Day One - time to make some changes.

The time has come to take action. Over the years I've talked a lot about making changes.. especially after the cancer. But as they say - life seems to always get in the way.

What's that you say? Didn't you get a second chance at life? You survived Stage 4 testicular cancer, have a beautiful wife and son, a cool career, and you haven't been able to live the life you want? Why not?

Well a few days ago the answer came to me. And it's a painful one. The thing that's been stopping me from making the changes I want to see in my life... is ME. So it wasn't LIFE getting in the way... it was ME allowing things in my life to get in the way of achieving the changes I wanted to see.

All that that stops TODAY.

Because, no one is as foolish as those who get a second chance, and voluntarily throw it away. And that's what I've been doing these last four years after surviving the "Big C" - I haven't been taking care of myself, haven't been doing what I want to do with my time, haven't been paying attention to things I should have, and haven't governed my own LIFE. And that's just a damn shame.

I read an article a few days ago which helped make everything clear to me. It was about the top five regrets people have on their deathbed. Morose, right? But boy oh boy was it a wake-up call to me.. because ALL FIVE of the points could have been describing ME. Here they are:

1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
2. I wish I didn’t work so hard.
3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.

HOLY. CRAP. Right? Don't tell me that NONE of those five effect you to some degree or another - if they don't, then I envy you.

Every single one of those points spoke to me personally. And you know what - I could have been on  my deathbed 4 years ago - I made plans for what my own epitaph would say on my headstone. Makes you think... but apparently I haven't thought enough about myself to make a difference.

SO - why am I writing this blog you ask? Two reasons, really.

ONE - To challenge myself to become a better version of who I am today. To improve myself mentally, physically and emotionally to live a better life, in effect cashing in on the second chance at life I've been given.

and TWO - To help YOU. Perhaps by following my journey, you can find some answers to your own questions about why you're not living as the optimum 'you', and can start your own voyage of discovery.

This won't be easy - and I know that. There's a LOT of bad habits and health issues to overcome in my personal story. I am a diabetic (on a pump) and had neuropathy in my feet and hands from the chemo treatments. I've never been terribly athletic, but I've decided to do a c25k (Couch to 5K) and utilize my bike to lose the weight I've gained over the years.

My weigh-in today is 185.5. Not crazy bad, but by my first of many daily photos to come, not too flattering either. My current goal - 160. But it's not just about the weight.. I want to get fit too. Actually put on some muscle and LOOK GOOD as well as FEEL GOOD.

I am starting the C25K tomorrow, and will be posting all walks, runs and rides on here. Not only so you can keep tabs on me, but so I can be accountable :)

I also want to tell you about an awesome products I've decided to use to assist/accelerate my weight loss and good health. They are from the Zrii line of Deepak Chopra Center-endorsed ayurvedic nutrition wellness products. One is called Zrii, and it's a anti-oxidant juice with amalaki, and the other is called NutriiVeda - a meal replacement shake which builds lean muscle while increasing energy and curbing appetite.

I'm going to track all of my progress here, but if you'd like to read more about these products so you can come to your own conclusions - check out my website here: LINK. You can read about the science behind ayurvedic nutrition, amalaki and all of the other great, healthy items Zrii includes in their products.

AND - as another great incentive, my good buddy (we like to call it a 'bromance') comedian Craig Shoemaker has taken up the challenge too, and is beginning his weight-loss adventure today with me. I'm sure he'll come on here occasionally to comment on his progress as well.

So, here we go - I'm drinking my first shake this morning as a breakfast replacement.. tastes pretty good.. I've mixed the powder with Almond Milk (low carb!) and my wife Tricia just took my first day's photos... don't scream and run away - they'll get better.. I have faith!

Thanks for following - see you tomorrow with some new progress! Here's to good health and second chances!

-Pittle out.

Day one photos below: