Health Coach

My Journey to Optimal Health

 

An interesting thing about my journey is that I did not have to do it on my own! I had some amazing support along the way -- especially from my own health and business coach Luanne Nelson. Also, Take Shape For Life (the coaching company I am affiliated with) has a One-Of-A-Kind Bio-Network of Support for both clients and health coaches alike.

 

One area in particular that I have been taking advantage of is the training they have available through the MacDonald Center for Obesity Prevention and Education, Villanova University College of Nursing. I am proud to say that I have recently completed the Certification Process and am officially a COPE Certified Health Coach!

 

I've discovered a not so unique phenomenon since becoming an independant Take  Shape for Life (TSFL) health coach – it is what I call the “I won’t syndrome,” or IWS for short. In some individuals, IWS is closely connected to YCTMWTD (you cannot tell me what to do) disorder.

 

I was actually afflicted with this disorder for many years. IWS is usually presented in very strong-willed individuals who refuse dietary advice, especially when advised by their doctor or other trained medical professionals.

 

In the beginning IWS may seem harmless. In my case, I knew from the evidence of EWS (expanding waist syndrome) I was experiencing that my weight had been on the rise for many years. On a few occasions my Doctor had told me that “everything was OK, but, that I should consider losing some weight as a precautionary measure to avoid the risks associated with obesity. “OK,” was always my reply, and; as soon as I left the doctor’s office the subject was hardly given a second thought!

 

I recall stating many times over the years that I would never give up this, or that food. Sure, every time I had to buy larger waist pants I would consider dieting, I even tried a few diets, supplements and pills – some more effective than others. But the bottom line is that I always refused to make meaningful, lasting change. By this time I was deeply rooted in IWS.

 

The month prior to being formally **diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, I remember sitting down at a restaurant with some friends; I had a great big steak, loaded baked potato, and Texas Toast; I told my gathered friends that the only way I would give up this type of meal is if the Doctor told me too!

 

When the fateful day finally arrived, both my doctor and diabetes educator told me that losing weight through diet and exercise would have a significant and positive impact on my disease state. And, oh, by the way, here are your meds…

 

Well, I basically gave lip service to the advice. I made every effort to get around the inevitable – The bottom line was that even in the face of a potentially life threatening disease I was still basically saying “I won’t.”

 

What is it that you “won’t give up?” It is amazing how many people I've come across like myself where IWS is keeping them from achieving optimal health. As well as many casual acquaintances and associates, I have a couple of dear people in my life who are still deep in denial with IWS. I pray that they too can discover their own WHY and break free from the grip of IWS.

 

It was not until my WHY was stronger than my NOT, that I was able to take the first meaningful steps towards recovery.

 

Yes, recovery from IWS is possible. The first essential step is discovering your own WHY. What is it that can motivate you to mitigate your own weight-related physical and health conditions?

 

So, what finally pushed me over the edge? What was more important than my aches and pains, or more compelling than poking my finger several times a day and injecting insulin twice a day – some of the cutest grandchildren you have ever seen!

 

You see, it was Christmas time, and I was on the floor playing with the kids and when they were finished I could not get up off the ground. My weight and arthritis was preventing me from enjoying these children to the fullest!

 

My why was born right there. I decided at that moment that I needed to do my best to become the best and healthiest ME I could be!

 

Once My why became bigger than my self-will and desire for unhealthy crud, the prospects of losing 2-5 pounds per week for the first two weeks, and 1-2 pounds per week until I reach my goal weight became pretty exciting.

 

The plan I coach has been around for over 12 years, the product line that we utilize has been prescribed in hospitals for over 30 years, and is medically proven to produce predictable transformation. I had been exposed to too many fad diets, I was ready for a life-style change.

 

Yes, I lost *70 pounds, but I gained so much more in terms of health and vitality!

 

Not only can I get up off the floor these days without excruciating pain, I can out run my grand kids. I'm looking good and feeling great!

 

I would love to share with you the secrets to my success. Contact me When you have discovered your own compelling WHY, to learn more. Either call, text or FB message me; I am here for you. I am coaching clients from Alaska to Alabama and beyond. I will be with you throughout your journey!

 

In Health,

 

Michael Callahan

Your Health Coach and Wellness Mentor

 

Contact Me for More Info - 510.421.2255