Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Holidays

I received an email the other day from a wonderful woman who has recently lost well over 100 pounds. She had written to me that she has been having a little problem lately (as many of us could certainly relate too). I wrote back to her and tried to encourage her to keep going, what was happening to her was a normal thing and this is the time not to fall deeper into negative state of mind. My friend then in return, wrote back to me, she said that she was “under a lot of stress in her life right now and that she would start after the holidays and begin with a “New”, New Years Resolution”! Oh! I felt an arrow go right through my heart as I read those words!

It sounded so familiar, I have heard that from so many people over the years and even worse, I have told myself that exact thing several years over my life.

Do you know how much damage I can do to myself from now until January 1st? Do you know how many pounds and inches I could add to my body, how much pressure to my heart, legs, and organs, I could place on myself? How much overall damage I can do to my health in general? Do we have any idea any much weight is gained over this period of time with that kind of thinking?

That kind of thinking, in my opinion, is the “Disease Talking”. That is the sick part of our brain, giving us permission, rationalizing with us to wait. Sure, my dear friend (who emailed me) has stress in her life and I certainly know when there is stress the last thing you feel like doing is eating healthy. Yet when we start rationalizing and giving ourselves permission to not pay attention to what we eat and just eat without boundaries, well then we are in trouble! It is going to take a lot of energy and maybe a tragedy to get back on track. Besides if, we wait for a stress free life….. Well when will that be?

My friends the Holidays are great times and they should be but they are actually only three or 4 days and maybe a party thrown in here or there. Six days is not 40 days or 25 days of uncontrolled eating. Part of your celebration, of your holidays may be with some traditional (fattening) dishes. Okay, eat some, have a taste, a normal portion. The trick is just for that day!

Do not celebrate the holidays with the leftovers for the next 6 weeks and then suffer for the rest of the year trying to undo the damage.

Besides, if you plan you actual days meals (with the extras) and you stick to it pretty much (and if need be include your sweets) then two things will happen.

First of all, you are almost taking out insurance that you will have a good chance of being around next year to enjoy it all over again.

The second thing is an immediate HIGH! You will feel so much better with yourself the next day when you have stuck to your plan.
Then come January 2nd when the whole world gains 20 to 100 pounds you may actually gain less or maybe even nothing! WOW, can you imagine that!

What better gift can you give yourself than that! Do you not deserve it? I think so!

Therefore, make this Holiday a real special one for you.

I wish you and all your loved ones all the best, I will have you in my prayers and please keep me in yours.

Love
Mike

Ps
If for some reasons one of your plans do not work out one day (one meal), do not give up! Do not wait another month another day! Make a new plan and stick to it! You can do it!
You are a winner!

56 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi All,

Just wanted to wish eveyone a Happy Thanksgiving. The last few years have been a blessing for me and my family. For the first time in over 15 years I have been able to enjoy the special holidays with my entire family being home. We had been priviliged to go visit family, friends and just relax and enjoy. Michael has spent at least one holiday or more in a nursing home or hospital which was difficult for him and the rest of us. But no matter how hard or bad things where we still had each other and enjoyed ourselves in spite of this. One of the things I learned is that we can get through or achieve anything as long as we really stay focused and do not lose sight of what we want. The holidays are always festive and full of parties, treats and goodies. I try to remember that the treat and the goodies are my family, health and happiness that is here all year long not just the now that can destroy everything that I have worked for.

I guess in short I am saying enjoy and stay strong remember you are worth it.

Madelaine (mike's wife)

Anonymous said...

First off it was great to see your blog Madelaine...and its wonderful that you all can be together this year and celebrate and be thankful for so much ...

In reading your blog Mike and seeing the words I will start after New years tore through me as i have said that so many times and New years never comes ... it is a vicious cycle... now i look upon it as ok if i didn't make it today or this moment there is the next moment and tomorrow... i don't push it off till after the holidays because then i can have gained another 50 pounds or so...

I know for myself i need to live each day as its a holiday and not look at the holidays as a food frenzy but i need to look at them as special days with my family and friends and how can we make this day more special and what can we do to make more memories.... this year we are planning on going to see the lights at night and just enjoy each other... yes the food will be there yes i need to be strong but that is a choice i have to make and hopefully will make the wise choice and if i slip then its ok...because i will pick myself off and get through it and now dwell on it

I wish you all a great thanksgiving and a great start to the holiday season .... much love to you and your family

Love always
Carol

Anonymous said...

Dear Michael
Once again you have gone right to my heart, through my head. Great blog and I hope to keep to my plan. I know after reading this I changed my plan and I am not waiting until the New Year. Thanks Michael and you are in my prayers
Your devoted friend
Lydia

Anonymous said...

Dear Mike
I read this blog and you are talking about me. I have done such damage over the years for the holiday season. This year will be different. Thanks
Fern Fl

Anonymous said...

Dear Michael
I want to wish you a happy Thanksgiving to you and Madelaine. Thanks for this blog page you are such and inspiration to me. Please tell your wife I love what she wrote and I believe she is a great woman and a true hero.
Lee Vt

Anonymous said...

Michael
Got through Thanksgiving and now am struggling to get back on track and hold on until Christmas. Keep encouraging us. We love you Mike
Thelma J.

Anonymous said...

Dear Mike
I think you are so in touch with the problems that we all suffer with this food battle. Please keep talking about it. You help, at least you are helping me. Came home from the family dinner without leftovers and I am eating what I should right now. Thanks
Linda F

Anonymous said...

Hi Michael
Have been following your story for years and you have been a true inspiration to me. I have had a problem with my weight since the womb. I want you to know that you have helped me (reading this blog) stay on track. I have lost only 19 pounds but it is a start.
Will keep in touch.
Mindy Ca.

Anonymous said...

Michael
Why are you not dead yet?

E.W.

Anonymous said...

Do i want to get angry at that last comment or do i really feel sorry for you for even posting that.......What if someone came up to you and said wow your really ugly why are you still alive....questions and posts like these just amaze me that people are so judgmental and have nothing better to do with their time.....
I guess i have never been judgmental to someone because of their weight or their looks ... i look at a person from the inside out not the outside in ....and the only one who can answer why are you not dead yet is actually the man above since he holds the cards...im sorry if i was out of line here but it is comments like this that make me think twice about the human race well not all of it...just some of it

Anonymous said...

People are really unbelievable. I truly feel sorry for E.W. I could only imagine their life. Michael is not dead yet because it is not his time and it is none of your business. I have no Idea what you may look like but you could not be one bit as beautiful as Michael is.
You pitiful person.
To Mike I personally am thankful you are alive
Dorothy

Anonymous said...

Dear Mike
Need to let you know that your Holiday message has helped me be aware of my post holiday eating. I am doing well and thank you so much!
Love what you do
Roberta NM

Anonymous said...

Mike
I am a winner and thank you for reminding me.
Geraldine

Anonymous said...

Michael
Have been glad to find your blog and to read what you have to say. You are inspirational, educational and seem like an all around nice guy.
Please keep up this blog page.
A friend named
Charles

Anonymous said...

Hi Mike
Wonderful blog and love the messages. I enjoy the polls. What do you do with the information?
Thank you for all your help
Ellen T

senorziltox said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

Hi Mike
I answered this current poll as "tomorrow". Yet I am working on it. I get a lot of inspiration from you and you put me on the right path. Wish me luck
Wendy

Mike Hebranko said...

Hi Madelaine
I love that you post and thanks you have always made me feel that I was worth it!
Love You
B

Mike Hebranko said...

My dear Carol
You have the philosophy down pat and I know that you work hard to put it in practice. I hope you had a great Thanksgiving and we have to talk before Christmas
Be well, take care
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Lydia
It was a great trip from your head to your heart .... only kidding! I want to wish you luck on your journey and I believe you will stay focused and stick to your plans. Just remember often with plans there come bumps. Hop over them and go forward.
Good luck
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Fern
You are right, when I wrote this blog positing I was talking about you! I was talking about you, me, Bob, Carol, Ted, Joan, and every other person who has ever battled with our disease or even just simply tried to take off and keep off five pounds.
Fern, good luck to you, let's keep in touch
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Sweet Lee
I passed you thoughts on to my wife, as a matter of fact I am sure she read it herself.
I have to agree with you she is great and a true hero, she certainly is my hero!
Thanks Lee, good luck to you
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Thelma
You can do it and we both know it! Just don't give up and be patient with Thelma. Thelma is human and I am sure sensitive and remember none of us are perfect. That is okay!
Go for it and go for it as often as you have to. Keep in touch
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Linda
Good for you!!! Those leftovers could be a killer. I wonder if the native Americans went home with leftovers from the first Thanksgiving? Anyway, good luck Linda and I guess we only have right "Now" to deal with. So great for now.
Good luck
Love
Mike
PS
As for being in touch with the problem ... I have lived with it for over 50 years, with many ups and many set backs but I go forward.

Mike Hebranko said...

My dear Mindy
You "only lost 19 pounds", now Mindy! Nineteen pounds is GREAT!
Don't ever think that this in not exactly what it is .... a great accomplishment!
Keep up the great work and all the best of luck to you! Keep in touch.
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear E.W.
I suggest you ask God your question.
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Anonymous
No one is perfect and please don't give up on the human race because of E.W. our any individuals. I personally love the human race.
Thank you for your comments
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Dorothy
Thank you so much and you too are one of those beautiful people. Have a great holiday to you and your family
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Roberta
Glad to hear that you are doing well and I wish you all the best.
Have a happy holiday season and "Never Give UP"!
Love
Mike
PS
Looks like you are losing a Governor!

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Geraldine
Never forget it!!
Sometimes we need to be reminded!

You Are A Winner, Then, Now and Always

Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Charles
I hope to keep the blog going and I hope I am a nice guy!

Have a great Holiday and keep in touch
Also you friend
Mike

Anonymous said...

Hi All,

Just have to answer EW, Michael is here to continue letting people like you realize that he is a person and people like you need to treat people that are different with respect. Just so you know my husband and I have dedicated the last 20 years to the battle of obesity and we have helped many others with some very simple things that the average person takes for granted. Maybe you should look in the mirror and see what can you do to help the world today with a positive outlook and go out there and help. That's what the last twenty years have been in our lives.
Thanks

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Ellen
Thank you for your kind comments. As for the Polls, right now I am doing nothing with the information except just collecting it. Who knows some day what it may show or where it may help. Just a reminder all the poll information is anonymous, I have no idea who answers in which way.
Have a great one
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Wendy
I wish you luck ........Go get em!!!
Love
Mike

Unknown said...

Its so weird that Mikes story fascinates me since I saw the documentary,because I have never had a weight problem. Im 65 kgs and 5'6. BUT.....I can still still relate totally as I am addicted to smoking. I am 47 and have been smoking since I was 14. The feeling must be exactly the same as craving food. I have given up many times but never manage to stay off them yet i know they will kill me...........

Anonymous said...

Blue
I also do not have a weight problem but am very intrigued with Mike's blog. I have a drinking problem, I go to meetings and still sometimes have a problem. Mike encourages me not to quit
I guess we all have something in common
Tom

Anonymous said...

Michael
Read your Holiday blog right before Thanksgiving and I just want to share with you that you helped me to stay with my plan.
I want to say thanks
It is not easy but I am determined.
Howard Esposito

Anonymous said...

Hi Mike
I have been looking to see how you are. I found this blog. Are you the guy they took out the window? If you are you look great. I hope you are.
Well whoever you are I love what you have to say
Lori H

Anonymous said...

Mike
Thanks for the blog. I especially like the thoughts of day. I want you to know that I your last two blog postings have helped me so much
Cindy, Boston

Anonymous said...

Michael
You have so much insight into the struggle. You need to get out there and tell your story more and to try to get people to understand
Lee

Anonymous said...

To E.W.

"A man is not complete who believes that his advancement depends on crushing others."

Mike is alive as are we are by the supernatural workings of the creator of lights above. He is a magical human being who is here to help all of us as only he can.

Anonymous said...

Thanks Kathy
you said it well,
Mitch Utah

Mike Hebranko said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Blue
I was never good at the metric system but you say you are 65 kgs and If I remember at 2.2lbs that is about 143 pounds The weight of my left leg) can not relate to that body weight but I can relate to addiction.
You have been smoking since you were 14 and I have been eating since I was born. We all have our struggles that is what makes us one in our battle. Our battle to better the quality of our lives.
Kathy good luck on your road, I am along side of you and if in any way I can put out my arm and hold you up once in a while just reach out!
Take care of yourself Blue and Have great and healthy holidays that are coming up to you and your loved ones
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Tom
Pardon me for getting into your conversation with Blue but just to let remind you what you know already is you can not quit, I can not quit, none of us can quit because that is when we first start to lose.
So Tom I understand your demons, I lived with them for 23 years and then some. Go to more meetings, get one on one help and most of all forgive yourself, love yourself, be your friend, you probably are a pretty cool guy!
Good luck Tom and have a great Holiday
a friend
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Howard
Great news and I sure know that it is not easy ...but what is? At least worth having. Keep on going and keep in touch
Good luck
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Hi Lori
It's me, my claim to fame "the guy they took out the window". I did a lot of things publicly and privately before and after that. Anyway, Lori I hope all is well with you and thanks for stopping by and please come back to our blog.
Have a great holiday
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Hi Cindy
I am happy that the blog helps anyone in anyway. I know it helps me. Thank you for your kind words and please continue to be a frequent visitor.
Have a great holiday
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Lee
I am out there! Here I am, I am blogging. I have shared my thoughts with over 18,000 visitors in over a year. I have been talking for the last 20 years anywhere and to anyone who will listen. I may not be "handled" formally but If asked I address.
I think we all do our share in our own way.
Be well Lee
Have a good Holiday
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Thank you Kathy and Thank You Mitch
but
E.W. might have just meant,

Like... why aren't you dead, how have you beaten the odds, you are blessed, lucky etc.

At this point I would rather give E.W. a lot of love and the benefit of the doubt ...

Yet again, thank you my friends
Love
You
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

B
Thank you for watching my back, and I am here for you
Love
B
PS
Have I told you lately that I love you and that with each day I am in love with you more and more

Anonymous said...

Mike
I think that it is really nice of you to try to respond to our comments. You truly are a nice guy
Mindy

Anonymous said...

Hi Mike
Enjoy this blog page very much and it helps me along the way
Joe

Anonymous said...

Dear Michael
I met you at B.J.s yesterday and I was so happy to see you there. I had to come over and say hi. My daughter was very happy to see you too we both are fans of yours. Seeing you inspired us both.
Thank you

Anonymous said...

Mike
you write from the heart and it helps so much. You have wisdom and knowledge keep sharing with us. Thank you
Olivia

Anonymous said...

Mike
Looking forward to a new post.
I need the boost
Tom