Maryellen R.
FIFTY & FABULOUS
Mar 16, 2015
I have reached another milestone in my life, I am embracing turning 50 as I have come to truly understand how precious of a gift each and every day is. Goodbye to my 40's, where some of my very best days in my life occurred as well as my very worse. From, having WLS to seeing both my daughters graduate from college and begin to pursue their dreams, to founding LIPO (Long Island Post Ops) bariatric support group , to losing both my parents, some great friends, and children of others. I feel blessed, grateful, excited, thankful and happy to say HELLO to my 50's ! I am indebited to Friedrich Nietzsche's quote: "That which does not kill us makes us stronger." I value the fact that everyone who comes into your life is either a blessing or a lesson and have learned from it accordingly. I consistently am reminded and hear the extremely wise words uttered by two of the most well respected men I have had the pleasure of being part of my life, my beloved Pop and Dr. Steve Maraboli, how "Jesus Christ asked God to forgive those people who did bad things to him, for they did not know what they were doing", even as he was hung on the cross. And....most of all, to pray for those people. WOW, such a powerful reminder and necessity to free your inner peace and move forward. I remain so blessed to have discovered the meaning of true spirituality and I wish all who is reading this the same. Some dear friends say that my life is half over, however, the realist that I am knows that my life is more than likely three quarters complete, therefore my work here is almost done. I look forward and feel simply blessed to being part of several projects that will allow me to continue to "pay it forward". For all who truly know me understand what satisfaction and joy that brings to my life.....stay tuned folks for the best is yet to come! HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY TO ME, I WILL BE CELEBRATING DAILY ALL YEAR LONG....WON'T YOU JOIN IN ON THE FUN?
Sending GREAT B-I-G FABULOUS HUGS
It's amazing how time flies!
Sep 27, 2014
It's been a few years since I've been active on OH....Within this time, I lost both my parents and have struggled with depression amongst other serious issues but I'm determined to get back on track.
Steve Maraboli, on Life, the Truth and Being FREE!!!
Nov 17, 2011
On Tuesday, November 15th I took the opportunity to attend a speaking event by Steve Maraboli hosted at a beautiful church in Port Washington, NY. It was the church where Steve was baptized and he recently presented a eulogy for his mother. I don’t believe he had a formal title for his presentation and if it needed one it could be the title of one of his bestselling books, Life, the Truth, and Being Free. (Stay tuned, a new book is forthcoming soon!)
Steve doesn’t quote others much, as he embraces his own life and the experiences, good and bad, that have brought him to be the man he is today. His resume is filled with accolades, distinguished awards, three doctorate degrees and a list of multinational companies that hire him to consult with their success plans. The early recognition of his desire to study and better understand the humanities has allowed him to incorporate his own life experiences into his presentation; that translates into a very comfortable atmosphere of “learning” for the listener.
So, what did I take away from the presentation? Similar to friend that posted on a social media page, I don’t believe I learned anything new, but was inspired to reflect on what I know, deep down, to be the basic truths of the requirements for succeeding in my life personally and professionally. Steve reviewed his Four Pillar’s of Success: Intent, Vision, Action and Clarity, and I considered where I had not completely fulfilled the full definition of each in past endeavors with obvious, less than stellar, results. I will do better starting today. Like many of us, I let the words “would have”, “could have” and “should have”enter into my thoughts way too often. Steve reminded me to substitute the words “I can!” and “I will!” He also stresses the need to live today and I quote from, Life, the Truth and Being Free, “One Day at a Time”.
It seems everybody is really busy these days. I understand at times the stresses of work and family make it easy to lose focus and make each day a blur. My life is not unlike yours. I too seem to have a mountain of work to move but only a spoon with which to dig. But I want to share with you a simple TRUTH that helps me accomplish what I need to do while at the same time never losing focus.
Although time seems to fly, it never travels faster than one day at a time. Each new day is an opportunity to live your life to the fullest. In each waking day, you will find scores of blessings and opportunities for positive change. Do not let your TODAY be stolen by the ghost of yesterday or the “To-Do” list of tomorrow!
Harness the power of today. Seize the blessings of today! Make something happen, enhance your life, make someone laugh, help a friend, love, love, love!
Choose to do it – TODAY!
"Today is a new day!”
His sharing of “simple truth’s” as above, and the discussion, Tuesday evening, of the astounding difference between the concepts of “I believe” and “I know” ignited an internal fire that commands me to review the foundations of my own “realities”. I know I need to initiate some changes in my life’s plan. I can! I will! I am acting on my plan to refocus, review and change the essence of my Life, my basic Truths, and my sense of Being Free.
Steve and I are coordinating the efforts to re-schedule the LIPO fund raiser he will co-host with Jim Fargiano in the spring of 2012. After being so wonderfully motivated by this recent event, I implore you to watch for the details of this appearance. I can and will guarantee you an evening you won’t forget.
(((HUGS)))
Maryellen
S
Obesity Help Comes to LIPO!!!!!!!!!
Oct 27, 2011
In my opinion it, was filled with everything I anticipated, and of course, offered a few surprises. You, my LIPO family, made it a most memorable weekend. I was thankful for each of you attending and participating when and where your comfort level allowed. I have so many “memorable moments”, times I never want to forget, that I am grateful for all the photos. I want to be able to recall the faces and expressions of you that “strutted your new you” down the runway. It made me proud to see members of our LIPOian family “pay if forward” by helping the OH team organize and execute the entire event; Ivy working at the registration table, Gina stuffing name tag holders, Giovanna stocking the main room tables and so much more. Thank you for helping make OH glad to visit LIPO Nation!
As Frank and I stood before you to present ourselves Saturday afternoon, I could not help but feel the pressure, the desire to do well. On one hand I was especially nervous knowing that, of the 150 plus attendees, so many of you were in the audience that I care about deeply, I had to do well. I wanted the words to flow so that you could feel our support and depth of caring we feel for each of you. On the other hand, I wanted to allow the others to know that we are a tightly knit group of LIPOians that support each other through holistic mutual motivation. The subsequent positive feedback leads me to believe that we were heard. Thank You.
The costume party gave us an opportunity to relax and mingle; giving me the opportunity to feel the fun you were having, to meet some wonderful new friends, and visit with past acquaintances. Once again the photos will help me remember those moments. A thought kept going through my mind though, that although many dressed in different costumes, for many, this weekend was a public presentation of our new “physical costume”, which our surgery has allowed us to have. All the hard work after surgery continues to give us the benefit of healthier bodies and we must commit daily to maintain our new lifestyle.
Another, very important, component of the conference was education. Even though this was my fifth OH conference I am always open to learn new information and look forward to sharing those knowledge nuggets at our next support group meetings. The other informational seed I harvested, while seated as member of the Q&A panel, was the ABSOLUTE necessity to continue to reinforce oft ignored “facts”. Two come to mind as I write this:
1. Regain is expected! Mostly with the by-pass procedure, MOST patients regain 10-15% of the weight lost after reaching our lowest weight. Like most that I speak with, I am going to fight my hardest to be in the small minority and not regain; however, I refuse to feel that I am loser if I don’t. It is fact: Regain is medically expected.
2. Daily vitamin supplementation is a lifelong commitment. Regular blood work analysis is a requirement so that adjustments can be made. We must identify our deficiencies and adjust our supplements accordingly. Typically iron deficiency doesn’t become an issue before 30 months post-op or later. By this time, the honeymoon period is over and we may have become complacent. Have a complete Bariatric blood work-up at least once per year, for the rest of your life.
“Sexy in the City” was a great and memorable experience and I repeat my heartfelt gratitude to Obesity Help for sponsoring this event, inviting me to represent LIPO as a motivational speaker and panel member; but most of all, I thank my LIPO family for joining me to create these “never to be forgotten” memories.
(((HUGS)))
Maryellen
LIPO's 2nd Annual Picnic
Sep 28, 2011
|
Pic’nic (noun) 1. Meal taken and eaten outdoors an informal meal prepared for eating in the open air or the food that makes up such a meal.
|
LIPO’s 2nd Annual Picnic, A Retrospective in Photos, But Much More
I am taking an opportunity to selectively present some photos of our Long Island Post Ops’ recent picnic. The photo selection process was almost impossible because I wish I could include everyone in every activity!
(feel free to look at a wider selection by using the web address below… thank you Nancy.)
We call it a picnic because it is family and friends gathered together at a mutually agreed upon location to share food and frolic. We ate and we played volley ball, softball and tug of war. Some rode bicycles and went out on the lake in paddle boats. Children and adults “bobbed” for apples, danced on tables and got a pie in the face. I arrived with a smile on my face and laughed most of the day. The positive responses from all who attended make the effort worth every minute of every planning meeting. I want to thank my LIPO “picnic committee” for all their hard work.
But there is more, much more. Sunday, was a day of bringing back memories of activities from the past. I had not touched a softball in 35 years. I played three innings, and LOVED it! Tug of war uses a set of muscles that I had forgotten about. And, yes, I danced on a picnic table!
Here is a sampling of the comments placed on our LIPO Facebook page
- “Had a great time today. Definitely more activity than I would have done a year ago! Volley ball, softball, and lots of laughs!” “Oh and apparently, as exhausted as I thought I would be, between the heat, humidity, and activity....I was ENERGIZED!”
- “great time at the park today...wonderful people...again thanks for all the hard work that goes into planning the activities...have a good week”
- “You all inspired me today. Got home and put everything away, then met a friend and walking 2 miles tonight. Now time for a shower... Thank you LIPOians!”
- “Me and my family had SUCH a GREAT time at the picnic yesterday thanks so much LIPO for all the fun, the games, the food and most of all the friendship :)”
For me and others, a gathering like our picnic is so much more than the dictionary definition. It becomes a challenge to repeat physical challenges from of former life, it’s about trying new things, checking off items from our ”bucket lists” and making our dreams come true. We take these opportunities to revise and celebrate a new reality.
Call it a picnic, but I suggest these activities are much more than their titles!
Come join us for our next activity. On Saturday, November 19th, LIPO is sponsoring our 2nd annual dinner dance themed “The Prom”.
Won’t you come dance and dine with us? I promise it will be a wonderful evening of dancing and…………… much more!
To get your ticket and additional information please follow this link:
Do I have an attitude????
Sep 26, 2011
Do I have an attitude?
Of course I do!
My attitude is one of conscious choice, just as is yours. I project a positive attitude as much as possible. Does that mean I am always happy? Content? Satisfied? In a word, “NO!” of course not, but I find attitudes are contagious and are subject to choice. I choose to project a positive attitude and hope that others catch it.
Every coin has two sides, a heads and tails; let’s say heads is the positive side for discussion purposes. I generally call “heads” for any coin toss, as I “want” to see and feel the positive side of most issues. I tend to present the “upside”.
I have been criticized by others in my community of peers of being nothing but positive. That makes me smile; as my dearest friends and family can attest to the fact that I am very aware of the trials and tribulations of everyday life and have positive and negative emotional reactions to them every day. Always positive? ABSOLUTELY NOT! But what is to be gained with presenting the “tails” side of each situation? There seems to enough people that have chosen to present the “tails” perspective. Be mindful, attitudes are contagious and therefore I want to spread the “winning” attitude.
I absolutely love the following quotes with regard to the import of attitude and how it can affect my daily life. Yes, they reflect my belief in the essence of how my attitude can be the foundation of each day.
|
I found the following snippet in one of my many motivational sites I frequent and submit it for your contemplation.
“What kind of emotional atmosphere are you creating?
Positive people are almost always natural leaders and motivators. People gravitate towards them, just as they avoid individuals who continually mope or complain. Take a look at your own attitude. Is it one that others would want to emulate in their own lives? Instead of jumping to throw in a negative comment, try to think of something good to say instead. By no means hold in your feelings, but remember that no one likes to be surrounded by constant pessimism. Attitudes are contagious so fill your environment with happiness, enthusiasm, and optimism!”
(((HUGS)))
Maryellen
FACING OUR FEARS
Aug 14, 2011
The photos are in and are visual documentation of what we physically achieved yesterday. I am moved to tears of pride with what was accomplished mentally and could only be acknowledged by the smiles which accompanied the “high fives”. Yet those images are registered indelibly in my mind as much as any photo.
Members of my Bariatric Support group, LIPO, gathered together in Middletown, CT to go zip lining. This trip has been in the planning stages for over a year, with Frank and Dan researching various venues. EMPOWER Leadership Sports & Adventure Center was chosen and we combined this outing with the opportunity to attend Dan’s Central CT Cares support group meeting.
During the days leading up to our event, there were discussions about our various level of fear of heights and the feeling of just “throwing” yourself “out there” tethered by a rope to a ½ inch cable. Not much braggadocio, rather nervous laughter was the norm. My co-leader Frank was the only one of the group that had previously attempted zip lining and assured us we would love it!
The weather was perfect; sunshine and little wind!
The first hurdle was to climb a ladder to a very small wooden platform erected 15 feet in the air. This begins the amazing part of the story. Some members never would have attempted this on their own but committed themselves to try their best to overcome this very real fear of heights. They “white knuckled” it step by step as they ascended to the platform. STOP HERE! Each and everyone of us made it up to the platform! For a few this was a HUGE accomplishment and I am so very proud of them. Because of their desire to stretch their boundaries and face their fears, they chose this moment, among friends, to test their mettle. Some went no further, yet I heartedly applaud their courage. They reached, a never before attempted, challenge!
Soon it was my turn to lower myself into position, to take the step that would leave me “zipping” for hours, miles above the ground, at speeds approaching the level to break the sound barrier. Well, it was about 60 feet off the ground, 300 feet long, approached speeds faster than my bicycle and lasted about 20 seconds. What a thrill! Now I just had to gauge my landing so as to not “slam” Varney, our “catcher”, into the trunk of the tree. I misjudged a little and he caught me, and a new relationship was born! He was such a good sport and continued to assist us all! Having reached the first landing was such a relief, I was now confident that I would be able to complete the course. I did, including the crossing of a multi-vine traverse and a cargo net obstacle.
Have I lost my fear of heights? No, but like each of my friends, I experienced the thrill and satisfaction of pushing my envelope; challenging myself to attempt to reach levels I was never able to consider prior to WLS. I have a new body shell that allows me to physically challenge myself: just as important I have a new attitude that forces me to seek new horizons mentally. LIPO members, you are all on my ALL STAR TEAM.
(((HUGS)))
Maryellen
Did I hear someone say Trapeze training? Count me in!
I AM ABSOLUTELY POSITIVE!!!!!!!!!!
Aug 07, 2011
I AM ABSOLUTELY POSITIVE!
Headlines from today’s
- Amid Criticism on Downgrade, S.&P. Hits Back With Warnings
- Verizon Workers Threaten Strike
- Copter Downed by Taliban Fire; Elite U.S. Unit Killed
- Shops and Cars Burn in London Riot
I have been accused by some of my peers as being too positive. I would like to plead, “GUILTY!”
We live in a world surrounded by NEGATIVITY. It’s raining tonight and there are homeless people that can’t find a dry place to rest; there are children that will wake in the morning without a morsel of food for breakfast. I am very much aware of the negative side of life. I choose to focus on the positive things in my life and share that positivity where I can.
I am very fortunate to have several forums to share my positive thoughts. I have my bariatric support group, LIPO (Long Island Post Ops), a few Facebook pages, www.obesityhelp.com and this blog; and I try to offer continuous positive support to my friends, family and LIPO members.
In order to raise funds for my support group, I contacted two friends whom embody the belief of “paying it forward” and they have generously offered to stage an event on, Friday August 19th.
Jim Fargiano is one of the MOST positive people I have met in my life; a man that watched and lived with a very successful business go down in ruins as “big Box” competition took over his business territory. Does he wallow in self pity? No, exactly the opposite, he spends every day, spreading his version of positive proof of life. Listen to him speak, read his daily quotes, and see life as he does. Jim is a well respected psychic/medium as well as a bestselling author.
I am not asking you to believe in his amazing powers, rather, come experience his positivity for an evening.
Some of his recent daily quotes:
· The universe always brings us what we put into it. This is why it is vital to remember that our thoughts and wishes for others must be of good intentions. Otherwise you leave yourself open to the things you are trying to cast on another. Send them respect and kindness and watch as the things in your life improve. Love conquers all, but anger and hatred inflate problems for one and all.–Jim Fargiano
· You are loved beyond the limits you have had put on you. At some point in your life, someone probably told you there was something you couldn’t do. Perhaps you were advised not to try something a little risky or outside of your comfort zone. Whatever the negative messages might have been, it is now your turn to eradicate them! Prove to the world what you are capable of!
–Jim Fargiano
· Success is the outcome of attitude. If you expect failure, you will be rewarded with it. If you choose to be in a mindset of positive expectations, more of that will come to you. When you start each day, you should be thanking the universe for a chance to change what you do not like and expand on what you do. Fortunately, when a setback happens you do can restart your attitude on the spot. Empower yourself!–Jim Fargiano
These are the messages I copy and paste. These are the thoughts I want to keep in my mind before and after I read the newspapers. Does it help me? I AM ABSOLUTELY POSITIVE! One of my “bestest friends” and co-leaders in all things LIPO, attended a recent event featuring Jim Fargiano and Steve Maraboli, and both he and his wife were astounded as to how “recharged and self motivated” they felt after a few hours of listening to the presentation
Steve Maraboli is a self made man that will share his practical, no nonsense approach to Life, the Truth, and Being Free. (the title of one of his bestselling books). Steve is an internationally sought after motivational speaker, author, host of the number one internet radio show in the country and not afraid to share the story of why his license plate reads, “SAYPOP”. Steve also posts daily quotes that remind us the secret to our own happiness dwells in each of us:
· “The greatest step towards a life of simplicity is learning to let go. Stop allowing anyone or anything control, limit, repress, or discourage you from being your true self! Be unapologetically you. Today is YOURS to shape – own it – break free from people and things that poison or dilute your spirit – make it a great day!”
- Steve Maraboli
· “This life is for loving, sharing, learning, smiling, caring, forgiving, laughing, hugging, helping, dancing, wondering, healing, and even more loving. I choose to live life this way. I want to live my life in such a way that when I get out of bed in the morning, the devil says, ‘aw shit, he’s up!’” – Steve Maraboli
Steve will start the evening by sharing his thoughts on everyday living and act as the Emcee the remainder of the event.
Have I stacked the deck in favor of “positivity” for the evening?
Again, I must plead GUILTY!
Will it change your life? PERHAPS!
Will it be an evening you long remember? I AM ABSOLUTELY POSITIVE!
For details and ticket information follow this link to:
LIPO Presents an Evening with Jim Fargiano and Steve Maraboli
Happy 5 year Surgiversary to ME!
Jul 30, 2011
Physically I am much healthier than I was five years ago, and fortunately I made this decision before the disease could progress to the point of developing the co-morbidities associated with severe obesity. I had not developed diabetes, sleep apnea, or some of the more debilitating side effects associated with obesity. I had borderline cholesterol numbers, borderline high blood sugar counts and was suffering the physical limitations of being overweight. One of my biggest fears was “testing” the limits of my family. Would they help me tie my shoes, as I had seen my father do for my mother? Would I continue down the path of weight gain where my physical mobility would restrict me from seeing my daughters continue their growth and development? Fortunately, I saw the light, I recognized that all the fad diets and joining weight watchers for the 27th time, was not going to work for me and surgery would give me a chance to change the path I was walking.
Mentally, I am stronger and I don’t face the related depressions that being obese allowed me to suffer. As I have witnessed in so many others during the last 60 months, I never expected the mental challenges that go hand in hand with a significant change in our physical shell. I, as most of my peers, was ill prepared for the most significant “side-effects” of weight loss surgery. The mental stress, fighting transfer addictions, personality adjustments, learning new coping methods, and changing our relationship with food has proven for many a battle as tough as we ever fought. I recently posted a quote of Steve Maraboli’s, ‘I am so grateful for my troubles. As I reflect back on my life, I have come to realize my greatest triumphs have been born from my greatest troubles.” I believe that to be true as it applies to my weight loss surgery journey as well. Stemming from that day 5 years ago, I have encountered unexpected challenges and difficulties; facing those and finding ways to survive and grow has made me a stronger person. I have also accomplished more personal growth in these last five years than I had in the previous twenty.
Having the surgery has enriched my life in ways I would never have imagined. I have met new friends that I trust with my innermost fears and thoughts regarding my physical concerns related to obesity. I expanded my horizons and changed my life goals.
Coinciding with my celebration of this surgiversary, I am helping my father recover from open heart surgery, and that has given me sufficient pause to consider my future as it relates to the next five years. My LIPO dream remains very much alive and is healthy, but I am rethinking my professional goals of working directly within the business side of the bariatric community. I hope and suspect that I can find my niche’ as a professional working within the community when the time and situation is right for me.
Regrets? I have none! I have made some mistakes that I am sorry for as it relates to others, but the reality of my life is a culmination of each and every step of my journey and has allowed me to become the woman I am today. My surgery was one of those steps and I would do it again!
Happy Surgiversary to one and all; be it a day or a decade!
Is it time to SHAKE UP your life?
Jul 05, 2011
Is it time to SHAKE UP your life?
For those of you that know me, I LOVE positive motivational quotes! One of my favorites has been
· “If you keep doing what you've always done, you are always gonna get what you have always got!” (author unknown)
I have posted this quote many times for friends who are struggling, looking for direction. We recognize that weight loss surgery is a physical action that gives us a tool to help us lose and maintain our weight. But, never did I realize the emotional struggles I would face that are directly related to the “new” me. As my body changed shape, I knew my mind had to change as well. This was an opportunity for me to set new goals, and reject the limitations that I previously lived with.
I went back to college and completed my degree!
I took on physical challenges that were previously impossible.
I set my sights on fulfilling some new dreams.
I shook up my life!
I recently read the following quote by Steve Maraboli, a world known motivational speaker, an author, an extremely successful internet radio personality, and frequent TV guest. (he lives on Long Island so I have the opportunity to meet with him on occasion) This quote reminded me that I am responsible for my “today and tomorrow”! I must take the steps needed to reach my goals!
Are you the leader of your life?
Although you are the Leader, you don’t have to attempt these changes alone. Find support with friends and family because, “Accountability + Support = Success. (((HUGS))) Maryellen
About Me
Before & After
rollover to see after photo
