Category Archives: Inspiration

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Honoring John Keith – Day #6 – Honor Someone Who Has Inspired You

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Navy Logo I don’t even have a picture of this man but in recent weeks he’s become a great source of inspiration to me. Has this ever happened to you – you’re just minding your own business and then someone steps into your life rather inconspicuously and unobtrusively only to start popping into your field of vision frequently after that? Well, that’s how Mr. Keith came into my life.

I was at the gym with my trainer one day and this big tall guy came over and started putting our weights away (while we were using them). I was very surprised but Dan (my trainer) knew what was happening and went and talked to him. He (John) had thought that people had just left the weights out as frequently happens at that gym and John was trying to tidy up. We all got a cute laugh out of that and went back about our respective businesses.

The next time I remember seeing John he was wearing a Navy ball cap so I asked him if he had been in the Navy and he had. So we had something else in common (the first was knowing Dan and caring about doing the right thing to clean up our own mess). We exchanged pleasantries and that was it. Another fleeting moment.

But then last week I was on the treadmill after my 50 mile run waiting for Dan and of course feeling a bit “down” and sorry for myself because my knee was really trashed and I was concerned that it would hinder my running from now on.  Next thing I know I got a tap on the shoulder and it was John saying hello. I thought that was nice in and of itself. So we got to talking a bit. He told me that he had had cancer (and beaten it) and was on a ton of pain pills after multiple surgeries and that he was still working but that they had cut his hours down some so that he could rest more. He said it in such a “matter of fact”, “that’s just the way it is” manner – not trying to solicit sympathy or anything, just explaining that I was touched in a way I had never been before. Here was a man who had served his country in the Navy and never asked for anything, who had experienced more medical challenges than I could ever even comprehend, and was still concerned about the world and people around him to the degree that he goes out of his way to be nice and friendly to others.

This inspired me. It may sound dorky to you all but his resolve and quiet nature while enduring such pain and personal agony makes me just go up to him and hug him every time I see him now (that’s a funny picture since he’s about 2 feet taller than me – maybe not that much but it seems like it).

Whenever things appear rough I have John to think about and know that I can get through it and that whatever I am going through is nothing compared to what he’s experienced and yet he’s still at the gym every day taking care of himself and having wonderful words of encouragement for everyone around him. And he has praise for his medical care, not complaints (which often happens with people in chronic pain when their pain can’t be completely relieved).

This man is a true inspiration to me and makes me concentrate more on gratitude for all the great things I have going on in my life (and have had all my life – everything has happened at just the right moment in my life even if I didn’t realize it at the time).

Thank you John Keith for “popping” into my life at this time. May I bring a smile to your face and the knowledge that you have a shipmate that cares about you and respects you highly!

Terrie

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Honoring Larry Macon – Day #5 – Honor Someone Who Has Inspired You

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15675_529528713748794_727665780_n Today’s honoree is an extremely special person and it’s fitting that I honor him today since on Sunday (think I’ve got that right) he will participate in his 1,000th marathon – the Cowtown marathon – now that’s rockin!

But this man does so much more than run marathons. Mr. Larry Macon is a successful attorney in San Antonio, Tx and he’s about 68 (not good at calculating) and that makes me honor him more! Not because he’s old but because he’s only about 4 years older than I am and he’s done so much more and I want to be like him when I grow up.

Mr. Macon ran 153 marathons in 2012 and is the most unassuming person you’d ever meet. You would never know he was a trial lawyer who is more successful than Perry Mason in my book anyway.  Do you know how many marathons a week that is? Do the math and you’ll figure out why he’s so impressive. But it’s not just 2012 that he rocked. He did it the year before and the year before that. Check out this 2009 article about him.  And even so far this year he’s knocking at least 2 marathons out every weekend.  He is the Guiness Book of World Records holder for the most marathons in a year.

But all that is a bunch of statistics. So what’s so special and inspiring about this man. Yes, the numbers are inspiring for sure but I have to tell you that you would never know that he was such a dynamo who just doesn’t stop. He’s so personable, friendly and supportive that I can’t believe he would talk to someone like me.

Yet, the very first time I met him we were passing each other (several times) on my first encounter with him and the other running family members in December 2012. I had no idea who this guy was (I had no idea who anyone was). But what I did know was that I was a newcomer and a “new”, inexperienced runner (compared to them – they are the elite ultra runners) and was very shy especially because I’m so slow.

But you know what? This man named “Larry” kept talking to me as we passed, soon learned my name and continued to encourage me every time he saw me.  At the finish line when I wanted a hug, he was there and willing to take a minute for that hug. When they had the big ceremony for him – his birthday and breaking the world record (again) he still had time for me and EVERYONE else around him.

He is selfless and cares about other people. It’s amazing when you read the articles about him or see the news videos he talks about all the people he’s met running these marathons, he’s not talking about himself unless someone asks him a specific question.

His smile is so contagious and welcome no matter how many miles he’s covered and how little sleep he’s had in the past week. He’s there for you. What more can you ask in a human being.

He takes his running seriously but takes life and people and their needs much more seriously. That is the mark of a truly inspiring human being – so unassuming, caring and compassionate while as the same time being successful at everything he does. He also has never complained no matter how miserable he is. He takes each day as it comes and we all need to emulate that. Whenever I’m feeling miserable during a run, I think of Larry and what he goes thru and then I think of his wonderful smile and greeting and things immediately get better.

Thank you for coming into my life, Larry – you are a wonderful guy and congratulations this weekend on # 1000 – you are the elite for sure.

Terrie

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Honoring Dr. Jeanette Cates – Day #4 – Honor Someone Who Has Inspired You

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catesheadshot300 Today’s honoree is a very special person in my life in SO MANY WAYS! I could (and probably will) say that about many folks during my “Top 30 Month” but Dr. Jeanette Cates holds a particular place in my heart – and mind.

I first met Dr. Cates in 2006 at a Jim Edwards conference. I had just started my business and knew how to do teleseminars with my business partner. Dr. Cates was speaking on, imagine that, teleseminars. I was intrigued by her teaching style, her knowledge and most of all by the fact that she lived just 70 miles up the road from me in Austin, Texas – at that point in my business life I thought that all IMPORTANT people were untouchable and lived “far away” (even though George Strait lives “far away” although he’s right here in San Antonio).

As the conference went on my shy little self finally got the courage to talk to Dr. Cates and thank her for her information and expertise.  We talked a bit and then I crawled back into my hole 🙂

When I got home I made sure that I followed everything she did and bought every product of hers that I could find. Her ability to teach and get the important points and concepts across in such a short period of time – so concisely and succinctly- amazed and pleased me. I had taken many courses that were weeks long and by the time I finished I forgot what was said in week 1. But Dr. Cates could take that information (from several weeks of a course) and place the practical knowledge into our heads in about an hour. I was blown away by her amazing talents to say nothing of her phenomenal knowledge.  She had a follower forever in me.

As the years went by we became closer (I think that’s because I was just a pest that she finally started to accept). We met at a few more conferences and I got a bit less shy and we talked more.  We also found out that she sometimes was in San Antonio and we took advantage of that and had lunch and then I would drive to Austin and we’d have lunch – can you see a pattern here – and a common denominator – food…LOL.

Without boring you I just will say that Dr. Cates has been a very influence in my life as a friend, mentor and internet business presence. There is NO ONE on the internet that can take you from nothing to success in such a short period of time like she can. She is so far beyond all of us (I still am a beginner in many ways even though I’ve done this for 7 years now) but, unlike so many, is able to remember what it was like to be at the beginning and knows exactly what we need.

She is compassionate and caring and will do just about anything for anyone who needs help and wants to learn. She is brilliant (genius is a better descriptor) but is not “too good” for everyone else as you often find in people that smart.

Dr. Cates really wants people to succeed – she’s had opportunities to expand beyond the beginner arena and yet remained a staple for us – a life preserver for us.  There really is no one else out there that fills her shoes. I would follow her anywhere and if she tells me to jump, I jump.

But she is so much more as a person and I owe her my life in so many ways. She stepped forward two years ago and gave me the information and the opportunity to change my life and begin again. I can NEVER thank her enough for that. So, not only has she had such a positive impact on my internet business but also on my personal life. Where in life do you ever have the opportunity to have such a total friendship/relationship. This only happens once in a life time and I know that I am so very blessed and realize that the Law of Attraction has brought Dr. Jeanette Cates into my life for a very important reason – I’m not sure I would be alive today if not for her. Not many people have a friend that has been a life line for them and had such meaning. But I am one who does and I revel in it every day.

Thank you Dr. Cates! For EVERYTHING! I honor you today (and every other day of my current and future life).

Terrie

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Honoring Kay Christopher – Day #3 – Honor Someone Who Has Inspired You

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page27_1 Do you know what EFT is? I didn’t for the longest time but I will tell you that it’s probably THE most important technique I’ve ever learned. And although I had tried it (actually that should read “dabbled in it”), I didn’t think I knew how to use it effectively. I did know that it was something that made me cry out of the clear blue sky one time when I was “tapping” along with a CD I had ordered on pain relief.  THAT really hit home with me but I still didn’t get into it as deeply as I should have – probably out of fear of the unknown and fear that I wasn’t doing it right (so the answer is to not do it at all right? NOT).

EFT is Emotional Freedom Technique or “Tapping” – it’s a form of energy medicine based on the meridians in your body (so based on ancient medical principles – the best kind there is that I’ve ever encountered). If you want to know more about what EFT is you can check out Gary Craig’s website (the founder of EFT).

But this is about another person who’s changed my life. She is  Kay Christopher – my EFT practitioner (I think that sounds weird to put “my” in front of that – like I could own someone but then again people say that Dr. so and so is “my” doctor so I guess it’s accepted..LOL).

I “met” Kay (on the phone) over 2 years ago kind of by accident. She used to be a therapist and I needed an evaluation before a surgical procedure I had so a friend recommended I ask her. This friend (who is also on my “Top 30” list so stay tuned) had told me about Kay’s doing EFT but since she lived in Austin I didn’t really see how I could do any of that “stuff” on the phone. But I called Kay to find out if she could do the other evaluation. She told me ‘no’ she didn’t do that any more. But since I had her on the phone and was anxious about the surgery I thought “what the heck” maybe I’ll see what this “phone EFT” is. So I made an appointment with her.

There was no looking back after that. I was hooked. And I began changing. Almost every week, Kay guided me through all the changes that were to come in my life. I had no idea so many changes were coming. I knew I wasn’t happy and that my life was actually quite a stick_figure_holding_letter_e_400_clr_7746 stick_figure_holding_letter_f_400_clr_7701 mess.  But it was a nebulous entity – I was so wrapped up in work and was working almost every hour of every day (still trying to cover for a doctor who had died in 2007 and also creating a new computer system stick_figure_holding_letter_t_400_clr_7742for our organization etc). My health was not good. I had no relationships outside of work (you need time for that). All my life equaled was work and I knew that at 62 years old I did NOT want that anymore.  And this was even before I met Dan.

EFT helped unblock the energy flow in my body (my description, not anything official). Although major changes happen each time you tap, there are so many layers of blockage that it’s like the proverbial onion that needs to be peeled back.

Kay worked with me every single week – patiently helping me uncover areas that I wanted to work on. So we’d tap and tap and tap and almost every week another change took place in me. She is such an expert at uncovering my problem areas and asking the correct questions to find out what I needed – probing questions which I didn’t always like but I trusted Kay enough to know that they were vital questions.

Would I have begun working with Dan last year without Kay – I’m not sure. It took courage for me to go to the gym and ask for help (it’s always been difficult for me to ask for help all my life – until I got into working with Kay) because I felt I wasn’t worth it or worth taking up his time. I would have been worried about the embarrassment of an old fart working out in front of all the other people there, etc.

Would I have started running again without Kay? I don’t know that either. I suspect I might not have for the same reasons. Fear – she has helped me conquer so much fear in so many areas of my life – many people keep telling me how much I’ve accomplished in my life – and I guess they are right but FEAR has held me back from achieving so much more.

Would I have had the courage to show up at Parvaneh’s events and then ask her if I could actually continue running with the folks of her caliber. NO, I would not have had that courage. I can say that flat out. Without tapping and Kay’s “unroofing” of my inner fears and conflicts I would NEVER have showed up at that first event. And if I had, I would never have gone back. For that alone I owe Kay so much. I cannot thank her sufficiently.

You may be saying to yourself – “well, that’s her job, after all Terrie you are paying her”. And yes, you’re right I am paying her. But you can pay alot of people and still not have them help you to such a great degree week after week after week. A lot of folks reach their limits in how they can help you but Kay has NEVER reached any limits (except maybe patience with me but she’s never mentioned it fortunately) – her experience and knowledge are boundless and I continue to be impressed weekly with her kindness, compassion as well as her brilliance.

Thank you Kay – without you  I don’t know where I would be today but it would definitely be in a very bad place.

Terrie

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Honoring Daniel Sampeck – Day #2 – Honor Someone Who Has Inspired You

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dan Day 2 is here and this is easy – my personal trainer – Dan(iel) Sampeck is way up on the list. This man has completely changed my life in just about 1 1/2 years.

I finally got the courage to ask at my gym if there was someone who could help me get rid of my upper back pain (I was very grateful that my lower back pain had gone when I took off some weight). At that point (Sep-October 2011) I was hoping to participate in another 3 day Breast Cancer walk (3 days = 60 miles) but I was having such pain in my upper back when I walked that I knew I wouldn’t be able to tolerate that for 3 days. That was the incentive that got me past my shyness to go ask. The woman who talked to me said she felt this guy, Dan, would be great for me. So I made arrangements to meet with him.

And my life has changed completely since I first met with Dan!

Not only did my back pain improve but it didn’t really matter because I got the courage to try to run again (strangely it didn’t hurt when I ran – go figure). Dan also taught my muscles to work properly and improved my balance (although there is still a very long way to go on that one). I now revel in the compliments I get (especially at Whole Foods where I go after my workouts to get salad for dinner) on my arms – and they are endless comments too. So Dan also taught me about vanity…LOL – but in a good way.

I have worked with him 3 times a week for this past year and a half and I can tell you that there is absolutely NOTHING that I wouldn’t do for him – that’s how much he has changed my life and inspired me. He had to listen to endless thoughts, comments, and worries about my training for the New York City Marathon and he was always so supportive about it. He created workout plans that would work the muscles I needed for running.

He also worked the most important muscle – my mind. He knows how to motivate and encourage everyone and is such a nice guy (except when he chuckles and raises the weight from what you’re comfortable with – that evil laugh is enough to put you in a rage – if you weren’t already exhausted from the workout..LOL). He can tell when there’s something wrong and usually he can figure out what it is and then figure out what the perfect solution to it is.

He is very humble. If you look on the internet you’ll see all his body building contest pictures and you’d wonder how I could say he’s humble – but he is. He is sure of himself but not in an obnoxious or conceited way. He pays attention to you AND he cares about you. He will never be sidetracked or look at his phone or other people when he’s watching you work out. He wants to make sure you do it right. And you know what? You want to do it right because you know he’s there and you think “geez, if he cares so much I better care and I better do what he tells me because he’s got a good reason for telling me to do it”.

He’s caring and compassionate although he doesn’t want anyone to know that.

How’s this for caring. He hid this from me and I’m so glad it turned out ok as it was. He planned to go to New York in November to surprise me at the Marathon – that’s phenomenal in and of itself. And then when I told him I had decided it wasn’t right to go, he finally told me (it was too late for me to change because I’d cancelled my reservations) and although I felt really bad (I didn’t know at that time that the marathon would be cancelled) but he made me feel ok because he told me he was also going to p302890_4413659232773_1324206015_nropose to his girlfriend – which apparently turned out great – he wouldn’t tell me differently anyway. But I was so moved that he would go to all that effort and trouble to be supportive of me. Not many people can say that they have that kind of support.

He is always positive and a light at the end of a tunnel – a very long day at work. He got me through a year of very difficult working conditions (when we were working on finalizing the computer project that I’d been working on for over 2 years and getting ready to deploy it- – a major computer system for our organization). Even when I was tired and just wanted to go home, I knew that I would feel better when I was done working out with him. And I did!

As a result of his training (mental and physical) I had the courage to do all those races in a row in December, then try my 50 mile event last weekend and then do a marathon in Austin this past weekend. I don’t think I could have done as well with all his hard work with me.

Dan is the true embodiment of a “personal trainer” and I owe him my life – sincerely. Without him I’d probably be gaining weight again and be back to being a slug. I don’t know how to adequately thank him for all he’s done for me and meant to me.

You are terrific Dan! Thank you for coming into my life!

Terrie