QUESTIONS?? Here is some motivation
When my girlfriend, Becky and I were driving across the country from Connecticut to California, our first stop had been in a little town called Wachusen, Ohio. It was exceptionally emotional being there.
Becky had fallen asleep. I opened my laptop because I could not fall asleep. The significance of our trip in addition to the actions we made on our futures and others involved in it were overwhelming me. I watched a video from ESPN’s E60 television show. It was about Richard Jensen. He was a 37 year old ex-junkie who came back to wrestle at a community college in Oregon.
The episode took ME on a journey. A journey of heartache, confusion, and distress. All emotions I too had been feeling that night. After leaving high school, Richard Jensen, had been addicted to meth amphetamines. Years of his life were lost. His relationships with family and friends, lost. His most important cheerleader, his mother, dead. He was not even allowed to see her before she died because he had been in jail. He missed out on the most amazing relationship with her due to his drug use. What did he do? What would I do? What would you do? He turned himself around.
He set on the road. He made goals. He remembered what made him disciplined. He remembered what made him happy, wrestling. He compared his odds of getting off drugs to making his wrestling team, this was nothing, he could do this. I will not spoil it for you but will tell you he used the depth of his despair to be his brightest light.
My girlfriend and I leaving our home was difficult. Any of you who are overweight, inactive, or having difficulty finding the strength to continue your fitness goals remember your dark moments. Think of the emotions, fear, and ultimately time WASTED feeling sorry for yourself. Richard felt sorry for himself long enough. Have you thought you would lose more weight, exercise more, or FINALLY get a fitness coach?
Learn from this man’s story as it touched me at a crucial time in my life. A time when I needed some bright lights. His story is one I still play even as I finish this blog, for motivation.
He can turn himself around, CAN YOU? SERIOUSLY? WHERE IS YOUR MOTIVATION?
No more questions. Become your healthy person. Begin with this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vBLP-N3gzE
Hi Adam, Have been feeling like not great for the last week with a cold ( and will not make it to bootcamp this Wed. night) but, you’re right, although I am not addicted to Meth. I am getting addicted to that super comfy chair downstairs that I have been reading in while enjoying my recovery from the cough and sniffles. I will move my butt here very shortly, promise. BHORN.
Love ya Adam. Have lost 7 pounds this week of weight that should not be here again. Too easy to be lazy and unmotivated! I plan to keep working out and losing and staying motivated. I know you will be motivating some very special people soon. In fact I will be going walking soon. I wasn’t going to go-too tired due to my son having the flu so no sleep-but know I’ll feel better after. Thanks for pushing me off my butt!
Adam, I remember how emotional that first night in Ohio was when we were driving accross country. Richard Jensen’s story motivated us to stay positive and pursue our dream of coming to California. I’m so proud of us for how far we have come. You have become a phenominal trainer and motivator. Keep following Jensen’s example in your own life and in helping others realize their own dreams are attainable too. You Rock!
Adam, Again your blog speaks to me.
Do I remember my dark moments? Like they were yesterday, food was my addiction. It soothed stress, anger, resentment and most importantly the huge disappointment in myself.
I was the living proof that 97% of obese people gain back all the weight they lose plus some. I did this for many years. How could I EVER be successful knowing that I had a 3% chance? So I gave up, decided to be fat and happy. But I was never really happy; I knew I was falling apart, slowly leading myself down the path to a shorter life. In Aug of 2006 I made a big decision that would change my life forever and I have never looked back. I still fear I will gain back my weight, but I choose to surround myself with people who help me stay focused on my goals, who motivate me to be a healthier person both mentally and physically. Where is my motivation? My motivation is wanting to grow old with my hubby, His new nickname is Smiley and he is my most important cheerleader.
Great blog Adam! Thank you for always motivating us in a positive, thoughtful way! Even though I’m terribly sore from Tonya’s Monday class, I’m looking forward to training with you tomorrow! And oh how my students are checking to see if I really worked out each week!!! They are relentless!!! Arrgh!!! There will be no living it down at school if I don’t stick to my training schedule!
Thanks once again Adam for always knowing when we need motivation the most. It is a good time to remember that it is up to US to change OURSELVES. Hearing about how others have stuggled and triumphed is great motivation to stick with it. Thanks for reaching out to us!!!
Thanks Adam for motivating and reminding us time and again that there are no excuses. Its our body and we need to take care of it.
Adam…YOU are the Great Motivator! Always a welcoming smile and encouraging words as I enter the gym. Puts me in the perfect mindset to kick some booty on myself! Can’t slack off when you’re watching
Thanks for always caring….
Adam, Thank You for this very motivating Blog. I agree and can relate to so many things talked about in it. So, the strength lies within us all, do we choose to live our lives in the darkness or find what it takes for us to live in the light, the Brightness. I know what it takes for me, it takes staying positive in all aspects of my life and surrounding myself with like minded individuals. Thank you for being one of those individuals and helping me Stay Motivated. It’s been a long journey but I am really enjoying the ride.
Very personal and rich entry, Adam. I will shortly begin a film shoot about Deveron — Springfield story about basketball, drug recovery, friendship, and hoops. Also writing a book on him.
In addition, Meg is back with me as musical collaborator on a play at AIC.
Be well and keep the faith.
Fred
Adam… wow that was awesome! Thanks so much… it helped me and I’m sure many, many others in more ways than you could know! Thanks for opening your heart to so many people, including myself, in an attempt to motivate and encourage others!
Adam – it was really interesting to read my comments from Sept 2009. My life had changed so much from Aug 2006 to Sept 2009. But I am really amazed how much my life has changed from Sept 2009 until today Aug 2011. I no longer fear I will put my weight back on. I thrive in my daily FIT life. I love the new and improved me, I am no longer disappointed in myself. I am proud of who I am and all of my accomplishments. My life has been so much more than I ever expected it could be. Having you and becky to cheer me on, to push me to do things I thought I could not do, to help me see what I am truly capable of doing is so awesome and I thank you both so very much.
You are so welcome judi. You and bob have been model clients and friends. You not only have changed your lives but ours and everyone elses. It is coming up on three years soon. Can you believe it? Everyone who reads this NEEDS to know that you can lose weight, eat healthier, and be more active. It takes time and most of all determination. Take it from judi and bob. You keep going the doubt removes itself.
Adam..what beautiful words from my beautiful child!!!! Words can never express the tenderness that you possess with your thoughtfulness. Dad and I continue to be so very proud of you!!!xoxoxoxo