Saturday, January 3, 2009

Resolution

One of the definitions when looked up in the dictionary of “Resolution” is -- “the mental state or quality of being resolved or resolute; firmness of purpose. I personally like the part that states “firmness of purpose”.

Come the New Year, how many of us in the past, have made a resolution (usually to go on a diet), and within days, realize we have not stuck to that “New Resolution”. Then we just feel guilty about it and it does not make us feel good about ourselves, and here we go into a vicious circle once again.

It is a New Year and New Beginning a New Chance to take advantage of a situation. What situation, you may ask? The situation that you, have an opportunity, to participate in the “game of life”! Your game of life! This is a wonderful gift for both you and me.

I for one will not be making “Traditional Resolutions” this year (I have not for the past few years). I will re-visit and reinforce my “Firmness of Purpose”. I will encourage in myself the things that have been working and I will look at the things in my life (as I do on a regular basis) those things that need to be adjusted. I do not wait until New Years to change my life. As I proceed through the adventure of living, I will adjust along the way, as I need to.

I will build on my strengths and acknowledge, accept and improve on my imperfections. My purpose as I go along my life’s path is to take advantage, absorb and enjoy the things in life that are meant to be. Then what we need to fix …we fix!

Therefore, for this New Year, for 2009, I affirm to reaffirm my, purpose and that is to, Go through my life and live it to the best of my ability. I know what I know. I am willing to learn and if need be make adjustments. I acknowledge what has been working for me in the past and what has not worked for me. Is there room for improvement? In case I have any doubt, I can always ask my wife or son, they always seem to have a list of things for me.

Seriously, living is the greatest experience I know, everything else is second best.

Some poor desperate soul wrote on my comments section of the blog, the other day, something to the effect that she basically did not care if she lived on. My heart wept for her. I knew her pain, her desperation, possibly her anger, fear, and tiredness. All I did know is that I was frustrated. Frustrated, that I could not take her in my arms, give her a big hug and tell her to “Hang on there, within time it will be better, much better”! I personally know what it feels like when you think that there are no answers but believe me, “Oh God, believe me, that is so wrong! There are answers, there is hope, there is light at the end of the tunnel. There is life beyond today. Unbelievably much of our solutions comes from within….it does! Life is a gift and not one for us to take lightly. My prayers are with my sweet “blog friend” and I hope that she and any of us who may feel the way she does at some point in our life, just search out help …wherever it may come from. There is no shame in taking care of you. Good luck to her!

Now for 2009, my purpose, my “Firm Purpose” is to continue to take care of myself. No specific resolutions for me. Nothing written down on paper or in my mind that might say, “By March 1st I want to lose 18 pounds”. Then March 1st comes and I lost only 16.5 pounds and then I am a failure. No way! I am not playing that game.

My “Firm Purpose” is in 2009, is to do things that make me feel better, physically, mentally and spiritually. That is what is good for me. Feel better about me! Be happier, content, and peaceful.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all my friends for visiting our blog page and hope you continue to visit on a regular basis. Maybe if you have not in the past, you might even contribute a comment, we would love to hear from you.

I also want to not miss the chance to wish all of you, your friends and loved ones a most joyous and healthy New Year. I hope that 2009 is a year that is filled with peace, joy and happiness to you.

A “Great Purpose” for all in 2009

Love Mike

Tow the line in 09

55 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Michael
You have touched me once again and opened my mind and heart. Thank you for sharing such insight.
Dee WV

Unknown said...

Michael,
Your story is an inspiration to so many. Please know that your efforts have not only helped yourself, but so many others. And OUR resolutions are guided by yourself and others who have overcome so much.

Ever since first being amazed by your weight loss on the "Sweatin'" DVD to seeing your story on Discover Health (which I'm watching as I type), I'm always encouraged by your amazing ability to be realistic and grounded about your struggles, yet realize there has to be an element of faith, too.

I hope you continue to share your personal experiences with us...

Thank you.

Eric
Iowa

Anonymous said...

I saw your story again on New Years day. Just wanted to drop by your blog and tell you to stay positive and keep up the good work in getting the weight off.

Living is what it's all about.

Anonymous said...

Mike
As I see you and read your blog you just continue to inspire me how how you have never giveen up. Please keep sharing and inspiring us.
Lydia

Kathy said...

I made all the sterotypical resolutions this year. Lose weight, stop smoking. So far so good, but I do know it is going to take something more for me to find the recovery that I'm looking for in my life. I'm working it every way I can possibly find, and your insight and wisdom as well as the comments from the blog participants is a valued tool. I realize it is not about waking up one morning and declaring a disorder that has plagued me my entire life to be vanished.

I was once working in a facility that had a sign on the wall that read "Baby philosophy...if something stinks, change it!"
If you're like me and you know you need to make changes in your life, here's wishing you all the courage to do so.

Thanks so much, Mike for being here to help all of us.

Anonymous said...

Dear Mike
I also want to thank you for trying to help us. I also want to tell Kathy I love the sign- if it stinks, change it.
Kathy I too know I need to make changes, I get a lot of insight from Michael and I realize it is about more than just saying I have to change.
I have to believe like Mike, it will happen and I am the person who will make it happen.
Thanks Mike and good luck Kathy with your smoking and good eating.
Janet -Washington DC

Anonymous said...

Michael
You have helped me so much. I have followed your story and when I see you on TV i just see and honesty in your eyes. Now I have found this blog. I am in the process of reading past blog postings and am learning so much and being so motivated. I love it, thank you
Clare S. AZ

Anonymous said...

Dear Mike
I am so thrilled that I have found you on this blog. I have watched you for so many years and you have encouraged me to carry on through my trials. You stand for so much and have been through so much and yet you stay positive. Thanks for being a leader of us all.
Connie F.

Anonymous said...

Michael
Wonderful thoughts and great blog! Thanks
Sandy NV

Anonymous said...

First off Happy New Year to you and your family Mike and to all the other bloggers.....

Resolutions i so hate them .... because when i don't accomplish them i feel like a failure so i gave them up along time ago..and right now if i made a resolution to lose weight and take care of me i would have already failed and i don't need that in my head along with so many other things...right now im fighting a battle with food and loneliness in my own head i don't need to add more pressure.....i know i will get past this time and get back on track maybe its the new year maybe but i need to look inside myself and find it once again....but for now i just deal with it and learn to get through it....so im gonna end this one as i usually like to keep my blogs uplifting and i don't actually think this one is but hey i cant be perfect all the time lolol

hugggs to all
Carol

Kathy said...

I read a good quote this morning. "We cannot climb up a rope that is attached only to our own belt." In other words, we need each other, and Mike's site is one place we can go for help.

Tow the line in '09.
Feeling fine in '09!!!!

Anonymous said...

Mike
You are so on the money about resolutions. I can not believe your insight.
Also I enjoy what your other blog members write, I get a lot of help from their input. Thanks to all
Yolanda NV

Anonymous said...

This is a blog page that you can learn froma and be inspired. Mike shares his life and wisdom and opens a plasce for others to exspress themselves and share things.
Larry TN.

Anonymous said...

Hi Mike
I am glad I ffound you on the internet. Good to see you are well. I have followed your story for so long. Are there any books on your life? I would love to know more about you.
Gwen Rose

Anonymous said...

Mike
I know it is not our business but I can not get your Politics from your writings. Are you pro Obama? Are you to the right? It just seems you are so open about everything else.
You do not need to answer but I thought I would ask.
By the way I made no new Resolutions escept just to take one day at a time and try to do better each day.
Thanks for your help
Richard T Colorado

Anonymous said...

Saw you on television and just have to tell you that you are a true hero and inspiration to many of us.
Wayne

Anonymous said...

Dear Mike
I can not wait for your newsletter. Will there be diet tips in it?
Julie B.

Anonymous said...

Hi Michael
This blog has a lot of great insight. Thank you for setting it up and great to know that you are doing well. What is your daily life like?
Helen V.

Anonymous said...

Michael
So glad to find you in good health. You have been some one to look up to who never gives up. Your struggle held out in the public eye has helped me and I know others to strive to do better.
Please keep blogging
Josie

Anonymous said...

Hi Mike
Good to see thiswonderful blog and I love what you have to say. What do you eat for lunch?
Judy

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year and keep up the good work. I struggle to maintain a good weight and you are insprirational.

Cheryl (Channel Islands)

Anonymous said...

Love hearing about you. You give me the strength to fight. Good luck
Mindi

Mike Hebranko said...

Hi Dee
It is a pleasure to hear from you and thanks for sharing with us. Keep in touch and all the best to you and never forget how special you really are!
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Eric
What else is there but to be real? At least for me, anyway. When it comes to faith, I wouldn't be who I am today without my Faith. Eric it is nice to hear from you and people like you. We all help and inspire each other in some way as you have done for me.
Thanks for writing and I hope you keep in touch and good luck to you.
Your friend
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Stacie
I love living and thanks for the words of encouragement
all the best to you
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Lydia
I will hope to keep sharing and as for inspiring, well all I mean to do is say how and what I feel and do. If it helps in a little way, then that is just great!
Lydia all good wishes to you
Love
Mike
Ps
Keep in touch

Mike Hebranko said...

Hi Kathy
Hope all is well and we are all a lot better off having a friend like you sharing with us.
Bless you and we will be in touch
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...
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Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Janet
That is my (was) my mom's name.
Anyway isn't that Kathy really special? I think so.
Janet as long as you really believe, it will happen for you.
Good luck Janet, keep us posted and yes we all wish Kathy luck!!
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...
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Mike Hebranko said...

Hi Clare
We are very happy you found this blog and I am happy you are getting something from the blog. Hope to hear from you again and Clare good luck along your journey
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Hi Connie F.
You wouldn't be the Connie Frances? I love the way she sings, if you are you do not have to tell me.
Seriously, thanks for the kind words. Connie good luck through your trials. If you need a friend or shoulder we are here for you.
Keep in touch with us Connie
All things are possible ...if you believe and never give up!
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Hi Sandy
Thank you
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Carol
You are perfect and never a failure!
Love Ya Happy !!!
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Kathy
Love the quote
"We cannot climb up a rope that is attached only to our own belt."
Thanks
love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Yolanda
I have to agree with you, I too enjoy what the other blog members write and find their input valuable. Thank you for your contribution and hope to hear from you again
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Larry
Thank you, I appreciate your nice thoughts and hope all is well with you. Please keep in touch
Mike

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

Hello Mike,
Yes Mike, faith is a great thing! It really makes a difference in our lives. We learn that we are loved in the present moment, how we are right now. With that, we can take strengh into the next moment. Soon it snowballs and we find that now is filled with love and joy! So why not share it!

Love,
Renie

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Richard
I am an American and On January 20 I will have a new President and his name will be President Obama. Ubtil then we have a President (whether we agree with him or not).
As for the right of left or center let's just say like you I am for what I feel is right for me, my family and my fellow mankind (and of course womankind).
I love this country and the fact, that you have the right to feel your way and I have the same right, as long as we are not hurting anyone, is just great.
What I am very happy to hear is , that you are taking one day at a time. This is important Richard. Pokiticians come and go and political positions may change, what is importnat that you be healthy and happy and stay around to watch it all happen
Good luck Richard and I hope I answered your questions
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Wayne
Well thank you and just want to tell you we are all a hero is some way or another
Keep in touch and all the best
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Julie
It will be soon and yes at time there will be some ...well not so much tips but what works for me. We have already heard every tip in the world if you have been trying to lose weight at least 10 years or more you heard all the tips already. Now it is time to work with the ones that work for you (not just you personally)
Stay tune Julie
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Hi Helen
I am glad you found the blog and if you stay with us and sign up for the newsletter little by little my life is basically an open book.
Be well
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Josie
I glad I was able to help in some way, it made the battle a little easier.
I hope to keep blogin as long as people are interested.
Josie I hope all is well with you and please continue to visit
be well
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Hi Judy
I am glad you enjoy the blog and as for what I eat for lunch ....lettuce! Only kidding.
It would take a long time to explain. It is not a diet but a way of life. I hope you continue to read the blog and you will see as I share and also subscribe to the newsletter and ther will be more detail in that.
good luck to you
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Hi Cherly
Happy New Year to you also and your loved ones. Keeping a good healthy weight is a struggle and I understand it. Thank you for you kind words and great luck to you in your daily venture.
Please keep in touch
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Mindi
Always fight and I am in your corner! You are a winner. Good luck!
Love
Mike

Anonymous said...

Mike
Thank you so much for responding to me and caring. You have a warm heart and really mean so much to so many.
You can be sure I will be always interested in this blog and what you have to say.
Josie

Anonymous said...

Dear Michael
This has been a very enjoyable blog page and I love what you have to say. You have inspired me to be a better person. Thank you for sharing with us so much.
Lorna

Anonymous said...

Dear Michael
This has been an uplifting experience and I would like to thank you. I have a question. How do you deal with boardum?
It is driving me to eat out of control and I have just lost 65 pounds but I am losing control. Can you help me?
Wendy

Anonymous said...

Michael
I am watching you on the television and I have to tell you that you are truly a hero and inspiration. You really never give up, how do you do it? What keeps you going? I have family too and I love them but I am tired and I can not try anymore. Any words of advice, can I write you?
Emma T

Anonymous said...

Dear Michael
How are you? You give so much of yourself, is there anything left for you. You seem like the type of person who things of everyone first and tries to keep the peace. do you have inner peace? Well I hope all is good for you, I saw your show today and I know you are an inspiration to me and have helped in so many ways.
To you Mike
Carla G

Anonymous said...

carol if you are in good enough health to have the lap band done then dont waste a minute more of your life. it will take the rest of your life to figure out all the answers. if u have lap band you will have a new life in just 8 months go for it!!!!!!!

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

Carol
I agree with the person who wrote you but remember it is only a tool. I had the lap band a year and a half ago I lost 60 pounds but have gained 15 back. I have had it adjusted twice already. It helps but it is not the total answer.
Hilda