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"One's real life is often the life that one does not lead." - Oscar Wilde

Today's Weight Loss Jigsaw Puzzle is inspired by the above Oscar Wilde quote. Isn't it time for you to lead a live you love? to lead your real life? and ... if not now, when?

More Food for Thought:
Who is Our Lady of Weight Loss, really? (video)
Halloween Candy Chart

Spread the word ... NOT the Icing!
Janice

Reserve your seat at the Holiday Table!
The Holiday Diet: Wake Up Thinner!
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Does your weight loss chart look like an EKG?
In need of a coach? Write Janice!

Follow Janice on Twitter and/or Facebook!

Required Reading:Our Lady of Weight Loss: Miraculous and Motivational Musings from the Patron Saint of Permanent Fat Removal an OPRAH BOOK CLUB pick: Summer 2009 - Buy NOW!

Join the Our Lady of Weight Loss's Kick in the Tush Club: Beliefnet Chapter.

Write Janice Taylor, Weight Loss Coach, Certified Hypnotist, Author and 50-pound big-time-loser for an introductory one-on-one coaching session.

Visit: www.OurLadyofWeightLoss.com
www.JaniceTaylorLiving.com

Visit Our Lady of Weight Loss.
about Janice

A Tushkateer (Kick in the Tush Club member) sent me a super-sized motivational portion of a speech that Oprah Winfrey gave to the graduating class of 2007 at Howard University in Washington, D.C.

For those of you who have already seen it, read it and loved it, please take it in again, on a deeper level. Chew over the meaning! And for those of you who are reading this for the first time, get ready for a platterful of motivation! Digest every tasty morsel and comment below. Oprah's words linger and satisfy!

"So here are a few things I want you to know that I know for sure. Don't be afraid.
All you have to know is who you are. Because there is no such thing as failure.
There is no such thing as failure.

"What other people label or might try to call failure, I have learned is just God's
way of pointing you in a new direction.

"Your calling isn't something that somebody can tell you about. It's what you feel.
It's a part of your life force. It is the thing that gives you juice. The things
that are you supposed to do. And nobody can tell you what that is. You know it
inside yourself.

"You know, I come from good stock. Dr. Swygert was mentioning my grandmother who had a dream for me. And her dream was not a big dream. Her dream was that one day I could grow up -- she used to say, I want you to grow up and get yourself some good white folks, because my grandmother was a maid and she worked for white folks her whole life.

"And her idea of having a big dream was to have white folks who at least treated her
with some dignity, who showed her a little bit respect. And she used to say, I want you to -- I hope you get some good white folks that are kind to you. And I regret that she didn't live past 1963 to see that I did grow up and get some really good white folks working for me.

"I spent eight years in Baltimore. I knew in those years in Baltimore that I was
unhappy being a television news reporter. But the voice of my father, who thought
he knew what I was supposed to do was in my head. He said don't you give up that
job, girl. You're never going to make $25,000 in one year. That's my father's
dream for me. But God could dream a bigger dream than you can dream for yourself.
And so I tried to live in the space of God's dream. And the television executives
told me when I was in Baltimore that I was just -- it was too much. I was too big,
and I was too black.

"They told me that I was too engaged, that I was too emotional, I was too -- too much
for the news and so they put me on a talk show one day just to run out my contract.
And that was the beginning of my story. So I say, even when things are difficult,
be grateful. Honor your calling; don't worry about how successful you will be.
Don't worry about it. Focus on how significant you can be in service and the
success will take care of itself. And always take a stand for yourself. Your values,
you are defined by what you stand for. Your integrity is not for sale.

"From the very beginning of my career in Baltimore, and I walked in the room and all
of the men in the room said to me you need to change your name, because nobody is
going to remember your name. You need to change your name and I said what do you
want me to change it to? They said we think Susie is a good name. Susie is a friendly
name. Susie is a name that people will remember. People can relate to Susie. I said
I think I'm going to keep my name if people remember it or not. It is my name. You
have to be willing to stand up for what you believe in. If I -- if I could count the
number of times I have been asked to compromise and sell out myself for one reason
or another, I would be a billionaire 10 times over. My integrity is not for sale
and neither is yours."

For the full speech and video, please visit: Graduation

More Weighty Inspiration:
Neuroscience: Old Habits Die Hard
Kirstie Alley: Stuck in a Fat Suit
Celebrate Failure!

Reserve your seat at the Holiday Table!
The Holiday Diet: Wake Up Thinner!

Spread the word ... NOT the Icing!
Janice
________________________________

Does your weight loss chart look like an EKG?
In need of a coach? Write Janice!

Follow Janice on Twitter and/or Facebook!

Required Reading:Our Lady of Weight Loss: Miraculous and Motivational Musings from the Patron Saint of Permanent Fat Removal an OPRAH BOOK CLUB pick: Summer 2009 - Buy NOW!

Join the Our Lady of Weight Loss's Kick in the Tush Club: Beliefnet Chapter.

Write Janice Taylor, Weight Loss Coach, Certified Hypnotist, Author and 50-pound big-time-loser for an introductory one-on-one coaching session.

Visit: www.OurLadyofWeightLoss.com
www.JaniceTaylorLiving.com

Visit Our Lady of Weight Loss.
about Janice

Want to lose weight, but you don't know where to start? Being honest with yourself about how you feel, what the number of the scale says and what it means to you is your first step toward emotional freedom and ultimately to winning the Battle of the Bulge.

I received the following email from a very brave and honest Kick in the Tush Club member. M.L. put her feelings about herself right out there and now the work begins!

Dear OLofWL ~ I am fatter than I have ever been, and even though I intellectually get that things can only get worse from here, I lack the motivation to change. What stands in my way? At the end of the day, no matter how much weight I lose, no matter my dress size, I will still be ugly and undesirable. What's the point? ~ M.L.

Dear M.L. ~ Thank you for putting your feelings right out there! You have created what I call a 'double bind.' You have positioned yourself in a place where, no matter what, you can't win. If you lose weight, you still won't get what you ultimately want. And if you stay 'fat' or get even heavier, you will feel just awful and suffer the consequences in terms of your health.

What to do? First congratulate yourself on taking your first step toward getting your 'upward spiral' in motion. You not only spoke your true feelings, you asked for help. Brava!

And now, let's make 'self-love' the primary ingredient in your 'diet' plan. I've put together a quick 3-step 'self-love' program. Commit to these steps. Follow them religiously, every morning upon waking, for at least 30 days. You will be surprised to find how your experience of yourself will begin to shift.

Fake it till you make it! Many of us suffer from low self-esteem, even self-hatred. I know I had my issues at the beginning of my 50 pound journey. Begin to pretend that you love yourself now.

1. Look in the mirror and say, "I love you." Aloud. Again. Louder. With feeling. Again! With conviction! "I love you!"

2. Fill in the blank. "One thing I love about myself is _______________ ." If you need to pretend to like something, feel free to pretend. Eventually, something will rise from deep within and you will say, "Oh, I really do love that about myself."

3. Email yourself a motivational postcard daily! Write it as if you are writing to a friend, "Dear Janice, Have a great day! I love you. - From Janice" (Check out Our Lady of Weight Loss's ecards!)

Imagine the changes that are beginning to take place as you take the time to say "I love you" to you, acknowledging the good within you, and sending yourself a word of encouragement! What a journey! ~ OLofWL

More Love?!
How do you measure success?
Coach Yourself Happy!
Are Fat People Doormats?

Spread the word ... NOT the Icing!
Janice
________________________________

Does your weight loss chart look like an EKG?
In need of a coach? Write Janice!

Follow Janice on Twitter and/or Facebook!

Required Reading:Our Lady of Weight Loss: Miraculous and Motivational Musings from the Patron Saint of Permanent Fat Removal an OPRAH BOOK CLUB pick: Summer 2009 - Buy NOW!

Join the Our Lady of Weight Loss's Kick in the Tush Club: Beliefnet Chapter.

Write Janice Taylor, Weight Loss Coach, Certified Hypnotist, Author and 50-pound big-time-loser for an introductory one-on-one coaching session.

Visit: www.OurLadyofWeightLoss.com
www.JaniceTaylorLiving.com

Visit Our Lady of Weight Loss.
about Janice

How many people do you know who have breast cancer, have died from breast cancer, or are breast cancer survivors? My cousin, after 6 chemotherapy sessions, is now going for radiation treatment. A dear friend recently completed a full year of chemo and radiation and is now taking an oral tablet called Tamoxifen. A friend from my book group was prescribed radiation treatments only. Many of my coaching clients are cancer survivors.

The Statistics:
In 2009, some 192,370 American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, accounting for more than one in four cancers diagnosed.
In 2009, an estimated 40,170 women will die from breast cancer.

What to do? Get a mammogram. I kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness Month by having one this morning at 7:15 a.m.!! The early bird special. No big deal, truly and what a 'weight' off my shoulders.

What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast. Mammograms can be used to check for breast cancer in women who have no signs or symptoms of the disease.

The Benefits of Mammography.

1. Early detection of breast cancer greatly improves our chances for successful treatment. If the breast cancer is found and treated while it is still confined to the breast ducts, the cure is almost 100%

2. Studies in the U.S., Sweden and the Netherlands suggest that deaths from breast cancer could be significantly lessened by 36% to 44%. They suggest that women in their 40's schedule a mammography annually.

3. The American Cancer Society reports that their recent trials found 18% fewer deaths from breast cancer among women who, in their 40's, had mammography.

4. For women over 50, the FDA reports that a mammography can locate lumps up to two years before they can be felt.

For the full skinny about Breast Cancer visit:
Susan G. Komen For the Cure
Network of Strength
National Breast Cancer

Spread the word ... NOT the icing,
Janice

____________________________________

Follow Janice on Twitter and/or Facebook!

Required Reading:Our Lady of Weight Loss: Miraculous and Motivational Musings from the Patron Saint of Permanent Fat Removal an OPRAH BOOK CLUB pick: Summer 2009 - Buy NOW!

Join the Our Lady of Weight Loss's Kick in the Tush Club: Beliefnet Chapter.

Write Janice Taylor, Weight Loss Coach, Certified Hypnotist, Author and 50-pound big-time-loser for an introductory one-on-one coaching session.

Visit: www.OurLadyofWeightLoss.com
www.JaniceTaylorLiving.com

Visit Our Lady of Weight Loss.
about Janice

Now ... go. Really. Get a mammogram!

I know from first hand experience that depression can move someone toward food. (Yes, this 'happy idiot' has had bouts of depression.) And I know - again from first hand experience - that 'eating for depression' is counter-productive and counter-intuitive.

Gaining weight only serves to intensity the depression and add to feelings of worthlessness. At this juncture, people often turn towards antidepressants to lift their moods. While I am not against antidepressants and have seen them do good for many, I am wondering if we might first incorporate some 'happiness' strategies into our lives.

Our Lady of Weight Loss's
Top Eleven Enthusiastic and Enlivening Ways to Move Past Depression and Straight Into the "Lite"

1. Sleep. Lack of sleep magnifies the effects of depression. Log in 6 to 8 hours each night, and try 15 - 30 minute catnaps throughout the day. Feeling rested, alert and awake is so important for feeling good. It is the foundation of a vibrant, dynamic life.

2. Move. If you are feeling low, move. Just the act of moving from one place to another creates 'movement,' and 'movement' can help to move feelings of depression out!

3. Exercise. When we exercise or are physically active the brain secretes chemicals, such as endorphins, which make us feel so much better.

4. Meditate. Meditation reduces stress, helps us to sleep better, thus alleviateing depression. Consistency matters. So if you can only 'sit' for 5 minutes a day, that's all right. Do what you can. Hint: when you meditate the same time each day you are creating a positive habit, which will anchor the positive mood that is activated by meditation.

5. Wear Red. Bill Blass says, "When in doubt, wear red." What great advice!! Dark clothing tends to increase the effects of depression. Color can stimulate positive feelings and red is a real energy color. Reds and oranges are traditionally worn by spiritual seekers in India and Asia: they understood that vibrant colors create a vibrant energy field around the wearer of these wonderfully bright clothes.

6. Eat Healthfully. You'll feel lighter. Isn't it a great feeling to know that you're taking care of yourself? Rather than doing yourself in??

7. Drink Water. Studies show that dehydration can be a cause of depression. So bottoms up!

8. Light. As the season changes from summer to autumn, so goes the light. Research shows that getting 20 minutes of sunlight per day, even by sitting at a window, helps fight depression. Don't we all feel so much better waking up to the sun's smiling rays?

9. Smile. What came first, the smile or the good mood? It's hard to tell. Famed spiritual teacher Thich Nhat Hahn has advised that smiling leads to Godliness....and don't forget the mind-body connection. Our body often affects our mind. Just try this experiment: smile and see if you don't feel happier. The mind is conditioned to experience smiling with feelings of joy and happiness. Ha ha ha!

10. Breathing. Breathing helps release stress and anxiety which are components of depression. Focusing on the breathing and releasing tightness in the body and worry in the mind lifts the spirit. Breathing exercises have always be an important part of stress reduction programs. Take a few moments throughout the day to just exhale the tension out and breathe in some calm.

11. Pamper yourself. Take the time to see a movie ( a comedy of course!), go to a show, buy some flowers ( the color and scents provide color therapy and aromatherapy which lifts the spirits), talk to a friend--embrace life! You deserve it!

More Ways to Move Past Depression and into your 'lite:'
How to Pamper Yourself: BEYOND Cookies & Milk
How to Coach Yourself Happy
How diets don't work! Listening Does!!

Spread the word ... NOT the icing,
Janice

____________________________________

Follow Janice on Twitter and/or Facebook!

Required Reading:Our Lady of Weight Loss: Miraculous and Motivational Musings from the Patron Saint of Permanent Fat Removal an OPRAH BOOK CLUB pick: Summer 2009 - Buy NOW!

Join the Our Lady of Weight Loss's Kick in the Tush Club: Beliefnet Chapter.

Write Janice Taylor, Weight Loss Coach, Certified Hypnotist, Author and 50-pound big-time-loser for an introductory one-on-one coaching session.

Visit: www.OurLadyofWeightLoss.com
www.JaniceTaylorLiving.com

Visit Our Lady of Weight Loss.
about Janice