a person ever really heal from it?  I don't think a person does, I believe we experience the joy and sorrow to show us how valuable we are to each other, to put away the excess and experience what gift each person has to give to each other.  Michael gave me the gift to endure.  I will miss you sitting in my corner Michael, you always new the right time to let me know just how special we all are....... I will see you again someday!

If you would like to help find a cure for this terrible disease please help by donating to: ALS foundation



 

Start the new year right!

Some people love making new years resolutions and some hate them.  The other day I saw a comment on Facebook saying "brace yourself the new years resolution gym members are coming."  Meant to be funny but......

Here is my take on it:   if having a date like New Years or starting on a Monday or the 1st of the month ....... if that is what it takes to get you to take a step.   Make it!   Set that day as your start day and then make that second day and third and fourth....
I say AWESOME you are in the VERY SMALL percentage of people that actually take action!

Many people say they want to get in shape, say they want to lose weight but a big majority of them never follow through.  Many never walk through that door.  I was that person many, many times.

It took me one second to make that decision when I started my journey two years ago, really I mean it one second!  Sure you can go back and forth with: do I have the time? do I have the finances?  do I have the ability?  But it really just takes a second to TELL yourself.... "YES".  okay so if you speak really slowly or your brain is a little foggy it may take 1.4 seconds  The point I am trying to make is that all it really takes is a positive thought "yes I can,  I really can do it".  Forget what you have told yourself in the past and forget the excuses......... just say "Yes!"  I've gotten it down to .4 seconds,  I guess losing weight makes you think faster too, lol! 

It feels so good to have said yes, taken action and now see the results.  Now I am teaching others how to take action and get results!  I want everyone that is reading this blog to be action takers.  Make this time different, make this time count, make this time about YOU...... without excuses.

Find ANY gym, ANY program, ANY class that is going to motivate you to lead a healthy lifestyle.

If you want to try out the gym I train at..... awesome, but only if it fits what you are looking for.  Most of all I would love to hear that you took action......SOMEWHERE!

January 6th marks 2 years since I started this journey.  Yep, I was a new years resolution setter!   In 2 years I have lost over 100lbs, dropped my cholesterol 100 points, lowered my blood pressure and my resting heart rate.  I have rid my body of toxins, chronic inflammation, chronic pain, headaches, intestinal issues, heart palpitations and PVC's, I have increased my strength by over 50%, I sleep better, I handle stress better, I enjoy life, I am no longer clinically depressed and so much more.

This January 6th I will be spending it with a group of people that are action takers.  They have all signed up for our 6-Week-Body-Transformation.  I can't think of a better way to spend my night than to be surrounded by people that are beginning their own personal transformation.

If you are looking for a program and an opportunity and want to be in this group I can promise you a number of things:

1. You will have fun
2. You will lose weight
3. You will feel better
4. You will be a part of a group of people that are motivated for the same reasons you are

And lastly, if you come in with the desire to change and follow our program that we have carefully designed......... you will achieve all the goals you set for yourself, and that's a guarantee or your money back.  We are in the business to educate you about fat loss, about how to strengthen your body, burn fat and eat real nutritional food.  It's about walking out our door and having that strong desire to come back,  day after day.  It's about seeing results and setting new goals to further you on your journey.  It's about being part of a team.

If this is what you want..... it's a great opportunity and you should immediately click this link to sign up: Altman Fitness 6-Week-Body-Transformation
space is limited and we do have a deadline - you would choose the Non-Member option.

If this is not what you want, then again I encourage you to find SOMETHING that motivates you and inspires you to create a healthy lifestyle.  Nobody wants to feel cruddy, nobody wants to have access weight, nobody wants to have aches and pains.  And you don't have to feel that way.....you can do it, I believe in you!

Here's to an amazing 2014!

Jen

2 years, -100+ pounds and so much more!

A message to Michael

     Over the summer I wrote a blog post about a friend of mine (Barb and Michael Brandt) who is battling ALS.  Michael has been on the forethought of my mind this Christmas and rather than send him a private message, I decided to share it on here.  This is to you Michael, because I feel it is important not only for you to read....... but for others to read as well.


Sweet Michael,

     I just want you to know that I am thinking about you on the Christmas day.  I can't understand what a struggle it is for you today or possibly know the joy and sorrows you feel inside, but I do know that our mighty King does.
     Michael He knows you by name, you are His child and just as you shed tears of joy for your boys He is joyous as well.  And just as you would weep for your boys, He weeps....... for you.  Our greatest gift will be in heaven.... to live our life for eternity -- none of us know our time, but we can be sure of our path.  Be strong and mighty Michael....... you serve a big God!  Give Him your pain, give Him your worry and fears.
      You have a terrible disease that has stolen your mobility and physical strength but has given you the wonderful blessing of a strong mind, wisdom to share and a heart full of the holy spirit.  He is using you to impact others.
     You inspire me Michael and many others around you each and every day.  Your life is a gift, and as you and Barb have said.... Your disease is a gift.  This Christmas I thank God for the gift of you and Barb in my life.  Having you in my life has shown me His Grace, His love and His blessings.  Christmas is not about gifts, it's not about tradition, it's not about lights and trees and tinsel   .....  It's about purpose, it's about love and it's about Rejoicing.
      Merry Christmas Michael, I hope you know how much you are loved, how much you are celebrated and how many lives you have touched.  I'll see you soon my friend, I love you.

Jen

getting sick

It's that time of year when everyone is getting sick!   My kids included!  So I thought I would share some knowledge and information on what to do to prevent getting sick........  And let me tell you it is about PREVENTION.

Get enough rest:  Seriously you need your sleep.  If you are feeling overworked and overtired guess what... your body will have a hard time fighting off those cold and flu bugs.

Stress:  Yep we all have stress, some more than others.  It's important to keep it to a minimum, take action when stress starts to overwhelm you.  Write your thoughts down on paper, sometimes just taking an actual pen and paper out and getting it out gives you a different perspective.  Going for a walk outside taking big deep breaths.  Sounds silly I know but honestly it works!

Avoid Sugar, Fructose and Processed foods:  Yes they taste good and are so convenient but they are NOT going to help your immune system.  It is a proven fact that Sugar almost immediately impairs your immune system.

Up your Vitamin D level:  This is the absolute BEST strategy for avoiding infections of ALL kinds.  This is the single most important and least expensive action you can take.  You want 1500-2000 IU of Vitamin D daily

The best way to get Vitamin D is from safe sun exposure.  You can also get this from a safe Tanning bed (don't get mad at me here) or you can take it orally as a last resort.  Your body will produce 10,000 I.U. of Vitamin D in just 15 min of sun exposure.  What does safe sun exposure and safe tanning bed mean?  It means that you limit your time in the sun to 15 min or less uncovered without sun screen. But what about skin cancer?  Skin cancer is not caused from the sun, Skin cancer is caused from being burned by the sun and repeated sun exposure at high levels for long periods of time.  Even burning your skin one time can increase your chance of skin cancer.  Being responsible in the sun and or using a tanning bed wisely is safe and effective. I encourage you to do the research if you disagree.   And do NOT take this as a license to spend the day in the sun or jump into a level 3 or less tanning bed and fry your body.  I am not a physician nor do I claim to be.  Be responsible and educate yourself on this topic before sun exposure and tanning beds.  I recommend the book "The vitamin D solution"

Use Natural Antibiotics:  Some great examples of this are..... Coconut oil, oil of oregano and garlic.  These work like broad-spectum antibiotics against bacteria, viruses and protozoa in your body.  And unlike pharmaceutical antibiotics, they do not appear to lead to resistance.  This means that over time your body still uses them as a defense.

Lastly, even though we don't like getting sick and missing work and all that goes with it...... Getting sick once in a while is actually healthy for us.  It builds our immunity which helps us fight off the REALLY bad bugs and different types of cancers.  So don't be afraid to get sick, just take care of yourself and treat your body well.

Be well my friends!

Jen

Day 50.... Did I make it?

   I have been quiet on this blog for a while!  So sorry, life got a little crazy busy and I totally put posting on the back burner!  

I can't believe it's been 50 days, it has really FELT like 50 days but now that it's here it did go by fast.  So the answer is...... yes, I made it.  I actually made it last week on wednesday and then ended up with the worst stomach flu of the century!  On wednesday morning I hit 15 lbs loss in 50 days, then over the next 2 days of stomach flu I lost another 5! And I thought at 15 I had NOTHING left in me, who knew I had another 5???? 

I've spent the last 2 days rebuilding some of that water loss and what it has taught me: 

My body, OUR bodies do NOT like to function without food or water! And when you go from eating really low calorie highly nutritious food to nothing and no appetite, you kind of miss how nicely your body functions on those kinds of foods.  

I know it is going to take some time to get my gut back in order, get my energy level back and to feel really really good, but boy does food and water make a difference people!  I am so glad that I don't have the desire to but junk into my body.  And to think I use to be sick like this quite often, now I rarely get sick.  Treat your body well and it will serve you well - that's what I have learned!

I hope some of you were able to hang with it for the full 50 days!  I know I have spoken with a few of you in person and you are doing great.  Very proud of you!

I want to say I am super proud of some people that have recently decided to take a huge step towards changing their life.  Laura and Mary, you inspire me and I am excited to see your journey unfold.  You will remember this for the rest of your life.  

Jay and Kelly my trainers and dear friends...... thank you for all the added support and for motivating and encouraging me.  These last 3 weeks pretty hard,  would not have been able to get through without your strength! Thank you! 

My friends and family, you all motivate me everyday, with kind words, texts and hugs, thank you....

My sweet husband, gosh I love you and don't know what I would do without you.  You are my everything.  Thank you for sharing my passion and for doing these last 50 days with me, YOU inspire me.  Love you! 

....... on to the next chapter and next challenge........ what will it be????

Jen

Black Friday!!!!

It's black friday and I am so excited because Altman Fitness is offering some AMAZING deals!!!  I know I have been talking about these programs for a while now and I realize I talk about them A LOT, but it's only because I know....... without a doubt they work!

I know because I was that person that tried many other avenues that didn't work.  I know because I did these programs and I am now over 100lbs lighter.  I know because after a year of teaching these programs I see people lose weight, change their metabolism and most of all feel AMAZING!

I know because I see people every day that have changed their lives!

So if your ready to make a change, then I want you to take advantage of these amazing offers: click HERE 

Think about giving yourself the most amazing gift this year, the gift of health.

Blessings,

Jen