Lending a Helping Hand To Those In Need After Hurricane Sandy

Many of us have been affected by Hurricane Sandy, some of us in monor ways, others in far more life altering ways, houses gone and lives lost.  Tonight on Facebook I was invited/added to a new group dealing with networking (Network Plus Pro), and while visiting the group page was impressed with a community outreach/volunteer effort they are launching to help people hard hit in Staten Island, NY.  I am one who has always believed in people helping people, in stepping out of ourselves and our own lives and giving to those in need, volunteering our talents and time to lend a helping hand.  Below is a letter they have sent out seeking help...sharing it here, and if it speaks to you, hope you will get involved in their efforts.

 

Sherwood Martinelli...Isagenix Guru

 

Hi there, First of all, we’d like to THANK ALL those who have stood up to HELP people in need to recover from the ill-effects of Sandy. It was quite a week, this last week – perhaps one of the worst of its kind. We pray that you and your family are safe and have not been impacted at all by the storm. We are writing to update you with couple of important things Staten Island Needs Help Two of our friends are working with a large team of volunteers to help the people who have been impacted due to Sandy. People in Staten Island need help. We are reaching out to you in the hope that you can help those who were affected. The team of volunteers is looking for a) More Volunteers b) Supplies – Cleaning Supplies, Garbage Bags, Shovels, Brooms, etc. c) Money If you would like to either volunteer, help with supplies or with the money, please contact 1. Cheryl Sanchez Paypal ID: networkforgood@thenetworks.org Contact Number is 347-470-4869 Donations of any amount are welcome. 2. Steve Argentine Paypal ID: argenergy@aol.com Address for dropping off supplies: 98 Detroit Ave Staten Island, NY 10312 Alternatively TEXT SANDYRELIEF to 71441 Together we can make a lot of difference! Once again, thank you for your support and everything you do for the community! With warm regards, Ted, Bill & Sudev (Your Partners in Success) PS: Due to Sandy, our Network Plus Pro Launch has been rescheduled for Nov 27, 2012. The details are given here (www.networkpluspro.com/gala) . We would love to meet you in person and hear your story. Oh! By the way, the EARLY BIRD SPECIAL ends on Nov 9, 2012. See you at the Launch! PPS: Did you see Ted's article on The Storm ? Quite inspirational, indeed...You'll like it

Sunday Evening...Bracing For Storm

Hurricane Sandy Could Threaten Indian Point

Last night I could not sleep, saw the Tsunami warning for Hawaii shortly after the 7.7 quake hit up in Canada...disconcerting, but my mind was already focused in on the Frankenstorm that has New York directly in its sites.  Waking up this morning, you could almost feel a sense of foreboding in the air, Hurricane Sandy's clouds blanketing the sky.

 

I was down in Yonkers, had to drive up to Peekskill and then cross the Bear Mountain bridge, the Hudson river just beneath me...even if you had not been near a radio or television, you knew something big was brewing...dozens of military Hummers pulling trailers of supplies and equipment crossing the bridge to make their way down toward New York City from West Point.

 

As I made the drive the news seemed to darken, Mayor Bloomberg enlarging the mandatory evacuation area, President Obama declaring a State of Emergency even though the storm has not yet made landfall.

 

I've laid in emergency supplies, and feel confident of making it through...sounds funny, but if things get bad I have toilet paper, water and Isagenix...my new age survival kit.  Wonder how long one could be OK in a State of Emergency like this with just my water and Isagenix.  I have other things prepared, candles at the ready, fresh batteries in the flashlights, my car battery jumper, and the batteries for my battery pack tools all plugged in and charging...cell phone charged, laptop plugged in and charging down.  Even without a back up generator, should be OK when the electric goes down, especially with lots of extra blankets at the ready.

 

What I worry about...the people who are not ready, or who have no choice but to go to the Emergency Shelters of last resort...it is scary to think about New York City shutting down all of its mass transit systems, scary to think that the Nuclear Power Plant (Indian Point) which  already feel is dangerous could get flooded if the storm surge is significant enough...Fukishima on the Hudson.  It is worrisome to think that the Emergency Response after the storm could decide who sits in the White House.

 

In short, am pensive tonight, and just pray that even in the states about to be slammed by Hurricane Sandy weather the storm, and find out afterward that they escaped pretty much intact.

Sunday Morning Shake...Thinking On Body Challenge

Sitting here about to get seriously motivated and drinking down my morning shake, and was looking around on the internet and came across an Isagenix article that shares 20 TIPS for those of us competing in the Isagenix Body Challenge, and thought I would share those tips here for my readers.

20 Tips to Becoming an IsaBody Challenge™ Winner

Try these easy tips to keep you on track to reaching your health and weight-loss goals this year and inch your way closer to becoming a winner. (full article)

1. Set Goals — Visualize how you want to look and feel. Set a realistic goal and go for it. Don’t look at the overall picture or you will get overwhelmed. Develop smaller goals along the way, whether it’s losing a certain amount of weight each month or fitting into those skinny jeans you haven’t been able to wear in months.
2. Stay Positive — Identify the crutches that can interfer with your success. Turn negative thoughts into positive ones or they will hold you back. Create positive affirmations, write them down and read them daily. Feed yourself with positive information such as listening to the coaching calls on the challenge Web site and reading motivating books. Eliminate excuses like lack of time, the expense of the products and many others that will just get in the way.
3. Create Visual Reminders —Purchase a pair of jeans or little black dress that you want to fit into and leave them in an area where you’ll see them every day. They’ll help keep you motivated every time you see them.
4. Get Motivated — Think about your family and the people you love most and ask yourself if you want to be there for them in the future. Don’t ever say “I can’t.” Come out of the old view of yourself, and change your mindset. Instead, say “today I can!”
5. Mind Over Matter — Remember that Isagenix is not a diet; it’s about changing your lifestyle and improving your health. Don’t procrastinate. Be willing to make sacrifices and it will happen. Write your dreams down and believe in them. No one can make you feel bad about yourself unless you let them.
6. Recruit a Friend — Try an Isagenix system with your spouse or friend. Sharing the experience will help bring you closer together. Recruit your friends or family to join the challenge with you so you can work together.
7. Make it a Family Experience — Incorporate Isagenix into your family lifestyle. Encourage your kids to try IsaLean® Shakes to improve their health as well.
8. Stick to the Rules — Follow the systems as intended. Don’t micromanage yourself in the process. Use the products every day the way they are intended. Be 100-percent committed.
9. Get Moving — Exercise regularly. The more you do it, the better you’ll feel. Don’t work out hard; work out smart. Have fun doing it. You can still watch the baseball game, but do it from a treadmill at the gym or at home. For extra energy before your workout in the morning, take Ionix® Supreme when you first wake up and then have your IsaLean® Shake after your workout.
10. Stay the Course — If you mess up one day and eat something that isn’t good for you, just keep going and don’t give up. Don’t sabotage your efforts; just get back on track. If you hit a weight-loss plateau, work a little harder to make up for it.
11. Eat Healthy — Cut processed and sugary foods from your diet because they’ll only drag you down. Stay away from soda and coffee. Fill up on fruits, vegetables and other Isagenix products. Make your meal decisions healthy ones. Keep healthy food on hand, like a bowl of assorted fresh fruits, but only one of each. The color and variety will keep you satisfied. Buy things like meat in bulk and wrap and freeze them individually so you can pull them out and enjoy the right portion size.
12. Don't Give Into Peer Pressure — Don’t let pressure to eat out with your friends or others keep you from reaching your goals. Learn to say “no” and modify your plans so they don’t revolve around food. If you eat out, find the healthiest options on the menu. Don’t skip out on enjoying special occasions—just plan in advance for them. If you’ll be attending a wedding at the end of the month and you want to enjoy the meal, save up your calories for it and work out extra hard.
13. Reward Yourself — Reward yourself along the way. Do something for yourself that makes you happy and healthy. Go shopping. There’s nothing like trying on new clothes and seeing how much your body has changed to inspire you to work even harder. Give yourself permission to cheat once in a while. The body needs the break occasionally. Just cheat responsibly and make it the exception, not the norm.
14. Stay on Schedule — Develop a rhythm and stick with it. Be consistent. Just try the products for 30 days — you have nothing to lose, but some weight.
15. Get Support — Ask your family and friends for support. There are plenty of people out there who want to encourage you and help you to succeed. Connect with other challenge people. Reach out and ask for help, listen, and use the information you receive. Trust your coach. They’ve been though the same thing. Get to know your team, and ask them to hold you accountable.
16. Product Tips — Try all of the products and don’t give up on them if you have a hard time at first with the taste. As you improve your nutrition, the flavors will taste different. Incorporate IsaDelight™ on your Cleanse Days; it makes cleansing so much easier.
17. Shake it Up — Start with daily IsaLean® Shakes. They’re exactly what your body needs, especially when you’re busy and don’t have time to make breakfast in the morning. Try adding a little bit of seasonal fresh fruit to your daily shake to give your routine some variety and a little extra flavor.
18. Cleanse Days — If you’re hungry on Cleanse Days, you should have a little something. A small handful of almonds can often do the trick. When you get an urge to eat a snack or treat, brush your teeth to get rid of the craving. Keep yourself busy. Watch your favorite TV show to keep your mind off of food and cleansing. Get a manicure or pedicure to relax.
19. Track Your Progress — Take monthly measurements to track your progress and stay motivated. Taking your measurements is vital. There will be times when the numbers on the scale don’t change, but your measurements will. Don’t be discouraged when you don’t see results overnight. Keep at it.
20. Take Advantage of Available Resources — Take advantage of the support tools that are available within your team and through Isagenix. Attend Isagenix events to connect with people. Stay informed by listening to team calls, attending Isagenix events, trainings and tuning into Webinars. They’re goldmines for support and inspiration.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words...A Thank You

Sometimes, bad things happen to good people and we struggle to understand the why of it, find ourselves incapable of finding the answers we seek in our struggle, feeling hopeless, sad, angry, frustrated and a whole host of other emotions.  It is in these times of trouble when some people have a beautiful way of stepping up, being there, lending a helping hand when the world seems darkest.

 

Last night I witnessed such a moment, and saw both the generousity and magic of the Isagenix family.

 

Two of my closest friends here in the tiny hamlet of Mountaindale are Kelsey and Mark who live kitty corner across the street behind the Upstate Karate studio here on Main Street.  I refer to them as kids because I'm almost 57, they in their mid 20's.  They are beautiful people, talented musicians and hard working folks.  They have a beautiful cat, and the friendliest dog (Kia) that you would ever want to meet...she is one of those loving, happy, beautiful dogs that everyone falls in love with the instant they meet her. 

 

Yesterday the kids found out that Kia has cancer...they are at the vet's office as I type this having more testing done, finding out what stage Kia's cancer is in...needless to say, Mark and Kelsey are devastated at this news, especially since Kia is not yet five years old.  I put up a post in the isaMasterminds group on Facebook, then duplicated it in Isa Pets group...the concensus advice...reach out to Andrea who saved her dog's life (Star) with Isagenix.  I reached out to her (she is my coach), informed her that Kia's test had come in positive, that Kia has Lymphoma.

 

Mark, Kelsey and I were outside the Mountaindale Inn last night hugging, crying and petting Kia when my cell phone rang.  It was Andrea who was in NYC attending a conference with someone we all know.  She asked if Kelsey was there, as Jim Rhoades wanted to talk to her about Kia and what Isagenix Super Food might be able to do...WOW.  That was/is a moment, is one of those times when you realize just how truly loving and giving this Isagenix family is. 

 

So Andrea Hameed and Jim Rhoades...THANK YOU...last night the two of you truly were God's angels, there when  dear friends of mine needed you.

First Day of Deep Cleanse Coming To End

My coach has me doing a five-two-five-two program for the first part of my cleanse.  Five days of shots and a shake, a two day Deep Cleanse, then five days of shakes and two days of Deep Cleanse...coming to the end of the first day of my second deep cleanse...just drank my forth installment, and feeling pretty good.  Hungry, so in half an hour after the cleanse and my water are settled, going to treat myself to an Isa Snack. 

I had a decent day...took my new lens out and photographed for several hours today.  A lot of driving (to the point of being almost lost), and a lot of walking.  Would see something, park the car and then walk around to get the shot, including a one mile walk up to our Fire Tower where unfortunately the gate to the tower was locked, so was not able to go to the top which was my plan.  Came home and did some basic editing, and though learning this new lens is going to take some time, got a few shots that I like.

My energy levels are fine today, but noticed this second Deep Cleanse seems to be hitting me a bit harder on the emotional side than the first one.  Best way to describe it, is I just feel and have felt most of the day down, almost but not quite sad, and a bit out of sorts.   Thinking a part of that might have to do with the fact that I ate some foods this weekend that were great on the taste buds, but not overly healthy and am wondering if that might have something to do with it.

Hoping at the end of this cleanse to see my weight under 180 pounds...been at least a decade since my body has seen anything under 180, so fingers are crossed.

Thinking I might crawl into bed early and read a book till I fall off to sleep.

What Isagenic Can Do For You..."Jill's Birth" Video Needs No Words

Rarely am I speechless, and rarely is there a "You Tube" video that needs no words of explantion...I was just friend-ed by Jill Birth on Facebook, and feel honored...especially after watching her transformation video on You Tube, seeing what Isagenix has helped her too achieve...as a newbie to Isagenix, as a person wanting to have my own transformation, could not ask for a more awe inspiring video to help boost my own ego as I begin my journey.  If have landed in my little space here on the internet, if you are wanting to lose weight, or are just looking for some inspiration as you effect change in your life, watch her video...it will bring tears to your eyes...tears of both understanding, sadness, and in the end, tears of joy and celebration.  To Jill, thanks for accepting my friend request, and for sending me the note that had a link to your beautiful transformational video.  I on my eleventh day in Isagenix watched that video with tears and my eyes, and look forward to the day when I can look at my own before and after pictures...thanks for the beautiful share.

Sunday Thoughts, and Isagenix Challenge Update

Sitting here mid-afternoon on Sunday looking over the past week amazed at everything that is going on, proud of what I have accomplished, but also wanting to keep my eye on the ball and set new goals for the week and months ahead.  There is no denying that my first ten plus days on Isagenix have changed me in ways I cannot yet measure, though some changes are noticeable.

1.  Highly elevated levels of energy.

2.  Twelve pounds of lost weight.

3.  I look (and feel) healthier.

4.  Seem to be more focused and on some level more goal oriented...IE, worked out in some fashion 7 out of my first ten days on the program...if I get my stationary bike ride in today, 8 out of 11.

At times, caution is the word of the day.  When I look at my gut and realize I still need to lose at least 20-25 more pounds, it is easy to see doubt wanting to creep in and I pull myself back to the here and now with the old adages of "Rome wasn't built in a day" and "Take it one day at a time".  Today I am on program, today I got some exercise, today I drank the required amount of water to both hydrate and cleanse my body.  Each of these are small daily victories that I need to celebrate on what is a journey of not days, but months, even perhaps years as I embrace and move into a new life and lifestyle, one of being a healthy and happy human being.

On the subject of celebrating (and looking ahead) should celebrate my victories over this past week, some of which are identical to things listed above.

1.  Began using Isagenix...actually started the week before when the product arrived.

2.  Took my body measurements, and entered (at urging of my coach) the Isagenix Body Challenge...more on that shortly.

3.  Lost both inches and pounds this week.

4.  Completed a two day Deep Cleanse.

5.  Walked a total of ten miles this week, and rode my stationary bike another 35...this last one really excites me.

My Contest Before Picture

The Body Challenge was a tough decision, and requires a lot of long term commitment...first example, is entering the challenge locks me in, commits me to dedicating myself over to Isagenix, listening to my coach and getting myself in better shape for a period of not just a few weeks, but for a period of 90 days, three months...longer when you read the fine print in the contest rules and see you are required to maintain what you have gained if you finish your duties before the contest ends which I believe is in June of 2013. (If you are going to enter anything, it helps to read the rules...I read them last night, then copied and pasted them into an email to myself so I can refer back to them as I move forward.)

Being on Isagenix for three months is the easy part...I am committed to that.

The rules make it clear that the challenge involves not just losing weight, but actually getting in shape, becoming a healthier person, and this means exercising, working out, training even.  They suggest getting a personal trainer...that is not within my reach right now, so need to look to plan B...TRAIN MYSELF.  Tough one, as to do that, I need a CLUE.  Yes, I know getting on the stationary bike or going out for a five mile walk/hike is a good start, but that is not really training.  Did stop in my travels this weekend to purchase two eight pound weights...people getting in shape, training, always seem to do weight training, so it seems like a good idea on my part.  In the movie Rocky, he was always running up and downstairs...I've not ran in years, let alone ran up stairs!

Can you tell by now I am far from a personal fitness trainer?  So, consider this a call for help...if any of you are personal trainers, or have worked with a personal trainer, would LOVE SOME SUGGESTIONS in the comments section down below.  In the meantime, later today and into tomorrow going to start letting my mouse do the walking as I start trying to come up with some kind of a training program to go along with what Isagenix is doing for me.

There are other things in the rules...IE, a 200-500 word essay on how Isagenix is positively changing your life.  I got time to fuss, fret and worry about that one later.  We can supplement our essay with a video...my first thought...OMG, I need a video camera, and a film crew (can one volunteer friend constitute as a film crew?).  AS my mind reels in a thousand different directions, I remember...FOCUS on today, set your goals and move forward ONE DAY AT A TIME.

So, that being said, as far as the contest is concerned going to commit to the written word a few simple goals for this coming week.

1.  Stay on Isagenix, and complete my second two day Deep Cleanse.

2.  Walk or ride my stationary bike at least 5 out of the next seven days.

3.  Do some research into personal fitness, and begin laying out a fitness plan for myself that respects where I am right now, while also pushing me to attain specific goals in the weeks to come.

Hope everyone is having a great Isagenix Sunday.

A Day Ten Report...My Program Becoming Routine

Do You Have Isagenix Shakes On Tap?

Today for various reasons has been a hard day...metally, physically and emotionally.  It is the kind of a day when I would have normally have craved comfort food, the kind of a day where at lunch time I would have gone to the nearest fast food place and gotten a couple burgers, a order of fries and a large soda.  The odd thing was, wanted NONE OF THAT, just wanted my shake and some water.  So, on a very stressful day, proud to realize I stuck to my routine, having my two shakes, drinking my water, and of course taking my accelerator, and most pleasing...did not really think about it as it was and is my routine, what I not only need to do, but what I want to do to get healthy, to be that person who for too long was screaming to get out.

Have not yet signed anyone up on Isagenix, but find myself sharing what it is doing for me, and have two or three people that I think might decide it is something they want to try in their life...that is exciting.  Find myself thinking about things like business cards, informational packets and handouts, all the things needed to more adequately share just what Isagenix is...in the meantime, I keep doing more reading, watching videos and spending time in the Facebook Isagenix groups. 

In my first week, I fulfilled the goals that I set out for myself, in some cases exceeded them...think on Monday it is time to set myself down and lay out a new set of goals to move myself forward on this new and exciting journey.  One of those goals...find out what I need to do to take those people who show interest, and get them to the point of saying, "Yes, I want that magic, sign me up."

It has probably been used already, but like the slogan, "Isagenix is changing lives one shake at a time."

The Sludge Report

Picture Taken on 5 Mile End Of Cleanse Walk

It is late here, and really should be asleep, but sometimes sleep does not come easy...even more so when you find yourself reflecting on dramatic changes taking place in your life and body in the course of just nine days...the time that I have been on Isagenix.  Just over one week, one Deep Cleanse, and though I still have a long way to go, feel like a new man in so many ways.

 

The title of this article, "The Sludge Report" really says everything about my own experience with my personal Deep Cleanse.  My sponsor told me how a cleanse works on a cellular level, told me that the Isagenix two day cleanse would be removing environmental and food product toxins from my body...OK, I'm game, lets give it a try.  It's hard to talk about poop...lets just say, that the materials that the cleanse ridded  me of in those two days (Tuesday and Wednesday) earlier this week literally reminded me of the sludge you see at a Sewage Treatment Plant...there was no doubt that something was happening, and that what was happening was a good thing...my body was being detoxicated!

 

Proper nuitritution thanks to what many have labeled a SUPER FOOD, my energy levels soaring as I went in the course of a week from feeling lethargic and tired to feeling energized, alive and mentally sharp.  Nine days, and this is what I have witnessed first hand so far:

 

1.  Mental Clarity...improved

2.  Weight...down...have lost 11.4 pounds (and not starved myself doing it)

3.  Total body inches...down...for instance, my thighs have lost almost two inches each.

4.  Energy levels WAY UP.

 

I am excited because I am SEEING RESULTS, results that I would not believe possible if I had not taken that leap of faith, and given myself the opportunity to be a product of the product.  I am looking forward to my second deep cleanse this upcoming Tuesday and Wednesday, am anticipating what reaching the next level in my own personal Isagenix journey is going to reveal.  Special thanks to my coach (Andrea Hameed), and all the wonderful folks on the Facebook Isagenix groups who are being the best cheerleaders and advice givers a person could ask for.

 

Isagenix is so much more than a group of products...it is a lifestyle choice, one I am happy to have made.

First Day of Deep Cleanse and Tenth Blog Post

It is 7:39 on this brisk fall Tuesday evening, and I am most of the way through what Isagenix calls a Deep Cleanse...the first of two I will do in my 30 day program to getting healthy.  How do I feel one might be tempted to ask, and I would say, "No different than I felt like yesterday, or the day before.

 

That's not quite true...

 

Surprisingly, a tiny bit hungry, but not HUNGRY, and sure when I have my fourth and final glass of the Isagenix Cleanse for Life of the day that my hunger will disipate again.  From a physical body perspective, this first day of my cleanse has not been as hard as I had imagined it to be...well, other than the drinking water part, as I have never been a big consumer of H2O...that said, have to say I am proud of the (so far) six pint glasses of water I have consumed today.  (That is 96 ounces for those wondering.)  I've not had an apple slice yet today, though have had two of the Isagenix chocolate treats so far. 

 

Managed my bike ride, something I have done five out of the six days since I started on Isagenix.  I've burned at least 160 calories a day in each of those rides, and covered at least 7 miles.  Today's ride was harder, had to push myself to get on the stationary bike and set the machine to its level 4 30 minute weight loss ride, but I did it, and ended up riding 7.1 miles and burning 165 calories.  Difference today from the other days so far...I felt and feel it, the ride sapping me a bit, leaving me feeling more than a bit running on empty.

 

Mentally and emotionally, it has been a HARD DAY...one has to be committed to the process, and one has to believe in that process, and for those of us early on in our journeys, believing in both the process and the product is one that has to be taken on faith.  On some level, think when we do this DEEP CLEANSE, based on some of the stories we have heard, that we expect it A) to be something very difficult to do, B) that during the process itself we are suddenly going to feel, and perhaps even look different, and as a result of A&B think C) that we perhaps hype ourselves up a bit too much and then when there is not that great burning bush to stare at, that great ah hah moment where we can say, "OMG, I feel so much better" or "OMG, can feel the toxins being stripped away at a cellular level and then that C is not there as a part of the day, it is hard not to feel a bit of a let down, not to see that faith falter a step or two.

 

Which is when perhaps I had my ah hah moment of the day.  Everyone knows it takes dicipline to accomplish our goals, but where does that dicipline come from?  What I came up with is, "the three D's of discipline theory...well, maybe calling it a theory is a bit presumptious, but when the thought popped into my head I liked it.  Here is the thought...

 

"Dicipline is the byproduct of our dreams, desires and dedication to a goal."

 

Too long for a bumper sticker, so thinking maybe express it as a mathematical equation D=d+d+d or the other way around, d+d+d=D.  Not a great bumper sticker, but best I can come up with 3/4 of the way into my first day of DEEP CLEANSE.  Think I will just stick to the Three d's of Disipline and call it a day.

 

Just quaffed my four and final glass of Isagenix Cleanse for Life and starting on a glass of water...think I can call my first day a success.