A 1000-mile journey begins with the first step

"On a 10-point scale, if I am at level two in any field, and desire to move to level five, I must first take a step toward level three. 'A thousand-mile journey begins with the first step' and can only be taken one step at a time."
Source: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Desk Calendar

... I am reminded today of a number of things. (1) After returning from the hospital (my wife having just had out-patient surgery), I was reminded of just how important maintaining our health is. (2) I am amazed by the technology that's available to us today. (3) I am grateful that at least for now I'm blessed with good health and a responsive body that still thrives when exercised. (4) And although I'm disappointed at times with my progress in this BFL challenge, I've come across such wisdom as found above.

... Hmmmm ... Today I'm at a level six (maybe a seven) and moving toward eight.

The angel in us all needs another to fly.

"We are, each of us, angels with only one wing,
and we can only fly embracing each other."

– Luciano Decrescenzo

... Have been away from the office and from home; attending (as a coach) a fast-pitch softball travel team's tournament and my son's college orientation.

... Both events reminded me again and again just how important it is for us all to help one another.

... The accomplishments of any one individual are dependent upon so, so many others. These support personnel act directly or indirectly in each of our 'heavenly' triumphs.

... So today remind yourself that we fly only when we help another one-winged angel.

... And don't forget to fly high. Better yet, SOAR!

It is a good day to begin a challenge.

I've copied Larry Frascarelli's BFL guestbook post as the title of this day's blog entry. It reminded me of what warriors of old would declare just before launching into battle.

"It is a good day to die."

So today, I not only agree that a simple declaration is appropriate, but must add ...

"It is a good day to begin a challenge.
It is a good day to begin a new life."

July 4, 2005, is the first day of yet another official BFL 12-week Challenge. After all, anything worth doing is worth repeating, yes? This will be my 11th challenge. I feel as if I've made progress in each and every one of the ten challenges completed thus far. Along the way I've learned that it's too, too easy to tell yourself rational lies. It's quite a little bit harder to keep 100% of your self promises. But with each lesson learned or re-learned comes a new beginning.

Yes, today is a good day to begin a challenge.

BFL Rocks

Before BFL folks mistook me for Santa Claus; I fit too easily in an
extra-large-sized red suit.
Finally I decided "I had enough" and it was time for a change.
Losing weight wasn't enough; a total transformation was needed.

Resistance training added muscle; the dumbbells seemed to multiply in the home
gym.
Others began to notice the changes in my appearance and attitude; "I'm living
large," now a size "L" versus "XL" or "XXL."
Cardio-aerobic workouts perpared me for the Semper Fit 5K Run, the first such
race in over 20 years.
Keeping things in perspective now is easier because of a BFL-inspired power
mind-set.
Success is truly found along the way while helping others achieve their goals.