Looking Back...Looking Forward...Standing Still...Relections at 57

Thursday February 21st I turned 57...As birthdays go, it was a quiet one, my time spent looking back on the past 56 years, thinking about the future while standing still in the spot that I find myself at. Life they say is a journey, a book not completed until you turn the last page.   

October 6th saw me start a new chapter in my own life story...I made the decision to lose some serious weight, get healthy...four plus months later, am moving in the right direction.  My waist line is down to a 34, and have lost over 30 pounds.  Friends tell me I am looking good, that they cannot believe the change, not just physically, but in my attitude.  Looking at myself, the changes so far have been remarkable.  I find myself believing more in myself, and I believe in the product and lifestyle that is Isagenix...question is, what is next?  Not just with my diet, not just with Isagenix, but for me moving forward?

Not sure of the when or where of it, but do know I have to move this year, and that is causing me a great deal of angst.  Tomorrow am driving to New Jersey to look at a modular home (the new code word for a TRAILER....doublewide even).   There are a lot of things to love about the trailer...the access to a clubhouse and large pool that comes with it...what I do not like about it...it's an "Adult Community" as in only those who are 55 and older can live there.  Somehow, moving into such a community is almost a personal admission that I am getting older, and it is this reality that has seen me so reflective this entire week.  I know my perceptions are a prejudice on my part...sure that adult communities have changed from the days when my Grandparents lived in one, when it seemed to a young man that the place was full of bent over little old men in Burmuda shorts, and little old ladies with blue hair playing bridge all day...in short, a part of me feels like moving into an "Adult Community" is a bit like being put out to pasture.

I'm 57...Feel as if I need some great grand adventure of some sort...wrap my car in Isagenix Advertising and drive around the United States visiting County and State Fairs for the entire summer would be a lot of fun...not affordable, but a LOT OF FUN!  Just walking around fairs with my camera for the entire summer taking pictures and handing out free samples of Isagenix with my business card attached.  Of course, if I was going to do this, would prefer to have a beautiful old (restored) vintage pick up truck pulling a vintage 16-22 foot Airstream behind it...could stop at some of the great historical sites along the way...the Grand Canyon, Sequoya National Forest...can see myself drinking a 3+ Energy Shot in front of one of those MASSIVE TREES, camping out along the ocean in California, visiting Hearst Castle again...not been there in over 30 years.

Hmmmm...."My Isagenix Great Adventure"...can almost see a coffee table book of my travels, maybe a blog journaling my adventure day by day as I travel across America.  Oregon would be a MUST VISIT STATE...did you know that there are more Ghost towns in Oregon than anywhere else in  America...always wanted to go photograph them, put out a book, "Ghost Towns of Oregon".

Anyone have about $200,000 I can borrow?  Figure the vintage truck and Airstream fully restored are going to cost me about $100,000.  Already priced wrapping a vehicle...$2,500 which is a bargain! Thinking custom plates for the truck and camper...a minor expense.  Big expense...all those Isagenix samples.   I am guessing on a normal non fair day would need maybe 30-40 samples, but could see myself handing out hundreds of them at a fair...Last time I attended the Ohio State Fair they were drawing crowds over the 18 days of the fair numbering millions.  

OK...so maybe I need another idea...

Just know I need to find something...at 57 do not feel READY FOR THE PASTURE.  Thinking that is where a great deal of my own frustration is coming from at the moment.  I need to find something to do with myself other than just watch the world go by.  Life was so full of adventure and spontaneity when I was 20...want a little bit of that back.  Want to get a passport and take off for some exotic place...maybe volunteer on some space/place in the world where I could be a part of something bigger than myself.  

OMG...Less Than $10,000!

Is this what getting older is about...suddenly waking up and finding out that the life you have has become staid and boring?  Or instead, am I entering into a late life mid-life crisis?  That could be it...I mean I have NEVER owned a red sports car, let along a red sports car convertible.  Funny thing is, not really a red sports car kind of a guy...so would rather have a restored vintage pick up truck, though have to admit...if I could find one, would LOVE an old say 1956-1963 Bentley.   Something so "Beatles" like in a car like that...have to modernize it to some degree, update the stereo system so that I can use my IPod.  The car is plenty powerful enough to pull an old Air Stream around the country...back to the Airstream and traveling around America...would be pretty cool to drive around America handing out Isagenix samples from the trunk of a vintage Bentley.

Are you over 50 and finding yourself wondering "what's next"?  What is your dream, what is that BIG ADVENTURE that you day dream about at work?

Think of Dieting As Hide and Seek, Lost and Found!

The Day I Started 10/6/2012

It's easy to look in a mirror at the who that you over years have become and simply think the task of getting in shape, losing weight is too great a feat, and head toward the refrigerator for a morning slice of last night's left over apple pie, half of which you ate while watching the 2:00 AM rerun of Jon Stewart's "The Daily Show" on the "Comedy Channel".  I know, because I have been there, have avoided almost every mirror in my house, and then my apartment that showed me more than my head, as if somehow by focusing in on only that part of me that I was not embarrassed about the rest of the world would follow suit, identify the who of me by just my face, rather than that rest of me that I could not stand, that part of me that I was embarrassed and ashamed of.

Reality is, the world does not often cooperate in our fantasies, in our masquerade of self delusion.  People did see my Buddha Belly as it grew ever bigger, showing concern, sometimes in remarks that hurt, remarks that saw me grab one more chunk of meat from the grill, or help myself to another scoop of taters or Mac and Cheese at dinner.  In short, I was playing hide and seek with a truth I did not want to face...I was FAT, maybe even on the verge of OBESE, and the only person who could change that reality was staring back at me in the mirror each and every morning when I combed my hair and brushed my teeth.

In the past almost four months now, a lot of changes have occurred in my life, a caterpillar slowly emerging from his cocoon, a beautiful butterfly, wings still damp who is getting ready to take flight.  As I was working out today, had an Epiphany of sorts, an AH HA moment.

Me on 1/17/2013

One of my recurring themes when I share the product with others is encouraging them to lose the weight and let the beautiful person that has always been residing inside themselves to emerge.  Thinking on that, pondering that child's game of "Hide and Seek" that was the game I'd been playing for far too long with myself, realized today that I was still playing that game, but in a new and wondrous way with ALL NEW RULES.  

For years as the pounds piled onto my frame, the beautiful me, all the muscles there under the surface had been hidden away under mounds of fat, and now with the help of Isagenix, my coach "Andrea Hameed" and many of my Isa friends on Facebook, I am seeking out those muscles, that beautiful me, that which was lost now being found...the me that has always been there slowly emerging as the fat melts away!

All I have to do is look at statistics to know there are a lot of seriously overweight people in America, in the world...also know that a lot of those people deep down inside do not want to be fat, are playing that same old game of "Hide and Seek" that I played for too many years.  Also know, that many of those people who want to find that beautiful person hiding inside are afraid to take that first step, and the next, and the one after that, fearing more than anything looking the fool when and if they fail.  That fear of failure more than anything else sees them making excuses..."Dieting never works" or "I'm just naturally big boned, and besides I like myself just the way I am", the patented "everyone in my family is on the large size", and my own favorite, "I am sure your program works, but it's just too expensive, I cannot afford it!"

I know these excuses because I have used than, finding them easier to blurt out rather than facing a truth I did not want to face, hiding my own shame in excuses that deep down inside I knew were not true.

Dieting does work, but only if you are ready to dedicate yourself to the long haul journey that lays ahead.  I did not pack on some 40-50 pounds of fat (almost all in my belly) in a week, a month or even a year...it was a long process that happened over years, even decades.  Expecting to diet for a month, two or even three and reclaim my former self is unrealistic.  Furthermore, dieting is only a part of the pathway that leads to success...getting to where you want to go requires lifestyle changes, requires committing to actually EXERCISING, being active.  Most of all, finding the real you that you've lost over a period of years take faith, dedication and belief...it also takes STUBBORNEST, that refusal to accept anything but the new course and reality you have set for yourself despite the naysayers bent on seeing you fail.

I live on a limited budget, and it took me far too long to realize that I could not afford what not getting healthy was costing me.  When I woke up, saw lost life opportunities resulting from my weight, when I woke up to the shame and guilt I carried around because of my Buddha Belly, when I started looking for ways to find the money to GET HEALTHY because I wanted it, I found out that I could afford to try Isagenix...as I watched inches and pounds melting away, watched the new me emerging, found the money to STAY THE COURSE to continue on a path that was working.  

I used to stop at a fast food place a couple times a week, grab a couple of burgers, some fries, a super sized Coke, always telling myself I deserved it, or making it OK because I was hungry.  If I were out and about and there was a Panera's or Starbucks on the route too and from, I would treat myself to a Grande something something, and oh those danish always enticed me...sometimes one was just not enough, so would buy two.  Pull into a gas station for a fill up, and how could I not grab a Snickers Bar, or a Pay Day?  The cost in pounds, and in CASH adds up quickly.  Looking back at those times, finally being honest with myself after years of denial, realize I need to be truthful..."I DID NOT WANT TO AFFORD Isagenix's OR ANY OTHER DIETING PROGRAM"...what would have meant looking in that mirror and admitting truths I was not ready to admit.

The old saying "You can drag a horse to water, but you cannot make them drink" is so very true.  I can introduce you to Isagenix's, can show my own before and right now pictures and prove that their "90 Day Challenge" can and does work...but if you are not ready, if you are wanting to wallow in your shame, guilt and denial, then the program I believe, nor any other dieting plan is going to work for you.  But, if you are ready to make changes, if you are willing to do the work, if you are ready to become that beautiful person that has always been hiding inside yourself, then lets take the journey together.

Sherwood Martinelli-The Isa Guru

Cell/Text (845) 346-6523

Home     (845) 693-4513

www.isahealthychoice.com  Go explore the product, look at our Weight Loss Products.

If you are ready for serious life changes, ready to lose that weight, lets chat...I make a great coach, and Isagenix (in my perspective) is the greatest weight loss program in the world.

Are You Ready To Lose Weight In The New Year...Isagenix 30 Day Cleanse Explained.

There are only 20 days left in 2012, a new year literally around the corner.  Are you ready for that newe year, are you wanting to effect positive healthy change in your life, wanting to lose weight and become that NEW YOU in 2013?  Isagenix can give you a jump start with our 30 Day Cleanse program.  Watch this short video...Kjersti Cote (the Mineral Man's daughter) explains the use and value of the 30 Day Cleanse program to us. Using this program the way it was designed by John Anderson is the fastest way to get to reach the goals that we set for ourselves in 2013. 

 

After watching the video, get in touch with me and let me coach you to the body and health of your dreams in 2013.

 

Sherwood Martinelli-Isa Guru
isagenixguru@gmail.com
www.sherwoodmartinelli.isagenix.com
(845) 693-4513...If I am away from the phone, please leave a message and I will return your call.

My Isagenix Week in Review

Come Sit For A Spell

Been a hectic week here as I dealt with post accident injuries, and got back into my full Isagenix program as I work toward meeting my November goal of weighing in by December 6th (my two month Anniversary of being on the product, being a product of the product) at or under 175 pounds.  It is going to be a nail biter, but considering the Thanksgiving Holiday and all the eating that normally is a part of that celebration, very happy as I held steady, rather than adding pounds to my frame.  Was very happy at this development, as I usually pack on a few (4-9) pounds from Thanksgiving through that Sunday...it is just TOO TEMPTING to have the leftovers in the frigerator, and pumpkin and pecan pies begging you to just HAVE ANOTHER SLICE...with a glass of milk, even better.

 

Had my first appointment with the physical therapist this morning...did not feel to good about it, but it is what it is.  My right arm is hurting more after the session than before it, but guess that is normal.  Have an impinged nerve in the neck (I think that is what the therapist was saying) and a problem in the shoulder.  Today only neck work was done, and have stretching exercises I have to do three times a day until my next appointment on Monday.  The good news on all of this...normally, would go into a total decline and pig out on various and assorted comfort foods...being on Isagenix, the desire to reach out for those things, to pile on the pounds is not there...still depressed about the situation, not one that likes persistant pain in my life, but dealing with it all in a very pro-active fashion.

 

Have spent a lot of time this week working on my marketing plan as I figure out how I want to interact with, and share the magic that is Isagenix with my friends, families and other citizens of the world.  Biggest thing this week I've worked on is working on getting known/seen by a larger audience on Twitter.  I am up over 250 QUALITY followers, and have had some very nice interactions with some of the people.  Downloaded and put Tweetdeck into operation...what a SWEET way to do your tweeting!  If you are on Twitter, seriously encourage you to give this program a test drive...you'll be sold...did I mention IT IS FREE.

 

Just had my morning Isa Shake, and getting anxious to take my December measurements as you can really see some body transformations going on...my butt is smaller, and the Budda Belly, though still there is MUCH SMALLER.  If you are looking to lose weight, are wanting more energy, are wanting to age gracefully I cannot encourage you enough to give Isagenix a try. 

 

http://sherwoodmartinelli.isagenix.com/us/en/presidentspak.html

Alcohol...Did You Know?

How many of us go out for a special dinner, or have guests in and start off the festivities with a cold beer, cocktail, or a glass of wine?  With dinner, we have a bottle wine, or maybe another drink, and then after dinner cordials with our coffee and desert.  Maybe that is not such a good idea...at least for those of us who are working on losing weight, participating in the Isagenix Body Challenge.

 

Did you know...

 

Alcohol has zero nutritional value, only empty calories

Alcohol cannot be stored in the body in any form (fat, glycogen, amino acids etc).

 

So when a individual drinks alcohol, their body uses the alcohol as its main energy source, STORES any additional calories they consume. Break it down...what does this mean in simple English...If you drink with your meal, the calories in food will  be stored rather than burned off as energy.

 

This is why you might develop a beer belly – from food you are eating while your body is busy metabolising the alcohol!

 

With all the parties and opportunities to imbibe between now and the New Year, this is something to keep in mind when you think about having that second, or third drink.  Remember...Water is Life!

Social Media...Some Beginners Tips For My Isa Friends

First, wishing everyone a very happy, fun filled Thanksgiving full of fun, family and blessings.  Speak a blessing of gratitude for what you do have, and lift up to the heavens a prayer for all those in the world going through rough times.

 

As I sit here drinking my morning Isa Shake (already had my Ionix Supreme) wanted to write an article to share with everyone in our Isa Social Media group over on Facebook...a few tips on getting started in Social Media Marketing.  For beginners, Social Media Marketing (SMM) can be...well, it can be intimadating. 

 

Social Media Marketing is something necessary in this new age of instantaneous communication, and it takes time to learn as there is a LOT TO LEARN.  That said, don't let it intimadate you...Rome was not built in a day, and when it comes to getting yourself out there, patience truly is a virtue.  So, some basic tips for those wanting to get started. (Hey, once the turkey is in the oven, and the footballs games are turned on, or after dinner when everyone wants to take a timeout before desert, why not get your toes wet?)

 

Social Media Tips For Beginners

 

1. Listen to your audience.  Sure, we all want to speak our minds, but are we doing it in a way that makes others want to listen...your audience is going to let you know what they like, what they want to hear about.  If one of your articles in a blog, tweets on Twitter, or a time line entry on Facebook gets great response (how many comments, how many article views?) while others see almost no traffic, your audience is speaking to you, "HEY, we really like this."  You can also ask your audience what they want to hear using polls, or even putting up a post asking them, "What articles would you like me to write, or what discussions are we wanting to have."

 

2. Know your audience.  On Facebook, many of us belong to various Isagenix groups, a captive audience of folks who want to hear about, and learn about Isagenix...so, probably would not make a lot of sense if I started putting up comments about the fine points of overhauling and restoring a 1947 DeSoto.  Those in Twitter A) like short concise statements (duh...only have 140 characters) and tend to like links in case they want more information.  Blogs on the other hand give you more of a platform for longer posts and explantions. 

 

Bonus tip...Write a blog post (IE, this one) then make a short concise statement about it with a link on twitter...a great twofer!  Viral Marketing at its finest.

 

3. Start small.  Yes, you want to protect your brand, maybe you want to run out and establish yourself on say 10 Social Media sites...but, once you have made that LAND GRAB, let some of those pieces of real estate sit idle.  It is best to put all your efforts into one or two projects, build them up, grow a following, then look toward expanding.

 

4. See what’s working.  Think of it as research...do Google searches, find out what others in your industry (Isagenix) are doing to attract and build their own audience...if you are using Facebook, go find out who is being successful marketing a similiar/identical product, and start modeling your plan based on this newly gained information...they say imitation is the highest form of flattery, and it is.  After all, why would any of us want to duplicate a marketing plan that DOES NOT WORK?

 

What it all comes down to...GET STARTED.  Find your audience, strike up conversations about what you are passionate about (Isagenix), engage, engage, ENGAGE...why do you think they call it SOCIAL MEDIA?

Life and Isagenix Is About Giving Back, Paying Forward

Network marketing was always one of those things I saw in a negative light, something I associated with phrases like pyramid scheme...then one day I had an epithany...every product sold is sold through network marketing in some fashion or another.  If Walmart  has a camera for sale on Black Friday, and your friend knowing you are looking for that camera too give as a gift tells you about the sale, isn't that networking/network marketing?  If you rave about your new car to a friend and they go out and buy the same vehicle based upon your personal recommendation, isn't that network marketing? 

 

It was/is this epithany that has allowed me to go beyond  embracing the product that is Isagenix, to embracing it as a business that I want to be involved in...in short, this epithany has seen me taking my first steps as a network marketer, though in many ways I have been a network marketer most of my life, but for others, rather than for myself.

 

As I've taken my first steps into this new world known as network marketing, realizing other truths, such as the very real fact that my own success is completely dependent upon me helping others...sharing my truth, introducing others to Isagenix by sharing my own testimony, my own story of becoming a product of the product, and then once someone says "I want to be a part of that", helping them become successful in their dreams and goals.  In short, it is about giving back by paying forward, giving others the helping hand up that is so generously being given to me by everyone I have met in Isagenix (both in real life, and in the various Isagenix Facebook groups).

 

As in most of life, you get out of network marketing what you put into it, and there is no room for selfishness in giving back by paying forward.