803 Entries
| 03-05-2010 |
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| Looking for Henrik ROSVALL, who came to our house in
France in 1994 as a tennis player, with his friend
John FOX .
Hi!
We are Henriette and Jean René who used to live in
Montélimar , France . Now we have retired and live in
Nice, on the French Riviera, near the Mediterranean
Sea .
If you are that person : Henrik Rosvall,( We are sure
at 98% that it is YOU ) write back a
message.Something terrible happened to you... Oh
Christ ! We would like to have some news .
Best to you.
Henriette and Jean René
jrenepenzini@infonie.fr
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| 12-21-2008 |
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| It's time...Another chapter of the Journey is beginning...On February 1, 2007 my life as I knew it came to an end. Having played soccer the day before, I suddenly could not move my body from the chest down. The distinctions and lessons I have learned along the way have been invaluable. As I have said several times, I would never want to go through this again, YET I would never want to have it undone because of how much I have grown. I want to thank everyone who has supported me on this Journey. I am now in the process of finishing my book based upon this Journey. 2009 promises to be an exciting year. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! -Henrik |
| 12-21-2008 |
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| Aloha Henrik.... Ranoa .... Merry Christmas |
| Sunday,October,19 |
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| "Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever."-Lance Armstrong |
| Sunday,October,19 |
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| "What I do not permit, cannot overcome me."-Henrik |
| Monday,August,25 |
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| I enjoyed your speech and the training provided last week at the Airman and Family Leadership Summit. Thank you for reminding me of the power of positive thinking.
Rita Powell
Tyndall AFB, FL |
| Wednesday,August,20 |
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| The Olympics...from a human behavior and peak performance perspective, watching the Olympics is very fascinating. Why do some athletes rise to the occasion and other don't?...how much is physical?...how much is mental?...what can we learn from these athletes that can be transferred to our daily lives? The importance of preparation?...the importance of believing in ourselves?...the power of visualizing?...the power of moving on?...the power of being present?...the power of self talk?...the power of body language?.../Henrik |
| Wednesday,August,6 |
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| The power of immersion...after four days here in New York at the annual National Speakers Association convention, my mind is full of ideas and inspiration. Moving Forward, the challenge will be to decide what to focus on and what to do later or not at all. The main message I took away from the convention is the importance of being authentic when speaking....Walking the Talk in other words.-Henrik |
| Friday,August,1 |
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| "Do it right-we'll keep it light. Do it wrong-it'll be long." These words were spoken by the NY Jets football coach when he explained his new philosphy for the training camp. The players were buying into it because they felt treated fairly. If they put in the hard work, then Qaulity would win out over Quantity. As one player said: "Success will come from what we do in practice." This comment very much relates to one of the chapters in my upcoming book-No One Is Watching...Do I Still Have To Do It? -Henrik |
| Friday,August,1 |
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| A year and a half ago today...the Journey began...it's on my mind every single day and I do notice it in my body...yet...I'M WALKING! |
| Wednesday,July,9 |
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| How not to manage-sitting in the restaurant here in Spain, I couldn't help notice the owner of the restaurant sitting in the orner smoking cigarette after cigarette while all the two waiters were working their tails off. If he had chosen to help it would have made a huge difference on so many levels. Was I surprised? No, this was our third trip to this restaurant and each time the scenario was the same-just a different evening. Being a big proponent of walking our talk, it was quite sad to see what not walking our talk looks like. Actions speak louder than words, and I know I will use what I saw as an example of what not to do when I conduct future programs. /Henrik |
| Thursday,June,12 |
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| Interesting how that works...when we make a major decision, we are often tested on it within the next 24 hours. I don't believe it is just coincidence, but rather we are being tested on our commitment to our decision. For example, I decided to do a detox for a week, followed by a week of primarily greens...well, it didn't take many minutes until I was exposed to all kinds of yummy food that did not "qualify". It would have been easy to have that slice of bread, eat that spaghetti, eat those chips...I could rationalize that "this won't make any difference" and "no one would know"...YET, with that reasoning, I would have been hypocritical. Several small "letdowns" like that every day do add up quickly....something to think about. -Henrik |
| Wednesday,June,11 |
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| Time to celebrate! I was in the recording studio and finished a CD that has carefully selected, created and modified quotes. So often we read quotes but can't remember them. This CD is full of positive and thought provoking quotes with upbeat music in the background. I am very happy with how everything turned out. These CD's will be available starting June 15. Contact me if you are interested. I can't stop listening to my copy. It keeps playing in my car. -Henrik |
| Tuesday,May,27 |
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| So tempting...I'm doing a 7 day detox program as part of my Optimal Health program. There are so many foods that are looking sooooooooo good....in the past two three days, I have caught myself reaching for foods I need to stay away from for this week...pasta....tomatoes...carbonated water....nobody would know if I had some of these foods that are not part of the program, BUT I WOULD KNOW! If I am going to walk my talk, then I need to lead by example. When I am able to use my mind power and will power, my confidence goes up. Interestingly, I only crave these foods when I see them....note to self: stay away from the supermarket this week...I feel great doing this detox program. It does wonders on many different levels...mentally, physically, emotionally. I plan on doing a weekly detox program once a quarter from now on. My body will thank me. Nothing tastes as good as healthy feels! -Henrik |
| Friday,May,9 |
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| "There is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way."-Wayne Dyer |
| Thursday,May,8 |
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| "Confidence is the hinge on the door to success."
Mary O'Hare Dumas
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| Wednesday,May,7 |
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| Don't tell me it's impossible until after I'm finished! |
| Tuesday,May,6 |
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| "The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts: therefore, guard accordingly, and take care that you entertain no notions unsuitable to virtue and reasonable nature."
Marcus Aurelius
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| Monday,May,5 |
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| Monday...another week...that's a great thing, right?...About an hour ago I was on a trampoline/rebounder...being able to stand up and then actually jumping up a few inches, felt great. Just two days ago, when I tried to jump vertically, my feet did not leave the rebounder, and I felt like Bambi on ice. Having stuck with it, I can't wait to see what this week brings. The key is to be consistent. If I work on this daily, I know I will see a vast improvement. As I am sitting here writing, I feel like going outside to jump some more. The sun is shining and there are no shortcuts to getting the full balance back. 1...2....3..../Henrik |
| Sunday,May,4 |
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| You are number one when you do the best you can with what you have, every day.-Z.Ziglar |
| Saturday,May,3 |
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| Believe you can, and you can. Belief is one of the most powerful of all problem solvers. When you believe that a difficulty can be overcome, you are more than halfway to victory over it already.-Norman Vincent Peale |
| Friday,May,2 |
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| Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear.-M.Twain |
| Thursday,May,1 |
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| "All things are possible until they are proved impossible-and even the impossible may only be so, as of now."-Pearl Buck |
| Wednesday,April,30 |
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| How wonderful it is that nobody need to wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.-Anne Frank |
| Tuesday,April,29 |
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| "If anybody can walk again, it's you"...is a phrase I've heard frequently. Why have I heard it so much? Perhaps it's meant as positive encouragement. Perhaps it's because it's perceived as the thing to say. Regardless, I know the intentions behind this encouragement is positive...one question to ponder related to this, is the following "do some things happen to selected individuals/groups to show the rest of us what is possible?"...as has been proven over and over again, humans are often capable of much more than what is thought./Henrik |
| Monday,April,28 |
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| "Not much happened the first few weeks and when I saw you four months later you looked normal"...this is what I heard from someone I talked with on the phone. He saw me four months after the paralysis, but never during the rehabilitiation in Santa Barbara. I didn't know how to respond. His statement couldn't have been much more untrued, but I figured it wasn't worth it to try to prove him wrong. I am just sad that this is his perception of what happened. Anyone present during the Journey knows that there was daily progress. Sometimes it was small, yet it was HUGE. Hearing his comment, I am reminded of how what is done behind the scenes often goes unnoticed. The countless hours of visualization, therapy, and rehabilitation has been so instrumental to the success, yet to some, not seeing progress equals no progress. I have two words: lag time! /Henrik |
| Monday,April,28 |
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| Concentration comes out of a combination of confidence and hunger.-Arnold Palmer |
| Sunday,April,27 |
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| A difficult lesson to learn is: which bridge in life to use and which one to break off. |
| Saturday,April,26 |
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| The Ojai tennis tournament is going on right now. As soon as I was paralyzed I used this tournament as a goal. I have been playing or going to this toirnament for most of the past 23 years. I saw myself walking by this time last year. Trying to get around in a wheelchair just seemed so inconvenient. I saw my goal so clearly in front of me. I was being pulled in that direction. Not walking was not an option. Visualizing has proven quite powerful as it creates excitement, certainty, anticipation, desire, focus, discipline. /Henrik |
| Friday,April,25 |
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| What I think about, I bring about. The thought of success will foster success. The thought of love will foster love. The thought of security will foster security. What am I thinking about today?
Rita Davenport |
| Thursday,April,24 |
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| "We change the world not by what we say or do, but as a consequence of what we have become."
Dr. David Hawkins |
| Wednesday,April,23 |
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| Perseverance is not a long race;
it is many short races one after another.
Walter Elliott...when we break down our goals they become more manageable...Henrik |
| Tuesday,April,22 |
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| Small things done consistently make a BIG difference over time. |
| Monday,April,21 |
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| They can because they think they can. - Virgil...The power of our thoughts...very, very powerful.-Henrik |
| Sunday,April,20 |
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| To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all. - Oscar Wilde...there is a difference isn't there? I vote for playing life, and making a point of living each and every day.-Henrik |
| Saturday,April,19 |
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| I have no problems. Period. I have spent the past day and a half with 500 blind business leaders from around the country. I have so much admiration for them. Yesterday was a truly Magic Moment when I went to Graceland in Memphis with them. I had just walked through Elvis' racquet ball court that was now full of awards hanging on the walls. I went outside and stood under a small roof to stay dry in the pouring rain. Standing out there all alone was John. The only way to get from there to the next area was by walking on a winding path for a good minute. Could John do it all by himself? Possibly, but it would have taken a long, long, long, long time just based on the layout of the walkway. Add to that the pouring rain. I asked John if I could help him, and he accepted. That walk with John on my arm, in the pouring rain, on that winding sidewalk, was something very special. At first I felt the heavy rain, but it didn't take long for us to be completely soaked. There we were...walking slowly but steadily towards the next place where we would have a roof over our heads. I am so grateful that I felt the Magic Moment while it was happening so I could fully appreciate and enjoy it. We have so much to be grateful for. Make the most of each moment.-Henrik |
| Saturday,April,19 |
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| He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has. - Epictetus
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| Friday,April,18 |
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| Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. - Melody Beattie..."What am I grateful for?"...a great question to aske first thing in the morning.-Henrik
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| Thursday,April,17 |
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| Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power. |
| Wednesday,April,16 |
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| Changing the world begins with the very personal process of changing yourself, the only place you can begin is where you are, and the only time you can begin is always now. - Gary Zukav
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| Tuesday,April,15 |
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| Unless you believe, you will not understand.-Saint Augustine...Our beliefs are very powerful. They influence our actions and thereby our results. -Henrik |
| Monday,April,14 |
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| Knowledge is a process of piling up facts; wisdom lies in their simplification. - Martin Fischer...I truly believe in this quote. Keeping it simple is an art that is not appreciated as much as it needs to be. Keeping it simple is not easy, but beautiful to watch, hear, and experience.-Henrik |
| Sunday,April,13 |
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| What's right is more important than who's right. |
| Saturday,April,12 |
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| I learned a lot...going to cirque du soleil's "Ka" show, I got to go backstage afterwards on a tour with the musical director. He works four levels below where the show takes place. What was quite interesting to learn was that he actually checks his emails and surfs on the internet during the shows!!!!why? Because he is so In The Zone he needs to stay busy during any down period to maintain his frame of mind! When he explained it to me it made sense, because then there is no "start up" time to get back into The Zone....multi tasking may not be all bad! /Henrik |
| Friday,April,11 |
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| Viva Las Vegas...back here again after a couple of years...so many shows...it's amazing how many people are smoking in the casinos-don't they believe in "positive input=positive output?"...being around other speakers here at the conference is quite inspiring and a great example of the synergy that is possible. One observation I have is how important it is to be enthusiastic, yet it doesn't have to be over the top in your face enthusiasm, it can be confident and humble enthusiasm instead. /Henrik |
| Thursday,April,10 |
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| 30 minutes on the tennis court...the best I have felt in 14 months on the court. Knowing it would only be a 30 minute session, I was really focused and walked off the court excited to play again in the near future. By design I have spread out my on-court time-I want to "feel" a certain sense of stability or it's not worth it YET. /Henrik |
| Wednesday,April,9 |
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| What is a Magic Moment I experienced today?
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| Tuesday,April,8 |
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| CANI-Constant And Never-ending Improvement...one of the keys to a fulfilling life. |
| Monday,April,7 |
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| "Driven by commitment, powered by integrity." |
| Sunday,April,6 |
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| Simple is not easy. |
| Saturday,April,5 |
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| Continuous Improvement never ends. Period. |
| Friday,April,4 |
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| You are never fully dressed until you wear a smile. |
| Thursday,April,3 |
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| Men show their character in nothing more clearly than by what they think laughable.-Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
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| Wednesday,April,2 |
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| "Nobody's watching, do I still have to do it?"...what we do when nobody is watching will make a huge difference....plus, we know ourselves if we have done it or not. If we are doing something only to be noticed and to be recognized, then we may be doing it for the wrong reason.-Henrik |
| Tuesday,April,1 |
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| 14 months...this Journey began 14 months ago, and I am so grateful to have been given this Opportunity to grow. Do I wish this had never happened to me? Absolutely not! I wouldn't trade it for anything! This Journey is building character and my comfort zone has grown exponentially. I feel well equipped to deal with anything coming my way. Bring It On!-Henrik |
| Monday,March,31 |
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| Everywhere we go, we take ourselves with us, so we have to take care of ourselves! |
| Sunday,March,30 |
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| Nothing tastes as good as healthy feels! |
| Saturday,March,29 |
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| The "new normal"...once again I was asked if I was back to normal, and I said "no-I have achieved a new normal"...the look on his face was a look of confusion. The term "new normal" was apparently new to him. As I have stated before, there is a place we all come to...where no explanation is needed. Because my goal has been to Transform, there are very few things I do the same way as before Feb 1, 14 months ago. If I had tried to recover on the other hand, my focus would have been to get back to the way things were before the paralysis. I believe it is a healthy mindset to consistently strive for an evolving, "new normal". What is your "new normal?"-Henrik |
| Friday,March,28 |
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| Daily stretching of our body and our mind is strongly recommended for a healthy life. |
| Thursday,March,27 |
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| Do we want to prioritize what's on our schedule, or schedule our priorities?...something to think about...-Henrik |
| Wednesday,March,26 |
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| Most people simply accept their lives-they don't lead them. We need to step up and be proactive!
-Henrik |
| Tuesday,March,25 |
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| Those closest to us will make or break us. One option to have someone positive/inspiring close to you is to read their autobiography, or other works of theirs. I am truly blessed to have a great team of family members and friends close to me. In addition I have learned the power of being proactive about what I feed my mind. Positive Input equals Positive Output. Is reading the newspapaer/watching the news going to make us or break us? We need to be selective as to what and whom we allow to influence us.-Henrik |
| Monday,March,24 |
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| Mastery in anything needs to be developed DAILY, not in a day. |
| Sunday,March,23 |
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| Improvement is impossible without change |
| Saturday,March,22 |
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| Wanting or needing...when we WANT to do something like exercise for example, instead of need to, we set the bar and make it happen. If we WANT to sleep well, then we live our lives to make that happen. What do you WANT?-Henrik |
| Friday,March,21 |
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| 1 year anniversary...one year ago today, I took my first steps using only the walking poles, no wheelchair, no walker, just the walking poles. March 21, 2007 easily ranks as one of the most important days in my life...it is also the day I bought my wheelchair...what a day, buying a wheelchair and taking my first steps...I can remember exactly the exhiliration and pride I experienced when I stood up and started walking...no words can ever describe the feelings I experienced...March 21st-a monumental date. -Henrik |
| Thursday,March,20 |
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| Amazing...seeing the line at Starbucks...all these people who need that black poison to get the day started..Optimal Health may not be a focus for some, or should I say many...-Henrik |
| Wednesday,March,19 |
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| Again I was asked the question, and I know it was meant well..."Henrik, what percentage are you at as far as being back to normal?"...my response was "2X4T8S"...all I heard on the phone was silence...I broke the silence by saying "in other words, I don't measure in percentages. I am a DIFFERENT person, I didn't want to just recover."...more silence...even more silence...I'm not sure he got my point, he wanted me back to how I was when I had seen him in years past...As we continue to grow, sometimes we are faced with others around us who are not growing and they are afraid that we are changing. We can't let that stop us. If we aren't growing, they we are dying inside. There is no such thing as stagnating. -Henrik |
| Tuesday,March,18 |
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| I am so grateful that each day I am able to appreciate the Journey that began last year. I really don't think a single hour goes by without me reflecting on something that has happened during this Transformation. I never want to lose the perspective and outlook I now have. -Henrik |
| Monday,March,17 |
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| A long appointment with myself...flying back from Sweden to Santa Barbara today, I had the opportunity to spend some quality time with myself as no cellphones or Blackberrys work on the planes...it was a great opportunity to reflect and do some quality writing...here is my personal challenge to me and to you: schedule personal time DAILY without feeling guilt...if it's scheduled it will happen...and it's more likely to happen if the appointment is in the morning, before the craziness and demands begin.-Henrik |
| Sunday,March,16 |
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| Mental health will be at least as important as the physical health...visiting my uncle at the hospital along with my fiancee...it was confirmed to me how important a patient's mental health is in getting well. The Swedish word for hospital would be translated to "sick house" which is not very conducive to getting well. How about a "wellness house" instead? Being a weekend, there is little activity on the cardiology floor, so most patients are just lying in bed doing nothing. We told my uncle how important it is to feed his mind with positivity, especially now. Speaking from experience, positive input will lead to positive thoughts, feelings, and results. -Henrik |
| Saturday,March,15 |
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| A reminder to live each day to its fullest...finding out that my uncle is in the hospital to have major heart surgery makes me focus on making the most of every moment and to take care of our precious body. The physical condition he is in now will affect his recovery post surgery. Now is not the time to get into shape. I haven't seen him for a few months but will visit him in the hospital tomorrow. Take daily care of yourselves!-Henrik |
| Friday,March,14 |
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| "Because I can!"...if there is an staircase next to the escalator, which one do we use? I find myself often times taking the stairs, and for one simple reason: BECAUSE I CAN! There was a time in my life where I could not take the stairs, or even the escalator. Now that I can take the stairs, I find myself looking for them so I can celebrate a personal victory-Because I Can!-Henrik |
| Thursday,March,13 |
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| Seldom does an individual exceed his own expectations...high expectations have been the key to this success. There was never even a decision to be made. I was going to walk again!-Henrik |
| Wednesday,March,12 |
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| Attitude determines altitude.
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| Tuesday,March,11 |
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| From the bitterness of disease man learns the sweetness of health.
- Catalan Proverb |
| Monday,March,10 |
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| A man of courage is also full of faith.-Cicero...I believe courage is cultivated by what we do on a daily basis. If we get into the habit of regularly stretching our comfort zone, then we are more likely to have the courage. -Henrik |
| Sunday,March,9 |
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| If you want a guarantee, buy a toaster....guarantees all the time can get boring, yet for some, they want their lives to be very predictable, without any uncertainty at all. My question. How happy are these people? I personally vote for some uncertainty!-Henrik |
| Sunday,March,9 |
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| There are two ways of meeting difficulties: you can alter the difficulties, or you alter yourself to meet them. -Phyllis Battome |
| Saturday,March,8 |
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| Challenges are what makes life interesting; overcoming is what makes life meaningful.-Joshua Marine |
| Friday,March,7 |
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| Innovation is not going to come out of folks who have many years' experience working in a narrow field...I am grateful that my "team" has lots of experience in lots of different areas. This has lead to a much healthier approach to helping me.-Henrik |
| Thursday,March,6 |
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| Tennis?...I was asked today if I wanted to play tennis. My quick response of "no" surprised me. Actually, it was the little, if any time I needed to think before answering that was the interesting part. Why would I not want to play tennis? Quite simply because I want to wait until I "feel" ready. I know I can stand up and hit balls that come right to me, but I want to feel like I can run for balls. Until I have that feeling of mobility, I rather wait. It will come in due time....Henrik |
| Wednesday,March,5 |
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| The 5 P's...Proper Preparation Provides Peak Performance...the years of mental and physical preparation is one of the reasons I was able to step up when told that there was a 99.5% risk I would not walk again. Henrik |
| Tuesday,March,4 |
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| "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."-Thomas Edison...it could be an Opportunity to Transform. I am really appreciative that I recognized this opportunity.-Henrik |
| Tuesday,March,4 |
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| We find success when we know HOW to look for it. |
| Monday,March,3 |
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| We are always becoming...what are we becoming today?-Henrik |
| Sunday,March,2 |
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| Jump roping...it will become my new past time...as soon as I find a jump rope that is long enough. There are so many benefits to the jump roping and it will continue to improve my quickness...as soon as I find a long enough jump rope. Yes, I promise, I am ACTIVELY looking!-Henrik |
| Saturday,March,1 |
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| 13 months ago today this Journey began!!! In the past month, the biggest improvement is the quickness...soon I'll be able to move like a cobra!
-Henrik |
| Friday,February,29 |
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| "Mental toughness is ESSENTIAL to achieving peak performance...and the great news is that mental skills can be learned and improved upon through practice."-Henrik |
| Thursday,February,28 |
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| "You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation."-Plato |
| Wednesday,February,27 |
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| "One's destination is never a place, but rather a new way of looking at things."-Henry Miller...there is no such thing as stagnating. We are either growing or dying inside. Once we see things a new way it's difficult to go back an see things the old way again.-Henrik |
| Tuesday,February,26 |
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| The best way to succeed in life is to act on the advice we give to others...we need to Walk Our Talk.-Henrik |
| Monday,February,25 |
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| "Nothing preaches better than the act."-Benjamin Franklin...that's right...talk is cheap. We need to Walk Our Talk!-Henrik |
| Sunday,February,24 |
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| In the pool here in Sweden...not as warm as the pool at the Rehab Center in Santa Barbara, but the benefits are equal-the human body responds quite well to water therapy. The benefits far outweigh the fact that the hair turns green due to the chlorine...for our well-being, we need to do whatever we can to move our bodies...it does our mind wonders as well. -Henrik |
| Saturday,February,23 |
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| "There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered."- Nelson Mandela...going on this Transformational Journey, I certainly agree with this quote. I am now looking through a different lens. The view from the chair certainly was different, and now as well, 75 inches above ground. Evolution is healthy and I would never want to have this experience undone. -Henrik |
| Friday,February,22 |
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| HOPE-Helping Other People Excel...what can we do today to make a difference in the lives of others? |
| Friday,February,22 |
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| Nobody can take away who we become. Make everyday a Masterpiece. |
| Friday,February,22 |
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| Ice skating...what a feeling!!!...BECAUSE I CAN!...Henrik |
| Thursday,February,21 |
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| "How we feel determines how we perform."....yes, of course how we perform affects how we feel as well, but how we feel is something that we have more control over. How I use my body language and what I focus on has a direct impact on how I feel. I truly believe that by "highly influencing" how I feel, I can increase the odds of performing at my best. -Henrik |
| Wednesday,February,20 |
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| Traveling to Sweden...sitting on the plane reflecting, I notice how the positive words I listen to keep showing up in my conversation with myself...attitude, beliefs, confidence, decisiveness, energy, focus, gratitude, happiness, inspiration, joy...-Henrik |
| Tuesday,February,19 |
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| Adaptability...one of the keys to success. |
| Monday,February,18 |
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| Everywhere we go, we take ourselves with us....make personal development a way of life. |
| Sunday,February,17 |
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| Stretch...does a body good. If you are reading this I challenge you to get into the habit of stretching on a daily basis. The body appreciates us being proactive!-Henrik |
| Saturday,February,16 |
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| Judge people by their ability, not their disability. |
| Friday,February,15 |
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| 14...people in the pool when I arrive at the rehab center...what a phenomenal vibe...there is great energy with everyone being so positive and looking so forward to the independence we all experience in that pool...it's truly a magical experience. I am so fortunate to have access to the pool as well as all the positive personalities.-Henrik |
| Thursday,February,14 |
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| Valentine's Day...one year ago, I was sitting in a wheelchair...the picture below show me holding Valentine balloons...I have been surrounded by so much love and I am absolutely convinced that is one main reason I am walking today. If you love someone, let them know!...there is a song with the title, "If tomorrow never comes"...it't a great reminder to let others know while they are alive. We shouldn't wait to give them flowers until they pass on. Happy Valentine's Day!-Henrik |
| Wednesday,February,13 |
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| The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more you will have to express gratitude for. |
| Tuesday,February,12 |
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| Quite emotional...the importance of making the most of our time together here really hit home today...I went to dust off my Dad's eyeglasses...they're at Mom's house next to a picture of the two of them...next to the picture is my Outpatient of the Year award...I really miss my Dad and I really wanted to clean his glasses well. When I finished, they were absolutely spotless...wow, quite emotional. Make the most of every day together!-Henrik |
| Monday,February,11 |
|
| Back at the rehab center today...every single time I go to the rehab center, a slew of positive emotions come over me...the primary one without a doubt though is gratitude. I am so grateful to the all the people I have come in contact with in the past year...thank you, thank you, thank you. -Henrik |
| Sunday,February,10 |
|
| I couldn't stop writing...the whole flight back from Frankfurt to San Francisco the pen just kept going...the upcoming book is so exciting to write. It is quite emotional to relive the events that have transpired in the past year, yet I also believe it is very healthy to be reflective and not lose perspective. -Henrik |
| Saturday,February,9 |
|
| If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy, and inspires your hopes. A Carnegie |
| Friday,February,8 |
|
| W.I.N..."What's Important Now?"...a real useful question to ask several times a day to optimize our performance and guide our focus. -Henrik |
| Thursday,February,7 |
|
| Speaking here in Stockholm, Sweden...I was reminded of why I enjoy speaking to audiences so much. By sharing parts of my Journey I noticed how involved the audience was. Even after the presentation they were curious and wanted to know more. Deliberately I did not focus much on Transverse Myelitis and what it is. Why not? Because it has never mattered to me. All along, I have wanted to focus on solutions, and being able to walk again. It seemed like a waste of valuable time and energy to research something that was just temporary in my mind. I was going to walk again! I did not need to know percentages or my odds. Sometimes having as much information as possible is great, and other times it is better to not have "excess" information that will poisen a focused mind.-Henrik |
| Wednesday,February,6 |
|
| When would NOW be a good time? |
| Tuesday,February,5 |
|
| People make choices. Choices make people. |
| Monday,February,4 |
|
| "What am I grateful for?"...a great question to guide our focus, especially in the morning.-Henrik |
| Sunday,February,3 |
|
| Surreal...Super Bowl is on...one year I ago I was watching Super Bowl in the hospital bed with my family next to me...reflecting a year later, it has been quite a Journey...and I wouldn't want to trade it for anything!-Henrik |
| Saturday,February,2 |
|
| Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there! |
| Friday,February,1 |
|
| Transformation...I haven't recovered...I have Transformed.-Henrik |
| Friday,February,1 |
|
| I woke up and the first thing I did was wiggling my toes...I couldn't do it a year ago, BUT NOW I CAN!...This past year have given me so much insight into the power of the mind and the lessons I have learned will hopefully be with me forever. -Henrik |
| Friday,February,1 |
|
| Thursday, February 1, 2007...my life as I knew it came to an end...there was lots of uncertainty which quickly turned to positive emotions as The Journey began...I would not have traded this past year for anything. The distinctions I have made are priceless. The love and dedication my family has demonstrated has been fantastic and one of the main reasons for my progress.-Henrik |
| Thursday,January,31 |
|
| One year ago...I went asleep just like any other night...when I woke up my life had changed forever...paralysis from the chest down...when I go to sleep tonight I will be count my blessings. I feel like I count my blessings daily, but this day has a special meaning to me. What at Journey!/Henrik |
| Wednesday,January,30 |
|
| Yet another great reminder...for the past two days I have been presenting in Orlando and when a group comes together where everyone wants to improve then great synergy develops. Thank you to all who participated!-Henrik |
| Tuesday,January,29 |
|
| Walk My Talk...a way of life, both personally and professionally. |
| Monday,January,28 |
|
| When there is Faith and Hope in the future, then there is Power in the present.-Henrik |
| Sunday,January,27 |
|
| A Positive Mental Attitude definitely fuels our passions!-Henrik |
| Saturday,January,26 |
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| God doesn't do things TO us - He does things FOR us! |
| Friday,January,25 |
|
| "I could have missed the pain, but I'd had to miss The Dance."...lyric from Garth Brooks singing The Dance tonight in concert in Los Angeles. |
| Thursday,January,24 |
|
| Develop an inner smile!-Henrik |
| Wednesday,January,23 |
|
| Think about whether the addictive habit of watching TV contributes to your aliveness, spontaneity and sense of freedom...what we feed our minds directly affects how we feel.-Henrik |
| Wednesday,January,23 |
|
| Learn to see the problems in your life as gifts. |
| Tuesday,January,22 |
|
| "Champions take chances and pressure is a privilege."-Billy Jean King |
| Monday,January,21 |
|
| impressive website my friend you are truly inspirational... was a pleasure to reconnect briefly the other day i do miss you.. keep up the great work! Mark |
| Sunday,January,20 |
|
| Another 850 steps up the stairs at the stadium at city college!...what used to be temporarily impossible is now a reality. It's quite a feeling of victory at the end of each set of 85 steps...looking down at the steps I just climbed symbolizes 85 recent victories.-Henrik |
| Sunday,January,20 |
|
| "Believe you can, and you can. Belief is one of the most powerful of all problem solvers. When you believe that a difficult can be overcome, you are more than halfway to victory over it already."-Norman Vincent Peale |
| Saturday,January,19 |
|
| All things are possible until they are proved impossible-and even then the impossible may only be so, as of now. |
| Friday,January,18 |
|
| How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. |
| Thursday,January,17 |
|
| "There is a place we come to..." I'm often asked what the dots stand for. If someone has to ask, then they haven't come to that place yet.-Henrik |
| Wednesday,January,16 |
|
| I always want to have it...what is "it"?...The appreciation and outlook I have developed during this Journey...writing regularly in this blog is a great vehicle to continue noticing, reflecting, and appreciating...because I know that I will be writing in the blog, and because I get such positive feedback from all you readers, my mind is now conditioned to look for Magic Moments, possibilities, and distinctions...may the Journey continue.-Henrik |
| Tuesday,January,15 |
|
| Another Magic Moment...I'm in the rehab pool when I witness this Magic Moment...an older gentleman, perhaps in his late 70's/early 80's is about to get into the pool with his wife...she pushes him in his wheelchair towards the white chair that will get him into the pool. She helps him transfer from the wheelchair into the plastic chair. His face lights up like a kid in a candy store as he says "I'm about to go swimming!"...his grin from ear to ear was priceless to witness...I know what he means...entering into the pool is like entering into another world-a world of mobility and no pain;a world of independence and possibilities; a world free from limitations and full of movement...Magic Moments-they are everywhere around us if we look for them.-Henrik |
| Monday,January,14 |
|
| On cue...another example of needing to be "on" on demand...spending time in the recording studio today, I was reminded of how important it is to have access to certain emotions in a snap...when I record the words for these CD's, HOW I feel determines how I PERFORM...having confidence, sounding assertive, and being articulate...some of the essentials for coming across as believable on these CD's...In The Zone On Demand...Because I Can!-Henrik |
| Sunday,January,13 |
|
| Yes!...another 850 steps today up the stadium...why? Because I can!...I appreciate being able to do it because there was a time not long ago when it took me two hours to put on a shirt and a pair of socks...even sitting up wasn't possible.-Henrik |
| Saturday,January,12 |
|
| Another first...85 steps...10 staircases...at the local city college stadium where countless hours have already been dedicated over the past 11 months...JOGGING a total of 850 steps up those stairs today was such a high!!! Getting to the top after each 85 steps was a cause for celebration. As I walked down the stairs after each jog up, I became more and more motivated...the feeling of Victory had just been experienced 85 times...I know I'm going back tomorrow again...more victories to celebrate!-Henrik |
| Friday,January,11 |
|
| A big difference...In the past two weeks I have noticed a big difference in how my legs feel...I was able to move them before these two weeks, but they felt quite heavy comparared to "pre Feb 1"...the legs now feel much lighter than they have in 11 months, and I no longer feel like I am dragging my feet when I walk. As a result, I should not wear out my shoe soles as quickly in the future, right? And going up stairs will be much easier, as I lift each leg to step on the next step...there is so much to be grateful for! Take nothing for granted.Henrik |
| Thursday,January,10 |
|
| "Nothing tastes as good as healthy feels." |
| Wednesday,January,9 |
|
| "If dreams were for sale, what would I buy?" |
| Tuesday,January,8 |
|
| "What am I grateful for?"...a very useful question to begin with, AND to be able to ask ourselves during the day. What we focus on affects how we preceive events, and consistently operating from a state of gratitude is very important for our well-being.-Henrik |
| Monday,January,7 |
|
| There are challenges ahead. We need to make daily positive "deposits" that we can call upon. Calling time-out to then become positive and resourceful is not an option, because by then it's too late. We need to be proactive, and honing our skills needs to be an ongoing way of life. For example, I just went to cnn.com to see if there were any headlines that I needed to be aware of, and for the record, reading about Brittney Spears should not be headline news. There were several links to read about her mental state, Dr. Phil's visit to her hospital room, etc. Clicking on these links and reading this garbage is a waste of valuable time and space in our brains...Clicking on a link to read further about the maimed body of a missing hiker is another example of "garbage in." Reading such details will not add value to our quality of life. Instead it can serve as evidence that the world we live in is screwed up.-Henrik |
| Sunday,January,6 |
|
| "The real art of communication is not to only say the right thing at the right time, but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment."-Dorothy Nevill...this quote resonates with me, because i have noticed that as I grow as a coach, I speak less. It's WHAT I say that is important. It's not about hearing my own voice the whole time when I coach. Likewise, everyone on my team who is helping me on this Journey have been selected because they share this core belief.-Henrik |
| Saturday,January,5 |
|
| 2000 calories burned in 56 minutes on the elliptical machine...only because of positive self talk...it would have been so easy to stop.-Henrik |
| Friday,January,4 |
|
| A challenge against myself...it would have been so easy to get off...nobody would have known, except for me...I was on the elliptical machine, and after burning 1000 calories, I contemplated stopping, but I had made up my mind ahead of time to burn 2000 calories...my body was tired, and I started to visualize the nice showers...BUT...I wanted to keep my word...1000 more calories to go...I had to get creative so that I would be able to reach my goal. I decided to break it down...100 calories every 2.5 minutes...by focusing on burning 100 at a time,...my mind stayed focused and there was no time for negative or limiting self talk. 25 minutes later, I had burned another 1000 calories!...I really believe it was because I broke down my goal into manageable goals, so it didn't feel so overwhelming...another 2000 tomorrow...-Henrik |
| Thursday,January,3 |
|
| "The marvelous pharmacy that was designed by nature and placed into our being by the universal architect produces most of the medicines that we need."-Norman Cousins |
| Wednesday,January,2 |
|
| "When people learn about the healer within themselves and then TAKE ACTION to care for their own physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health, they are transformed."-Roger Jahnke...Amen.-Henrik |
| Tuesday,January,1 |
|
| 11 months ago today is when the Journey began...I'm thrilled to report that I continue to make progress. I'm often asked "what percentage are you at?"...my answer these days..."52.47 percent, but keep in mind that 84 percent of all statistics are made up anyway." In other words, it's not about percentages. The goal has never been recovery, but Transformation. There are no percentages in Transformation!!!!!-Henrik |
| Tuesday,January,1 |
|
| "The most influential person you will talk to all day is you." -Zig Ziglar...because this is so, what are we feeding our minds? -Henrik |
| Tuesday,January,1 |
|
| Happy New Year!!!...a new year, new possibilities...The best is yet to come, right?-Henrik |
| Monday,December,31 |
|
| Experience is a hard teacher. She gives the test first, the lesson afterwards. |
| Sunday,December,30 |
|
| Patient directed care...can be the best type of care, BUT it really depends on the patient, his family, and the team of doctors, nurses, and therapists...Going to the hospital for the past couple of days, I was reminded how many parts there are to the equation in order to achieve the desired result. Ideally, the patient needs to have a positive attitude, a healthy mindset and way of communicating effectively with the staff who in turn needs to be actively involved and genuinely care about the outcome. Unfortunately, these are often not the conditions. Also, the family members,and friends need to be on the same page. Too often family members/friends can frustrate the understaffed staff for example....Reflecting has given me so much gratitude for everyone I have on my team...family, friends, therapists, nurses...THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!-Henrik |
| Saturday,December,29 |
|
| "I am extraordinarily patient, provided I get my own way in the end."-Margaret Thatcher...I can relate. Being proactively patient is easy when I am convinced I would be walking again.-Henrik |
| Friday,December,28 |
|
| "Whenever I feel like exercise, I lie down until the feeling passes."-Robert M. Hutchins...that's one way of looking at things.-Henrik |
| Friday,December,28 |
|
| "The art of medicine consists of amusing the patient while nature cures the disease."-Voltaire...there is absolutely truth in this.-Henrik |
| Thursday,December,27 |
|
| "One can't lose weight without exercise. But I've got a philosophy about exercise. I don't think you should punish your legs for something your mouth did. Drag your lips around the block once or twice instead."-Gary Owens....:):):)Henrik |
| Wednesday,December,26 |
|
| So close yet so far...how long does it take to put on a sock?...I was sitting in the locker room after being in the sauna, and it dawned on me how quick putting on a sock can be, where it is not even a thought, not even a subject for discussion. In February it took me close to an hour to put on two socks. It became quite a project and I spent a lot of time thinking of ways to improve my time. There had to be short cuts right? Maybe the kinds of socks would also make a difference? The length, the elasticity, and the material?...well,I am pleased to report that putting on socks is now something I can do while carrying on a conversation. I can probably do it without even looking. I feel like I can tell where my foot and leg is without looking. The simple victories in life...celebrate the victories! -Henrik |
| Tuesday,December,25 |
|
| Mindset, Attitude, and Self-Awareness...3 keys to getting Results-Henrik |
| Monday,December,24 |
|
| "Blessed are those who can give without remembering and take without forgetting."-Elizabeth Bibesco |
| Sunday,December,23 |
|
| "Nothing can stop the person with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal."-Thomas Jefferson |
| Saturday,December,22 |
|
| "The people and circumstances around me do not make me what I am; they REVEAL who I am."-Laura Schlessinger....well put-Henrik |
| Friday,December,21 |
|
| "Repeat anything often enough and it will start to become you."-Tom Hopkins...our habits determine our character-Henrik |
| Thursday,December,20 |
|
| Back in Sweden...three flights and about 24 hours later. I have learned to sleep on the planes and I also have a new "friend"...a black little box that clips to the shirt pocket and cleans the air. The air on an airplane can't be the best, so it was an easy decision when I heard about it. -Henrik |
| Wednesday,December,19 |
|
| Going home to Sweden for the holidays...time to get creative with the workouts as I have a bruised calf muscle making running/biking on a machine just wishful thinking. Instead it will be lots of core exercises, AND DAILY STRETCHING. Optimal health is a lifestyle, not an event, right?-Henrik |
| Tuesday,December,18 |
|
| 75 minutes of dancing...I just finished a cranio sacral treatment and both legs were twitching/dancing non-stop. I fell into a deep sleep when the therapist was working on the neck area, but when I woke up he told me I had been very active. My body continues to respond to the cranio sacral therapy which is quite exciting. -Henrik |
| Tuesday,December,18 |
|
| Does our mood determine how we perform? YES! Then, how do we influence our mood? By how we carry our body and by our thoughts. If I want to feel confident, then I have to DO confidence with my body, of example. What I focus my thoughts on will also affect how I feel. I really believe that knowing AND DOING this has helped me on this Journey. Rather than waiting for a breakthrough, and then celebrating, the process has worked like this: Live in positive emotions which increases the odds of performing well, which leads to LOTS OF CELEBRATIONS!....HOW WE FEEL DETERMINES HOW WE PERFORM.-Henrik |
| Monday,December,17 |
|
| 83!!!...only 83!...it was ONLY 83 degrees in the Rehab pool today. We're used to somewhere in the 90s...still, I was able to do my exercises in the pool, I just had to do them faster, so I wouldn't get cold. Every time I go into that pool I notice the positive vibe in the air...people from all walks of life who come together and all become more independent simultaneously...even if it's ONLY 83 degrees.-Henrik |
| Sunday,December,16 |
|
| It is not easy to find happiness in ourselves, and it's not possible to find it elswhere-Agnes Repplier |
| Saturday,December,15 |
|
| Patience is not passive; on the contrary it is active; it is concentrated strength. |
| Friday,December,14 |
|
| BECAUSE I CAN!...this was the theme today when I spoke in Los Angeles...why should we stretch? BECAUSE WE CAN!...why should we be positive? BECAUSE WE CAN!...why should we lead by example? BECAUSE WE CAN!-Henrik |
| Thursday,December,13 |
|
| If ignorance is bliss, why aren't there more happy people? |
| Wednesday,December,12 |
|
| You can either complain that rose bushes have thorns or rejoice that thorn bushes have roses....each day we have a CHOICE...what kind of day are we going to have?...we need to exercise that choice and be proactive...-Henrik |
| Tuesday,December,11 |
|
| There is no such thing as an unimportant day. |
| Monday,December,10 |
|
| One's destination is never a place, but rather a new way of looking at things. -Henry Miller |
| Sunday,December,9 |
|
| "Character is what you do when no one is looking."
|
| Saturday,December,8 |
|
| "Nothing is stable. There is an endless "becoming."-B.Cardozon...I really like this quote because it reminds us that we are not stagnant. Therefore we need to be proactive about what we do.-Henrik |
| Friday,December,7 |
|
| Comical instead of frustrating...I played tennis again and it was comical to not be able to get to the ball like I was used to. Quickness and anticipation used to be two of my biggest weapons...and now they are two of my biggest challenges!...Because I choose to go on the court so seldom I don't get frustrated. I don't have any expectations...it's all just a bonus after what I have experienced.-Henrik |
| Thursday,December,6 |
|
| Question the source...should we believe everything we read and hear on the news?...today I was reminded when I looked at the front page of the daily Swedish paper, Metro, that we need to be discriminating in what we take in...National Enquirer was one of the sources mentioned in the article...I rest my case...-Henrik |
| Wednesday,December,5 |
|
| "To the world I am one person, but to one person I am the world." |
| Tuesday,December,4 |
|
| Morrie Schwartz, in "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom: "So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half-asleep, even when they're busy doing things they think are important. This is because they're chasing the wrong things. The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning."
|
| Tuesday,December,4 |
|
| "A happy person is not a person in a certain set of circumstances, but rather a person with a certain set of attitudes."-H.Downs...amen-Henrik |
| Tuesday,December,4 |
|
| "There is a place we all come to..."-this is one of my favorite quotes. Many times I'm asked what comes after the dots. My response? "When you come to THAT place, you will just know."-Henrik |
| Monday,December,3 |
|
| "Try? There is no try. There is only do or don't do." -Yoda...I used to agree 100 percent. As a result of this Journey I have modified my belief. I believe there are times when trying is enough. I would not be able to do what I do now if I ha not tried the things that my therapists told me to try. We wanted to see what the body could do and how it would respond when challenged. "Let's try..." is now a phrase I look forward to hearing. -Henrik |
| Monday,December,3 |
|
| Carpe diem..."Seize the day" is not often enough...it's too seldom...SAVOR EACH MOMENT. -Henrik |
| Monday,December,3 |
|
| Carpe diem..."Seize the day" is not often enough...it's too seldom...SAVOR EACH MOMENT. -Henrik |
| Monday,December,3 |
|
| Monday...here we go, another week...what's Wednsday called? Hump Day. What about Tuesday? Hump Day Eve. Friday? TGIF. Do we know any people who are always looking forward to the weekends? They can't really stand the work week. When we ask them Monday morning, "how was your weekend?" they respond "I can't really remember. I think I drank too much." So five days they can't stand, and two they can't remember! What a way to live life! ...Enjoy each and every day and notice those Magic Moments! -Henrik |
| Sunday,December,2 |
|
| Something to consider...I recently received a quote that read "more important than where we are-is the direction in which we're heading."....at first I agreed with it, but now that I have had time to think about it, I disagree. I believe it is equally important where we are right now. The state of mind and body NOW will affect the direction we ACTUALLY go in as supposed to the one we simply want. -Henrik |
| Saturday,December,1 |
|
| 10 months ago today, my life as I knew it came to an end...and a new chapter with unbelievable distinctions began...halleluja! It continues to be a fantastic Journey that I would never want to have undone. Sure, I wouldn't want to go through it again, but I would not want to have it undone. The greater the obstacles, the greater the rewards, right? Thank you everyone for your continued support. I really appreciate it!-Henrik |
| Friday,November,30 |
|
| "The chair" instead of "my chair"...as I am writing, I find myself using "the chair" instead of "my chair" when writing about my time in the wheelchair...why would that be? I think it's subconscious...I looked at the wheelchair as temporary, and even though it has given me lots of independence, I never wanted to get too attached to it.-Henrik |
| Thursday,November,29 |
|
| An easy choice...I'm on my way to Sweden. I get to Los Angeles from Santa Barbara and I have two choices: walk 15-20 min to the international terminal or take a shuttle that leaves every 15 minutes...since I was not in a hurry, it was an easy decision...WALK? Why? Because I Can!...what was the biggest challenge with the walk outside? All the smokers...absolutely gross to walk next to them sucking on those cancer sticks. -Henrik |
| Wednesday,November,28 |
|
| Back at the rehab center...I went back to the pool to work on my lower body and the fast twitch muscles...SO MANY emotions as I WALKED through the gate...for a time, my hair was green from all the time I spent in this pool...that pool is a HUGE reason I am walking today...I walked into the locker room, and just had to sit down...I felt paralyzed and overcome with emotion as I looked around...I have sat in that chair in the shower SO many times...the lockers...the urinal that for me was only decoration (I had a built in system with the diaper)...by the way-being in the pool with a diaper is not a good thing...it REALLY swells up (I know from experience)...after collecting myself I walked out to the pool area, I couldn't wait...I was about to spend an hour in heaven. -Henrik |
| Wednesday,November,28 |
|
| When was the last time you stretched? If your answer is "I can't remember" then it may have been too long ago, right?...daily stretching and our bodies will thank us.-Henrik |
| Tuesday,November,27 |
|
| You don't become what you wish; you become what you believe.-Oprah |
| Tuesday,November,27 |
|
| "The day we stop learning is the day we stop living."...if we aren't growing, then we are dying inside. There is no such thing as stagnating. Going on this Journey has been absolutely amazing, and I continue to make new distinctions daily...for example, one thing I learned today is that we increase the odds of experiencing positive emotions by actually verbalizing those emotions. For example, if we polled 100 random people during the day and asked them if they had spoken the word GRATEFUL out loud or to themselves, many would answer "no"...as a result they probably haven't felt grateful. How about confidence? Energy? Love? Excitement? Curiosity? Creativity?...Henrik |
| Monday,November,26 |
|
| "When you're excited about your day, your day becomes exciting" |
| Sunday,November,25 |
|
| WALKING around the track...at Santa Barbara City College...eight laps,2 miles...it feels like my head is spinning, with flashbacks. I have spent SO many hours down here in the past year, and my girlfriend would walk behing me or in front of me making sure I was walking properly. Now I am working on building stamina, making sure my feet don't get lazy when they get tired. There is so much that goes into walking that I never used to think about...hips, butt muscles, heels, foot angles, weight transfers...I am someone who likes to keep things simple, without too many instructions, yet trying to learn to walk again without thinking of many things at once has been quite the challenge...now that I can walk again, the focus is on making sure the feet lift off the ground enough when walking especially when they get fatigued. It's been a challenge, yet what a Journey!-Henrik |
| Sunday,November,25 |
|
| "I am the master of my fate;I am the captain of my soul." William ernest Henley |
| Saturday,November,24 |
|
| "Hold tenderly who you are, and let a deeper knowing color the shape of your humanness." (Oriah Mountain Dreamer) |
| Thursday,November,22 |
|
| A time to reflect...Thanksgiving Day...I went to the Rehab Center this morning to give thanks to everyone who has been helping me become independent and learn how to walk again...It was quite emotional to connect with the nurses and the therapists...They have played such an instrumental role in my life and I will be forever grateful for their dedication and positive outlook...it seemed like everywhere I went at the Rehab Center I had memories that came flashing back...the gym...the pool...the grass...the patio...the bathroom that went dark on me...the handle bars in the hallway...the machines...the wheelchairs...the cafeteria...the patient rooms...WOW!-Henrik |
| Wednesday,November,21 |
|
| If a friend is in trouble, don't ask if there is anything you can do. Think up something appropriate and do it. E. Howe |
| Wednesday,November,21 |
|
| "If you keep your mind sufficiently open, people will throw a lot of rubbish into it." W. Orton...for me the key has been to have a selective open mind. We have to consider the source when we take in information. Being closed minded does not necessarily have to be a bad thing. For example, by design did I not read up on Transverse Myelitis. I don't need any limiting beliefs about my chances in my head. Now, nine and a half months later, I still have not researched it. I know what I need to know.-Henrik |
| Wednesday,November,21 |
|
| The Journey is the reward.-Tao saying |
| Wednesday,November,21 |
|
| Some people spend all of life worrying about the destination. Others simply try to enjoy the Journey.-A. Brilliant...by calling this adventure a "journey" from the very beginning, I feel like it has helped me remain positive. To me, this word has brought excitement and anticipation. It has also helped me be present and notice what is happening around me.-Henrik |
| Tuesday,November,20 |
|
| Courage is doing what you're afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you're scared.-E. Rickenbacker...Have I been afraid during this Journey? Absolutely, especially in the very beginning. Practicing Proactive Patience and celebrating daily Magic Moments has been a great way to deal with this fear.-Henrik |
| Tuesday,November,20 |
|
| What does not destroy me, makes me strong. F. Nietzsche |
| Monday,November,19 |
|
| What seems to us bitter trials are often blessings in disguise. -O.Wilde...this Journey is a true blessing. Every single day I have counted my blessings and esperienced tons of gratitude. -Henrik |
| Sunday,November,18 |
|
| Last Holiday...a movie I highly recommend. It's a feel good movie with a positive message. It's about a woman who is told by her doctor that she only has three weeks to live. Rent it, you will be happy you did!-Henrik |
| Saturday,November,17 |
|
| Change your questions, change your life.-Marilee G Adams |
| Friday,November,16 |
|
| don't change without transforming.-Dan Burrus |
| Thursday,November,15 |
|
| "You weren't born to fit in. You were born to be brilliant." Simon T. Bailey |
| Wednesday,November,14 |
|
| Synergy...conducting today's workshop was a great reminder of how synergy develops when everyone "plays full out" in the same direction...Playing to win, is SO different from playing not to lose. Likewise, either we PLAY LIFE, or life plays us. -Henrik |
| Tuesday,November,13 |
|
| No diaper!...I did my first workshop today without wearing a diaper! Halleluja!...I didn't get nearly as warm today, and my pants fit me much better...a monumental day for me...it's important to appreciate those simple things, right? -Henrik |
| Monday,November,12 |
|
| A dumbell in one hand and a cell phone in the other...for the whole hour I was at the large gym at the hotel at the Chicago airport, this guy was trying to work out while talking on the phone. And it wasn't even important. It was impossible to not hear what he was talking about, and throughout the hour he would call people to catch up with them while doing exercises with one arm. How was the form? Terrible!...seeing him "in action" was a good reminder for me focus on quality over quantity when I work out...sure, we both were there for at least an hour, but how productive was it for each of us?...Doing one thing at a time, and doing it well sure beats multi tasking and doing everything at a lower level. I want to thank the guy, because he looked ridiculous trying to do those shoulder shrugs while talking about his delayed flight that kept him at the hotel overnight.One Thing At A Time-Henrik |
| Sunday,November,11 |
|
| The Law of the Inner Circle...reading about the reasons for Lance Armstrong's success in winning seven straight Tour de France races, the power of who is in the Inner Circle is emphasized...I believe I have come as far as I have since Feb 1 for the same reason...yes, I have been positive, I have been determined, I have been focused BUT I could not do it alone. -Henrik |
| Sunday,November,11 |
|
| 5 P's...Proper Preparation Provides Peak Performance...for every hour of speaking, about 40 hours of preparation goes into it. As a result of all this preparation, I am able to be present and pay attention to what is going on in the room.-Henrik |
| Sunday,November,11 |
|
| The best things in life aren't things!...the best things in life can't be touched, they have to be experienced. |
| Sunday,November,11 |
|
| Nothing tastes as good as healthy feels!'
|
| Sunday,November,11 |
|
| What a great reminder...I had tried for hours to fasten a shelf on a wall, but it just would not stay...I went to the store and found out about a TOOL that will do the job...10 seconds after I got home it was done!!!...I often refer to tools and this was just a great reminder that with the right tools anything we attempt becomes much easier...at the same time, I believe that it is possible to have too many tools if we don't know how to use them properly...we need to have the right tools AND know how to use them properly.-Henrik |
| Sunday,November,11 |
|
| Hi Henrik,
Her in Australia is nov 11th and that means any thing will happen today because of the higher power. Remember the higher power is in everything you set your mind to achieve. Tomorrow will be your higher day. What will you do??
Look up 1111 on the web and read about it
K- |
| Thursday,November,8 |
|
| Savor Each Moment!-Henrik |
| Wednesday,November,7 |
|
| Going through the library of photos was quite emotional...there are hundreds and hundreds of photos documenting the Journey and every single one tells a story. Reflecting while looking at the photos gives me lots of inspiration while writing my book. -Henrik |
| Tuesday,November,6 |
|
| "Customer service is not a department . . . it is an attitude." -Below is a link to a short 3 minute movie that reminds us all of having the right mindset. I am so grateful for my team having this mindset, where each one takes extreme pride in what they do. Thank You!-Henrik
http://www.simpletruths.com/a.aspx?af=346&mo=STSR |
| Monday,November,5 |
|
| "When you give anything your best effort, you emerge a winner." -Zig Ziglar |
| Sunday,November,4 |
|
| "Back to the basics"...this is a phrase used by the CEO of the world's largest restaurant organization, Yum!...this concept of doing the basics over and over and over again was also preached by UCLA's legendary basketball coach John Wooden. In my own Journey, I find it to be a key ingredient to my Transformation...being able to do the same task over and over again even though we sometimes don't feel like it...it's especially important for our self-confidence to be able to do things even though no one is watching...moving a toe, then a foot, raising a leg....over and over and over again. There has been no shortcut...except for having a POSITIVE ATTITUDE-Henrik |
| Saturday,November,3 |
|
| Proactive Patience will be needed...I played tennis for the 4th time in 9 months today...and there is definitely work to be done...when the ball came straight at me, I felt like the ball attacked me. The feet just didn't move...if the ball came fast a few feet away from me, then I let it go by while laughing out loud. My friend Hans, who was on the other side, could surely hear the echo of the frequent laughs in the indoor tennis facility...Why was I laughing?...Because I couldn't get to balls that I'm used to getting in my sleep...am I angry or frustrated? Actually, no...my mind keeps focusing on the progress I've made in the past nine months...a thought came into my head...if I played against others who had Transverse Myelitis nine months ago, I would do fine...BUT...I wouldn't want to play tennis with them....we have more important things to talk about...being able to play tennis at the level I used to play at will be great, but in due time...if someone watched my play right now I look like someone who is really lazy, who doesn't move his feet...that's OK, for now...I have regained my balance and I never worry about falling...that's a huge VICTORY!!!-Henrik |
| Friday,November,2 |
|
| It's not what happens to us, it's what we do about it.-W Mitchell |
| Thursday,November,1 |
|
| It is a sport!!!...What a way to commemorate 9 months into the Journey...Ice skating!!!...and bowling!!!...on January 30, I went bowling, but I never thought of it as a sport. Today was the first time in 9 months and I felt like Bambi. It was a very shaky and wobbly Henrik that rolled the ball towards the pins...there is absolutely a gap between where I am and where I want to be...iceskating was...exhilerating!!!..it takes a great deal of balance and I am happy to report I was able to remain standing the whole hour on the ice...reflecting upon the day, I am so grateful for the progress up until know, and I am excited about continuing working hard to get back what I have lost...proactive patience is the key.(by the way, I didn't use the bumpers while bowling)-Henrik |
| Thursday,November,1 |
|
| "Wise men talk because they have something to say;fools because they have to say something."-Plato |
| Thursday,November,1 |
|
| "We are what we repeatedly do."-Aristotle |
| Wednesday,October,31 |
|
| Nine months ago today I was in the emergency room...I couldn't urinate, and the doctor attached a catherer with a bag on my thigh. The memory of that visit is fresh in my mind and I am happy I can reflect upon the different phases of the Journey. I am so grateful! -Henrik |
| Tuesday,October,30 |
|
| Don't prepare the path for the child. Instead prepare the child for the path. |
| Monday,October,29 |
|
| I don't remember much...of the past 9 months...what does that mean? I am really happy that I have been keeping this journal and been writing my book because there are so many things that I go back and read that I don't remember. Or at least I don't remember much. Have I tried to forget? No, quite the contrary, I never want to lose the gratitude and appreciation for life that I have lived with for the past nine months...I am really proud to be able to announce that I have been in The Zone at least part of every single day since February 1. As a result, when in The Zone, it is often hard to remember afterwards what took place. Ask any athlete after they have been in The Zone. Some things they can explain in vivid detail, and other things they can't recall at all....interesting...-Henrik |
| Saturday,October,27 |
|
| Going beyond what we think is possible is addictive...burning 2000 calories in less than 60 minutes was not an option a few days ago...today it's reality. How? Beliefs. Starting on the elliptical machine, I knew exactly what pace I had to keep in order to achieve my goal. By working backwards, I knew all along that I was on pace to get to 2000. Throughout the hour I was focused and determined. It felt great to cultivate those emotions. -Henrik |
| Friday,October,26 |
|
| Curiosity...one of my driving forces...while burning 2000 calories on the elliptical machine I had time to think...as adults we don't get to be curious much. It's very easy to get into a routine where we do more or less the same thing every day, with few days looing different...reflecting on my Journey, my curiosity to find out how my body would respond each day has been a major contributor to where I am today. I am really glad that this Curiosity continues to drive me today as I continue on the Journey. Have you been conditioning your Curiosity lately? -Henrik |
| Friday,October,26 |
|
| Nourish the mind, nourish the body, nourish the soul...with the stomach flu going around here in Sweden I am extra protective of my immune system. If I take care of it daily, then it will take care of me. Lots of rest, water, supplements, vitamins. I'm bewing reminded how important it is to be proactive rather than waiting for the somach flu to strike and then trying to minimize its effects.-Henrik |
| Wednesday,October,24 |
|
| "Everone is my teacher" is a belief that has served me well...we can either learn what to do or what not to do. I really don't believe there is anyone we can't learn from as long as we are open-minded. -Henrik |
| Wednesday,October,24 |
|
| My my most formidable opponent...myself! I'm on the elliptical machine, and it's me against the clock...trying to burn 500 calories in 20 minutes...actually I am competing against myself...going at this pace is doable for a few minutes, but for 20?..I hear the inner voice start to talk to me:"I can't go anymore!Nobody will know if you stop now, or at least slow down."...True, nobody else would know, but I would!...I needed a tool real quick to quiet the inner critic...luckily I had a tool handy that I use several times a day and had already been used when I woke up...what was the tool? One of my power phrases:"I'm a winner. I expect excellence. I am courageous. I love making decisions. I am proactive. I play life. I'm ready. Bring it on!"...so what happened? The positive power phrases destroyed the inner critic. It's impossible to have both a positive and a negative thought at the same time! Thank goodness for power phrases.-Henrik |
| Wednesday,October,24 |
|
| "How would the person I'd like to be, do what I'm about to do?"...I find this to be an excellent question to ask myself over and over again throughout the day.-Henrik |
| Tuesday,October,23 |
|
| "Love the moment, and the energy of that moment will spread beyond all boundaries."-Corita Kent |
| Monday,October,22 |
|
| "We drown ourselves in trivia and excess."...we need to be proactive about what we take in...garbage in, garbage out, right?-Henrik |
| Sunday,October,21 |
|
| Quite inspiring...listening to a former firefighter for the past two days here in Sweden talk about life after surviving an explosion 26 years ago, completely disfiguring him. When he spoke, there was so much I could relate to...he talked about his mindset after he woke up in the hospital...the state of mind I was in and the mindset that has served me well was similar...it wasn't really a decision for either one of us...it was the only option. We both knew your end goals, and we both had a positive outlook, so being mindful, and in the present along the way was not painful-it was natural. We both experienced inner peace and harmony because we knew that we would reach our goals in due time. Neither one of us knew when that would be, we just knew that the goals would come true when they were supposed to. We both experienced victories along the way, but many times others around us celebrated more than us, because for us the victories were pre-meditated, no surprise. When the victories did occur they felt like confirmation that we were on the right track. How could it be any other way? We both had tunnelvision, so focused on our goals, that there was no room to be distracted. As far as doctors, the former firefighter asked lots of questions, whereas I asked very few questions. I did not want to be influenced by any doctors' pessimistic opinion of my situation. There was no need for me to read up on my condition online, because I was going to transform at my pace. Reading about my odds of getting better was only going to distract me from my focus on transforming. We both attribute a huge part of our success in getting better to the love we received from family and friends. I really didn't have too many visitors come to see, me, but I did have lots of family and friends around. There wasn't a single day that went by that I didn't experience love, love, and more love from those around me...did it make a difference? I'll give you one guess? -Henrik |
| Sunday,October,21 |
|
| "Make him Proud!"...this is the promise my brother and I made to each other three years ago today when our dad passed on...taking time to reflect, (which I do daily anyway), I believe my dad would be most proud of the fact that my mom, my brother, and I have all played life for the past three years, rather than allowing life to play us. I believe my dad is really proud of who we are as human beings and what we stand for. When we know what we stand for, making decisions in life becomes much easier. I love you Dad!-Henrik |
| Friday,October,19 |
|
| "You've got to walk the talk. People don't judge you by your intentions, they judge you by your actions." -Clarence,janitor at KFC as told in the book The Education of an Accidental CEO by David Novak...an easy to read book with great insight into human behavior. A book I highly recommend. -Henrik |
| Thursday,October,18 |
|
| You never know what you ar capable of. |
| Wednesday,October,17 |
|
| Conducting a management workshop her in Chicago for the past two days...I have worked with hundreds and hundreds of companies but this group really stood out. Why? They just played full out and as a result great synergy developed in the room. I got to see first hand what happens when everone takes responsibility in a group...looking back on the past eight months, I really appreciate those who have taken responsibility and helped me on this Journey. It's a beautiful thing when we each take responsibility!-Henrik |
| Tuesday,October,16 |
|
| "People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within."- Elizabeth Kubler Ross...keep nurturing the light within.-Henrik |
| Monday,October,15 |
|
| "The journey is the reward." -Chinese Proverb |
| Sunday,October,14 |
|
| True friendship comes when silence between two people is comfortable. |
| Sunday,October,14 |
|
| "When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane."...something to think about-Henrik |
| Sunday,October,14 |
|
| It might come in handy...buying a trenchcoat here in Chicago might come in handy those days when my pants become "two-tone" due to bladder challenges. Moving from regular use of catheters to using adult diapers might not seem like progress, but in my world it's HUGE! -Henrik |
| Friday,October,12 |
|
| It really works...working out at the gym here in Chicago, I noticed how many people are taking quite a long time in between sets...I hav found that I have a much more productive workot when I spend the time in between my sets actually visualizing IN REAL TIME the upcoming set of 15+repetitions...as a result, I am focused during the whole workout; and when I actually do the set it's premeditated and there is no internal voice telling me "I can't do it"...another workout planned for this afternoon...the body responds well to regular focused workouts. These days I leave a workout already looking forward to the next one. A two hour workout is just too long. -Henrik |
| Thursday,October,11 |
|
| It's not about the letters...letters after somone's name has never really impressed me much. Sure, it shows that the person has been committed and followed through. Yet to often, I have come across people who rest on those laurels. Those letters do not make someone effective in real life necessarily...getting another acupunture treatment yesterday I was reminded of how important it is that my team members are good people with a good heart and soul. That they believe in the mind-body connections is a given. Too many times when they don't know something they rather cut it down than be open to the possibilities. My acupuncturist is an excellent listener and he is very present anytime I am with him. Just these two facts alone, sets him apart from many. As a coach, being around people like him is a great reminder...it goes back to the saying.."People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." Choose your team in life carefully!-Henrik |
| Wednesday,October,10 |
|
| I would like to talk to you about your disease. My mother has the disesase and she would like to know about your recovery. My e-mail is debbie68r@aol.com |
| Tuesday,October,9 |
|
| Pay attention...there is an old soul working where I go to the hyperbaric chamber and we had a great conversation today. His father is in the hospital and he is dying. He recently told his son "I wish I could walk again"...that reminded me of what my dad said to me in the last few months of his life...he stopped watching television because he said it "kills the soul" ...We can learn or at least be reminded when we pay attention and listen to what is going on around us. These are great life lessons. Savor Each Moment! -Henrik |
| Monday,October,8 |
|
| Your 60 minutes of carefree running by the beach sounds has a very distintive Runner's World Centerfold quality to it...I'm glad that you are continuing on your journey at your own pace and are opting for the "scenic route" whenever possible...enjoy the well-deserved gift to yourself-Carolina (ps...running 2x in a day/addictive isn't it?) |
| Sunday,October,7 |
|
| Run Forrest, run!...Going running for the first time on the grass down by the beach...I didn't pass any runners, but that was absolutely ok...I can run again! 60 minutes of running felt awesome!...I didn't have to stop once. In the beginning it felt as though I was running in place, I didn't know what to expect, I didn't know how the body would respond. NOW I KNOW!-I'm going running again today. -Henrik |
| Saturday,October,6 |
|
| "The truly educated never graduate!"...do you know anyone with the mindset that because they are done with school, then they are done learning? In reality, that's when the real learning begins, isn't it? -Henrik |
| Friday,October,5 |
|
| Very fascinating...Optimal Health is obviously not a goal for the majority of people...sitting here at Souplantation, where a salad/soup/pasta/fruit/ice cream buffet is served, I have concluded that going to a place like this is a great way to learn about people. What do they eat? How much do they eat? How do they eat? How fast do they eat? How big are their portions? How much do they actually finish? What do they drink?..I'm proud to say that I stayed with the salad bar. Was it difficult to avoid the other food? Absolutely not, because the focus walking through the door was Optimal Health. (I had had a talk with myself earlier, so we were both clear on what was acceptable) As a result, there hasn't been aninternal struggle as to what I should eat. How do I feel? Great!!! No moaning from this table, and no need to slide my butt forward and sit on my lowerback as is so common after over-eating. Cheers for Optimal Health!-Henrik |
| Friday,October,5 |
|
| Been there, couldn't do it!-Henrik |
| Thursday,October,4 |
|
| It's fun...and very satisfying...to prove the doctors wrong who were quick to jump to conclusions. When I asked about different alternatives to sitting and waiting in hopes of getting better, I was told that there weren't alternatives. When I suggested alternative treatments I had researched, I was told it was a waste of time and money. Personally I think I was given that answer because of lack of knowledge. It's easier to say it won't work. Anyway...there is absolutely no more inflammation around T-10 where the paralysis originated, and I couldn't be happier! Here is my suggestion: Be proactive about your health, be careful what you read online, and be careful in who you listen to including doctors, family and friends. -Henrik |
| Wednesday,October,3 |
|
| Yes!!!!!!!!!...I spoke with my doctor today who has been helping me reach Optimal Health. With the help of very specific supplements I am happy to report that THERE ARE NO INFLAMMATORY COMPONENTS ANYWHERE IN MY BODY!!!! Great news, yet not a total surprise. My team has been real proactive and this is the result.No regrets because we have done everything possible to give the body the best possible chance to perform up to its potential. Yes!!!!! -Henrik |
| Tuesday,October,2 |
|
| Get comfortable with the unfamiliar.... Make it a part of your daily routine to do something totally different than what you normally do. Work out at a different gym. Put your TV in the closet for a month. Drive to work using a different route. Change workout routines regularly. You'll be better prepared to handle diverse environments with greater calm and confidence. |
| Monday,October,1 |
|
| 8 months today...WOW!!!...it's been 8 months since this Journey began. I am so grateful that I on a daily basis experience so much gratitude. Every single day I stop and reflect and celebrate Magic Moments. "What am I grateful for?" has become a really good way to begin the day-immediately I experience gratitude and the rest is gravy. -Henrik |
| Wednesday,October,3 |
|
| The stamp and envelope may be my fav- but but nothing beats putting yur ideas to the test. Just today I patted myself on the back for spending big deniro on soaps and lotions, because i know how good i feel (and smell) when im wearing ONE of the many. My fav is "Cheri by Miss Dior". This is my flavourate of the month. So sweet and subtle. Next month will be.... Well I will let you know. Thank you for seeing the simple things in life. Always remember there would not be any simple without the trying hard times!
K- |
| Sunday,September,30 |
|
| Watching those bicyclists come in after having swum and biked...was quite special! I went with my brother who is a triathlete to watch the Carpinteria Triathlon and it was such a rush to be around people who are focused, determined, physical, and positive...even early in the morning before the swim, the energy in the air at the beach was fantastic. These athletes created great synergy, and it was a joy to be in their company...watching this triathlon reminded me of the importance to remember that we are ultimately competing against ourselves.-challening our bodies AND minds for several hours in a row. I will do a triathlon in due time. I'm only competing against myself anyway, right? -Henrik, future ironman. |
| Sunday,September,30 |
|
| "Accept no limitations"-Carpinteria triathlon slogan |
| Saturday,September,29 |
|
| How long a minute is depends on what side of the bathroom door you are on. |
| Saturday,September,29 |
|
| HAD vs HAVE...Is there a difference between "I HAVE Transverse Myelitis" and "I HAD Transverse Myelitis"?...Absolutely!!!...It feels great to be able to say it in the past tense. I had it, and now I am focusing on the effects it still has on my body...muscle spasms, limited bladder function...the body continues to respond to the therapy and training sessions which is exciting...I haven't set a time for when all the functions will be back, I just know that they will come back in due time. Whew! -Henrik |
| Thursday,September,27 |
|
| It just makes sense...while taking a shower this morning and using the liquid soap and shampoo I had a revelation...using soap and shampoo/conditioner that makes us feel GREAT sets the tone for how we will feel during the rest of the day...I am bringing my favorite soap/shampoo/conditioner to the US today as I travel from Sweden. Using these bottles will act as anchors and create the environment that I desire.
Soap is not soap. Shampoo is not shampoo...be proactive about what you use. Does it make you feel great or indifferent? -Henrik |
| Wednesday,September,26 |
|
| Everything you want is just outside your comfort zone. -Robert Allen |
| Wednesday,September,26 |
|
| Time to reflect...writing the book is quite thought provoking...so many feelings coming back...I don't even have to make anything up. Everything in the book is factual...reliving the time I was in the emergency room not knowing what the future would hold was quite touching. -Henrik |
| Wednesday,September,26 |
|
| Simple isn't necessarily easy. |
| Wednesday,September,26 |
|
| Hi Henrik, So glad to hear you're so happy. I am so proud to know you. When people are down all it takes for them to read this blog site and instantly feel excited and encouraged! (Although I have to say I was a bit shocked at how far behind you were with the knowledge of the back up of your computer files with a hard memory drive...Thought every one knew this... At any rate you made me feel good that I have had that covered years ago. It was only by Trial and error though!)
PS the stamp and envelope qoute is my fav! |
| Wednesday,September,26 |
|
| We all have inconveniences of one kind or another. How we deal with them utimately determines how successful we are. -Craig McFarlane |
| Wednesday,September,26 |
|
| What did the envelope say to the stamp? -"stick to me baby, and we'll go places." |
| Wednesday,September,26 |
|
| The longest journey of any person is the journey inward.-Dag Hammarskold |
| Tuesday,September,25 |
|
| Every negative event contains within the seed of an equal or greater benefit.-Napoleon Hill |
| Monday,September,24 |
|
| No regrets...since February 1, one of my main goals have been to have NO REGRETS...I have wanted to feel all along that I was doing everything possible to give my body the best possible chance of achieving Optimal Health...yes, I have NO REGRETS...what a liberating feeling, knowing that I am doing everything I can, not leaving anything to chance. -Henrik |
| Monday,September,24 |
|
| YES! YES! YES!...I went to the neurologist here in Sweden today and after extensive tests the conclusion is that I don't have a disease that caused the paralysis. There is nothing wrong with the brain, there is no Multiple Sclerosis or other disease. The conclusion is that it was a "one time" thing that led to Transverse Myelitis. It was such a relief to leave the office, having confirmation of what I thought all along. My focus continues to be on the rehabilitation. Hallelujah!-Henrik |
| Monday,September,24 |
|
| "We need to talk to ourselves like winners. We are today where our thoughts have brought us; we will be tomorrow where our thoughts take us." -James Allen, author of As a Man Thinketh |
| Sunday,September,23 |
|
| We are living magnets. What we attract into our lives is in harmony with our dominant thoughts-Brian Tracy |
| Sunday,September,23 |
|
| You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. -Jim Rohn |
| Sunday,September,23 |
|
| How you do anything is how you do everything. |
| Saturday,September,22 |
|
| The two most powerful words in the English language are "Let Go!"...as Bruce Lee put it, "the less effort, the faster and more powerful you will be."...we live in a control based society, yet control comes from Letting Go!"-Henrik |
| Friday,September,21 |
|
| Before we can lead others, we have to lead ourselves...DAILY! The following phrases help me on a daily basis: "I'm A Winner!...I Expect Excellence!...I Am Courageous!...I Love Making Decisions!...I Am Proactive!...I Play Life!...I'm Ready!...Bring It On! -Henrik |
| Thursday,September,20 |
|
| Nothing like New York...just arrived this morning to speak to an audience of about 350 tomorrow...that cab ride from JFK was something else...driving on the shoulder on the freeway is legal, right?...why not honk every two seconds, while talking on the cell phone in a foreign language of course...It will be very exciting to share one of my success tools with the audience tomorrow, I'll write more soon.-Henrik |
| Wednesday,September,19 |
|
| Truly inspiring...watching the 16 year old girl stand up from her wheelchair and grab the walker to walk to the podium to accept the Inpatient of the Year award. I don't think there was a dry eye in the house...after her acceptance speech she received a standing ovation as she made her way back to her seat...Wow, truly a magic moment!-Henrik |
| Wednesday,September,19 |
|
| "What am I grateful for?"...a great question to ask first thing in the morning. -Henrik |
| Wednesday,September,19 |
|
| "If you ask me what I came to do in this world... I will answer you:I am here to live out loud. (Émile Zola)...Here's to showing The Big Apple how to "Walk the Talk"...Wishing you the best on your first showcase back...Fire 'em up Paratrooper!!! |
| Wednesday,September,19 |
|
| "The greatest bridge that can exist between people is a smile" (Source Unknown)
|
| Monday,September,17 |
|
| Watching a junior tennis tournament this weekend I was reminded of the following lesson: How we feel BEFORE we perform, determines HOW we perform! At least 40 minutes of every hour on a tennis court during a match is spent BETWEEN points. What a player does and how he feels then, directly impacts the performance during the point. Likewise in life...how we feel before a one on one interaction has an effect on how we ¨perform¨ during the interaction...next time before leaving someone a message, DO confidence, and leave your phone number TWICE...S L O W L Y!!!-Henrik |
| Sunday,September,16 |
|
| Do not rush through life. Pause and enjoy it. -Chinese fortune cookie |
| Sunday,September,16 |
|
| "The view from the chair"...was the topic I wrote about in my personal journal two weeks after the paralysis...I'm glad I have this perspective. watching tennis today at a tournament, I view matches in a whole different light. The main thing that is confirmed to me: HOW WE FEEL DETERMINES HOW WE PERFORM. In tennis at least 40 minutes of every hour played is spent NOT playing. What a player does and how he feels during that 40 minutes will have a direct impact on HOW he plays the actual point...Same thing in life-for example, how we feel before going into a one-on-one meeting will affect what we say and how we come across...something to think about...so do condfidence with your body and you will "perform" better -Henrik |
| Saturday,September,15 |
|
| I walk into the gym...about 10 people working out...one guy stands out from the crowd...buffed, wide as a house, walking with his elbows way out to the sides because his lat muscles are so large...I begin my workout...in between my sets I stretch...then the buffed guy asks me if I can spot him while he is bench pressing...I said sure without thinking what it would mean...he is on the back on the bench, lifting 275 lbs...I help him with the last 2 reps...WOW...that's a lot of weight I helped Bob lift...that felt exhilirating. Bob made my day. -Henrik |
| Thursday,September,13 |
|
| Henrik-before you were credible, now...you're INCREDIBLE!-Sharon |
| Tuesday,September,11 |
|
| It is a pity for a man to grow old and never know the strength and endurance of which his body is capable. |
| Tuesday,September,11 |
|
| "Years wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul."-Samuel Ulman |
| Tuesday,September,11 |
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| I thought she was joking...I arrive at the Philadelphia airport at 5.30am after an overnight flight from the west coast...before my last flight to Florida I have choices to make as to what I will be putting into my body...coffee, juice, water, smoothie...there is a smoothie stand right next to the arrival gate and the smell of fresh fruit makes my choice easy...I order the blueberry smoothie and the clerk prepares it for me in the blender...she fills up my cup and there is a little bit left in the blender...I ask her if I can have that if I take a sip from my cup so it doesn't have to be thrown away...she says "no, you're not supposed to, you only paid for one cup...I couldn't believe my ears!...she would rather throw it away. There were no other customers waiting, it's 5.30 in the moerning for Pete's sake, so her being busy can't be used an excuse for her odd response...another worker at the smoothie place overheard what I had asked for and went over and told the clerk to give me the excess smoothie. She didn't want to, so he took the blender and poured the remaining smoothie into my cup since I had taken a sip by now...I thanked him and walked away while hearing them argue behind me...sitting here reflecting on what happened a few minutes ago I am reminded how much work there is to be done to improve customer service. Yes, perhaps the clerk was just following the "rules", but she then needs to be empowered to be able to use common sense. Since I am traveling for the next two days, I am sure I will have more to share on this topic. Cheers! -Henrik |
| Monday,September,10 |
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| ¨People call me a perfectionist, but I´m not. I´m a 'rightist.' I do something until it's right, and then I move on to the next thing.¨-James Cameron, Oscar-winning director of Titanic and Terminator series....I like this quote because I am myself a recovering perfectionist...-Henrik |
| Monday,September,10 |
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| `´Fall seven times, get up eight.`` -Japanese proverb...I have only fallen twice,...and I have gotten up three times.-Henrik |
| Sunday,September,9 |
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| "Tennis"...yes, it's in quotation marks...I hit tennis balls for about 90 minutes with my good friend Will today, and it felt so strange. Much better than 7 weeks ago when I played last, yet so far off from where I want to be...the feet just aren't moving YET, so I feel like the ball is playing me rather than me playing the ball. Nonetheless, it was a Victory to be on the court again. I have no fear of falling over, which is nice...rather than feeling anxious to hit tennis balls again tomorrow, I feel like I rather wait a few weeks and do it "right". Playing now feels like playing a different sport that I have never played before. I feel like such a novice which is a completely new feeling for me on the tennis court. I haven't felt like a beginner on the couert for about 22 years...playing "through" this feeling does not seem like the best option. The body is just not ready YET. In due time though...-Henrik |
| Sunday,September,9 |
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| "Dance, as though no one is watching,love,as though you've never been hurt before, sing, as though no one can hear you, work,as though you don't need the money,
live, as though heaven is on earth."(Source Unknown)
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| Saturday,September,8 |
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| Outpatient of the Year...this awards symbolyzes so many things to me. Getting this award feels like winning an Olympic gold medal. The environment at the Rehab Center along with my phenomenal therapists, and the support of my family and close friends have been the fuel for me. The feeling of "no regrets" is a fanastic feeling. I have zero guilt that I could be doing more. Training has been my life for so many months now. It has become a lifestyle, a way of life. Like oxygen, I need it to survive and thrive. -Henrik |
| Saturday,September,8 |
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| Outpatient of the Year...this awards symbolyzes so many things to me. Getting this award feels like winning an Olympic gold medal. The environment at the Rehab Center along with my phenomenal therapists, and the support of my family and close friends have been the fuel for me. The feeling of "no regrets" is a fanastic feeling. I have zero guilt that I could be doing more. Training has been my life for so many months now. It has become a lifestyle, a way of life. Like oxygen, I need it to survive and thrive. -Henrik |
| Saturday,September,8 |
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| "What percentage are you at?" is a question I get asked almost daily. My answer: no such thing as a percentage, because I am a NEW person. The goal all along has been Transforation, not recovery. I view this Journey as an opportunity to grow. There is no time to feel sorry for myself. -Henrik |
| Friday,September,7 |
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| "Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher."-Oprah Winfrey |
| Friday,September,7 |
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| "People achieve goals faster and accomplish more when they have positive mental attitudes.
Set a course, take steps, and persist."
-Abraham Maslow |
| Thursday,September,6 |
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| "Circumstances don't create character, they reveal character." Zig Ziglar |
| Thursday,September,6 |
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| "Complacency breeds stagnation."-Tony Robbins
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| Thursday,September,6 |
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| More tests at the doctors office in Los Angeles, two hours away...all the supplemental powders and pills are working...he did more labwork today that will be ready in about two weeks, but I felt great seeing him. He is such a positive individual to begin with, he has the education, and he perhaps most importantly has the right mindset. In my world, a doctor having the right mindset is hugely important. Being effective is so much more than having the education and having practiced for lots of years. Moving forward, my focus will be on continued core training, balance training, pool training. Being able to throw away the catherers is high on the list, as is getting feel back in the legs from the knees up. The doctor calling me the epitome of healing was quite encouraging and makes me want to continue on this Journey with a similar mindset of having my blinders on. Nothing will stop me. Period...Henrik |
| Thursday,September,6 |
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| The difference between being reactive and proactive...was clearly demonstrated to me when my laptop stopped working yesterday. Luckily I had already purchased another one last week that I had not unpacked yet. The computer technician just left my house after spending 3 hours getting the new machine up and running. Everything from the old machine was retrieved and I have a detailed plan for organizing and backing up weekly. If you are reading this and have a computer, it is not a matter of if, but WHEN the computer will give you problems...therefore...we need to be proactive and back up files regularly on an external hard drive. Likewise with our health...we need to be proactive about achieving Optimal Health, because it won't happen by accident...just a friendly reminder...back up those files...Henrik |
| Thursday,September,6 |
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| "Don't ever let someone tell you, you can't do something... Not even me... You got a dream, you gotta protect it. People can't do something themselves, they wanna tell you that you can't do it. You want something? Go get it. Period."(Chris Gardner to his 6 year old son in "The Pursuit of Happyness")
Henrik-If you haven't read the above book or seen the movie, it is well worth it as it highlights not only the raw power of determination and positive attitude, but of "Walking the Talk" and modeling an example worthy of emulation, in his case, building a "living legacy" for his son, Christopher.
...Your physical victories and reflections continue to inspire the "Wow!" factor (not to mention they're highly entertaining)..You've come a long way...congratulations on the well-deserved award!...Keep up the hard work!-Carolina
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| Thursday,September,6 |
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| OUTPATIENT OF THE YEAR!...I received a letter from the Rehab Institute out of the blue...in conjunction with National Rehabilitation Week I was chosen for "remarkable motivation, patience and hard work throughoutyour rehabilitation program."...wow, what an honor! Of course my "team" of family, friends, and therapists are a huge part of my Transformation. They provide me with the environment to thrive. Thank you very much!-Henrik |
| Wednesday,September,5 |
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| "Is our 24/7, Crackberry, more-faster-now culture eating us alive or setting us free?"-Vince Poscente |
| Wednesday,September,5 |
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| 78 years, 2 months, and 10 days...I just read about a woman who has kept a journal EVERY day for this long...Muriel Phelan Osterhaus, a National Guinness Record Holder for journal writing has raised the bar for me...this is true discipline. Because of declining eye sight she has stopped journaling...she says:"I believe in God's mysterious ways;I take whatever comes. I'm a good adapter." ...I think this is a good reminder for us all.-Henrik |
| Tuesday,September,4 |
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| On on race against time...the plane lands in Washington,DC from Copenhagen...all the passengers continuing on other flights get on the People Movers, those rectangular high buses going between terminals...I make sure I get on and stay close to the door where we will exit from...the passengers are told over and over again to "keep going all the way in to make room for other passengers to get on". From experience I know better...if I followed those instructions then I'd be one of the last getting off and that would not be good. Why not? We were taken to the Immigration terminal where the lines can be very long and frustrating...When we get to the Immigration terminal it is overflowing, and I need to go to the bathroom BAD! Standing there in my beige pants is not a good thing...there are no bathrooms nearby at all, not until after going through Immigration...there are so many people I can't even get into the main room where the lines circle back and forth...I know that once I'm inside, "my" line should be shorter since I will go in the line for US citizens...it's a race against time...my mindpower is 100 percent on not peeing in my pants while in line...there are so many "visitors" ahead of me that people aren't moving forward to make room for the US citizens to get through, a true bootle neck situation...this is not good...after 15 minutes, we are able to get "inside" the terminal to stand in the appropriate line...yet another wait...running around looking for a bathroom is not an option...I need to get through Immigration...about ten minutes later I finally get through. After my passport is returned I waddle as fast as I possible can to the next terminal where everyone retrieves their bags to clear customs...it feels like it's just a matter of seconds before the floodgates open...I retrieve my bags and see a restroom across the hall...I was SO focused on that sign as I pushed my cart towards what I had been praying for what seemed like any eternity...I leave the cart unattended as I sprint inside (yes, with a catherer handy as well)...no accident but I did learn to wear DARK pants from now on when traveling, "just in case"...I can't imagine going through immigration, then customs, then security with a large dark spot on my pants. Yes, of course worse things have happened, but still... -Henrik"breathing easier again" |
| Tuesday,September,4 |
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| "There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered."(Nelson Mandela, A Long Walk to Freedom)
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| Monday,September,3 |
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| My brother's birthday today...yet another opportunity to reflect upon the meaning of life. Am I living my values? Where am I going? Is that where I want to be going? Am I living a life with on on purpose or just going through the motions? As I have written before, I would not want to go through anything like this again BUT I would never want it undone. Who I am becoming on this Journey is priceless. The distinctions I now have first hand cannot be read in a book, but have to be experienced first hand. Each day we have a choice as to what kind of day we will have. It's just that sometimes we forget that we have this power. Let's make each day a masterpiece in its own special way!-Henrik |
| Sunday,September,2 |
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"... Its the impression I want to make. I want attitude you can smell... thats the feeling Im after in taking up the Argentine tango challenge. When I walk into a club, and put on my shoes, I want people to stand back in awe and fear...Fat chance, you say. A white-haired, seventy-year-old man whose pot-belly shows no matter how hard he tries to suck it in...Go ahead, mock me. Senor Fuljumero, Classico Tangoista is on the move...I fear the boredom that comes with not learning, not taking chances, not getting out on a limb of some kind - where the fruit is. ...I want the sharp pleasure of the anxious edge that comes from beginning something new that calls on all my resources and challenges my ego. I long for the excitement that comes from being able to say to a dancer,'I admire that.I want that. I do not know - teach me. Ive come to learn.' My goal now is to dance. All the dances. As long as I can. And then to sit down contented in a chair after the last elegant tango some sweet night and pass on because there just wasnt another dance left in me." -Robert Fulghum on why he took up the tango at age 70- |
| Sunday,September,2 |
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| I'm embarrassed...I just read through the intro that had been used when I presented before Feb 1..."over 1 million miles flown"...shame on me!...that is just wrong! Perhaps in someone's life time, but that was in my early 30's. I haven't written the new intro yet, but it will certainly be modified. My priorities have obviously changed...Perhaps I should include something in the new intro about being able to do wheelies in the wheelchair?...Or being able to put on a pair of shorts and a shirt in 60 seconds again, down from it taking more than 30 minutes? In any case, the intro is sure to be modified and include something about "Walking His Talk"-Henrik |
| Saturday,September,1 |
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| 7 months ago today I began to look at life through a new lens...life will never be the same again, and I am SO grateful for everything I have gotten to learn and experience on this Journey. As I reflect on the past 7 months, I have a calming feeling of inner peace...it's a wonderful place to be...to begin the day feeling grateful, and to go through the day continuously noticing what I can do again, as well as welcoming the challenges ahead. To feel In The Zone on a daily basis is habit forming and I love it!-Henrik |
| Saturday,September,1 |
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| 7 months!!!...the Transformation began 7 months ago today...I'm excited to report that my leg muscles and balance have improved so that I can now go from kneeling to standing without pulling myself up using any furniture...quite exciting in my world to continue to see the progress!-Henrik |
| Friday,August,31 |
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| Who is on your team? The people that you regularly interact with, are they in your life by design or by default? While in the process of SELECTING my neurologist here in Sweden, and by visiting the cemetary, I was reminded of the importance of being proactive and knowing ahead of time what I am looking for. A doctor with the education is not enough. I need someone who I "connect" with, and where I feel he or she is "on my side". I don't want to babysit them; I want them to be responsible, proactive, open-minded, personable, and believe in the mind-body connection. Is this askling too much? I don't believe so. Especially since this selection criteria has been one of the main reasons for my progress...many times I don't think we are picky enough in who we have in our lives...partners, teachers, coaches, doctors, etc. For example, I know many parents who choose tennis coaches/clinics based upon on on convenient schedule. These coaches teach so much more than just tennis to the kids. They teach values through their actions or inactions. So here is a friendly reminder to pay attention to who you listen to, what you read, who you spend time with, etc. We need top be able to say that those on our team are there by design, not by default! -Henrik |
| Thursday,August,30 |
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| The cynical "glass is half empty" population might say that it should be expected that the eye contact, smile and good morning/afternoon are a'la'carte amenities "sold separately" on the existing health care plan... (current and up to date magazine subscriptions?...be prepared to cash in your retirement account for that extra!)&While the Henrik-"Glass is Constantly Half Full" theory could be argued that the doctors and their staff were genuinely concerned that you were experiencing writer's/trainer's block surrounding the subject of customer service and THEY WERE GOING OUT OF THEIR WAY to make a concerted and collaborative effort to provide you with material for your next book/workshop... I for one am touched by their thoughtful gesture...and hereby vote for the latter...-Carolina- |
| Thursday,August,30 |
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| "Ever wonder about those people who spend $2 apiece on those little bottles of Evian water? Try spelling Evian backward."-George Carlin |
| Wednesday,August,29 |
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| January 25, 2007...it said on the magazine in the waiting area. That says a great deal about the doctor's office. The woman in the reception area opened the glass door a whole 2 inches at the bottom when speaking to me when I arrived to sign in.(The window could have opened 20 inches easily). I will have so many examples of NO customer service when I resume customer service training. The doctor here is supposed to read my medical journal, which is thick like a Los Angeles phone book, and then get back to me with her medical assessment. In the meantime, my training continues...-Henrik |
| Wednesday,August,29 |
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| What a difference...after going to the hospital yesterday, seeing a doctor, and experiencing the Swedish health care system, the conclusion is completely obvious: THE CARE I RECEIVE IN SANTA BARBARA BY BEING PROACTIVE IS THE REASON I'M DOING SO WELL SO QUICKLY. I am convinced that I would not be nearly as far along in my Transformation if I had gotten sick here in Sweden. Along with my existing mindset, the therapists in Santa Barbara have continued to challenge me which my body continues to respond to. I feel so grateful that I have been in such a conducive environment in Santa Barbara. All my therapists there have really been engaging, and their commitment has been fantastic. Thank you!-Henrik |
| Tuesday,August,28 |
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| "I am more important than my problems."....a good reminder to take care of ourselves on a DAILY basis. getting exercise, enough sleep, water, etc is not selfish, it's SMART!-Henrik |
| Monday,August,27 |
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| "Human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives."-William James...amen.-Henrik
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| Sunday,August,26 |
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| "Vision to See, Faith to Believe, Courage to Do"
(Sundial Inscription, Union Station, Los Angeles) |
| Friday,August,24 |
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| Take it from a person who continually manages to make running into a contact sport...ANYONE can make walking look fluid and graceful...it takes a special breed to embody the spirit of a runway model DURING and AFTER a fall...besides in the end... scrapes and scars are just "tattoos with better stories..." |
| Friday,August,24 |
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| Watching the marathon on TV from the World Championships in Japan...the commentators are talking about how mental running a marathon is...how important it is to have positive thoughts for several hours...perhaps it doesn't look like much is happening when watching a marathon on television, but there is a lot going on in the runners' heads...lots of strategy...it's quite inspiring...in due time I will run a marathon too. Why? Simple...Because I will be able to!Henrik |
| Friday,August,24 |
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| The second fall...but I got up as quickly as I fell down...those sandals can be dangerous, and some curbs are just too high...yes, I did trip, but I was able to get up quickly without any injuries or even scrapes. Note to self...lift those feet high enough.-Henrik |
| Thursday,August,23 |
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| Quality over quantity...training at the gym here in Sweden, I was reminded of the importance of doing quality work. Most people working out are more concerned about doing their 8-15 repetitions instead of focusing on doing the exercise correctly. Sure, the ego may not like it, but the results are that much better. Doing 4 reps correctly is a much better goal to aim for. Quality, not quantity. -Henrik |
| Tuesday,August,21 |
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| Thank you! Thank you to all of you who continue to call, write in the blog, and email me. Your ongoing support makes this Journey that much more rewarding. Going at it alone would be * rather empty feeling I gather.-Henrik |
| Tuesday,August,21 |
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| Day 2 of In The Zone Training completed! I can't wait to do the next one! I really enjoyed myself and the group was very attentive which made the training that much more exciting.On the plane to Sweden now to focus on writing one of my books for the next two weeks. I'll continue to write in the blog of course. -Henrik |
| Tuesday,August,21 |
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| Henrik,
It was great hearing about all your upcoming adventures! Below are some resources to get you started and help launch you towards your first marathon...the fine line between zeal and insanity is pretty close together...half the fun is figuring it out....and letting the good times roll!
-Marathon Dates (national/international)
http://www.marathonguide.com/races/home.cfm
-Online Customized Training Program
http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/smartcoach/1,7148,s6-238-277-278-0-0-0-0,00.html?cm_mmc=Mag_URL-_-2007_Feb-_-Tool-_-SmartCoach
-Team in Training (The program that prepared me for my first one-very supportive and mission of organization is extremely inspiring)
http://www.teamintraining.org/
-September 2007 Runner's World good start...
-2 prs of running shoes to alternate mileage wear and tear on shoes and body
*Local running club chapters to hook you up with other local runners of varying levels and paces...not to mention finding scenic routes on the trails or beaches...pure pavement will slowly but surely shred your body...
Here's to your contagious "Because I CAN!!!" attitude...Good Luck with the training and the beginning of your "Come-back Tour"-Carolina |
| Monday,August,19 |
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| Yes!!! I just completed my first workshop again and it felt fantastic! It was a surreal feeling to be back at the corporate university where I had done my last training in January. The Journey in between has been quite the ride. I would say the most noticeable thing for me was how calm I felt. I just felt so relaxed and comfortable. I know that the tools I share work-I have used them first hand! I look forward to part two tomorrow of In The Zone-The Key To Stress Management.-Henrik |
| Monday,August,20 |
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| "Of all days, the day on which one has not laughed is the one most surely wasted."-Sebastien-Roch Nicholas de Chamfort |
| Sunday,August,19 |
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| A strange, unusual feeling...I have no idea how many thousands of planes I have been on in my life, but last night I boarded a plane to fly to my first speaking engagement since January...I was in line to board the plane in Los Angeles heading to Washington, when I heard the person behind me complaining..."I'm dying" he said to someone else in line. "I just came from Honolulu and now I have to fly all night," he continued...It really hit me how important our word choices are...Was he really dying? Obviously not. Yes, it's just a figure of speech, but I really believe that it does make a difference in how we feel...as soon as we landed in Washington in the morning, I walked by a Starbucks...I had to stop and count...43 people in line!!! 43! To buy that overpriced poison that obviously will not contribute to Optimal Health. It reminds me of hearing people say things like, "don't talk to me, I haven't had my coffee yet." Water, water, water...here is a toast for Optimal Health!...I am really excited to be doing workshops again, and this one, In The Zone-The Key To Stress Management is one of my absolute favorites. I'll report back after the first day.-Henrik |
| Sunday,August,19 |
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| Henrik-
Great to see you last week in SB. Reading about your year certainly puts things in perspective. Glad to see you are well on the way to a full recovery. Keep it up! G.K. Fleming |
| Thursday,August,16 |
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| No where vs Now here....the same letters in the same order, yet very different meanings...something to think about...so often our minds are everywhere, yet no where fully present. By focusing on being NOW HERE, we do everything at a much higher level.-Henrik |
| Thursday,August,16 |
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| 80/20 rule...we only use about 20% of our wardrobe...take the other 80% and give it away...it will free us up on many levels.-Henrik |
| Thursday,August,16 |
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| "Change your thoughts, change your life."-Wayne Dyer...I absolutely agree. Here is an example-I used to be proud when I told people that I was on the road 200-250 days a year conducting workshops. Now, with new thoughts and beliefs, I would be ashamed, and embarrassed to say such a thing. Quality of life is absolutely sacrificed when constantly on the run. Moving forward, I am only doing selected events that my body, and my family can handle. It's not about doing MORE,it's about being EFFECTIVE.-Henrik |
| Wednesday,August,15 |
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| An eerie reminder...I just get in the pool for my workout when I see a gentleman getting up from a chair poolside...it appears as though he has had a stroke and watching the smallest task look so difficult is quite painful to watch...a woman nearby asks if she can help, but he declines...I know why...the pride of being able to do it oneself is so strong...sure, getting help would be much quicker, but doing it oneself is so rewarding...Please don't take anything for granted!-Henrik |
| Monday,August,13 |
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| Don't hesitate, instead calculate" |
| Saturday,August,11 |
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| New York, Miami, Orlando, Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago...I am looking forward to going to these cities later this year to share my experience and hopefully inspire others to live life to the fullest.-Henrik |
| Tuesday,August,7 |
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| Disneyland...and I am not using the wheelchair to avoid lines! -Henrik |
| Sunday,August,5 |
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| A big day today...interacting with the dolphins in the pool...it was planned for early February but instead I spent the time in the hospital,...it was with extreme gratitude and reflection I participated in the SeaWorld program today...I knew I would eventually play with those dolphins...putting on the wetsuit in the locker room and standing on one leg, I started to get goose bumps...it wasn't long ago it wouldn't have been possible....as you could have guessed, being with the dolphins was fantastic. However, SeaWorld is ridiculously expensive. Food, souvenirs, photos, quite a racket they got going. For example, can't just buy individual photos after the dolphin program. Instead must buy a package for at least $34.95...Most people buy a CD for $89 plus tax-it's the least of the rip-offs for photos. Yes, feeling used, but in another way, well worth it...BECAUSE NOW I CAN! -Henrik |
| Saturday,August,4 |
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| Before Shamu appears at SeaWorld in San Diego, a sign reads "Look into the ocean and you might see who you want to be." ...the feeling of independence instantly came over me. I feel so independent these days compared to when I got around in the wheelchair...yet there was a time not long ago when I felt that the wheelchair gave me independence. I guess it's all relative.-Henrik |
| Saturday,August,4 |
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| SeaWorld, Legoland, and Disneyland coming up this week. AND I WILL NOT BE USING MY DISABLED PERSON PARKING PLACARD! The handicap parking permit expires in June of 2009. Yes, if I was in a wheelchair we would skip all the lines at these themeparks, but it just wouldn't feel right...it is a strange feeling to be able to park in the handicap spots, but not needing to. If there are "regular" spots available, that is always the first choice. Perhaps around Christmas when parking is a a challenge, I will use my privilege again...This is a special trip that was planned for early February, but it had to be postponed because of the Transverse Myelitis. I really am looking forward to swimming with the dolphins. BECAUSE I CAN!-Henrik |
| Friday,August,3 |
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| 'Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small people who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It's a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary.
Impossible is nothing.' |
| Friday,August,3 |
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| Just got caught up on your website. Always an inspiring time to hear your positive words and all the positive actions you continue to take! The tennis and bike riding sound great! Love from Roseville. Teri, Dan & Jenna |
| Wednesday,August,1 |
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| 6 month anniversary...on February 1 the Journey began! It has been six incredible months. I wouldn't want to go through it again, but I definitely wouldn't want to have it undone. I have grown incredibly in the past six months. I have gotten to do so many things for the first time again. Things I took for granted, that I have had to think about. not using the catherers anymore is my next big goal. Carrying around catherers in my pocket all the time is no fun. -Henrik |
| Tuesday,July,31 |
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| Yesterday I WALKED around at the Rehab Institute after having been gone to Sweden since May 31...so many emotions went through my head and my gut...disbelief, amazement, pride, gratitude...The cafeteria, the courtyards, the therapy rooms, the pool, the patient rooms...it all seemed so surreal...I look forward to continuing to improve in a steady manner.-Henrik |
| Tuesday,July,31 |
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| So exciting...I am working on a series of books and CD's at the moment. Walk The Talk has a special meaning as a professional speaker. Obviously I have learned a great deal on this Journey so far, and I look forward to sharing much more real soon!-Henrik |
| Tuesday,July,31 |
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| How do I describe the past six months? INCREDIBLE, AMAZING, SPECIAL, DEFINING, MEMORABLE, CHALLENGING, TRYING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING, SOUL-SEARCHING, CHARACTER BUILDING...Life will never be the same again!-Henrik |
| Tuesday,July,31 |
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| 6 months ago today...my brother took me to the Emergency Room because I couldn't urinate on my own. My life as I knew it was about to change...the Journey was about to begin...-Henrik |
| Sunday,July,29 |
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| Now that's out of the way...I had my first fall, so now there is no pressure to keep the streek alive of not falling...it's similar to playing tennis with a brand new racquet...not wanting any scratches on the racquet...it's inevitable though, and after scraping the racquet the first time, there is a sense of "relief" because one doesn't have to be as careful anymore...there is now a scratch and the next ones will seem less "traumatic"...same thing with my walking...being too careful can also be dangerous...SO WHAT HAPPENED? Wearing flip flops, I stepped down on an outdoor deck with the empty dinner plate and twisted the ankle...the fell to my side, but I never lost the plate (the knife stayed on but the fork ended up in the bushes)...I quickly sat up and took inventory...no broken bones and my toes could still wiggle...as I stood up I was told that it was a rather "elegant fall, not clumsy at all."...I now walk free of fear...I have fallen, and I did get up.-Henrik |
| Saturday,July,28 |
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| Flying back from Sweden to Santa Barbara after 2 months of training "over there."...I so enjoyed being able to put my bags in the overhead compartment...why? BECAUSE I CAN!-Henrik |
| Saturday,July,28 |
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| http://www.duckworthforcongress.com/walterreed/walterReedJournal.html
While conducting my research, I came across the above website belonging to Major Tammy Duckworth.The journal entries, written by her husband during her rehabilitation in Fisher House at Walter Reed Army Hospital were especially inspiring. Major Duckworth is an Army pilot whose helicopter was shot down by a rocket propelled grenade (RPG) over Iraq in 2004. One of her first words when she was told by the Doctors at Walter Reed that she would lose both her legs and the movement of one of her arms wasn't "Why Me?" but "Put Me to Work!". During the 10 + month" transformation" ,she was aware that she was fighting not just for herself and her family but the countless other wounded veterans and their families as well. She wasn't satisfied with just "recovering" but decided to set precedent for the Army and try to be the 1st bilateral amputee to make it back to flight status.
Like you, she didn't channel her energy towards bitterness or the potential unfairness of the situation, instead she felt that she had an additional responsibility because of her training and position as a leader to step it up a notch and "Walk the Talk". As the current Director of Veteran Affairs in Illinois she continues to be a strong advocate for increasing the quality of healthcare of our nation's wounded veterans.
Great to see your continuous improvements on and off the court...Keep up the fire!-Carolina
|
| Thursday,July,26 |
|
| So what?...I hit tennis balls today, and what happened when I hit the balls into the net or out? I just smiled...it didn't matter at all...even if the ball bounces two or three times before I hit it, I don't mind...I'm just happy to be standing again...it is quite fun to ONLY experience positive emotions while playing...excitement, gratitude, fun, happiness, relief, focus, present, IN THE ZONE!-Henrik |
| Wednesday,July,25 |
|
| "Everything happens for a reason, AND IT SERVES US."- Tony Robbins...it serves us, but some see HOW it serves sooner than others...I just had a feeling of CERTAINTY right away that there had to be a reason why I was "the chosen one."...It has become the Ultimate Case Study...What I teach I am doing. If credibility was ever a problem, it should be handled by now.-Henrik |
| Tuesday,July,24 |
|
| 90 minutes of "tennis"...hitting the ball again felt great...the legs are quite straight and the feet don't move YET, but I'll take it...it is actually harder to hit the ball when it comes right at me, because then I have to move the body OUT OF THE WAY in order to make contact with the ball in the right place. Because my feet aren't moving yet, I feel like the ball plays me rather than me playing the ball...Likewise, either life plays us, or we play life...Once my feet start to feel lighter again, then I am confident that I will be playing the ball. I already feel like I am playing life! I'm ready! Bring it on!-Henrik |
| Tuesday,July,24 |
|
| Go Forward!-Christopher Reeve |
| Saturday,July,21 |
|
| Great to see your progress! You owe me a tennis match when you return!
Drop me an e-mail drbrian@drbriangrossman.com |
| Friday,July,20 |
|
| WALKING around in Sweden's capital, Stockholm today before the Rod Stewart concert, I was really moved when I saw so many people in wheelchairs on their vacation...I really hope that I never lose the newfound perspective I have gained being paralyzed and getting around only in a wheelchair...I am extremely grateful and I find myself reflecting on "how it was" just about every single hour...does that mean I have recovered? No, but I have TRANSFORMED. There is still a lot of work to be done, and there are no short cuts...I am confident that the Journey will continue in a positive and enlightening manner.-Henrik |
| Thursday,July,19 |
|
| Never tolerate mediocrity!...Henrik |
| Thursday,July,19 |
|
| Thursday July 19, 2007...a Monumental Day in the life of Henrik Rosvall...today I played tennis for A WHOLE HOUR!!!...There were no falls, and no close calls either!...I felt like a kid in a candy store...it just felt so HOME!...just last week I went to a professional tennis tournament and it really felt strange to watch-so foreign...today I was an active participant. By design I decided not to play tennis on a full court until I felt like I could be stable enough not to fall over...I didn't want to be concerned about falling and breaking something...Since playing this morning, I have been walking around with a grin from ear to ear...I am SO excited to be able to hit tennis balls again especially because I realize HOW MANY components have to work together in order to be successful...feet, balance, core strength, weight transfer...WOW! July 19th...a HUGE milestone in my life...VICTORY!-Henrik |
| Thursday,July,19 |
|
| "The kind of conciousness I aspire to encompasses infinitely more than the world I see as I drive through Los Angeles at rush hour. But when the focus is entirely on the traffic, or on the appointment I'm rushing to , or on whatever else my petty problems may include, those manifestations of the ego are like the bright lights of a city that block out the stars. The stars are all there-I just can't see them...but when I focus beyond the self, the interference drops away and suddenly I have access to a much grander form of awareness...I can begin to sense the connection of it all, and my place within it all, but only by removing myself from the center..."
(Sidney Poitier "The Measure of a Man")
|
| Wednesday,July,18 |
|
| It's been three days now...the tingling in my lower body from the chest down has diminished quite a bit in the past three days...up until now that tingling sensation has been present the whole time except for when I have been in the pool. It feels absolutely great to "not feel anything" in the lower body...I find myself several times a day wiggling my toes or moving my feet just to "check" that there is movement.
Almost no tingling...yet another Victory!-Henrik |
| Tuesday,July,17 |
|
| Deja vu...from a different perspective...I spent several hours today watching a 11-month old stand up and take wobbly steps around the outside deck...watching her was so strange, because I did exactly what she did just a few months ago...she hesitated before attempting to bend down to pick up a toy, seemingly aware that falling would hurt...I can clearly remember trying to bend down to touch an object during rehab, not knowing if I would be able to get up again...The main difference between the two of us is that little Hanna didn't think about every little move the way I have had to...I was so taken aback watching her move around...always reaching for a hand or a chair or something to hold onto...THAT WAS ME! WOW! Savor Each Moment!-Henrik |
| Monday,July,16 |
|
| It's so mental...I went to the dentist today for an hour long appointment to replace mercury fillings in my mouth with a "healthier" material...With my mouth open like a hippo, I couldn't talk to the dentist or the dental assistant, so I was alone with my thoughts...the numbing part was no problem, and the there was never any pain IN the mouth for the whole hour...BUT...my jaws hurt like CRAZY from being open for so long...I played all kinds of mental games to get time to go faster...I visualized being in Hawaii on the beach...I counted waves in the ocean...I counted sea shells, I imagined getting a jaw massage...throughout the hour I got to rinse three times, and I really took my time...what a nice feeling to have my mouth closed...I gargled that water as well as any patient they have ever had...then reclining back into the chair I opened my mouth for another "mental toughness session."...I focused on taking deep breaths...I focused on relaxing each muscle in my body, one at a time...after an hour I was a very alert, focused, and confident patient who sat up in that chair...The mind is very powerful, and how we direct it can truly affect how we experience an event...I liked the challenge today of trying to distract my mind from the pain I was experiencing in my jaws from having my mouth open so long...like I told the dentist afterwards, pain is all relative...after what I have gone through the past several months this was just reinforcement that attitude is key!...I may wait to eat a whole apple for a while though...those jaw muscles are a bit sore.-Henrik |
| Sunday,July,15 |
|
| What makes the difference?...I talked with a well known tennis coach here in Sweden about player development, and asked him why Sweden is not producing players like in the 1970's, 80's, or 90's...he said the main reason is that these days the junior players are TOO COMFORTABLE...they get used to constand stimuli around them; many watch DVD's in the car, listen to iPods, use the computer, use a TV remote control...they are used to INSTANT results...in order to do well in tennis what is required is DOING THE SAME THING OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER....the players don't usually have that mindset these days...When I heard this I could totally relate to the training I have been doing since February 1...lots of repetition, EVEN WHEN NO ONE IS WATCHING...that's why I am walking today! -Henrik |
| Sunday,July,15 |
|
| "TELL me and I'll forget, SHOW me and I may remember, INVOLVE me and I'll understand."...Henrik |
| Thursday,July,15 |
|
| "No man is an island entire of itself; every man
is a piece of the continent, a part of the main;
if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe
is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as
well as any manner of thy friends or of thine
own were...because I am involved in mankind..."
(John Donne) |
| Thursday,July,12 |
|
| "One's mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions." Oliver Wendell Holmes...my mind will never regain its 'original dimensions'-Henrik |
| Wednesday,July,11 |
|
| "Change seems petty and minor in comparison to Transformation"...I truly believe that because my goal has never been recovery, I have seen such great results already...if the goal is not recovery, then what is it? Transformation!!!-Henrik |
| Wednesday,July,11 |
|
| "Many people die with their music still in them. Why is this so? Too often it is because they are always getting ready to live. Before they know it, time runs out."-Oliver Wendell Holmes...When would now be a good time?...Henrik |
| Tuesday,July,10 |
|
| Left foot on green...Right hand on red...Twister!!!...I played Twister today!!!...I feel like I just won another Olympic gold medal!!!...For the past couple of months I have been focusing on improving my balance, and today it paid off...I was able to get my body into all kinds of strange and anatomically incorrect positions ...while holding certain positions I first thought "this is just not right, to be in this position", but those thoughts quickly turned to "this is awesome-balancing my body in this position."...Left hand on red...right foot on green...right hand on yellow...left foot on blue...-Henrik |
| Tuesday,July,10 |
|
| "Walk my Talk"...is a grounding reminder for me to allow an injury to heal properly versus defaulting to the defiant stubborness of training harder to compensate. The flip side of the athlete's self-discipline and resolve is the self-restraint and patience to regroup when injured or incapacitated...adjusting the barometer/timeline of progress to meet the long-term goal of lifelong enjoyment of the sport vs risking further injury to temporarily feed my own impatience and ego...
With renewed appreciation for your continued patience(Carolina)) |
| Monday,July,9 |
|
| Being at the Swedish Open Professional tennis tournament today with my brother gave me an opportunity to reflect...it's the first professional tournament I have been to since I began to walk again...watching the players run around, jump, change directions, etc. just seemed so foreign to me...it's something I haven't been able to do since January...If I was to reflect on where I walked today during the tournament, it is safe to say that I could not have come to the tournament if I was still in a wheelchair...stairs and cobble stone everywhere...there is not an hour that goes by that I don't think of how grateful I am to be walking again...yes, there is a limb, and I do have to fine tune which will take LOTS of time, but I'M WALKING!!!...There is no way around it...I'M WALKING!-Henrik |
| Monday,July,9 |
|
| Walk My Talk...what does that mean? To be it means several things including being consistent; to follow through; to do what is promised; to set high standards and delivering; to lead by example...from time to time our beliefs are tested and questioned, and I think that can be healthy...either the belief can turn into a Conviction, or perhaps it will be slightly modified, or even changed completely...my belief that "reading inspiring material is essential for growth and happiness" has now become a Conviction...I am ABSOLUTELY certain that I would not be where I am today if I had not made it a way of life to take in positive information on a daily basis...WHEN I became paralyzed, it would have been TOO LATE to decide to be positive...I had been cultivating positive emotions, and sharpened tools so I was ready when this all began...It needs to be a way of life, a lifestyle...it is likely that we will face challenging times at some point in our lives in the future...WHEN WOULD NOW BE A GOOD TIME TO START CULTIVATING THE TOOLS NEEDED?-Henrik |
| Saturday,July,7 |
|
| "It wasn't easy!"...said my friend here in Sweden when he talked about writing in this blog when he first found out about what had happened...he continued..."I wasn't sure if I should write an encouraging message to lift your spirits, a funny message to change your thoughts, or what..."...He said that it was really difficult not knowing first hand how I was doing...just reading the blog still left a lot of uncertainty...reflecting on what he said, I can understand what he meant...the only way to really get a grasp of the situation is to be there firsthand. The blog has served as an alternative, as everyone can't be there throughout the Journey. Writing in the blog has also been really therapeutic for me...a place to place some of my thoughts and distinctions....there is much more to come.-Henrik |
| Thursday,July,5 |
|
| It is often hard to distinguish between the hard knocks in life and those of opportunity. ~Frederick Phillips |
| Thursday,July,5 |
|
| Just returned from 3 days of workouts/sauna/icecold dips at a resort...some prefer to lounge when on vacation, but my body is craving exercise at the moment...more pictures will be posted.-Henrik |
| Sunday,July,1 |
|
| 9 months old...I watch her move around...she tries to stand up...she gets around on all four's...I couldn't even do that 5 months ago...she really wanted to stand up, but her body wasn't quite ready yet...She was a perfect example of practicing Proactive Patience...in due time it will happen, in the meantime, stay active.-Henrik |
| Sunday,July,1 |
|
| The body has responded...from not being able to sit up on my own without falling over, to today...lifting/moving a piano...call it stupidity, or call it RESULT...The result of loving support from family and friends; the result of having a positive mental attitude; the result of being proactive; the result of being focused; the result of being disciplined; the result of striving for optimal health; the result of there being a Higher Power; and the result of having faith.-Henrik |
| Sunday,July,1 |
|
| Five months ago, on February 1 at 7am I was taken to the Emergency Room at Cottage Hospital...what a Journey...and it continues...-Henrik |
| Saturday,June,30 |
|
| I find it very fascinating...to observe people who are really good at what they do...what is their body language like?...what do they focus on?... what are they looking at?... how do they respond to challenges?...in the past few days two "observations" come to mind: Henrik Larsson, an internationally known soccer player, now playing for a team in Sweden; and a construction crane operator...Watching Larsson play, I especially noticed how he was able to be where the ball WOULD MOST LIKELY BE, rather than where it was. In other words, he is excellent at ANTICIPATING, thereby increasing the odds to "make things happen."...Secondly, wathing the crane operator maneuvering the crane from 30 feet away using his remote control panel on his belt...the reason he was so precise, was due to his ability to be IN THE PRESENT. I watched him for several hours as he worked his magic in our yard, as part of the remodeling...He was so focused, and it was really inspiring to watch a master at work in his craft...it is of course the same when I have the opportunity to watch my brother work his magic when playing the piano. Make a point to watch someone REALLY GOOD do what they do. It is really inspiring.-Henrik |
| Saturday,June,30 |
|
| "Beyond the winning and the goal, beyond the glory and the fame, he feels the flame within his soul, born of the spirit of the game, and where the barriers may wait, built up by the opposing Gods, he finds a thrill in bucking fate and riding down the endless odds, where others wither in the fire or fall below some raw mishap, where others lag behind or tire and break beneath the handicap; he finds a new and deeper thrill to take him on the uphill spin, because the test is greater still, and something he can revel in."
(Grantland Rice "The Great Competitor") |
| Friday,June,29 |
|
| Explosiveness...that's what I really notice has improved in the past several weeks...to try to change directions used to be a real slow process for me, where it looked like I was almost going in slow motion. I can now move side to side much quicker...I feel like my gait has evolved over the past several weeks, where I now take longer strides. At this rate I am planning to hit tennis balls next month, and maybe even run for some balls...no need to hit the ball right to me...I'm very excited obviously about the progress, yet I can't say I'm surprised. I had nothing to compare it to, except for reading statistics...I'm on my own timetable, and with the tools and support I am recieving I will continue to forge ahead.-Henrik |
| Thursday,June,28 |
|
| "I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody."- Bill Cosby...This reminds me of Aim To Be Well-Respected, Not Well-Liked.-Henrik
|
| Wednesday,June,27 |
|
| "...It is clear that we must embrace struggle. Every living thing conforms to it. Everything in nature grows and struggles in its own way, establishing its own identity, insisting on it at all cost, against all resistance. We can be sure of very little, but the
need to court struggle is a surety that will not leave us...The fact that something is difficult must be one more reason to do it... the epitome, the
ultimate test...It is that striving for which all other striving is merely preparation..."
-Rainer Maria Rilke- |
| Wednesday,June,27 |
|
| Unbelievable...I just finished reading every single blog entry since the very beginning (February 1)...I have experienced so many emotions over the past few hours...disbelief, love, happiness, confidence, strength, gratitude, excitement, calmness, positive energy, pride, courage, and focus...I have also watch tons of video footage...amazing and mind boggling...Life will never be the same! Savor Each Moment! -Henrik |
| Wednesday,June,27 |
|
| They could fit an elephant baby...I got some diapers sent to the house, size large. Trying them on was quite comical...They almost go up to my chest, and I could easily fit both legs into one "leg hole"...I better get the rest of them exchanged to small, or extra small...wearing the diapers will be peace of mind, as my body continues to "progress." I haven't yet decided if I should post any pictures of this experience, but I think I will.-Henrik |
| Tuesday,June,26 |
|
| "When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me.'" ~Erma Bombeck...This reminds me of one of the main themes during this Journey....NO REGRETS...From the very beginning on February 1, I decided that I would be proactive and absolutely not feel like I could have done more. Living with a feeling of "I wish I had..." is not an option. It is way too energy draining, and prevents me from being in a peak performance state of mind...Reflecting, and looking back over the progress since February 1, I can with confidence say I Have No Regrets...I have been proactive in regards to the care I receive, the exercises I perform, what I read, who I listen to, what I put into my body, when I rest, etc...Living our lives having No Regrets is such a liberating and freeing feeling...-Henrik
|
| Sunday,June,24 |
|
| No official training today, just garden work...I used to feel guilty if I was not working out every single day, yet these days I understand the importance of rest...it is important that the body get enough rest on a regular basis. When the body is resting it is still "doing" something so it is not a waste of time...I will continue to schedule daily rest, and I know it will be time well invested. Taking care of ourselves is not selfish, it's smart.-Henrik |
| Saturday,June,23 |
|
| Elton John...what did I learn from him?...He has sold more than 100 million albums, he is very talented, and has achieved a great deal in his lifetime...when he came to town a couple of days ago, my girlfriend and I had the opportunity to go see him in concert...I was curious to see what kind of show he would put on, since I have always thought of him as such an eccentric entertainer...because the first four songs were "older", there were fewer in the audience that knew them, and most of the people were sitting passively with their arms crossed...when Elton sang "Daniel" the crowd came alive, because they heard something familiar...for the next two hours the crowd was more involved, yet would have appreciated it if he said something between songs besides "thank you."...What did I learn? When I resume my speaking engagements, I will make sure to connect with the audience RIGHT AWAY. I will make sure that they know that I care, that I am not just "performing" for them...There is an old saying that really is true: "No one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care." Experiencing the concert was an important reminder to me that we ultimately remember how we FELT when we were somewhere, much more than we remember what was said, or sung. -Henrik |
| Friday,June,22 |
|
| Henrik: I was in rehab early February at the same time you were, following a total knee replacement. I am thrilled to see you are walking again! There was never any doubt. You are a great inspiration. I'm happy to say that I am walking again too. What a journey, inside and out. Heres to summer, continued healing, independence and joy. - Cathy Nordlund |
| Thursday,June,21 |
|
| Back on 2 wheels again!!!...I got a brand new bike today from my girlfriend...a birthday present, but I couldn't ride a bike in April...Riding home on that black beauty I felt like a kid in a candy store. Not long ago I also got around using a two wheeled device, but this one is much faster...and it has a bell I can ring if people are going too slow...I felt so many emotions during that 15 minute ride to the house...independence, freedom, accomplishment, gratitude, appreciation, excitement, joy, satisfaction, happiness, and a feeling of being in The Zone-present, confident, alert, aware, and focused...Savor Each Moment!-Henrik |
| Thursday,June,21 |
|
| The latest pictures of The Journey will be posted real soon!-Henrik |
| Monday,June,18 |
|
| "So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable. If we can conquer outer space, we can conquer inner space, too".
-Christopher Reeve "Nothing is Impossible" |
| Sunday,June,17 |
|
| Another monumental first...I rode a bike today!!! It felt awesome!!!...No training wheels and nobody held onto me...there were no crashes, and nobody got hurt...I wasn't sure what to expect when I got on the bike, but I have been working primarily on my balance the last several weeks...this is big...I will need some time to reflect and I will write more.-Henrik |
| Saturday,June,16 |
|
| A good reminder...I'm at the gym today, doing my exercises...no heavy weights, just exercises to strengthen the core and improve my balance...when I looked around and saw so many people doing their exercises incorrectly because they wanted to lift more weight, I was reminded how important form is...for example, if I am trying to do bicep curls, my whole body should not be swaying while I try to lift the weights towards my chest...that happens if I am more concerned with lifting heavy weights...yes, if I concentrate on proper form, I will most likely not be able to lift as much, but my body would respond better to the exercises...putting the ego aside, and focusing on slow and mindful movements will serve me better than trying to lift more weight each time I go to the gym...perhaps this is a good reminder for someone else...Quality over quantity!-Henrik |
| Friday,June,15 |
|
| No, I am not doing without the catherers yet, but soon...four and a half months of poking myself six times a day is long enough, but it beats the alternative...Henrik- |
| Thursday,June,14 |
|
| I'm not sure which part of your candor is more courageous, the official opening of the floodgates or owning up to the fact that Swedish Meatballs are actually consumed in Sweden by bonified Swedes (thought it was a stereotype generated by us non-Vikings)
Here's to continuous and epic flooding-good luck!
-Carolina- |
| Wednesday,June,13 |
|
| June 13, 2007....a very important date in my life...I'm having dinner at an eatery with a buddy of mine (yes, Swedish meatballs!)...Towards the end of our meal, I can hardly sit still, my bladder is so full...yet, when I sit still it's easier to keep my legs crossed...what a dilemma...the biggest dilemma though? I did not bring any catherers! I left them in the car, a 10 minute walk away...and there was NO WAY I was going to be able to walk back and get one...yes, I'm an optimist, but there was NO WAY...I excuse myself and go into the bathroom...the moment of truth...I sit down because I had learned that it would be easier to go sitting down in the beginning...it feels like my bladder is about to explode...at first, nothing...I can feel the bladder bursting at its seams (I really don't think it has seams)...then...it happens...the Niagara Falls in Sweden in a small restaurant in Malmo right in front of me...What a beautiful sight...and an even better feeling!!!...it wasn't just dripping...it was FLOWING!...most of you (if not all) reading this can go to the bathroom on your own...BE GRATEFUL!!!...I am eagerly anticipating when I need to go again in a few hours...was it a one time event, or was it part of the New Beginning?...Stay tuned.-Henrik |
| Wednesday,June,13 |
|
| Those iPods...are some of your favorite tunes on your iPod? So are mine, but that may change...I read an interesting interview with a famous Swedish songwriter and singer who has sold millions of albums. His favorite songs used to be on his iPod too, then he read an article that stated that the songs get "lessened" by being able to hear them at a moments notice, and by listening to them "too often."....pretty interesting I thought. Yes, for me, the songs that I programmed when I began my Transformation at the Rehab Center have lost some of their "wow" because I have listened to them thousands of times now. The songs do serve as a good anchor where if I hear one of them on the radio, it takes me back to training at the Rehab Center...My plan is to use my iPod for audio books from now on. I can "read" so many books this way...something to think about perhaps...-Henrik |
| Monday,June,11 |
|
| "Between nothing and greatness are a lot of little steps."-Judy Osuna...what we do HABITUALLY leads to greatness. Hoping something will come true is not a good strategy.-Henrik |
| Friday,June,8 |
|
| That running picture is so adorable!
K- |
| Thursday,June,8 |
|
| Henrik,
i may of quit writing but I never stopped reading. I love your entries, they are very inspiring and so many of them I actually remember being there in the moment. So glad to see you transforming every day. You still have a long road ahead but hey who doesnt?
K- |
| Thursday,June,7 |
|
| Wanting to Leave nothing to chance, I went to get some orthotics today for my shoes. Having insoles that are customized for my feet just makes sense to me...I feel like I am treating my body the way Lance Armstrong treats his bike...Every single component of his bikes have been carefully selected...seats, pedals, spokes, wheels, brakes, you name it...I feel like I am at a similar place in my life in regards to my body...the WHOLE body, inside and out, is getting a check-up, and then steps are taken to reach Optimal Health.......The "shoemaker" here in Sweden finished customizing my pair in less than 30 minutes. Since I plan on being on my feet for a long, long time, I figured it was a sound investment that my whole body will appreciate. I highly recommend that you look into getting a pair made yourselves. Your body will thank you.-Henrik |
| Thursday,June,7 |
|
| Vilken fighter du är Henrik! Vi är glada att du mår bra. :-)
/Jacob och Malin |
| Wednesday,June,6 |
|
| Glad you had a good trip. Thanks for calling before you left. It was great to hear from you "in person". We will miss you at Jenna's graduation celebration....but until Thanksgiving....keep up the great work and the greater attitude. Love, Teri |
| Wednesday,June,6 |
|
| It made me think...I watched Friday Night Lights, the TV series about a football team in Texas...The star quarterback was left motionless on a play and now in the hospital...everyone was waiting for test results to see if he would ever walk again...Finally the doctors said that through rehabilitation he would regain some use of his arms and hands...his legs, on the other hand...The doctor did not want to say the words "you will never walk again" but the player wanted to know. He grew angry, wanting to know so he could "start planning."...Watching this scenario play out, made me think back to a few months ago when I was laying in that hospital bed with that hospital gown on...the doctor came in...he said it would be some time before they knew how much mobility would return...I remember that I didn't care what the doctors would have said...I was committed to walking and running again...yes, it would perhaps take some time, but IT WOULD HAPPEN! Period....I did not need to hear the doctor's prognosis, because "he doesn't know me, he doesn't know who I am, he doesn't know my mental toughness." Would that all that be taking into consideration in the prognosis? No...Looking back, I am glad that I was stubborn, and used "selective hearing" when told of the limitations that I would have to deal with.-Henrik |
| Tuesday,June,5 |
|
| Opportunity...that's a word that I wrote on February 12 in a different journalthat I read through today. I feel fortunate that my mind has been focused on POSSIBILITIES and OPPORTUNITIES rather than on blaming something or someone. Why did my mind immediately think of OPPORTUNITY when I was diagnosed? I believe it's because of my belief system that I have cultivated daily for years. I felt I strong conviction that everything would be alright in due time. Proactive patience would steer me in the right direction.-Henrik |
| Tuesday,June,5 |
|
| No news for a week...try it!!!garbage in leads to garbage out...watching or listening to the news is depressing...if you want to feel better, boycott the news and newspapers and be proactive about what goes between the ears.-Henrik |
| Tuesday,June,5 |
|
| "The truly educated never graduate"...I believe that it is healthy when there is a gap between where we are and where we want to be...Feeling like we have accomplished ALL our goals I think would be an empty feeling. The continuous growth is the juice in life.-Henrik |
| Tuesday,June,5 |
|
| Tomorrow the training begins...the jet lag has been a challenge on this trip...falling asleep after 2am everynight so far, I will try to go to bed around 8pm and see what happens...Tomorrow morning I have a two hour training pass...I know my body needs the rest, so I don't feel guilty when I don't work out all day long. It's about quality, not quantity, right?-Henrik |
| Tuesday,June,5 |
|
| I jaywalked today...because I COULD! When I was in the wheelchair that was not an option. Those curbs are not friendly for someone in a wheelchair. As soon as I crossed the street, I realized what had happened...it was more than four months since I last jaywalked.-Henrik |
| Monday,June,4 |
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| New adventures begin here in Sweden...being in a totally new environment is giving me some perspective on the last several months...I am so fortunate to have had such a wonderful "team" supporting me on this Journey. To me it is extremely important that the team members project a positive attitude and a proactive and creative mindset.-Henrik |
| Monday,June,4 |
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| "Do not kiss your children so they will kiss you back, but so they will kiss their children, and their children's children."-Noah benShea |
| Sunday,June,3 |
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| "If you put off everything 'til you're sure of it, you'll get nothing done."-Norman Vincent Peale...When would NOW be a good time?-Henrik |
| Saturday,June,2 |
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| Another milestone!...I used a jumprope today!!!!!!!Both feet left the ground at the same time! Four months after the paralysis, I am getting the strength and balance to jump...and jump...and jump! I couldn't really fathom what had happened when I stopped...I what? When I learned to walk again, my next goal was to use a jump rope. I knew it would happen, but not when...I had tried it a few weeks ago, but my legs were too weak (the feet couldn't leave the ground at the same time.) My balance wasn't very good either then...Wow! What I feeling! Next challenge-learning how to ride a bike!-Henrik |
| Friday,June,1 |
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| Nothing tastes as good as healthy feels! Nothing! Absolutely nothing! Nadda! Zero! Zilch! Nothing!...be proactive about what you feed your body.-Henrik |
| Friday,June,1 |
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| In the book The Healer Within, Robert Janhke writes "we produce within us a remarkable natural healing resource. It is the 'healer within.' The body comes with its own standard equipment for self-healing." ...my first thought upon reading that was "how do I upgrade the standard equipment?"...I want to be proactive, and do everything I can to facilitate my body achieving optimal health...It is a book I highly recommend because of its simple self-healing methods that are easy to understand and implement...I want to have zero regrets in regards to my Transformation, therefore it is easy to be proactive and to want to learn everything I can to give my body the best possible chans to perform at an optimal level. I choose health over illness. And there is also a difference between health and fitness,but that's a whole other discussion...-Henrik |
| Friday,June,1 |
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| It felt surreal...I was back at my old "home" after traveling on an incredible Journey..."Home" being the airport, I was now on my way to Sweden with my girlfriend on the first of three flights (through Los Angeles and Chicago.)...Walking out on the tarmac towards the planes I felt really strange...The airport had been a place I spent time in 3-5 times a week, and that had all changed on Feb.1. Now almost four months later I was back. Walking towards the plane felt so foreign, so new, like I had never done it before. It felt like it was the first time I had seen an airplane. My mind was in a state of wonder...I dropped off my carry-on by the stairs of the plane, then...grabbed the two handle-bars of the stairs leading up to the plane...I looked up towards the open door, with the flight attendant standing by, ready to greet me...about 15 steps...1...2...3......15! What an amazing feeling!...We sat down in the second row...after a few minutes, the door was closed, and we were ready to depart...Once I sat down, I took a few deep breaths...another Magic Moment WALKING up the stairs for my first plane ride in 4 months!...The flight attendant began with the safety instructions...I must have heard the "safety speech" AT LEAST 1000 times, yet if my life depended upon it, I wouldn't be able to repeat it...When I heard it, it dawned on me that I had not missed this speech the last four months...Most flight attendants go through it in a hurried, bored, and monotonous manner. If they are not enthused, why will the passengers listen?...we take off without incident...I can't sleep even though it would do my body good...I just keep thinking, in disbelief of what is happening...I'm actually on an airplane!...Before landing, we are told to "return seats to their upright positions."...The upright position is also the most UNCOMFORTABLE pósition...Who designed air plane seats anyway? What human body sits comfortably in those chairs? It doesn't matter if it is a seat in business or first class, the seats just seem be be at the wrong angle and improperly shaped for us, don't you think?-Henrik |
| Friday,June,1 |
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| Yesterday I had a chance to WALK around the Rehab and say "so long" to several of the staff members. The Rehab Institute has been my home for the past 16 weeks...3 weeks as in-patient, and 13 weeks as out-patient. Even as an out-patient I felt like I lived there, I just didn't sleep there. Everyone there is absolutely fantastic, and I will miss the positive energy present there. I have had so many Magic Moments there for the past few months, and I feel extremely fortunate that the Rehab Institute has been available for my Journey. I can't imagine a better place to spend my time recovering/rehabbing/transforming. For the next 2 months I will be home in Sweden continuing the training. I have access to a heated pool, as well as equipment to help me regain strength, balance, and flexibility. During this time I will also finish writing my book. So many of you have inquired, and yes, I'm absolutely writing a book. Thank you for your continued support! -Henrik |
| Friday,June,1 |
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| Wow, Henrik! I am so happy to see how much you have progressed. You are such an inspiring person and I know you have touched a lot of people's lives with your journey. Keep improving your mobility and spreading the positive energy with each step you take! -jen |
| Thursday,May,31 |
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| Heading to Sweden today!!! Lots of catherers have been packed...hopefully I'll make it through security. This will be the first plane ride since January for me. I'll continue to update this site just about daily.-Henrik |
| Tuesday,May,29 |
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| Heyyyy, " looking " great.. It's me Lorri, took care of you just a few times @ Rehab. Remember , I ... found your wallet, on the floor...N R T Take care, Love , Lorri |
| Tuesday,May,29 |
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| Success comes from what you do, not what you are going to do.-Henrik |
| Sunday,May,27 |
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| A strange feeling...when I used to coach tennis I would feel like an "insider" because I was playing a lot myself at the same time. I am now at a tournament coaching from the sidelines and it just feels different. Different as in I have a whole new perspective. After going through such a life-changing Journey, HOW I coach has evolved. WHAT I say, WHAT I observe is different. I am more in tune with BELIEFS of a player than ever before. If they BELIEVE they will succeed, then they do. If they BELIEVE that they will fail, then they do. As I get back into coaching both in the corporate world, and mental toughness on the tennis court, I will now be able to share a few more stories to hopefully inspire.-Henrik |
| Sunday,May,27 |
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| "Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do."-John Wooden...are there things I can't do YET? Absolutely, but I rather not focus on them. I could write a whole list here, but I rather focus on what I can do again...stand, walk, jog, get up and down stairs.-Henrik |
| Saturday,May,26 |
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| "A trophy carries dust. Memories last forever." May Lou Retton...the best things in life aren't things.-Henrik |
| Saturday,May,26 |
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| Wow! It's amazing how positive you have been throughout all this. I am now beginning to ask myself positive questions every day like you suggested in one of your messages. I realize how grateful I am to be able to do so many wonderful things others ignore.
-Stephanie Thornton |
| Wednesday,May,23 |
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| There was only ONE option...I had to step up...Listening to If Tomorrow Never Comes on the radio, made me think of that October day a couple of years ago when I was in Honolulu and got a phone call from my brother at 4 am. My brother said that Dad was in the hospital and would not make it more than a few more hours. The last words I spoke to Dad were "I love you" in Swedish. There were no flights back to the mainland until mid-afternoon, so I did 2 hours of the 6 hour workshop before taking a cab to the airport. Of course, the attendees were understanding. It was one of my most inspired training sessions ever. Why? I felt like had to make my Dad proud. I was going to be there anyway in that hotel conference room, so I had to step up. That flight back to Los Angeles from Honolulu that afternoon was the longest flight of my life. 30 minutes before takeoff my brother calls to tell me that Dad had passed on...I felt numb and confused. I boarded that flight and my mind was racing. I had a lot of time to reflect obviously on that flight, and really no one to talk to. I just wanted to be alone. In a strange way, I felt a sense of inner peace because I had no regrets. (except one, I wasn't there when he passed on). He knew how much I loved him. He was so proud of me, and we spent time together almost daily.....My Journey that began February 1 has been in honor of Dad who I miss dearly. MAKE HIM PROUD is a mantra my brother and I came up with to honor him....If tomorrow never comes, will your loved ones know how much you loved them?-Henrik |
| Wednesday,May,23 |
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| It was the right time. Life is not about convenience...My life as I knew it was turned upside down on February 1, AND it was the right time for it to happen. Why would I say that? The person I am becoming on this Journey is not the person I would be if this hadn't happened. I view life in a different manner than I ever had before. One of the most frequent emotions I experience on a daily basis is now gratitude. It is really the state of being that I now operate from. Do I experience negative emotions? Absolutely, every single day. What are they? Anger, disappointment, and frustration that people don't appreciate what they have, and that they are not proactive about taking care of themselves. Health is a lifestyle. Ordering a cheeseburger, fries and then a diet soda is not an example of someone viewing their body as a temple. Take care of yourself. You don't want to be in the position where you say "I wish I had..." Smoking-why would someone want to put that cancer stick in their mouth? Please, take care of yourself. How often? Daily. Taking care of ourselves is not selfish, it's smart! -Henrik |
| Wednesday,May,23 |
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| "There is a real magic in enthusiasm. It spells the difference between mediocrity and accomplishment."-unknown...An attitude is contagious, is yours worth catching?-Henrik |
| Wednesday,May,23 |
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| Your story is really inspiring. it makes me grateful just to be able to do things that most people take for granted. Thanks Henrik.
Kyle Lewis |
| Wednesday,May,23 |
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| "People begin to be successful the minute they decide to be."-Harvey Mackay...So much of how we view life comes down to our mindset. DECIDE to be positive, and positive things will happen. DECIDE to be successful, and success will follow. -Henrik |
| Tuesday,May,22 |
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| I think it's awesome that you were able to stay positive about the whole thing. I get frustrated about a few missed shots. Seeing this gives me a new perspective. |
| Tuesday,May,22 |
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| Pretty scary...last night right before going to bed, it felt like my right leg was asleep...the EXACT same feeling I had on January 31 and where I woke up paralyzed six hours later...scary....When I woke up this morning, I was SO grateful that everything moved like it should. Whew! That was scary, not knowing what would happen. Please, SAVOR EACH MOMENT! We never know what can happen.-Henrik |
| Monday,May,21 |
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| WOW!! That is very inspiring. It really proves that you never really know what you got 'till its gone.(And then get it back!!!!) It's amazing how positive you stayed. I know before I read this,if I came down with some severe illness I would feel sorry for myself, and I would be scared out of my mind. Having read your journal, although I might still be scared, I would try to make my situation better. $tefan |
| Monday,May,21 |
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| We are either growing or dying. There is no such thing as stagnating. Continue to learn for the rest of your life. -Henrik |
| Sunday,May,20 |
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| For the first time...again. There have been so many firsts, and they keep coming...When I was paralyzed, there were so many things I had to learn to do for the first time that most people never have to learn. Things that I had never planned on learning or re-learning...sitting up in bed, getting out of bed, getting dressed, getting into a bathtub, taking a shower, going over curbs, going up ramps, moving my toes, sitting on my own, standing on my own, taking steps on my own, getting up/down stairs, getting in/out of a car, opening doors from a wheelchair, living daily life in a wheelchair, etc......Now that I can walk again, it is really important that I don't get CONTENT. I really hope that I never feel content. I want to continue to heal and grow as a person. I want to continue to experience lots of first, both new ones, and those I couldn't do before. I want to be able to jump again, I want to be able to play tennis again, I want to be able to play soccer again, I want to be able to sit in a chair without my butt hurting...still so much to look forward to. I really believe that it is crucial for our well-being to continually grow and experience new firsts. I was just fortunate that I got a little unexpected help-overnight life as I knew it came to an abrupt end. AND I am so grateful for the opportunities that have come as a result. -Henrik |
| Saturday,May,19 |
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| No fear...I have never felt afraid during this Journey. Of course I have felt uncertain at times, but never afraid. I just knew that I would be up on my feet again. I think that perhaps it can be even more challenging for family members and close friends. I asked my mom today if she had felt afraid at all during this trying experience. She answered that it was just a matter of taking it one day at a time, breaking it down to not be so overwhelming. Because I was so confident, she felt more at ease. She has been with me on the whole Journey, each and every day. As I wrote in an earlier blog entry, the day I stood up from my wheelchair and took my first steps in the walker were absolutely magical. Those elephant tears we cried together were tears of relief more than anything....I was taking steps again!!! I relive that magic moment every single day. It was one of the most incredible moments of my life.-Henrik |
| Saturday,May,19 |
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| Learning hasn't occurred until changed behavior occurs...I have learned SO much about life since February 1. My gratitude is at an all-time high and continues to climb daily. My life as I knew it, is over. I have turned over a new leaf. I am not trying to "come back," but rather to Transform into the "new Henrik Rosvall." I am confident that I am learning the lessons that I am supposed to so I don't have to go through this again.-Henrik |
| Saturday,May,19 |
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| As my healing continues...I'm SO aware of what I put into my body. Early this morning I turned in my mom's car to the mechanics for an hour while the air conditioning was tested. I went across the street to Starbucks because I knew it would be warm in there. I had a bottle of water and sat down. It was truly amazing...there was a line of AT LEAST 20 people for that whole hour. I must have seen more than 100 people come in during that hour. I sat right where they picked up their orders, and I was shocked at what the majority put into their body. That cup of coffe was basically their breakfast!!! Some ordered a scone or muffin as well, but in either case, I was just blown away by what I saw. How can someone possibly function up to their potiential by RELYING on coffee? We are supposed to drink 8-10 glasses of water a day plus more when we exercise. Coffee drinkers need more water because coffee is a diuretic. Obviously there were no one this morning who were focusing on optimal health. I would guess that the people I saw today stop by that same Starbucks several times EACH week....incredible. I find it pretty scary when I was out doing workshops and I would hear people say things like "don't talk to me yet, I need my coffe first." If you are someone who depends upon coffee to feel up, PLEASE have some other options. If you can't think of any, please email me. I'm not saying to never drink coffee, but I am saying that we should not DEPEND on it to get going in the morning or during the day. Drink up! -Henrik |
| Saturday,May,19 |
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| "The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing in the right place, but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment."-Dorothy Nevill...a good reminder for us all.-Henrik |
| Friday,May,18 |
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| So inspiring...I'm at the track at city college this afternoon. Some people are walking, some are running, some are stretching, some are running up and down the bleachers...and then there is this little boy, (who I later found out was 6 years old) running around the track all by himself. I didn't see a parent close by, which seemed strange, but it didn't seem like he was running AWAY from anything either. It looked like he was on a mission, focused and determined. The second lap he takes, I see his father jogging right behind him...what a relief!...It was so inspiring to see a young child so excited about running. Watching those little legs go, I had to stop walking and just absorb this Magic Moment. As a result of watching this father and son connect so beautifully through exercise, I am sharing some reminders regarding children that I have come across..........REMEMBER THAT YOUR CHILD'S CHARACTER IS LIKE GOOD SOUP-BOTH ARE HOMEMADE..........KISS YOUR CHILDREN GOOD NIGHT, EVEN IF THEY ARE ALREADY ASLEEP..........TO HELP YOUR CHILDREN TURN OUT WELL, SPEND TWICE AS MUCH TIME WITH THEM AND HALF AS MUCH MONEY.-Henrik |
| Friday,May,18 |
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| A good reminder...because I am always on the lookout for inspiring and positive material to read, I find it. Here is an example..........SEVEN WONDERS. A group of students wer asked to list what they thought were the present Seven Wonders of the world. Though there was some disagreement, the following got the most votes. 1. Egypt's great pyramids, 2. Taj Mahal, 3. Grand Canyon, 4. Panama Canal, 5. Empire State Building, 6. St. Peter's Basilica, 7. China's Great Wall. While gathering the votes, the teacher noted that one quiet student hadn't turned in her paper yet. So she asked the girl if she was having trouble with her list. The girl replied "Yes, a little. I couldn't quite make up my mind because there were so many." The teacher said "Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help." The girl hesitated, then read "I think the Seven Wonders of the World are: 1. to touch, 2. to taste, 3. to see, 4. to hear. She hesitated a little, and then added 5. to feel, 6. to laugh, 7. and to love........The room was so full of silence you could have heard a pin drop. Those things we overlook as simple and "ordinary" are truly special. Just a friendly reminder that the most precious things in life aren't things, and cannot be bought! -Henrik |
| Friday,May,18 |
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| Henrik, You are an inspiration and you are certainly walking your talk! It was great talking with you today and may your future be filled with the brightness you shine onto everyone you meet. Sincerely, Gayle |
| Thursday,May,17 |
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| "What we do today, right now, will have an accumulated effect on all our tomorrows."-Alexandra Stoddard...Excellence is not an "act" but a habit.-Henrik |
| Wednesday,May,16 |
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| Wow!...It really hit me today...as I came in to the rehab center, I was reminded of how fragile life is...here is a report of what I saw in less than five minutes of walking around: a distraught woman talking on the cell phone to someone about her mother's lack of independence; a woman in her mid-20's getting help from the passenger seat of her car into a wheelchair. Her husband assembled and positioned the wheelchair as their young son watched; an older man very slowly making his way down the corridor with a therapist on one side and his son on the other; a wheelchair technician helping a woman in a modified mini-van with her wheelchair; a patient being wheeled in on a gurney from tests at the hospital....It felt surreal as I observed all the various people...their lives, and the lives of the people close to them had been so altered, perhaps quickly or perhaps over time. Being witness to this experience, I was reminded of how important it is to appreciate life and LIVE EACH MOMENT! Be grateful, let people know how much you appreciate them and do things SIMPLY BECAUSE YOU CAN! There may be a time when you can't do what you can do now. SAVOR EACH MOMENT!-Henrik |
| Wednesday,May,16 |
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| Note to self: No more bean burritos before getting a massage!...I was supposed to relax, but instead I was trying so hard to keep the gas in...I remember when I couldn't fart and how I jealous I was of others who could-and that was just a couple of months ago...now I'm trying to hide them rather than being proud of them...it was out of courtesy to the massage therapist though. All in all, I think I "performed" pretty well during the session...just a couple of loud ones, and one or two silent ones (but they can be the worst, can't they?)....Here I am, a grown man, writing in a blog about farting...my perspective and appreciation for what live has to "offer" surely has evolved in the last three months! I feel another one coming on....-Henrik |
| Wednesday,May,16 |
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| Note to self...I will NOT eat bean before having a massage again. I am supposed to relax, not tighten the butt muscles to prevent the masseuse from getting gassed by me...Although, I rememeber early on when I wrote in this blog that I was looking forward to the day I could fart and that at the time I would claim a fart in a room of people even if wasn't me...Now I'm trying to keep them in...but it's out of courtesy to the massage therapist.-Henrik |
| Wednesday,May,16 |
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| Hi Henrik:
Just a brief hello! We met last Sunday at SBCC's track and chatted briefly about cars, politics, and evolving health. I hope that you are well and I just wanted to intimate that I enjoyed meeting and speaking with you the other day. Someone once told me that there are no coincidences and so you just might be the person to direct my body's resurgence--or at least direct my efforts as to how to best correct a malady or two. Nice website and I hope to speak with you soon. Matthew Anderson, 619-421-1400 |
| Tuesday,May,15 |
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| "The measure of success is not whether you have a tough problem to deal with, but whether it is the same problem you had last year." -John Foster Dulles...I'm sure glad I have new problems, I mean opportunities this year.-Henrik |
| Tuesday,May,15 |
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| "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain."-Maya Angelou...Period. -Henrik |
| Tuesday,May,15 |
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| Why am I doing so well already? I have thought about the answer to that question, and there really is only one answer: MY APPROACH AND MINDSET. I can't single out any one thing that I have been doing as being THE most important. Rather, ALL the things I have done and continue to do add up to where I currently am. Small things do make a difference...anyone ever been in bed with a mosquito?...Ever walked around with a pebble in the shoe?...if you aren't quite yet sure of the benefits of stretching, then stretch for a week,and then stop for a couple of days before starting. You will wish you never stopped. So...remember the small things, they all add up...! -Henrik |
| Tuesday,May,15 |
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| "If you don't practice you don't deserve to win."-Andre Agassi...if we want to see results in any area of our lives we need to put in the time CONSISTENTLY. Stretching once a week for an hour IS NOT the same as stretching 10-15 minutes a day! What we do consistently shapes our destiny!-Henrik |
| Monday,May,14 |
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| Interesting how my brain works...when I was in the wheelchair, I wanted to have as much normalcy as possible, to be able to do the things I had been able to before. I was focusing on how things were still THE SAME as before...now that I am out of the wheelchair, I am focusing on how DIFFERENT things are being able to walk again, versus still being in the wheelchair...There are so many things I do during the day where I "compare" doing them being able to stand/walk versus being in a wheelchair...stairs, curbs, opening doors, getting in/out of the car, driving, showering, going to the bathroom, getting through doorways, dressing myself, reaching into cupboards...the list goes on and on and on...Is being able to walk better than being in a wheelchair? That depends. Some people that can walk live a paralyzed life, while people in wheelchairs enjoy a full,active and vibrant lifestyle. A lot has to do with our mindset. I am sure I would have been able to lead a fruitful life in a wheelchair. I had just decided that I would be walking and running again. Our mindset is so important. What kind of mindfood are you feeding your mind? Reading newspapers and all the negativity that gets reported? Watching television and all the negativity that gets reported? Reading autobiographies? Being in nature? Meditating? Conversing with interesting people? I know for me, I would not be where I am today if I had not been proactive about the mindfood I consume before February 1. If I had decided on Feb 1 to be positive IT SIMPLY WOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED! I would not have had the tools to do it. But because I had been conditioning my mind for so many years, I had a big advantage. It's our life, we need to be proactive about what we make of it! -Henrik |
| Monday,May,14 |
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| It hit me again...I was sitting with my brother having a burrito for lunch. We had just started eating, and the burritos were coming apart...we needed forks and knives...I volunteered to go inside to get them...As soon as I stood up and WALKED towards the door, I imagined how I would have proceeded if I had been in a wheelchair...it would have turned into quite a project...the doors are heavy and they only open outwards...the are where the utensils are kept is quite narrow, so I probably couldn't have gotten to them...Several times a day I am reminded of how different life in a wheelchair would have been compared to being able to walk. These constant reminders keep me grounded...I wake up each morning feeling SO grateful, and because of the constant reminders I see during the day, I experience so much gratitude during the day as well. What are you grateful for? What else? What else? -Henrik |
| Monday,May,14 |
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| "You can be sincere and still be stupid."-Charles Kettering...Just because someone is nice, should we spend time with them? I have learned to be real careful who I take advice from since this happened to me in February. I am focusing on Transformation and some people just don't see the distinction between recovery and transformation. I get the sense they want me to go back to the person I was before...well, that won't happen. I am a new person, with a new perspective on life. My lifestyle has changed, and I am busy focusing on achieving optimal health. An example of asincere, but "stupid" question I have been asked is "when are you going to be back to normal?" ...pay attention to who you spend time with. Are they fueling or draining your energy?-Henrik
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| Sunday,May,13 |
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| 8 seconds...I would have 8 whole seconds to pitch my story to the media for feedback... The theme was "first impressions"...How could I make it an impactful media pitch that would leave them wanting to know more?...I had packed my wheelchair in the trunk of my car...I get to the hotel in Los Angeles where the May Media Madness will take place. It's an annual event, part of the National Speakers Association, Los Angeles Chapter...I unloaded the wheelchair from the car with mixed emotions...Gratitude, pride, uncertainty being some of them. I felt grateful for experiencing this Journey; I felt proud of what I have been able to accomplish and who I am becoming in the process; and I felt some uncertainty as to how it would feel to sit in the wheelchair again. My goal all along had been to get OUT of the wheelchair...I wheel myself through the lobby to the meeting rooms...How would I be greeted when I arrived? Most had never met me before so they wouldn't know that I could walk...As soon as I get to the meeting rooms there is a greeter offering to help me get breakfast from the breakfast buffet...A couple of people who knew me looked at me in shock...Had he had a relapse?...Once inside, another greeter removed a chair at the back table, and I rolled my wheelchair into the open space...there was a panel of nine media experts up on the stage, all seated in a semicircle...soon I would be up there in front of them giving them my "8 seconds"...Eleven speakers went ahead of me...Each of them received feedback from the media panel...I was next...My name is called...Henrik Rosvall...I roll my wheelchair away from the back table and down the aisle with a brisk pace...I get to the microphone that is entirely too high for me while seated in a wheelchair...quickly I have two people lowering the microphone stand and giving me the microphone...In the meantime I adjust the leg rests on the wheelchair so that my feet are on the ground...I hold the microphone up closer to the mouth while looking at the panel..."On February first, I woke up...paralyzed from the chest down. The doctors said I might never walk again. Seven weeks later...I was jogging!" As soon as I said "I was jogging," I stood up and started jogging in place...the look on the faces of the panelists!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...It looked like they had just seen a ghost!...For each speaker, the nine panelists were told to give a thumbs up, sideways, or down based upon their initial reaction after the pitch...I looked at the panelists, from left to right...one thumbs up, two thumbs up, three thumbs up, four thumbs up, five thumbs up, six thumbs up, seven thumbs up, eight thumbs up, nine thumbs up!!!...immediately the organizer/moderator of this 5 year event proclaims "This is the first time anyone has ever gotten all thumbs up!"...I remain standing next to my wheelchair while the panelists offer me feedback...they have SO many questions for me...Mission accomplished!...My goal was to leave them wanting to know more, and it worked...the walk back to where I had been sitting was AMAZING!!!...as I pushed my wheelchair in front of me, the audience where cheering and applauding loudly while also giving me high fives!...truly an amazing and unforgettable feeling!...I had chills as I celebrated with them...I get to the table where I had been sitting, but there was no chair!...that's right, it had been removed when I got there...good thing I brought my own-I sat back down in my wheelchair as the next speaker got ready to pitch...what an experience!-Henrik |
| Friday,May,11 |
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| Driving in Los Angeles...5 lanes on the freeway with tons of cars...it cannot be good for us. There has to be more to life than spending hours in the car stuck in traffic. Here is a question to ponder...Does how I live my life currently reflect my values? Once we know our values, our choices become much easier. For me, I cannot imagine spending my days and ultimately my life on a freeway, stuck inside a car. It doesn't matter what kind of car, by the way. In the last 3 months, my commute each week has gone from roughly 40-50 hours to about 2 hours. These couple of hours are plenty. Besides, my butt hasn't grown back yet, so I don't like to sit much. How are you spending your time? At the end of the day, have you lived your values?-Henrik |
| Friday,May,11 |
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| The Journey towards Optimal Health and Vitality continues...I went back to the doctor in Los Angeles today who is responsible for overseeing my biochemistry. I find it so fascinating to be learning about how the body functions. Everyone on my team is so helpful in doing everything they can to give me the best chance of Optimal Health. By the end of 2007 I will be a completely new person both on the inside and the outside. I am eagerly anticipating the upcoming seven months...Tests did reveal that I had certain deficiencies, as well as some food allergies. I am being very proactive in focusing on my health. On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest, I am definitely a 10 since Feb. 1. Before that, maybe a 3. I thought that because I was athletic I didn't have to focus that much on the body. On a scale of 1-10, where would you rate yourself as far as being proactive in taking care of your body, mind, and soul? A HIGH NUMBER IS NOT SELFISH, IT'S SMART! -Henrik |
| Friday,May,11 |
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| Hej Henrik!
Pratade med Fredrik igår och hörde det otäcka som hänt. Jag fattar det fortfarande inte. Men jag blir otroligt upprymd över att se denna hemsida.
Du måste vara otroligt mentalt stark, fantastiskt att se dom otroliga framgångarna.
Mattias med familj önskar dig all lycka att återhämta och bli frisk!
Vi hörs och synes Henrik!
Mvh
Mattias i Trelleborg |
| Thursday,May,10 |
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| What a strange feeling!!! 22 years later I am doing the same thing again...at the exact same location...I hit tennis balls against the wall at a place called Las Positas...I remember being dropped off along with my brother when we first moved to the United States. Mom and Dad would drop us off in the early afternoon and we would stay for several hours. I must have hit hundreds of thousands of balls against that wall by now. The last time I went must have been more than 10 years ago though. To be a beginner again...especially in a sport I had mastered by most people's standards is undescribable. To be back learning it at the same time I learned it the first time is a bit eerie. After 30 minutes of hitting forehands and backhands it was time to go...it was quite emotional for me. While hitting I couldn't stop thinking about being 13 years old hitting on that same wall. I was better then than I am now, but I am smarter now (hopefully). If the 13 year Henrik played me right now, the 13 year old would win, BUT he is playing a complete beginner, who doesn't run for any balls or jump YET. Maybe that should be my short term goal, to beat the 13 year old Henrik...first I need to process what happened today though. It was pretty heavy for me. -Henrik |
| Thursday,May,10 |
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| "A great pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do."-Walter Bagehot...I'm already out of the wheelchair! Why? Partly because some said it wouldn't happen. -Henrik |
| Thursday,May,10 |
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| Legacy...I talked with a woman in the pool who is 94 years young...she was such an inspiration and so full of life. Listening to her talk about her life made me think of the word LEGACY...Throughout our lives we come to "forks in the road." Sometimes it can be nice to have options, yet sometimes having too many options can cause us too feel overwhelmed. The choices and decisions we make can have long lasting effects that we may not be aware of. For example, if you make a conscious decision to become a lifelong learner, by regularly reading, listening, and attending self improvement classes, you may very well influence your kids, and even grandkids, to follow in your footsteps. What lessons you are teaching others by your actions? Do you need to become more proactive in how you live your life? Remember, you are always teaching others to follow you or not to follow you. Let's be a great example!-Henrik
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| Thursday,May,10 |
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| Week 15 begins today...it has been 14 incredible weeks...how many people in the world have an opportunity to focus on themselves and their well-being for several months? I have had to do it out of necessity, but I have learned so much about myself. I liked my thought patterns before this happened, but being on this Journey has taken me to a whole new level that I could not have imagined. I feel more grounded than I have ever felt, and I have learned so much about how the human body works, as well as how powerful the mind is. I look forward to sharing my observations in future workshops and books. -Henrik |
| Wednesday,May,9 |
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| 2 raised toilet seats with arm rests...that's what I received yesterday outside my front door...I had ordered 60 catherers, but obviously there was a mix-up somewhere...today I finally got the box of catherers...I never thought I would be so excited to get catherers, but they are my friends...for now...slowly but surely, I will do without these "friends." They have been real good to me, but I can feel that our "relationship" is almost over. -Henrik |
| Wednesday,May,9 |
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| The pool...I really enjoy going to the pool at the Rehab Center...If it wasn't for the pool, I would not be where I am today in terms of returned movement...whatever I am able to do on land, I was first able to do in the pool...it is such a positive place to be...everyone there WANTS to be there, for many it gives them freedom to move in ways they can't otherwise...for some, being in the pool is the highlight of the day...It's a really neat experience when a group of people come together, and each and everyone is committed to improving upon their individual situation...It is a highlight for me as well, which is why I am there once and sometimes twice a day, 5-6 times a week...Lesson I was reminded of when thinking about why I like the pool so much: A REALLY POSITIVE FEELING DEVELOPS WHEN A GROUP OF PEOPLE COME TOGETHER WHERE EVERYONE WANTS TO BE THERE.-Henrik |
| Wednesday,May,9 |
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| It tasted SO good...it was time for dinner...after my therapy I had a sudden urge for a big juicy burger...a big part of me wanted one right away, but I kept on driving...I stopped to pick up a digital voice recorder...there was a Taco Bell right next door...I also knew that down the street was Gelson's and they have a great organic salad bar. My girlfriend and I go there almost daily when she's here...I had a little voice in my head that told me it would be more convenient to go to Taco Bell...I pulled up the car by Taco Bell, but I couldn't get out...I suddenly felt so guilty and I hadn't even gotten out of the car! "How would the person I'd like to be, do what I'm about to do?" was a question that came to mind...The decision had been made...I drove straight to Gelson's and had a fantastic salad. I felt like I drove with blinders on...I was focused, AND HUNGRY!...what did I take away from this? JUST BECAUSE SOMETHING IS CONVENIENT DOES NOT MAKE IT THE RIGHT CHOICE.-Henrik |
| Wednesday,May,9 |
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| "If you think you are beaten, you are.
If you think you dare not, you don't.
If you'd like to win, but think you can't,
It's almost certain you won't.
Life's battles don't always go
to the stronger or faster man,
but sooner or later, the man who wins
is the man who thinks he can.
....Walter D. Wintle
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| Wednesday,May,9 |
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| Quite exciting...I just came back from a craniosacrial therapy session. Geness, the therapist said that my body is "responding very well to what I am doing." She continued "the T-10 area is really starting to open up." (the T-10 area is where the spinal cord was injured)She went on "continue doing what you are doing, it really seems to be working."....I left feeling like I was on cloud nine. Hearing her make these statements just makes me want to continue this Journey FOREVER! I was also reminded how important it is to have the right people on our "team" in life. Who are the "right" people? For me, it is people who are positive, aware of the mind/body connection, want to continue to grow, want to make a difference. When we connect with like-minded people great synergy develops. Who are the "right" people in your life?-Henrik |
| Wednesday,May,9 |
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| In The Zone On Demand...What does it feel like when we are in The Zone? We likely feel confident, present, alert, focused, proactive, effortless, relaxed, determined, aware,energetic, just to name some emotions. Is the goal to be in The Zone all the time? It would perhaps be nice, but that is not realistic. A better goal is to be able to call upon these emotions at a moments notice. How? Here is one very effective tool: BODY LANGUAGE. How we use our bodies can have a huge impact on how we feel. If we want to have more energy, walk or move as someone who ALREADY has the energy. Practice acting AS IF you already have these emotions and you will experience the emotions. Look at someone who is tired. How are they moving? How are they sitting? When you read this you are very likely sitting down. HOW are you sitting with your body? Do you think how you use your body will affect how you sound on the telephone? How would you sound on the phone if you stood up with confidence? WHAT DOES YOUR OUTGOING VOICEMAIL SOUND LIKE? When callers hear the message, they will form beliefs/opinions about you. Something to think about...perhaps we want to listen to our outgoing messages and see how we perceive the person talking (us). See you In The Zone! -Henrik |
| Tuesday,May,8 |
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| "When you get to a fork in the road, take it."-Yogi Berra...we have to make DECISIONS in life. Not making a decision is also a decision, isn't it? I DECIDED that I was going to make this Journey a positive experience, and as a result what is it? A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE.-Henrik
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| Tuesday,May,8 |
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| "I don't know where I'm head headed, but I like where I'm going."-Yogi Berra...I am eagerly anticipating the future. The best is yet to come. With all the lessons I am learning on this Journey I need to continue to make a difference. In what forum I do this is yet to be determined...very exciting!-Henrik |
| Tuesday,May,8 |
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| PLEASE READ!!! This story was sent to me by my good friend Marc:.......John is the kind of guy you love to hate. He is always in a good mood and always has something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, "If I were any better, I would be twins!"..... He was natural motivator....If an emplyee was having a bad day, John was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation.....Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up and asked him, "I don't get it! You can't be a positive person all of the time. How do you do it?"...He replied, "Each morning I wake up and say to myself, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or you can choose to be in a bad mood. I choose to be in a good mood.".....Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or...I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it.....Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or...I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life....."Yeah, right, it's not that easy,"I protested....."Yes, it is," he said. "Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people affect your mood. You choose to be in a good mood or a bad mood. The bottom line: It's your choice how you live your life.".....I reflected on what he said. Soon thereafter, I left the Tower industry to start my own business. We lost touch, but I often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it.....Several years later, I heard that he was involved in a serious accidet, falling some 60 feet(20m) from a communications tower.....After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, he was released from the hospital with rods placed in his back.....I saw him about six months after the accident. When I asked him how he was, he replied, "If I were any better, I 'd be twins...wanna see my scars?".....I declined to see his wounds, but I did ask him what had gone through his mind as the accident took place....."The first thing that went through my mind was the well-being of my soon-to-be born daughter," he replied. "Then, as I lay on the ground, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to lie or I could choose to die. I chose to live."....."Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?" I asked.....He continued, "...the paramedics wer great. They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the Emergency Room and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read 'he's a dead man'..... I knew I needed to take action."....."What did you do?" I asked....."Well, there was a big burly nurse shouting questions at me," said John. "She asked if I was allergic to anything 'Yes,' I replied. The doctors and nurses stopped working as 'yelled 'Gravity'.".....Over their laughter, I told them, "I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead.".....He lived, thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude.....I learned from him that every day we have the chance to live fully. Attitude, after all, is everything....Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble all of its own." Matthew 6:34.....After all, today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.....you have two choices now: 1) keep this story to yourself, or 2) forward/share it with people you care about.....You know the choice I made.-Henrik |
| Monday,May,6 |
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| "Action eradicates fear. No matter what you fear, positve, self-affirming action can diminish or completely cancel that which you are fearful of."-Marc Victor Hansen...I can relate to this quote, because I decided to take immediate action to begin the Journey. I didn't want to do research online to learn more, I felt like there was only one thing to do-TAKE ACTION! Start doing exercises, whatever I could. Doing the exercises has been very difficult, and frustrating, but having a sense of humor and being patient REALLY helps. If you are fearing something, when would NOW be a good time to start to take action?-Henrik |
| Sunday,May,6 |
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| "Victory"...Do any of us have a to-do list? Most of us do. What do we do after we finish something on the list? Most cross it off, and then add another item that just came to mind. What happens? At the end of the day we are looking a list of everything WE DID NOT GET DONE! How does that make us feel? Inadequate and overwhelmed perhaps? Here is a suggestion, that I learned from Mark Victor Hansen, co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul series: Write VICTORY next to what you accomplish on your to-do list. At the end of the day we can see all the Victories we had. How does that make us feel? Empowered and with a sense of accomplishment perhaps? I'm warning you though, it is quite addictive (and exciting) to be looking at Victories on a daily basis. Let's make this life a fun game!-Henrik |
| Saturday,May,5 |
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| I played tennis!!! Today I hit tennis balls from the middle of the court for 5 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It felt great to strike a ball again. The strokes felt natural, and no missed balls in those 5 minutes. Even if I had missed every single ball it would have been a victory. Does this mean that I am playing tennis again? No, no, no...I have a ways to go. I want to be able to jump, change directions, etc without hesitation and concern over if I am going to fall. I would say that within the next 3 months I will try hitting tennis balls again. I am in no hurry though. I want to do it right. At least I know I CAN again! -Henrik |
| Friday,May,4 |
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| Sleep...what a wonderful thing...It is hard to imagine that I would be writing something like this. I used to believe that sleeping was a waste of time, that I could "sleep when I'm dead." I used to average 4-5 hours of sleep per night. For the past 3 months I have made sleeping a priority. I now believe that is part of the Transformation. The body needs to rest and recover from the hard work that I put it through during the day. By scheduling the sleep and rest I don't feel guilty that I am wasting time. If you are not getting enough sleep, here are a couple of quick remedies that will give you more time to sleep: 1) stop reading the newspaper in the morning. It takes too long. If there is something we really need to know about we will find out. 2) stop watching late night television. Happy sleeping. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ-Henrik |
| Thursday,May,3 |
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| Is what they said what I heard? NO, ABSOLUTELY NOT! I have been thinking lately...why have I looked as my "situation" in such a positive way? Because that how my mind is trained and conditioned. For example, when doctors told me "you may never walk again" I heard "it's just a matter of time before you are running around again." I really believe that this tool of taking an event and perceiving it as a positive, is a huge advantage in life in general. As W Mitchell wrote in his book by the same title: IT'S NOT WHAT HAPPENS TO US, IT'S WHAT WE DO ABOUT IT-Henrik |
| Wednesday,May,2 |
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| They just want to help...I had a discussion with my trainer who had to be in a wheelchair for two days as part of a class he was taking. He noted that people were really friendly towards him, opening doors etc. He said it didn't take long though, for him to want to do open the doors himself...that reminds me...when I was in the wheelchair my girlfriend or mom wanted to push the wheelchair many times when we were out...I know that they wanted to give me a rest, and be helpful, yet I struggled with it because I wanted to be independent and not be a bother to them. What did I learn? When someone offers you help, take it. Otherwise you rob them of the gift of being able to contribute. Note to self, Henrik, accept help when offered.-Henrik |
| Tuesday,May,1 |
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| Am I done with my rehab? Absolutely not! I feel like I am just beginning. For the month of May I will be focusing on improving my balance, strength, coordination, walking technique to name a few things. I will be in the therapy pool 5-6 days a week, doing physical therapy with physical therapists and an athletic trainer, going into a hyperbaric chamber, receiving cranio sacrial therapy, resting...it will be a busy month! I feel like the work is just beginning. I am excited every day when I wake up because I know it's going to be a great day, I just don't know how necessarily...Positive Anticipation...What we focus on we will find and attract!-Henrik |
| Tuesday,May,1 |
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| 3 months today...3 months ago I was in the emergency room, my body paralyzed from the chest down in 6 hours from the first symptoms...I had no idea what to expect, I just knew that the doctors were running lots of tests...These past 3 months have been the most amazing 3 months of my life, I have learned and grown so much. I wouldn't want to go through this again, BUT I also would not want to have it undone. I am excited as I look into the future...the best is yet to come! Bring it on!-Henrik |
| Monday,April,30 |
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| I had to go BAD...I am on the table receiving a Cranio Sacrial treatment and I got to go pee SO bad...I have no control, and before long the shorts are two-toned. BUT- I was SO happy because that means that the floodgates are opening and SOON I won't have to use catherers anymore! The therapist totally understood so I was not embarrassed at all. I may be one of the few grown men who pees in his pants and is excited about it, and walking around with a grin on his face! For me it's a huge step towards independence from sticking that long tube into my private part. Soon, soon..-Henrik |
| Sunday,April,29 |
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| Time for a new wardrobe...SOON...my pants look like a parachute on me these days. I feel like MC Hammer. I don't have a butt. It is just bones back there. I lost all the cushioning, so I am doing exercises to get some padding back, including lunges and squats. I will wait to get new clothes until I am finished with my current training program though. My whole body is transforming, new muscles are appearing, and others are disappearing...I plan on continuing immersing myself through July, taking care of my body, so in early August I will go on a clothes shopping spree. Anyone want to come along? -Henrik |
| Saturday,April,28 |
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| 35 years young today. Actually I feel like celebrating my first birthday. It is the first birthday in my New Life. I feel better than I have ever felt in so many ways. I'm taking care of my body on a daily basis, I am getting stronger, I am getting more flexible, I am eating well, I schedule sleep, I live in the present. Life is BEAUTIFUL! Here is my challenge to you if you are reading this: Make your upcoming birthday the deadline for being in the best shape of your life! No excuses!-Henrik |
| Friday,April,27 |
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| It felt SO good to WALK around the tennis tournament yesterday!!!Did I have the urge to go out and hit tennis balls? No, not yet. I want to feel in control of my body before I hit any balls. It is no fun playing if I am more concerned with hitting the ball so I don't fall over, which would happen right now. Soon enough...it will happen when the time is right! I just need to practice Proactive Patience...Are there any areas where you can also practice Proactive Patience?-Henrik |
| Thursday,April,26 |
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| Today is a MONUMENTAL day...The 107th annual Ojai tennis tournament begins. It has the most participants of any tournament in the whole US...junior players, college players, and open players. Very early on in February when I couldn't move my lower body, I had as a personal goal to be walking by today. I visualized myself walking around the tournament complex. I just couldn't imagine trying to get around in a wheelchair. It simply wasn't an option...This feels so great, to be sitting here writing this, knowing that I will stand up in a moment BY MYSELF, and walk BY MYSELF to the car, and drive the car BY MYSELF (with my girlfriend) to the tournament. I feel like I have won the tournament! (I did in 1990, and there are pictures of all past winners which is always fun to look at.)-Henrik |
| Thursday,April,26 |
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| Last day of the detox...soon I'll be having that chocolate...actually I don't have THAT much desire for it, now that I can have it. That reminds me of a great book, Body For Life, by Bill Philips...It's a 12 week program and you only do it six days a week. The seventh day of each week is your "free day". What is the purpose? When we know we can have it we don't crave it as much, and we don't feel like we are depriving ourselves. I highly recommend this book. It does wonders for both the body and mind, and is an easy read.-Henrik |
| Wednesday,April,25 |
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| "There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure."-Colin Powell...I agree, AND the key is to look at it as RESULTS, not failure...-Henrik |
| Tuesday,April,24 |
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| Taking Responsibility...It is essential for our growth. I take full responsibilty for coming down with this, and as I result I really feel like I have been able to focus 100 percent on the Transformation. There has been no time to feel like a victim. It would just be a waste of time and energy. What good does feeling sorry do for us anyway? Let's get busy focusing on solutions! Bring it on! -Henrik |
| Monday,April,23 |
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| One day finished, four to go...I feel great and a body detox does wonders for the mind too. Just knowing that I am kind to my body makes me feel proud. I plan on doing this detox once a quarter, four times a year. It is such a great feeling to comlete something, and the results will be so beneficial to my health moving forward. -Henrik |
| Sunday,April,22 |
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| The first day of the 5 day detox begins today...I want to clean the body from the inside out, and get a fresh start. I will be able to eat vegetables and fruit, so I won't be starving. I will also be cleaning out the body by flushing the insides with coffee twice a day from another hole that I can't see, but will certainly feel...I'll let you know how it all goes-Henrik |
| Sunday,April,22 |
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| Be Unreasonable...We often hear "you got to be reasonable"...Well, I believe that the people who really succeed have learned to be Unreasonable. They have high expectations for themselves. You learn alot about someone by knowing what they do when no one is watching. Anyone can talk the talk, but who is going to walk the walk? There is a saying that has stuck with me for years: "if you don't want anyone to know about it, then don't do it." For me, because I see my self as a Peak Performance Coach, it was an easy decision to be Unreasonable in working long and hard, even though some results weren't immediately visible. I just had faith, it was just a matter of time.-Henrik |
| Saturday,April,21 |
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| "It takes struggle, a goal, and enthusiasm to make a champion."-Norman Vincent Peale...Period-Henrik |
| Friday,April,20 |
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| "If you can dream it, you can do it."-Walt Disney...I absolutely knew without a shadow of a doubt that I would be walking again, it was just a question of when.-Henrik
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| Thursday,April,19 |
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| It's time...time for the body to catch up...time to downshift...I have achieved so much in such a short amount of time, and now it's time to re-evaluate. Rather than continue with "let's see what else is possible", the focus moving forward will be to give the body the healing time it needs. Even though I am on the "accelerated plan," I feel like this time is a great time to go back to the basics and focus on Optimal Health. Yes, I want to get back out on the tennis court, but I absolutely do not feel the urgency to do it now. I want my body to be ready. There is simply no need to rush. I will continue to practice PROACTIVE PATIENCE. The 7-day detox program starts tomorrow-Henrik |
| Thursday,April,19 |
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| The beach is next!...walking barefoot...how often do we do that in the soft sand?...starting today I will be going in that soft sand for the first time in months...it's all part of achieving Optimal Health...walking in that soft sand will be great for balance and strengthening the muscles in the lower body and trunk area...I'll let you know how it goes-Henrik |
| Thursday,April,19 |
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| "I run because I've never been much of a car guy...I run because walking takes too long, and I'd like to get a few things done in this lifetime. I run to breathe fresh air.I run to explore. I run to escape the ordinary. I run because it makes me humble. I run for the finish line and to savor the trip along the way. I run because long after my footprints fade away, maybe I will have inspired a few to reject the easy path, hit the trails, put one foot in front of the other, and come to the same conclusion I did: I run because it always takes me where I want to go."
(Dean Karnazes)
Henrik,nothing could make me prouder than your completion of RUNNING the mile on the track. Perhaps I'll see you on the starting line of a race one of these days-Fire it up! (Carolina) |
| Thursday,April,19 |
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| Run, Forest, run!!! Not what I expected...YET. I go to the City College track this morning at 6am. Normally I walk while my friend Will runs four laps, which is 1 mile. We then do our exercises. Not today...We start jogging TOGETHER (slower than his pace, but he didn't mind). 3/4 into the first lap, I am having doubts about being able to finish the lap. "It would be so easy to stop right now, nobody would know, Will would still meet me here in the mornings" was going through my head...but I kept running. We complete the first lap where I was supposed to stop and wait for him, but we KEPT GOING!...alright, a few more yards, I'm thinking. After we finish the second lap I am really ready to stop, but the LEGS KEPT GOING. Who am I to stop them?...I guess I am doing 3 laps I thought...as soon as we finished 3 laps, I DECIDED to do the fourth lap, to complete a whole mile. Throughout that last lap I kept seeing the finish line and imagined how good it would feel to cross the finish line with my hands up in the air...we come to the straightaway...100 yards left...my legs just keep going...it feels like they have a mind of their own (which I already knew from past experience)...About 20 yards away from the finish line, I focus on the number 6 written in my lane...the 6 gets bigger and bigger...closer to the finish line...crossing that finish line with my hands up felt FANTASTIC! I HAD JUST RUN A MILE! Running that first lap, I had no intention of running a mile, running the second lap, I had no intention of running a mile. It wasn't until the fourth lap that I thought to myself: "If I can complete a mile, it would be yet another example of doing something for the first time. What a feeling that would be."...so what did I learn from this experience? Several things: with a positive, open mind, great things will happen....by breaking down tasks, great things will happen...by focusing on how it will look and feel to complete something, great things will happen...Run, Henrik, run...-Henrik |
| Wednesday,April,18 |
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| Something to think about...Evening news is where they begin with 'Good evening', and then proceed to tell you why it isn't....
A couple of days ago there was a shooting at a college campus. It would have been so easy for me to turn on the TV and watch hours of coverage. It is a terrible tragedy, yet I can't do anything about it. I decided to NOT watch any television covering this story because I did not want it to taint my mind. They are probably interviewing people who knew the shooter, doing stories on the victims, etc. I only have 24 hours in a day. How much of that time do I want to spend on taking in such depressing information? How will knowing more about that event help me? We can't have both a positive and a negative thought at the same time, so why not have positive thoughts so we don't have those negative thoughts? Those negative thoughts set off chemical reactions in the body anyway. Who wants that? Let's pay attention to what we are watching and reading. It DOES make a difference!-Henrik |
| Wednesday,April,18 |
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| "The will to win is important, but the will to prepare is vital."-Joe Paterno...Here are the 5 P's: Proper Preparation Provides Peak Performance-Henrik |
| Wednesday,April,18 |
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| Your legs were not possesed---we call it unwinding...the fascia is releasing all that trapped energy from your legs, next session try to let that wiggling enter your whole body and the wave will carry you to a whole new level of healing and body awareness, enjoy the ride and give yourself permission to release---Ursula |
| Wednesday,April,18 |
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| Also playing on my iPod: "Don't Worry, Be Happy" by Bobby McFerrin...Listening to this song has been very calming for me, giving me faith. Lyrics include:IN EVERY LIFE WE HAVE SOME TROUBLE, BUT WHEN YOU WORRY YOU MAKE IT DOUBLE, DON'T WORRY, BE HAPPY...WHEN YOU WORRY YOU'RE FACE WILL FROWN, IT'LL BRING EVERYONE DOWN, DON'T WORRY, BE HAPPY-Henrik
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| Wednesday,April,18 |
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| Here is the first of several songs that is playing on my iPod: "It's a beautiful life", by Ace of Base..........in this catchy and upbeat song, the lyrics include: IT'S A BEAUTIFUL LIFE...TAKE A WALK IN THE PARK...I'M GOING TO TAKE IT TO A PLACE I'VE NEVER BEEN BEFORE...-Henrik |
| Wednesday,April,18 |
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| The Power of Music!!! Music does wonders for the body and soul. I have gone with my brother several times when he has played the piano at retirement homes. As soon as he starts playing the songs they grew up listening to, their whole demeanor changes...if they are hunched over, they lift their heads...if their eyes are closed, they open their eyes...if they are sitting still, they start moving...I get goosebumps every time I observe it!!!...because I know the power of music, I was very particular as to what I listened to, and continue to listen to, on my iPod...I will share several of the songs with you in the next several blog entries...-Henrik |
| Wednesday,April,18 |
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| Push versus Pull...in the last entry I wrote about the fact that I absolutely believed that I would walk again. (I actually saw myself running. I figured if I'm running, then of course I could walk)...Because I had the end goal in mind from the very beginning I feel like I have been PULLED back to the present time, almost like I have a rubber band behind me like a sling shot that will pull me forward. This explains why there have been several times along the Transformation that I did not make a big deal out of the Victories. I just figured that they were part of the plan. For example, of course I would be able to stand up, of course I would be able to walk stairs, of course I would be able to dress myself, of course I would move my legs, of course, of course, of course...BECAUSE I SAW MYSELF RUNNING!!!...Many people who set goals feel like they are being PUSHED towards their goals which often is not as effective. It is much easier to get sidetracked this way, because we may get pushed in the wrong direction. It is not just about effort. For example, if I leave Los Angeles and I start running south, I will not get to San Francisco. It won't matter how fast or long I run. On the other hand, if I know ahead of time that SF is north, I can work backwards to where I am starting from...What goals do you have where you can get PULLED towards them?-Henrik |
| Wednesday,April,18 |
|
| Very interesting and useful...last night I went to a class called "Imagery and Self-Hypnosis for Health, Harmony and Peak Performance." The title alone made me curious to see what I could incorporate in the Journey. It was time very well spent. We discussed such topics as Creating Powerfully Positive States of Mind; The Importance of Human Touch; Wherever thought goes, a chemical reaction goes with it; The therapeutic effects of calming music; being in the Flow.......this class was tailormade for me and just confirmed the tools I have been focusing on for the past months...after the class I went up to the instructor and briefly told him what I had been going through. His first question was "Did you see yourself walking?" My answer was "absolutely!". "There you have it" he responded...The power of the mind...-Henrik |
| Wednesday,April,18 |
|
| "You don't have to like it. You just have to do it."...in which areas of our lives does this apply? By doing something on a CONSISTENT basis, it becomes a habit. I really feel like I had a huge advantage in fighting this thing because I came in with mental and physical habits I'm proud of. There are going to be challenges for all of us in the future, so the time to store up for those times is NOW! Calling upon resources we have not been storing up, will not happen. How many days of stretching is it for you? When would now be a good time to start?-Henrik |
| Tuesday,April,17 |
|
| They wouldn't stop moving!!!...I get to my cranial sacral therapy appointent, get up on the bed, lying on my back. My whole body was relaxing, then all of a sudden...the therapist touches the top of my feet ever so gently with the tips of her fingers...the feet start moving...for the next hour and a half my feet and legs continued to move like they were possessed...I had no control over them whatsoever...none....zero...zilch...it was like the lower body belonged to someone else, feeling how they were jumping/twitching/moving/rotating/lifting/dancing. Within seconds of her finishing the treatment, my legs were still again on the table....what a trip!...and I'm going back again...I will continue this treatment for the next six weeks, 1-2 times per week. The way those legs moved, I would have made Elvis jealous.-Henrik |
| Tuesday,April,17 |
|
| Henrick,
Looking Great my Friend!!!
Dan the Man |
| Sunday,April,15 |
|
| It doesn't work, I tried...I get to the gym this evening, and I get on a machine that I hope will give my some butt muscles over time. It's the first time I'm on this machine since January. I used to stay on it for an hour at a time...not this time...I decided to try for 45 minutes...well, 20 minutes into the workout, I have to go pee REAL BAD! I mean, REAL BAD!...There was only one problem...I did not have any more catherers with me because I had just cleaned out the car(who keeps catherers in their car anyway, right?)....what to do....what to do...I did not want to end the workout and try to drive home. I would have had to drive with my legs crossed, using my left foot to accelerate and break-not a safe idea...instead I get the bright idea to keep going...I figure I will SWEAT IT OUT, so I don't have to pee...25 minutes later I get off the machine, drenched in sweat with a bladder that is still about to burst.(I think it actually got fuller. Some sweat must have dripped into it)...call me crazy, but I just didn't want to go home yet, JUST to go PEE...My next bright idea?...The Sauna...15 minutes later, I get out of the sauna drenched in sweat, and with a bladder that is so, so close to exploding...a quick shower and I drive home a little bit faster than the speed limit....ok, a lot faster than the speed limit...I never thought I would ENJOY inserting a catherer as much as I did, but as I result I am writing this feeling much, much better. Note to self, Henrik: Bring catherers. You never know when you will need them.-Henrik |
| Sunday,April,15 |
|
| "Fear defeats more people than any other one thing in the world."-Ralph Waldo Emerson...This reminds me of a book called Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway. That book title hits the nail on the head. Did I have fear that I wouldn't walk again? Of course! I am human. BUT, that feeling did not last for long, because I COULDN'T STAND that helpless feeling so I decided to change my focus. I remember asking "what CAN I do right now?"..........As I am writing this, I have a flashback...Sitting in the hospital bed the first several days, and there being NO SIGN OF LIFE BELOW MY CHEST. It is such a strange feeling that really cannot be described. It was as though the lower part of my body belonged to someone else. I would visualize the legs or toes moving but nothing would happen. I would not wish this feeling or experience upon my worst enemy. It is such a helpless feeling. The only way I got through it was to focus on what I COULD DO, and to focus on what I was grateful for. I also experienced an inner calm that everything would be ok in due time. I felt like I had the tools necessary to deal with something like this.-Henrik |
| Sunday,April,15 |
|
| Way to go Henrik! Just saw you with ski poles. Heidi got goose bumps! I can't jump over a credit card either!-Dave |
| Sunday,April,15 |
|
| "How would the person I'd like to be, do what I'm about to do?"-Jim Cathcart...This is a great question that I use several times a week. When the Journey began on February 1, I remember asking this very question after I was wheeled to my hospital room. What was my answer to the question then? I immediately started visualizing myself running on the beach. I wasn't sure HOW I it was going to happen, I just knew that it would. I saw myself training with intensity, completely focused on that goal. There were no alternatives. This is such a great question that it is worth repeating:
"How would the person I'd like to be, do what I'm about to do?"...Hopefully you will visualize great things as well-Henrik |
| Sunday,April,15 |
|
| What up H? It's Mike Terry. I'm here in Sydney chillin with "K" and I was just informed of your badass motivation to overcome. Bro, you are a true inspiration. I was very shocked to hear about your current status, but upon seeing this website and hearing your story I'm not surprised about your will to overcome. You should be proud of yourself for providing such an example of mind over matter for those that are not so sure of themselves. It's examples like yours that help motivate people to acheive things they never thought possible. You tha' MAN! |
| Saturday,April,14 |
|
| I read your journey journal and those quotes remind me of you: Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying: " I will get up again tomorrow."
Perhaps strenght doesn't reside in having never been broken...but in the courage required to grow strong in the broken places.
Keep stretching--Ursula |
| Saturday,April,14 |
|
| I've drawn many life lessons concurrently from your journey, the most important being the power of connection and not being afraid of showing the real "you", with all the quirks, imperfections, the very things that make us naked, vulnerable and in turn might drive away others because it is less than perfect or put together. I suspect some grumpy guy/gal in a windowless and airless cubicle came up with the notion of being put together and breezy 24-7 sans emotion, warmth or humanity&So I say, more talk of catheters, tears shed and losing the meat in your arse&this is the real REALITY TV we should be experiencing more of&thanks Henrik for continuing to share!-Back to the books-Carolina |
| Saturday,April,14 |
|
| How tall am I? The answer depends upon when you ask me. During the day and at night I am 6 foot 3 inches (190cm). In the morning when I wake up, I am 5 foot 3 inches (160cm). How is that possible? Where did the foot go? I must retract into the body somewhere. I haven't been able to find it until I give my body some time and I do some stretching. My upper body is bent over forward, and my legs are bent. It looks like I'm about to do the limbo HEAD FIRST! As the body warms up, I am able to straighten up to my normal height. This is just one example to illustrate that just because I can stand, I am not "finished" with the training. I will get a photo taken to illustrate what I mean. Keep stretching. How many days in a row has it been? (65 days in a row of stretching for me, and I am very proud of it. It's a new personal record.) -Henrik |
| Saturday,April,14 |
|
| "Knowledge is power"...Has anyone heard this before? Is it true? Are you sure? I do not believe it is a true statment. Here is what I believe: knowledge is POTENTIAL power....KNOWLEDGE+ACTION=POWER...Many people know what they should be doing but they don't do what they know. Knowing without doing is really not knowing. Has ACTION been missing from your equation? For me I thought I knew how important rest and sleep was, but I didn't take time to just "be" and I was averaging 4-5 hours of sleep. Since Feb 1, I do take ACTION and SCHEDULE rest during the day, and I am averaging 8-10 hours of sleep a night. What ACTION have you been putting off? When would NOW be a good time?-Henrik |
| Saturday,April,14 |
|
| "Life is a succession of lessons, which must be lived to be understood."-Ralph Waldo Emerson...A true statement? I believe it is healty to question what we read and hear from time to time. Sure, some things probably need to be experienced first hand in order to really understand. But not everything. I know that smoking and doing drugs is really detrimental and unhealthy even though I have never done either. How do I know? I HAVE LEARNED FROM OTHERS. Life is too short to experience all lessons firsthand. What lessons have you learned from others, good or bad? What lessons have you learned by following the Journey? How has my experience affected how you live your life? USE what you are learning, even though you weren't paralyzed. -Henrik |
| Saturday,April,14 |
|
| The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do.
- Walter Bagehot
K- |
| Friday,April,13 |
|
| Hi Henrik, I know its been a while since you taught Arielle, but Dina Wilson just sent me your link and I am totally in shock to realize what you have been through and the journey ahead of you.Are you at Rehab in SB? Would love to connect with you,best wishes from all of us, Ursula, Wolfgang and Arielle |
| Friday,April,13 |
|
| "Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another being. Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light."
EE.Cummings-
K-
Thank you so much. |
| Thursday,April,12 |
|
| Something to think about...does what we wear affect how we feel? Absolutely! Then does it make sense to be proactive about what we wear rather than being indifferent? Clothes can make us feel sophisticated, confident, sexy, relaxed, professional, athletic, different, comfortable, etc....In the past 9 weeks I have been living in athletic shorts, dri-fit shirts, Nike socks and shoes, In The Zone caps and windbreakers and of course my Speedo bathing suit. (No, just kidding! I may be European, but I have to draw the line somewhere). But I have been wearing swim trunks six days a week...As a result of wearing clothes like what I just described, how do you think I have FELT during the last 9 weeks? Athletic perhaps? Absolutely! The clothes have been a great trigger to make me feel even more athletic. When I wear In The Zone clothing I also feel like I need to step it up a notch. There is responsibility to wear something like that. I need to lead by example...For me to wear athletic clothes was not a conscious decision, it was just a given. I knew that I would be working my butt off so I had to dress accordingly. (I guess I did work my butt off literally, perhaps 3 Big Macs regularly will bring it back). It just occured to me today in watching other patients both those who are living at the Rehab and those who come in for treatments, that many of them are not wearing athletic clothes. Street clothes is quite common and that is absolutely their choice. I'm not judging them, it's only an observation. I know for me, what I wear contributes to my mindset. I don't want to leave anything to chance...Are you paying to what you are wearing and what feelings that clothing is bringing forward? Something to think about...-Henrik |
| Thursday,April,12 |
|
| An update...Yes, A LOT of great things have happened in the last 9 weeks...movement in the big toe...feeling in the legs, ability to sit...going from wheelchair to using a walker...going from using a walker to walking poles...going from walking poles to no poles...yet, I'm not even close to being done with the rehab/training program. In the next two months I will be averaging 8-10 hours a day seven days a week of continued training...physical therapy....pool therapy...balance work, strength work...endurance work, flexibility work...strength work...acupuncture...cranial-sacral massage...hyperbaric chamber treatments (1 hr/day)...rest...work to pad my behind again...I get the feeling that those that have been following me on the Journey have a better understanding of the work that I still have ahead of me. Someone who doesn't know what I have already gone through, see me standing and think that I have done everything I need to do. COULDN'T BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH!...So, yes, I can stand, I can walk(I'm ready for the runway that models use the way I sway my hips left and right at the moment), I can sit, I can jog (although it looks like I pooped in my pants but have to keep going anyway), I can jump over a credit card, I can drive a car...The work ahead involves making these movements fluid as well as strengthening the body to prevent injury and increase its performance. I AM ON THE PATH TO OPTIMAL HEALTH, AND NOTHING IS GOING TO STOP ME UNTIL I GET THERE. If anyone wants to see what a day is like, please join me. The upcoming week I will be starting at 6am and should be finished by 8pm. Remember, no regrets.-Henrik |
| Thursday,April,12 |
|
| "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."-Teddy Roosevelt...We can all be peak performers every day if we subscribe to this philosophy. If something hurts, make the best of it. Here is a suggestion: Rather than telling people around you such things as "my back hurts","I'm tired","I'm hungry" learn how to ZIP IT! That's right, zip those lips and focus on what you CAN do. Otherwise there is a big risk that you create a negative aura around you, AND there is a chance others want to outdo you..."you think you have it bad, I'll tell you how bad I have it." If we have an illness or disease we don't have to tell everyone we come in contact with. The more we talk about it, the more we focus on it, and the longer it stays around. Please don't involved in this game. Make the best of every day, focus on what you can do, and your positive attitude will be contagious!-Henrik |
| Wednesday,April,11 |
|
| If you are just looking for extraneous padding/meat...3 Big Macs a day without any excercise should do it...
Your other option...
The classically rubenesque paratrooper just does a lot of squats and forward lunges (w/hands on top of head)...you can be on pavement at first but as you regain your core strength and balance...up hills and on sand on the beach provides an extra challenge...
You'll get the "padding" to sit down but if you are doing the lunges correctly during the sets (reps up to you)you might have trouble sitting on your rear for awhile...it all goes with the territory!
You're doing awesome, I'm so proud of your progress...FIRE IT UP! |
| Wednesday,April,11 |
|
| "Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others."-Cicero..."What am I grateful for?" is a great first question to ask ourselves first thing in the morning. When we begin the day feeling grateful, we set the tone for what kind of day we will have.-Henrik
|
| Tuesday,April,10 |
|
| "What percent are you at? 60? 70? 80?"...this is a question I have been asked several times in the past few days. I don't look at this as being at a certain percentage of where I was before. I have yet to answer with a number. Instead I explain that I don't measure my Transformation with numbers. I measure it by being able to say that I did my best every day. Have I "recovered", am I where I want to be? For now, yes, but am I satisfied? NOT EVEN CLOSE! I am not content to rest on my laurels. I do not want to get complacent. I have a window of opportunity that I need to take advantage of. That's why I'm in the Rehab pool at least once a day, it's why I spend my day training, getting acupunctures, and massages. Training is my life right now, because it has to be. I'm not even close to being "done" with my rehab program. I look forward to continued progress the coming months. -Henrik |
| Tuesday,April,10 |
|
| "Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I may not forget you."-William Arthur...Thank you to my family, my friends, and everyone at the Rehab Center for your continued ENCOURAGEMENT! I will not forget you!-Henrik
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| Tuesday,April,10 |
|
| "Don't go through life, grow through life."-Eric Butterworth...Either we are growing or we are dying inside;there is no such thing as stagnation.-Henrik
|
| Tuesday,April,10 |
|
| "Our health always seems much more valuable after we lose it."-unknown...obviously very true for me. Taking care of ourselves is NOT selfish, it's SMART! There is time, if we MAKE time. Schedule it and it gets done!-Henrik
|
| Tuesday,April,10 |
|
| 61 days of stretching in a row...what is your streak? It's your body, take care of it...-Henrik |
| Tuesday,April,10 |
|
| Help!!!...Because I sat in a wheelchair for six weeks, I lost all the meat in my butt. Sitting on a bony butt on a non-padded chair is not a fun experience. The pants I used to wear don't fit at all anymore. I look like MC Hammer in them, and it feels like I'm walking around with a parachute around my legs. Any suggestions for foods that will put some of the meat back on the bones back there? In the meantime, I will continue to do my exercises. I'm hoping over time to be able to sit down comfortably again...what a dilemma! -Henrik |
| Tuesday,April,10 |
|
| "Always listen to the experts. They'll tell you what can't be done and why. Then do it."...As I have written before, our beliefs are very powerful...-Henrik |
| Tuesday,April,10 |
|
| What's my driving force? Why do I want to Transform? The answer: I don't want to have any regrets. I want to know in my gut that I have done everything I possibly can to get well. I want to be able to say that I have used what I know. Many people know what to do, but they don't do it. Instead they SHOULD all over themselves. I can honestly say that I have done my part to Transform, and of course the Greater Force is working with me. The Greater Force alone would not have been able to achieve these results. I have had to take responsibility for my actions. Together we are unstoppable!...What is your driving force? Do you have any regrets? What can you do moving forward? -Henrik |
| Saturday,April,7 |
|
| There is walking, and then there is walking...Yes, I was able to take steps a few weeks ago, but now I have to learn how to walk properly. There is so much to think about...hips, arms, weight transfer, feet, head...Yesterday alone I spent 9 hours working on the proper technique...I want to MASTER walking, not just be good at it. I'm spending a lot of time to see subtle but real important changes in how I walk. Two pool workouts a day plus all the land training. -Henrik |
| Saturday,April,7 |
|
| 58 days...in a row...of stretching my body. I will admit that before this happened I had never in my whole life stretched my body that many days in a row. How long will my current streak continue? AS LONG AS I AM ABLE TO STRETCH. I will do it EVERY day for the rest of my life. I encourage everyone reading this to do the same. There really are no excuses. We do have the time. It doesn't have to take long. How about now? If you are sitting down, stand up and stretch. You can read further afterwards. I'll wait....c'mon....I'm watching....stretch that body...(by the way, bending over to tie our shoes DOES NOT count as our daily stretch.)...Start your own streak, hopefully before long, you will not know how many days in a row, just the date your streak started. My streak started Feb 8, 2007. Happy stretching! -Henrik |
| Friday,April,6 |
|
| Hey Pal, GREAT NEWS!! Your walking
MY HERO
How far are you from:
|
| Thursday,April,5 |
|
| You are the Man. Charlie Sheen |
| Thursday,April,5 |
|
| He's driving! Yes, I'm driving a car again! I feel like just getting into the car without a specific destination and just drive...because I can! I especially notice people in wheelchairs on sidewalks and those crossing streets. I remember very well how bumpy and uneven most streets are compared to the sidewalks. Now it's off to training...yes, I'm driving there...I have LOTS more to report and will make sure I do it later right here on this site. VRRRRRRRMMMMM-Henrik |
| Wednesday,April,4 |
|
| Hurricane! You are looking good getting out of that pool! It is hard to tell that you have had any speed bumps!
All the best!
Chris Russell |
| Monday,April,2 |
|
| "Although there may be tragedy in your life, there's always a possibility to triumph. It doesn't matter who you are, where you come from. The ability to triumph begins with you. Always."-Oprah Winfrey...I have never viewed my situation as a tragedy, but as an opportunity to use my mental and physical skills. I like this quote because it is about RESPONSIBILITY. We have to take responsibility in order to be able to move forward. IF IT IS TO BE, IT'S UP TO ME!-Henrik |
| Monday,April,2 |
|
| "Atta' boy Henster, Go Get Em!!!
K- |
| Monday,April,2 |
|
| "Blessed is the influence of one true, loving human soul on another."
George Elliott-
K- |
| Sunday,April,1 |
|
| Four laps around the track...that's 1 mile (1.6km)...Two months ago I was in a hospital bed, too weak to even get into a wheelchair...today I WALKED four laps around a track...the first three with my walking poles, and the last without anything at all! (and I stayed in my own lane the whole time)...Why did I walk the last lap without my walking poles? BECAUSE I CAN!!!-Henrik |
| Sunday,April,1 |
|
| Put a smile on someone's face...When I come down the corridor at the Rehab, the people who have followed my Journey there always smile. It is easy to tell that they are sincerely happy for me, and everyone thinks it's very exciting to follow the progress...Here is my challenge to anyone reading this...MAKE SOMEONE SMILE TODAY!...If that's your goal, your mind will be working on ways to accomplish it...I want to forewarn you...it's habitforming...Have fun! -Henrik |
| Saturday,March,31 |
|
| "Keep your head up and your feet have no choice but to keep up and follow"
k- |
| Friday,March,30 |
|
| Today I returned one of my best friends...More than anything, this good friend made me feel independent and was always there for me. Without this friend I would have been bedridden. Without this friend I wouldn't have been able to leave the house. Without this friend I couldn't make it out to the backyard. My friend, The Narrow Wheelchair, was returned to the place where I picked it up exactly a month ago. Because it was narrow, I was able to use it to make it through the narrow doorways in the house. (My regular fancy wheelchair has slanted wheels that are too wide to use in the house.) It did feel quite strange to be returning something that had been such a big part of my life, something that gave me so much freedom. Returning one of my wheelchairs...what a Milestone!-Henrik |
| Thursday,March,29 |
|
| Is there a shortcut or isn't there? I can make an argument either way regarding coming back from something serious and life-changing as Transverse Myelitis...THERE IS NO SHORTCUT-hard work, seven days a week, 10+ hours a day, lots of potential frustration, discomfort, repetitive movements, potential uncertainty (although never in my case)...THERE IS A SHORTCUT-be real careful who you listen to, be real careful what you listen to, practice proactive patience (may not see result right away just have faith it will come when the time is right), believe without a doubt that you will continually improve, look at the situation as a blessing rather than feeling like a victim, practice being grateful for what you CAN do. Obviously these pointers can be used for a lot of the challenges we may be experiencing in our lives. -Henrik |
| Thursday,March,29 |
|
| 2 months...2 unforgettable months...2 amazing months...2 life-changing months...2 months today since I arrived at the emergency room and was admitted to the hospital...throughout the day my mind has been on the number 2...what a Journey...2 months ago I could not have imagined that I would be where I am today...My doctors told me that it may be a long time (6 months) before I would be seeing much movement, if at all...they said that the nerves healing would be like watching hair grow back...in other words, a very slow process...But I couldn't listen to that diagnosis...I had faith and confidence that I would be moving some body parts earlier than that...I just knew that the attitude and mental toughness would be hugely important on my Journey...as I have stated before, I feel like I am a case study and living proof that the tools that I am out teaching really work. These tools are real life, not theory. Having duct tape and a hammer as tools is not enough! -Henrik |
| Thursday ,March 29 |
|
| "If I could reach up and hold a star for every time you made me smile, the entire evening sky would be in the palms of my hands."
K-
P.S.Im still smiling at you. |
| Thursday,March,29 |
|
| "Friends are those rare people who ask how we are and then wait to hear the answer."
Ed Cunningham
K- |
| Thursday,March,29 |
|
| "Obstacles dont have to stop you.... If you run into a wall, don't give up. Think of ways to climb, go under or over or simply just get around it."
-Michael Jordan.
K- |
| Thursday,March,29 |
|
| So I fall off the face of cyber for just a few days, and wow! All the time in the world was sucked in! You are up and showering, walking, and JOGGING! Awesome!
k- |
| Thursday,March,29 |
|
| Oh My God! K- |
| Thursday,March,29 |
|
| Henrik good talking with you last night, you need to send Tony a personal not and tell him your story, we'll brainstorm over the weekend. GO CHAMP, all my best "enter" |
| Wednesday,March,28 |
|
| Yet another first...today I took my first shower in two months....................STANDING UP!(sorry, no pictures available) Up until today, I had rolled my wheelchair into the shower and transferred onto the shower bench. (quite the challenge to clean the tush while sitting on a bench, let me tell you.) I made sure I didn't drop the soap because it would have been quite far to bend down to pick it up (and I didn't have my reacher/grabber with me.) I am really glad that I am paying attention to all these "firsts" because the are great reminders to not take anything for granted.-Henrik "clean again" |
| Wednesday,March,28 |
|
| "If your mind isn't doing something FOR you, it's doing something TO you!"-John Zulli...My mind is doing something for me. It focuses my attention on what is possible, what I can do, what I am grateful for, my Victories, and on the anticipation of what exciting adventures lie ahead. -Henrik |
| Wednesday,March,28 |
|
| Ping...pong...rally's on...I played ping pong with my friend Will today! (OK, I didn't move my feet, but it was great to stretch for balls. Will took advantage of us short people and hit some drop shots on me though. Maybe I'll try lobbing him next time.Yet another first, playing ping pong again. YES!-Henrik |
| Wednesday,March,28 |
|
| Yesterday morning we go in the corridor..."walk back and forth" says my therapist Kristin...I walk back and forth..."try jogging" she says..."What" I'm thinking..."Jogging?"..."Really?"..."Yeah, go for it!"..."OK"...So, just like that I jog down the corridor and back!!!!!!!!!...I must have looked like I just won an Olympic Gold Medal!...So, less than 2 months after being admitted to the hospital I am jogging...Imagine that..One doctor said not to expect much movement in the first six months! (He is not my doctor anymore)...Another doctor who I wanted to surprise told me today "there was a very good chance you wouldn't walk again." I think he was very happy to see me make that surprise visit to his office today...other than what I just wrote, not much has happened lately...JUST KIDDING! There is more to report...in future blogs.-Henrik |
| Wednesday,March,28 |
|
| YES! Looking awesome! Keep climbing, Henrik! - jen |
| Wednesday,March,28 |
|
| Remarkable and Fantabulous!
Thank you for bravely holding the light just right so that we, your fellow humans, can see the power and beauty of a soul on fire with purpose. I am holding you and your family in the highest regard during this time of extraordinary renewal. Blessings, Karen (NSG) |
| Tuesday,March,27 |
|
| Henrik,
Wishing you continued success on your journey, especially towards the various athletic arenas. Below is the website link to the Ultra Marathon Man-Dean Karnazes (just completed his quest to do 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days)...great book I think you will enjoy about the power of the human spirit and the rewards of constantly challenging oneself both mentally and physically ...when asked why he does it...you might recognize the answer...
BECAUSE HE CAN!!!
You are well on your way!
-Take care, Carolina
http://www.ultramarathonman.com/flash/ |
| Tuesday,March,27 |
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| "If you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere."-Frank A. Clark...The path I'm on obviously is leading somewhere! It's a Journey I wouldn't trade for anything. I have grown so much and I continue to grow. When I graduated from college I thought the goal in life was to set up life to have no problems. Everything going smooth all the time, both personally and professionally. I have since realized that the having challenges in our lives is a sign of life. We won't have more challenges than we can handle. It may not be easy, but absolutely possible. -Henrik |
| Tuesday,March,27 |
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| Henrik- You are a true inspiration! I am in awe of you and looking forward to your continued success. Great job!!!! |
| Monday,March,26 |
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| What's happening on the inside? The pictures on this blog show what's happening on the outside with the body, but what about what's going on inside with the mind? I feel like my mind is one of the biggest weapons I have in this fight. A Positive Mental Attitude is essential to stay sane during such a trying time. At first, when I was admitted to the Emergency Room there was a great deal of uncertainty in my mind. I had no idea what to expect. When I was told that I would be admitted to the hospital I did not really know what that meant. Would it be for just one night? Once I got the diagnosis, Transverse Myelitis, I deliberately stayed away from reading up on it. I also did not ask my doctors very many questions, also on purpose. I did not want to program my mind with limiting beliefs and thoughts. From the beginning I was convinced that I would be back on my feet again, it was just a matter of time. Having this conviction gave me a feeling of inner peace. Because I knew the end goal (running again), I worked backwards in my mind and broke down the process into small steps. I have never felt in a rush for the body to respond, because I knew that it would when it was ready. If I just worked my butt off each day, everything would be fine. I always felt like I had the tools necessary in my toolbox to be able to beat this. This belief gave me a feeling of inner calm. Patience has been key as has sense of humor. I could never have imagined how quickly my body would atrophy,leaving me not able to do things I always took for granted. As I am writing this, something very important comes to mind: EACH NIGHT SINCE FEBRUARY 1 I HAVE GONE TO SLEEP WITHOUT ANY REGRETS ABOUT NOT WORKING HARD, ABOUT NOT DOING ENOUGH. One key to this is that I now schedule REST as part of the training. Just because it doesn't look like the body is working doesn't mean that it isn't. I look forward to writing further about the Physical and Mental Journeys.-Henrik |
| Monday,March,26 |
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| "What grows never grows old."-Noah benShea...I guess I will never grow old then, as I feel like there is daily, if not hourly, growth in my life. I still experience so many "firsts" on a daily life, which is quite exciting. Today for example, I was able to jump off the ground for the first time. I know I can't dunk a basketball YET, but I would be able to jump over a deck of cards. To lift both my feet of the ground AT THE SAME TIME used to feel like such a distant goal. Yet, it was a goal I was convinced would come true...in due time. I look forward to continuing to grow on a daily basis as the training continues. With 8+ hours of training a day there are bound to be more Victories ahead! -Henrik |
| Monday,March,26 |
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| Congrats on the progress and keep it up! I can't wait until you're back out working with us again! ~Heather G ;) |
| Monday,March,26 |
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| Looking good!!! Keep it up!
Cheryl |
| Monday,March,26 |
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| I was THRILLED to see you walk. You have made such strides (literally and figuratively) that you amaze me! How exciting it must be to be up on your own again. Keep it up! Linda L. NSG. |
| Monday,March,26 |
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| "There is no one giant step that does it. It's a lot of little steps."-Peter A.Cohen...This quote is so appropriate for me on this Journey. There have been lots of little steps the past seven weeks and that mindset will need to continue. For example, I tried to get up to standing from being down on a cushion on the floor last week. It didn't happen because my legs were still too weak. I did thousands of other repetitive moments for the next several days, and today...I stood up on my own from being down on my back on the cushion placed on the floor. What a feeling! Something we just take for granted can be SO difficult. I was only able to do it though because I broke down the process into small steps. How can we translate that into our lives? Is it better to eat lots of small meals or one big meal once a week? Is it better to exercise 10 minutes 6 days a week or 60 minutes once a week. It's about CONSISTENCY. Perhaps there is something we all need to break down into small steps? -Henrik |
| Monday,March,26 |
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| "I have seen you fight, I had to fight too. I mean, it's ONLY a triathlon."-my brother Fredrik's response when I asked him what kept him going during his triathlon yesterday. -Henrik |
| Sunday,March,25 |
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| Great catching up with you the other day. Like the shoes, but really, really like the progress...wow...keep it up! |
| Sunday,March,25 |
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| 3.30 am...I'm getting up to go with my brother while he competes in a triathlon. Why would people get up in the middle of the night to go swim in freezing cold water, get on a bike, and then run? "The challenge and the fact that very few people are willing and able to do it" was my brother's answer. As I discussed with him, many people talk about wanting to run a marathon, complete a triathlon etc, but who is willing to back up the talk? Who is willing to put in the time to train? Who is willing to sacrifice? Who is willing to keep going even when it would be easier to stop? It was SO incredibly motivating and inspiring to be around all these triathletes for the day. I have the utmost respect for their dedication. Yes, I have to admit that the thought of compl | | |