Vision Week

Last week was all about business, and from what I saw from the participation in class, you guys are about your business.  I was pleasantly surprised with the effort and commitment.  We blasted those legs on Monday, hit that upper body (chest/triceps) on Tuesday, Wednesday was high intensity cardio with some heat, Thursday was back and biceps.  If you have to ask, I think Saturday was our best class of the week, we did total body along with some extreme cardio.  I had several people text me shortly after the class stating that the class was a beast, but keep it coming.  I have to send a big shout out to SG and Amy, my new people, who have decided to become a part of this vision.  Amy completed two classes (Tuesday and Wednesday). Saturday was SG's first class, and he made it through.  As I’m typing this blog, I’m wondering how they are feeling and if they will show up on Monday.  To be continued. 

Quote of the week: “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.” Helen Keller

This week’s inspiration comes from Zack, police officer for SPD.  Zack has been struggling with the loss of his mother over this past week.  I didn’t know that about his loss until Saturday after a very intense workout.  Before class I complimented Zack on his hard work and I told him that I noticed a difference in his overall physique.   He said thanks, T.  After class, I was packing up and Zack came back over to me and told me about the loss of his mother.  He went on to say how his mother, prior to her passing, told him she had taught him everything he needed to be a special person.  His mother was a visionary.  She saw something special in Zack, who by his own admission, has struggled with making poor decisions while he was growing up.  In spite of all his struggles, he held it together and now he is one of our finest police officers on the Shreveport PD.  I couldn’t help but to love that story about Zack, because he is a great example of a man with a vision.  I can recall how he stated that there was a minister who also recently passed, and he credits that minister with saving his life and putting him on the right track to being successful. I didn’t grow up with him, but I can see the amount of passion he has towards his children, his career and he goes hard in that gym.  He is a person who lost his mother last week, but has the vision to see that he gained insight from her and he can use that to inspire others.  I will be the first one to say that his story has been one that resonates in my mind and I will use it to help me get through some tough periods in my life.  Zack went on to tell me how our class helped him to not only get in shape, but to be able to tackle some other problems he has in life.  I heard somebody say Tough times don't last forever, tough people do and Zack is a tough guy. Everything that he talked about was inspirational.  It shed light on why we are here, who has helped us along the way, and how we can use the things others have passed on to us to inspire others.  According to Warren Buffet, "someone's sitting in the shade today, because someone planted a tree a long time ago".

I thought about Zack and his predicament.  A person with no vision would have been overwhelmed and maybe saw the situation as being helpless, although they had two eyes and could see.  However, Zack, a visionary by his own right, not only did he see his predicament, but he also saw the power within himself to overcome the predicament, as a result, he's a greater PERSON with a Purpose. 

This week let’s all focus on our personal vision.   Visualize yourself getting to that next level in your life, while looking forward to the next level.  I’m excited about this process.   I thought about Bart Scott, the NY Jets linebacker after they beat the Ravens this year in the playoffs.  The ESPN commentator said to him, Congratulations, see you in Pittsburgh, Bart replied, “Can’t Wait”.   He was looking forward to playing the Steelers in the AFC Championship Game, even though things didn’t go exactly as planned. 

Hopefully this week you will be excited about this vision and change we are all working toward.   If you have time this week can you repeat a few of these phrases to yourself before you come to that gym, or when you are at home or work. 

CAN’T WAIT to get to that gym and work hard on my body. 

CAN’T WAIT to eat the right things that will serve as fuel for my body. 

CAN’T WAIT to see the results of the hard work I put in at the gym and home.

CAN’T WAIT to overcome the next obstacle that will get me to the next.    

T Can’t Wait to see you in that class, smiling, sweating, building and having fun with change. 

Remember when you Can’t Wait, you are looking forward to it and you have a positive attitude and visualize that change.  

Finally, there are two new people who joined the fun last week, SG and Amy.  Both of them heard about the class and how their hard work and dedication in the gym can lead to a healthier lifestyle.  I have spoken with both of them and they also agree that it’s some discomfort involved in the process.  Let’s continue to encourage them as well as the other people in the class or on the blog.  I see you Ivyleague, but you are MIA, blame it on the school.   

Big Shout out to my sister Leanis, I didn’t mention her last week, but she has been showing up like she told me she would, can your brother get 2 or 3 days a week.  She knows what I’m talking about.   

At the end of the day, we are a small community of diverse people who come together visualizing the common goal of global change.   “T”

    

Back to BUSINESS

Hello again all of my people, I’m sorry about the MIA post last week.  I assumed that everyone was celebrating LOVER’S WEEK and had some great plans with the significant other.   I did appreciate seeing a large class come out on Valentine’s Day and work hard on leg day.   I thought it was another great workout, but yesterday’s leg workout was also a beast too.  Several of the participants stated they enjoyed the intensity of the workout and I saw some of those looks that said it all.  This week, it’s all about the business baby, and the business is getting in the best shape of your life.    

Quote of the week:  “If you are not about your business, you have no business being here”.  Aqueelah McCray

If you don’t know Aqueelah, she one of the original members of the Tactical Training Class under Carroll Baker.  I attribute a great deal of my growth, mental focus, motivation and determination to both Aqueelah and Carroll.  She has been an inspiration to me and I felt compelled to use her quote she would always state during our intense workouts.  The business she was referring to was getting in shape, she firmly believed that every time you showed up to the gym, you have to be mentally focused on working hard to change your body (be about your business).  The physical challenges of the class are consistently difficult and can sometimes be overwhelming.  That’s the reason you have to really focus on the true reason why you came, as well as keep your eye on the prize.   You have to remember that a business owner is always doing business, not just during normal business hours (Wanda), it’s all day everyday.  For all of my people, you do your business in the gym, but you prepare for business at home with your meal plan and getting your mind right.  Basically, you have to work on that body at all times, putting the right foods in, watching labels, serving size, drinking water, watching sugars and fat, etc.  Next, your mental focus is also as important, please don’t overlook the importance of how thoughts lead to feelings and feelings lead to your actions.  Something I do throughout the day is think about and tell myself how I can improve on my workouts, I eliminate the thoughts of stopping or quitting.  I evaluate the previous workouts and grade myself on overall productivity.  Believe it or not, I’m never satisfied with a workout, always look to improve.  I heard someone say that, “satisfaction kills desire”.   The desire is always there, so I guess I'm not satisfied.  There's still work to do.   

This week I want you to really focus on your business, you own your body and control what happens to it. 

·         You determine how prosperous your business will be. 

·         You determine what level you take that body too. 

·         You determine how hard you work for your change

·         You control what you put into your body.

·         You get to enjoy those jeans, shirt, dress, two piece, Victoria Secret or suit you picked out and are able to now wear with pride.

·         You determine whether you stop or keep going. 

·         You will reap the benefits of your success.

I have a few questions for you guys this week before I let you be about your business. 

1.        Did you volunteer for this change?

2.       What does this change mean for you? 

3.       How much time are you willing to put into this change?

4.       Are you working toward your goal?  Oops do you have a goal for some of us?

5.       Did you pay close attention to your positives changes in your life, don’t just focus on the negatives?

6.       Did you use your mental focus to help you overcome some of the physical challenges we all face not only in class, but in life?

7.       Is this change a temporary change for you or a lifestyle change? 

8.       Are you sacrificing some of the things you want, to get the body you really need? 

9.       Are you staying hydrated?  Weather is starting to heat up and class will be HOT.

10.   Three part question

a.       Will you watch it happen?

b.      Will you make it Happen?

c.       Will you wonder what Happened?

Those are a lot of questions, you guys have to find the answer this week.

 Get out there My People and be about your BUSINESS.

VIP’s for this week:

Big Shout out to Karen who returned this week from a minor setback. 

Big Shout out to Marlon and Greg (Big 50) who celebrated birthday parties over the weekend.  If I missed your birthday, please let me know.   Wanda let me know I missed her birthday, she was in the NO, and has reminded me.  Happy Birthday to all, Marlin, Greg and Wanda. 

Big Shout to one of the newest members, Jimmie, he’s been with us in class for about a week, but keeps coming back motivated for that change.  I see you working hard. 

As always, SPD is representing in the class, Big Troy and Zack, they serve and protect us everyday on those streets.  Caddo Sheriff, Tommy Fair, my boy is back and I love it.     

Educators, we need each one to teach one.  We have several teachers/administrators in the class, SS, Jimmie, CG, Toya. 

Health Care, they play such an important role in helping others.  Wanda, Angel, Lisa, Chan, Sheka, Sharon.

If you need that word, Call on Preacher Rod.  I hope you will tell the people about Luke 2:49 when Jesus parents had been looking for them for 3 days.  Jesus was 12 years old at the time and they went to Jerusalem every year for the feast of the Passover.  After the Passover, they left Jerusalem, but Jesus stayed behind. After a day's journey, they discovered that Jesus was not with their traveling group so they turned around and went to find him.  Eventually, they found him after 3 days sitting amoung the teachers listening and asking questions.  Mary said to Jesus, your father and I have been looking all over for you.  Jesus replied, Why were you looking for me, did you not know that I have been about my Father's BUSINESS. 

Carl has the spoken word for you, and I missed his performance at Orleans Bistro, he’s an author and poet too and a hard worker in the class.  He does Spoken Word by night, but he’s a big time supervisor over at GE by day.   

My main man Wally is running things down in Keithville, if you need something, stop by his store if you are in the Keithville area, it’s about a ¼ mile from the school. 

I see you Jarvis on the Pepsi Truck, keep driving toward that success you want, pay attention to the windshield, which is our future, not the rear view.

Khris and Phill, Southwood Cowboys  Juniors, keep working hard to get that HS Diploma and get ready for college.  

Noreen is our college student and mentor, she has a bright future in Health Care.  Darius (SU) and Jessica (ULM) are at school preparing to be future professionals.   

Tay is on her way to the US Army Basic Training in March.  Please encourage her as she prepares to serve our country. 

My retired military man Joseph, who can go through class and still keep climbing that rope afterwards, that's some kind of motivation.  That's a great example of how when you think you are finished, you still have another hill to climb.  Keep on climbing, keep on reaching and don't stop believing.   

I know I probably missed a few people, but the idea is to show that we have people from all walks of life coming together from the common good of a global change in our lifestyle. That’s what makes you a VERY IMPORTANT PERSON. 

   

 

SUPER WEEK

This week culminated with the Packers defeating the Steelers in SUPERBOWL XLV.  Can you imagine all the time they spent training for that victory?  The players and coaches went through organized team activities, training camp, pre-season games, regular season, the playoffs and finally the Superbowl.  Congratulations to the Packers.  The story of the Green Bay Packers is inspirational.  They faced a great deal of adversity on their way to the title.   First, they were the 6th seed in the NFC, there are only 6 teams in the NFC and 6 from the AFC that qualify for the playoffs.  The Packers had to win their final 2 regular season games over the Giants and Bears just to get into the playoffs and have a chance to win the Superbowl.  Next, they knew they would be on the road throughout the playoffs, which meant them having to win in another team's backyard.  I failed to mention that they had to overcome a litany of injuries to some key players who were placed on injured reserve during the year.  I think the most recent count was 15 players on IR and they lost 2 key players in the first half of the Superbowl.  How many times have you seen a team, loose that many players to injury, but still win it all?  Great testimony about determination, motivation and perseverance. 

I believe the Packers are a great example for us.  They set a goal at the beginning of the year to win the Superbowl.  Everything was centered on winning and continuing to believe in themselves even though things didn't go exactly as planned.  They faced many obstacles, but continued to focus on the goal of winning the big game.  Can you imagine how many times the plan changed, but the goal remained the same, WIN THE SUPERBOWL.  Believe it or not, we have goals too, we can win by enhancing our lives through working out, staying mentally strong and eating the right things.  Our goal is to change our lifestyle, we may have to alter our plans along the way, but we have to continue to fight to get there.  How many of you guys are willing to stand up and fight for this lifestyle change and look forward to winning the game of LIFE?  I hope you are singing WIN, WIN, WIN, No Matter WHAT, ALL I DO IS WIN!!!!!

Quote of the week: 
“To find out that you hold the key to your own destiny, it gave us hope,” receiver James Jones of Green Bay Packers

We have control over what happens to our body.  We have control over what we put into our body.  We control
how hard we work to improve our body. There's still hope even if you are not satisfied where you are with your body
let's work together to reach our healthy lifestyle.   

TIP of  SUPER WEEK.  

Do you know the Difference between serving size and portion size?

Selecting the right foods also means choosing portions that are proper serving sizes. The terms "portion" and "serving" are
often used interchangeably, but they don't mean the same thing. A "portion" is the amount of food you choose to eat for
meals or snacks (like a plateful of pasta or a handful of raisins). In comparison a "serving" is the amount of food that experts
recommend you eat (like 1 cup of milk or 1 ounce of bread). Servings are listed on a food's nutrition facts label too. When
choosing your portion, try to make it as close as possible to these recommended serving sizes.



Grains: Aim for 6-11 servings each day. Choose whole grains whenever possible.

Examples	One serving equals	That's about the size of
Bread	1 ounce (1 small slice, 1/2 bagel, 1/2 bun)	Index card
Cooked Grains	1/2 cup cooked oats, rice, pasta	Billiard ball
Dry cereal	1/2 cup flakes, puffed rice, shredded wheat	Billiard ball

Fruits and Vegetables: Aim 5-9 total servings each day. Choose fresh fruits and veggies whenever possible.

Examples	One serving equals	That's about the size of
Raw fruit	1/2 cup raw, canned, frozen fruit	Billiard ball
Dried fruit	1/4 cup raisins, prunes, apricots	An egg
Juice	6 oz 100% fruit or vegetable juice	Hockey puck
Raw vegetables	1 cup leafy greens, baby carrots	Baseball
Cooked vegetables	1/2 cup cooked broccoli, potatoes	Billiard ball

Meat and Beans: Aim for 2-3 servings each day. Choose lean meats and plant proteins whenever possible.

Examples	One serving equals	That's about the size of
Meat & Tofu	2-3 oz cooked beef, poultry, fish, tofu	Deck of cards
Beans	1/2 cup cooked beans, split peas, legumes	Billiard ball
Nuts & Seeds	2 Tbsp nuts, seeds, or nut butters	Ping pong ball

Dairy: Aim for 2-3 servings of calcium-rich foods each day. Choose low- or non-fat products whenever possible.

Examples	One serving equals	That's about the size of
Cheese	1 ounce or 1 thin slice of cheese	A pair of dice
Milk	1 cup milk, yogurt, soy milk	Baseball

Fats & Oils: Eat fats and oils sparingly and in small portions. Choose heart-healthy fats whenever possible.

Examples	One serving equals	That's about the size of
Fat & Oil	1 tsp butter, margarine, oil	One die

I'm still waiting on those ideas about the Fitness Challenge.  I appreciate all the hard work that you guys are putting into this lifestyle change.  If you truly love that body, show how much you care by continuing to work hard in gym, home, park, etc., stay mentally focused and EAT a balanced diet.

I see the SUPER WEEK in front of you, stay focused on the greatness inside of you.  Big shout out to IS Sanders (30+ year educator from Keithville) who will always say when you ask her how she's doing,  "I'm SUPER-GREAT".   That has to be a great feeling, let's work to get to that level. 

Big Shout out to the SPD, Big Troy and Zack, working hard in that gym and then they go SERVE AND PROTECT