Skip to content

Posts tagged ‘How to put yourself in the equation’

Jun 14

Sometimes we all need a little help

Mindset, Motivation & Momentum — an accountability group for weight loss & healthy living

Me at 6 years healthy, May 12, 2018. Keepin it real.

Ringo Starr and the Beatles were definitely on to something — sometimes we all need a little help from our friends. Or, rather, we get by with a little help from our friends! 🙂

Asking for help — personal or professional — is often challenging for people, especially when we are struggling. When it comes to weight loss or wellness, we often believe that because we know WHAT to do, we should be able to “just do it” on our own. We might not want to be a bother or burden to others. Perhaps we’re ashamed that we actually need help and can’t bring ourselves to admit that we’re struggling for fear of what others might think. So, we continue in excuse mode. We struggle, and stay stuck or stalled alone instead of reaching out for help. Does any of this sound familiar?

Today, I’m leading by example. I am both asking for help and giving you an opportunity to do the same. Read more

Aug 22

2 Comments

WWLD? Staying “In The Equation” in a crisis

WWLD — What Would Lori Do? This is my new mantra for practicing self-care and keeping myself “In The Equation” when the going gets really, really, really tough. (Yes, three reallys!)

And right now things are tough. My Dad has spent the last 12 days in the hospital about 60 miles from where I live — a week in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit. My 13-year old nephew is still without full-time parental care and living in a temporary foster home. His mom, my 53-year-old sister, is in her third nursing home in 1.5 years working on recovering from a massive stroke. And the family dynamics amidst all of this are a challenge to say the least.

Thus, for the first time since May 2012, I find myself really struggling to stay “In the Equation.” I’ve fallen off my healthy eating plan and eaten more junk food in the last two weeks than in the last five years (yep, I’m not perfect). I haven’t practiced my regular high intensity workout routine for weeks. Sleep is a challenge. I haven’t written a blog in nearly a month. My home and yard need attention… And yet, despite all of that I have NOT thrown in the towel on my own self care. Why? Because this is my new “Healthy Lori” non-negotiable.

As I returned last night weary and sad from a long stretch at the hospital, I debated whether I could muster the strength to write a blog in an attempt to process some of the stress I’m feeling. What would I say to myself to get back on track that might also be useful to others who find themselves in a tumultuous sea of crisis — things totally outside of their control and struggling to stay afloat?

What popped into my head was not an answer, but a question: “What would Lori do?” I wondered. Read more

Mar 20

The mountain and me

Six years, countless climbs. Still conquering the mountain & me!

It started on this mountain in the depth of winter a little over six years ago. This is where I dug deep and found myself – my strength, my determination, my resolve, and my desire for a better life.

This is where I officially decided that I wanted more out of life than being obese and living small. This is where I decided I wanted it all. And most importantly, I decided — YES, indeed, I could do it!

It was December 2010 when I first met Oberg – a little mountain on Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior. I weighed upwards of 360 lbs (down 20 from my all-time high). I was on day two of weight-loss boot camp when they told me we were going to climb a mountain…in snowshoes.

I was pissed, scared, and a bit defiant when it came time to suit up in our snow gear. Fear took over as I contemplated my first mountain climb ever. I stood there and allowed Jeremy, the young activities director, to strap on my snowshoes because it was too hard for me to bend over and I had no idea how to assemble those contraptions to my feet.

How time flies and circumstances change!

Today, March 18, 2017, I find myself back at the foot of Oberg Mountain Loop strapping on trackers over my hiking shoes. I am alone. I am -200 lbs lighter in load. I am strong, confident, resilient and beautiful. And this time, I am oh so grateful for the trip up what I now refer to as “my mountain.”

I KNOW this mountain. I know me. And I know that I will find exactly what I need today as I make my way up the deceivingly steady incline at the start of the trail, on the switchbacks, and as I make my way around the hilly 2.2 mile loop with breathtaking views. Read more

Jan 4

1 Comment

How about a year of YOU in the equation?

What it means to put yourself in the equation & why it’s so important

ITE_Survival_quote_instagramChances are if you’re reading this blog, follow our Facebook page or belong to our online community, you’ve heard me express the phrase: Put yourself in the equation.

Not only has it become my life-mantra and framework for healthy living, but it is quickly becoming my life’s work. I aim to inspire, motivate and coach people to live from the center of the equation of their own lives, taking care of their health and wellness first. I’m that passionate about it, and that certain that it’s the key to unlocking your personal potential.

This blog is about the WHAT and the WHY behind putting yourself in the equation. It includes tips about where to start if indeed you want to make YOU the priority.

I wholeheartedly agree with this quote from Audre Lorde: “I have come to believe that caring for myself is NOT self-indulgent. Caring for myself is an act of survival.” I now view taking care of my needs — my health and happiness — as an act of survival. What’s more, I’m living proof that when you do so, you not only make your life better, you also positively impact your family, your business or workplace, and your community.

In fact, my vision is that this is how we change the world. One happy, healthy and in-their-equation person, family, business, and community at a time. Just think what’s possible if each of us is truly living as our best, healthiest, “well” self?!

It all starts with YOU…taking care of YOU. Read more

May 8

Looking for inspiration? A jumpstart?

Here it is! Join us at FitFest 2015. We’re giving away 4 tickets to this all-day fitness and wellness extravaganza & I’m one of the seminar speakers…

ITE_050415-fitfest_flyerSpring is the perfect time to renew your commitment to yourself and your health.

What better way than to attend an all-day fitness and wellness extravaganza, including educational seminars and motivational speakers — LIKE ME, Chris Freytag and more! Plus, the latest in hip group fitness classes and an awesome health and fitness expo?!

On Saturday, May 30, Mpls. St. Paul Magazine’s first annual FitFest 2015 will be held at the U of M Recreation & Wellness Center from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Join me to kick off the day with my 9 a.m. seminar: “How to Put Yourself in the Equation and Re-ignite your Life.”

Read more

Sep 22

1 Comment

How I put myself in the equation and reignited my life…and you can too!

When I started my transformation journey at 350+ pounds, I had no illusions it would be easy. I knew my stomach would grumble, my muscles would ache and my courage might flag. To succeed, I adopted a new way of thinking and focused on the life I wanted to create. Read more

Sep 1

Me…a cover girl! Really?!

Today I saw the September issue of Duluth Superior Magazine for the first time. The issue is focused on spirituality and health and it hit newsstands this past week. And, I am the cover girl!

Yes, indeed, the cover features a photo of Leif Anderson, my transformation coach, holding me at my celebration party on the North Shore. Inside the magazine, you can read the story of my transformation titled, “Changing the equation,” and a “how to” sidebar describing how I put myself in the center of the equation of my life and lost more than 200 pounds, 47.5% body fat, and became a fit, happy and active girl.

Cover girl

When Wendy Webb, the editor of Duluth Superior Magazine, saw the photo of Leif holding me she immediately suggested she wanted to run it with my personal essay. But it wasn’t until a week or two before printing that I learned the photo would appear on the cover of the magazine! When I first saw it, I had mixed feelings. Part of me was excited and happy — how fun to be a cover girl, right?! But another part of me was apprehensive…a bit self-conscious. Perhaps further proof that my head has not caught up with my transformation on the outside. Sometimes I still see the fat girl, not the newly transformed woman I am today. But I’m working on it!

Ironically, this cover photo almost didn’t happen. It was Leif’s idea to take the shot and I remember him trying to sell me on the idea. At the time, I didn’t grasp the magnitude of the moment. All I could think was that he wouldn’t be able to lift me or would hurt himself doing so.

It took a fair amount of coaxing from Leif (who reminded me that he knows exactly what I weigh) and some coaching from fellow Fitness North trainer Jay Grove to get the shot that now appears on the magazine cover. The truth is, it is the most fitting tribute to my transformation journey under Leif’s expert guidance. It shows both my transformation on the outside and our mutual happiness on the inside. It truly was one of the most memorable moments of my life. It’s not every day that a girl gets swept off her feet, right?! And if you are 350+ pounds, well, let’s just say “it ain’t gonna happen!”

So a special thank you to Leif Anderson for suggesting the photo and sharing in this special moment. To Jay Grove for the coaching to get the lift just right! And to both Leif and Jay for not letting my dress ride up! lol Finally, a big thank you to my friend and documentary photographer, Jean Voxland, for perfectly and beautifully capturing the moment. Jean also took my second favorite photo — the one of my mentor O’Neal Hampton and Leif hugging me — that appears inside the magazine. Another capstone shot on a perfect celebration party night.

Sharing my story…inspiring others

While appearing on the cover of the magazine is special, I am even more excited about the opportunity to tell the story of how I changed the equation, flipped my life upside down and, for the first time since I can remember, put myself and my health at the center of my life. In the process, I transformed my body and reignited my life. Duluth Superior Magazine gave me an opportunity to share my story to inspire others and to tell how I did it in a sidebar titled, “Five principles for putting yourself in the equation.”

I hope you will read the article here and let me know what you think. If you are someone who struggles to make time and space in your life to take care of you; feels things in your life are out of balance and your dreams are out of reach; or if you have significant weight to lose but can’t seem to get there on your own — to you, my message is simple: YOU CAN DO THIS!  There is no question that if I can do it, YOU can do it too. It is within your grasp. And like O’Neal and Leif did for me, I am here to help. Connect with me here and let’s chat. Life on the other side of fear is a blast and you deserve true happiness. We all do.

Cheers!

Lori

P.S. You can read the full article and sidebar in PDF form here. The magazine can be purchased on major newsstands in Duluth and the North Shore region. As of now, I cannot find it in the Twin Cities but hope there will be a link online soon.

**Special thanks to my new friend Julie Slowiak from Duluth who purchased magazines and sent them to me! 🙂