To my family, friends and all those who love to encourage others in their heroic attempts to better themselves in spite of life’s challenges and the scorn of previous failures,
I am in need of your help.
Wait a minute! Let me settle your nerves by letting you know that this has nothing to do with money. Whew… I thought I might have lost your attention there for a second. What this is all about - is me. Well… Not exactly all about me, it’s also about Cheryl and Maddison. And in a roundabout way it’s about you.
I'm on a journey to find me - the real me. The youthful energetic person that got lost somewhere throughout the last decade and has been replaced with some overweight and under-energized clone.
So you might be thinking to yourself, "Well... good for him. That's great if he wants to lose some weight and become a healthier person, but what does this have to do with me?" Good question. I need you to help me become the man that I cannot become on my own. I am looking for encouragement and accountability. So here's the plan.
Starting July 30th, on my birthday, I am making a pledge to lose 80 pounds over one year’s time. Each month I will be weighing in at a predetermined family or friend's house. It's kind of my version of the Biggest Loser show, without the $250,000.00 reward. I will journal along the way, while posting pictures and weigh ins monthly (assuming I can figure out how to do that on this blog site). And it is here where I'm going to need everything that you can give - respond to the post, send an encouraging e-mail, send a text, call. Seriously, I can't do this without you.
My goal is not only to lose weight, but also to inspire all those out there that desire to live a healthier life. So... come on, take this journey with me and I will promise to do my best to become a better and healthier husband, father, friend and inspiration.
I LOVE IT!! Go Josh!! I'm so excited for you. Do you have the "Eat-Clean Diet" book by Tosca Reno? It's awesome and will help. D and I are trying our best to eat "Clean." We're looking forward to walking this journey with you!
ReplyDeleteJena*Sounds interesting! What's the general idea? This next year's eating habits will be the foundation of a new healthier lifestyle, so it might be something I need to look into.
ReplyDeleteI AM SO ON BOARD!!!!!!! This is awesome J!! I think you are so courageous! I know without a shadow of a doubt you will beat this!!! You have such strength! You are so important to so many people. You have touched all of our lives in one way or another. It is a great joy to be able to support you and walk through this with you. YOU ARE A SUCCESS!!!
ReplyDeleteYou go! Great idea. Hmmm...
ReplyDeleteI thought the oldest child was supposed to come up with all the good ideas :) I will definitly join you. I needed a kick in the pants and get going on my weight loss too. I am going to follow the weight watchers plan though because I can't live without my choc!!! LOL
ReplyDeleteJosh, congratulations!!!! This is Linda, Mike Stanley's wife. I just lost 21 lbs and intend to lose perhaps 30+ more. I am eating very healthy. I am doing the cabbage soup diet. It's NOT gross. It's vegetable soup w/some cabbage added. All the other food on the diet is 100% healthy and filling. My friend's husband lost 30 lbs in a month on this diet. This diet is a great moral booster to start your weight-loss voyage with. If you want me to send you a copy of my recipe let me know via FB (send me a message: I'll need your email address) I've never weighed this before either and it's good to know that I'm not alone either. You're very brave to have posted that pic. I'd be mortified. When I lose more, I'll post a better pic.
ReplyDeleteFaith* You are always so encouraging. Thanks for the wonderful compliments. With statements like that I can’t help but be successful.
ReplyDeleteJenn* Well... Not sure if I am the one to give you a kick in the pants, but I'll be more than happy to celebrate your successes with you. I'm so proud of you and for your effort. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteLinda* Great job!!! 21 pounds is a huge success story. Keep posting; I want to hear all about your journey.
ReplyDeleteAs far as cabbage, I think it is great in soup. If you get a chance post a recipe and I'll try it out.
You're right about the picture. It is extremely embarrassing; but I knew if I posted it, I would be heavily motivated to lose the weight so I could post an after pic. This will be a great story in the end.
Josh this is great, I believe you will meet your goals, just take it one step at a time and lean on the Lord as well, He will help you. Rachel Nifong
ReplyDeleteJosh-
ReplyDeleteHello old friend. I just wanted to take the time to post a comment and encourage you man. I too know the frustration you are feeling as I topped out at 275ish and felt absolutely horrible. I even hated pictures taken of me given how I looked.
As for me, my dad ended up in the hospital with phenomena and came close to congestive heart failure (from a previous heart attack). Well, that was enough for me....
It has been about 2-3 months and I am down 30+ pounds. Hitting the gym everyday at lunch to lift and have begun two-a-days now with cardio mixed in.
Eating right and taking one day a week to just eat whatever so I don't go crazy. Biggest thing is just like you said- you have to accept that it is becoming a lifestyle...not a diet...not a quick fix...but an entire reference state of mind that is too change.
But once you get past the first month....it gets easier. Can't tell you how great it is to see muscle definition again and not being one symmetrical shape- round. And dude...you were way more built than I was so it will all come back quick to you.
Shoot me a Facebook message...maybe we can keep each other accountable and encourage one another along the way- I still have another 40 to go.
Keep it up man....I have full confidence in you.
Stephen Douglas