802 Entries
| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| When would NOW be a good time? |
| Tuesday,February,5 |
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| People make choices. Choices make people. |
| Monday,February,4 |
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| "What am I grateful for?"...a great question to guide our focus, especially in the morning.-Henrik |
| Sunday,February,3 |
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| 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 |
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| Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there! |
| Friday,February,1 |
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| Transformation...I haven't recovered...I have Transformed.-Henrik |
| Friday,February,1 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| Walk My Talk...a way of life, both personally and professionally. |
| Monday,January,28 |
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| When there is Faith and Hope in the future, then there is Power in the present.-Henrik |
| Sunday,January,27 |
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| 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 |
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| "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 |
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| Develop an inner smile!-Henrik |
| Wednesday,January,23 |
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| 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 |
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| Learn to see the problems in your life as gifts. |
| Tuesday,January,22 |
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| "Champions take chances and pressure is a privilege."-Billy Jean King |
| Monday,January,21 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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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 difficult can be overcome, you are more than halfway to victory over it already."-Norman Vincent Peale |
| Saturday,January,19 |
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| All things are possible until they are proved impossible-and even then the impossible may only be so, as of now. |
| Friday,January,18 |
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| How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. |
| Thursday,January,17 |
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| "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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| "Nothing tastes as good as healthy feels." |
| Wednesday,January,9 |
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| "If dreams were for sale, what would I buy?" |
| Tuesday,January,8 |
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| "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 |
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| 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 |
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| "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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| "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 |
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| "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 |
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| 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 |
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| "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 |
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| Happy New Year!!!...a new year, new possibilities...The best is yet to come, right?-Henrik |
| Monday,December,31 |
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| Experience is a hard teacher. She gives the test first, the lesson afterwards. |
| Sunday,December,30 |
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| 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 |
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| "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 |
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| "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 |
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| "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 |
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| "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 |
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| 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 |
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| Mindset, Attitude, and Self-Awareness...3 keys to getting Results-Henrik |
| Monday,December,24 |
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| "Blessed are those who can give without remembering and take without forgetting."-Elizabeth Bibesco |
| Sunday,December,23 |
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| "Nothing can stop the person with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal."-Thomas Jefferson |
| Saturday,December,22 |
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| "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 |
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| "Repeat anything often enough and it will start to become you."-Tom Hopkins...our habits determine our character-Henrik |
| Thursday,December,20 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 75 minutes of dancing...I just finished a cranio sacral treatment and both legs were twitching/ | | |