Starting Over: My Year of Reflection, My Year of Change

My physical appearance hasn't changed much since this time last year.  All of my changes have taken place within.

Within my mind, my soul, and my heart.

I finally feel ready to peel off the crisp layers of disappointment, pain, and hurt that have consumed me since June 2013.  My interior is no longer rough, lost, or sad.  My exterior does not define who I am or what my journey is, or has been about over the past few years.  The definition of my life, my dreams, and my goals is so much bigger than physical appearance, fame, notoriety, money, or accomplishments.

So what are the lessons I've learned since June of 2013?  They are simple lessons with a huge impact:

1)  Never put anyone or anything on a pedestal.  God is the only being that belongs there.
2)  Never allow another person, place, or thing to define ME.
3)  Some people are only meant to be a part of my life for a brief moment. And that's okay.

This past year has strengthened me on so many different levels.  I am excelling in areas that I never even dreamed could be possibilities.  My career path has changed, and I am focused.  I had 2 additional health crisis' this past year, one acute and one chronic;  I consider them temporary set-backs and not FAILURES.



It's not about the weight loss. Sometimes, life happens, and goals need to be re-adjusted or changed completely.  My journey no longer has a time limit.  I no longer set unobtainable goals for myself.  I have come to realize and accept that I have major health issues that may prevent me from ever having the body that I once thought I wanted. I became so caught up in the ECD hype that I used to ambassador for, that I actually thought I wanted to be a stage competitor at one time!

I laugh at that because I allowed myself to become caught up in a moment, someone else's moment, and decided to make it my moment.  My moment to be a part of the movement, the excitement, the dream.  But it's not my dream.  It was Tosca Reno's dream.  I was caught up in her moment, and at the time, I wanted it for myself.  I faithfully followed her through her training process, and supported her through her competition.  She looked so amazing, I immediately wanted that 'win' for myself.

Not to take away her moment... but to create one for myself. 

I have no desire to be that person.  And I never really did.  Why was that dream so unattainable for me?  The truth is, because it's not really my dream. I never really wanted it. I just didn't know how to create my own.



I've figured it all out now.  The key is to just BE MYSELF. Do my best every day, even on the days that my health issues are all-consuming and have me in bed.  I take "me" days now, and I've learned how to relax my body, mind, and spirit.  Currently, I'm obtaining my Health Coach Certification and will be opening up my own Health and Wellness Coaching Business this fall!  Health Coaching takes all of my nursing knowledge/experience/certification and licensing, and rolls it all up into one big career of awesomeness!  The last time I was this excited about something, I was graduating from nursing school.



In addition to my new coaching endeavor, I created a new brand, called 'The Live-Clean Lifestyle,' where I focus on teaching people not only the importance of eating clean and healthy, but how to also live clean and healthy in every aspect of life.  The cleaner our lives are, the healthier we feel mentally, physically, and spiritually. 

I have no intention of becoming a huge public figure, famous person, or rich individual.  My only goal is to teach, and for others to share my teachings with their family and friends. Of course, I have to make a living from what I have chosen as my career... so I will have classes, books, and programs for purchase eventually.  However, The Live-Clean Lifestyle website will always be free knowledge to the public.  I encourage others to share the knowledge.  We can empower the world to encompass better living for better health.  I truly believe that.  I'm honored to have one of my buddies, Carrie Kennedy,  as a contributor to my new brand!  Carrie and I go way back to The Eat-Clean Diet days, and she is the winner of their '4th Annual ECD Makeover Challenge.'  Find us here:  thelive-cleanlifestyle.com



As for me, The Iron Pirate, I'm still a Pirate!  I'm still lifting Iron, working out, and living clean.  I have adapted new workout styles to benefit my injured knee issues, and it does seem to be getting stronger, with the occasional flair-up.  But it's all do-able!  I just keep pushing forward, one day at a time.  I still get cravings for crappy food or beverages, and like any other person, I do give in at times.  I have a new program on my cell phone that I utilize every day (S Health, on my Galaxy S5... it's amazing) that also has a built in pedometer and heart rate counter. So long, FitBit!  I no longer need your crappy services! But it was a good run!

With my hypothyroid issues, I'm not sure if I will ever reach my 100 pound weight loss goals.  I've accepted that, and I'm okay with any number on the scale that my body becomes comfortable at.  This isn't just a 'start here, finish there' type of journey.  This is a 'daily goal of optimal healthy living' journey.  I've embraced it, I've stuck with it, and I've been so blessed by all of the changes I have encountered, positive and negative.  Every change brings about a new season. 

And with that, I leave you with my next (soon to be published) endeavor:

"The Seasons of Living Clean" Book, coming this summer 2014.

I'll keep you posted! 

Live Clean, Live Healthy, Be Healed XOXO

~Kaptain Morgan, The Iron Pirate X0X thelive-cleanlifestyle.com