The Smoke is Beginning to Clear - Olaf's Latest Change

The agents continue to impress!  Not only do they push forward with their own changes and our collective work...but they support each other without hesitation.

I am so pleased with everyone's progress an their efforts...but Olaf takes takes the cake as Agent of the Week.

Olaf, you rock!

Josh

Over the past two weeks,  I've increasingly embraced change day after day.  Not that there aren't still hurdles to jump, however I am gaining more confidence in myself and know the choice is mine.  At the same time, I accept that I cannot do it alone.  I need the support of others.  Although I get support from friends and family, the Agents (Erin, Sarah, Josh, Susie and Kristy) have stood by my every move...thank you guys.

Here is a quick overview of the past 7 days or so:

What Changes Have I accomplished in the past week:

I stood on a BOSU Balance Trainer with my eyes closed for the first time.  I killed it at the gym today (and by the way, that was mirroring Josh during his workout - many of you know what I mean by that:).  I have still not had one soda.  I rolled rope on a BOSU.  For the first time since becoming an Agent, I successfully did my cardio twice last week.  Oh, and by the way...I became a non-smoker today (I have smoked on and off for about 10 years).

What is currently challenging me:

I have stayed "clean" (no artificial anything, no enriched flours, no refined sugars, no bad fats, etc) with my eating the majority of the time, but it still challenges me.  I slipped a bit today, but as Josh says, emotional balance is key to our overall wellness.  And, with my giving up smoking, I felt I made the better of the two choices. 

What individual change am I specifically working on:

Uh, duh -  smoking and continuing to learn more of the proper techniques in the gym. 

What collective change am I working on with the other Agents:

Increasing my cardio training for the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer run - which I am doing with our Agents of Change team.

The demolition of Olaf has occurred...and the construction project of 005 is underway.  The smoke is clearing and the forecast is for clear skies and sunshine.  More in about a week.

Olaf (005)

005 Makes great strides!

This morning as I was leaving the gym and on my way to meet and train with Olaf...I looked down at my phone and noticed a voice mail...from Olaf.

My first instinct was "oh boy, Olaf must not be coming". As I walked to my car and listened to the message...Olaf did in fact share that he did not want to come this morning. However, he went on to say that he would indeed be there...

As I met Olaf at my studio, I said "you have already accomplished something significant today, regardless of how this session goes".

Here is what Olaf has to say about the last 2 weeks of his life. His accomplishment, his struggles, and that which he continues to work on.

Keep it up 005, you have already accomplished major change and will continue to grow in this process.

Josh

From Olaf -

The past 2 weeks of my life I have made some good strides in my quest for all around wellness and balance. I have completely given up diet soda...which I had been consuming somewhere in the range of 3-6 cans per day since I was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 6 (that's 27 years)! The diet variety was due to my diabetes, so became an easy alternative to regular soda.

Josh began my training protocol with having me attempt to begin a daily stretching routine to improve my flexibility and prepare my body for what was to come. Although I have not made this a daily practice, I have done the prescribed routine on an average of 4 times per week. I have also begun to train with Josh in what he would call a full body strength and conditioning program. Last week I did three sessions and have already done one this morning. I was very sore last week, but not nearly as much this week. Additionally, I was conscious of even the way I lifted boxes at work this week...I guess I'm learning.

On the nutrition front, I also haven't had fast food in the last 2 weeks. I haven't been perfect, did have Pizza one night and would not place myself in the extreme category of Josh...but this is the healthiest I have eaten in years. I am now reading labels and very aware of what I am putting into my body. Surprising that I am reading more labels now, considering I have worked in the grocery industry for the past 14 years. I have eaten far less refined sugars, less enriched flours and been eating healthful snacks as opposed to comfort and convenience options from my past. Through that process, I am becoming more comfortable with the fact that these new options can also be convenient. And...I feel better.

This past Sunday, the group of local Agent's had a get together. It was great to finally put faces with all the names, as well as to realize that I was not alone in this process of change. Additionally, it helped me to understand that not only do each of us share in similar successes, but similar struggles as well.

I am still fearful of success as well as failure. But, I am going to go through with it anyways. I'll give you an update in a week or so...that is, if Josh's workouts don't kill me first:)

Olaf - 005

Chapters . . . Introducing Agent 005

Chapters...

As I recently wrote in the post titled, "The Agent Code", there are two criteria for participating in this movement as an "Agent". They were as follows:

1. You must have made a positive change in yourself or are in the process of doing so.

and

2. You must be committed to helping others make these changes.

Specific to number 2, my fellow agents and I have committed to working collectively to help others with making a variety of POSITIVE changes in their lives.

Our next group effort is one we are going to share with you. You will see the challenges faced, the progress and the success we find together.

As I expressed to someone a couple weeks ago, the journey to improved health and wellness in your life shouldn't be based on your past. Although it may seem like it sometimes, life isn't like a movie. There is no predetermined finale, no summation. Instead, I suggested that they look at the various stages in their life (past, present and future) as chapters. Chapters, which they have the ability to write.

The Agents and I are going to help someone write their next chapter...

I am excited to introduce to you to our next Agent, Olaf Blase...Agent 005. He is a man who has overcome great adversity and challenge in his life. However, he struggles with his past. The lasting impact of both unavoidable physical circumstance and an assortment of behavioral choices, have left him scarred...emotionally and physically. But...he's ready to change...and we are going to help him.

We look forward to having you join us as we see work with Olaf on his next Chapter...here he is.

Josh