It is with great pleasure and pride that I am writing this blog entry to share a simple story. Seeing as how this story takes place between two Chinese New Years, I guess there’s no better time to share it than now.
My name is Don Richmond. I am a singer/songwriter, music composer/producer and I also host a program on Clicknetwork.tv called The Click Show. I’m a huge fan of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and I love to do some MMA training whenever I can and I love my food, I mean BOY DO I LOVE MY FOOD. There you go. That pretty much sums up my entire existence in two simple sentences.
Over the last few years I’ve managed to take up some MMA as a form of exercise but as I was pretty much unfit for most of my adult life, it did pose quite a challenge for me as I was constantly getting myself injured. In hindsight, I should have asked myself: “What were you thinking? High impact combat sports are made for younger people. Maybe you should just jog.”
Instead, every time I got a little hurt and injured I decided to not give myself the required amount of time of rest and would just train through it. The worst of all the injuries came when I tore my groin muscle doing a little wrestling. It wasn’t a difficult move. It happened during warm up when I was practicing a takedown on a partner. I felt a rubber band snap and roll in my groin and instantly I couldn’t stand up. Moving was just impossible. I hobbled off and went home. The next day saw my entire groin turn blue black until just above the knee, and I knew that was going to be a long, long recovery. I had difficulty doing anything for an entire year. Sex was excruciating. I repeat: having sex was tough! So sad! You never know how much the groin muscle is needed for anything until you take it for granted. I was depressed. And as with all depressed moments in my life, I filled the moments with food – a whole lot of it.
I ate when I was unhappy about my injury, I ate when I couldn’t move, I ate when people started to talk about my weight gain. Do you see the pattern emerging? I was 36 going on 37 and I thought to myself that this was it; this was my lot in life. I’m not 18 anymore where I could have shrugged off an injury. Why exercise when all you’re going to do is get injured again and again? Why bother? So I got bigger and bigger.
I was shooting episodes of my show and it was publicly obvious that I was getting bigger with each episode and man were people very vocal about it. I was very affected but yet chose to drown the misery in more food because that was really the only source of comfort I knew. When people would ask me about the weight gain I would just say “I’m injured. I will lose it all when I’m well.” Denial… really… isn’t just a river in Egypt guys.
Last Chinese New Year, I had to shoot a CNY segment for my show (as I always do) and I found that the costume I had to wear was just too tight. The buttons were almost bursting. The fabric was pulled so tightly that between each button there would be a big gap revealing my skin. I was advised by my director to put on a t-shirt inside so the skin and tummy wouldn’t show on camera. It was tight, I remember not being able to breathe well in it, and I had to sing. I remember watching the video when it came out and just almost wanting to cry because all I could see was a man who had let himself down, and let himself go. I was injury free, but too heavy, too lazy, and too miserable to see a way out. God forbid that I get another injury while trying to lose this weight. I showered, and honestly, hadn’t seen my dick in a long while. HA HA. Now guys, if there ever was a sign you should do something about yourself, is when you cannot see your dick.
I remember being at my wits end thinking to myself “there must be someone who can understand this feeling and maybe someone who can help”. Almost miraculously, a friend whom I hadn’t heard from in a while texted me.
“Hey Don, not sure if you’ve ever heard about this place Ritual. But if you ever want to give it a go, give me a call.” It was Nadia Daeng.
I googled Ritual. 20 mins of exercise per session, clothes and towels provided. They take away every excuse you’ve ever tried using to possibly not show up and train.
“What can 20 minutes of exercise do?” “It’s going to be boring, it’s going to be easy. I have done so much MMA training. This will be child’s play! I don’t want to do push ups. I want to run and play football and spar!”
The greatest decision I’d made in 2014 was to just show the fuck up at Ritual’s doorstep and just walk in. I did. At the trial session, I was assessed by Amir and coached in a gruelling session by Mubin. I was out of breath and couldn’t lift my arms and legs at the end of the session. I met Faizal at the Shake Bar and he was talking to me about his weight loss regime. Over the week I met the other coaches and the Program Director, Ian, who told me what I needed to hear. “We are not interested in anything short term. It’s all about the long term and lifestyle change”. That stuck with me. It resonated. I downloaded the Ritual Grub Guide and started learning about eating right.
I ached more with every day that I forced myself to go down. I hadn’t ached that much since…never, not even in National Service. Every time it hurt so much I just wanted to stop and just ignore it. So I decided to set myself a goal. I will use Ritual to get a little conditioning so that I can make my way to a 3-week Muay Thai camp in Thailand. I figured that the conditioning would allow me to enjoy my time in Muay Thai. It was a hard road but I made it to Thailand and I enjoyed the training because I had ached worse a few weeks prior. By the time I got home, I was hooked to the lessoning aches that every single session promised.
Then, the worst happened, I got injured doing sprints at the neighbourhood stadium. I pulled a hamstring. It was over. It was happening all over again. I texted Ian and asked for help and he sent some real good practical advice and the next day I went to Ritual and decided to do a session. I asked Shrek the Head Coach for advice and he even adjusted the exercises to work around the injury. He even suggested doing deadlifts!! For my pulled hamstring! “It’s for the stretch bro… try it”. I trusted him and it worked. I was able to train through the injury safely and I was back at 100% in no time.
Ritual had become a way of life for me. Put in 20 hard minutes of work each day and try your best to eat as well as you can. That’s all that I ask of myself. Try. Don’t weigh yourself, don’t stress over the things that make you feel like you need to show the world how far you’ve come.
It hasn’t been a year at Ritual yet. That anniversary for me will be celebrated in April. But it’s CNY. I had to wear the same shirt I wore last year for this year’s video. It’s loose. I didn’t need to wear a T Shirt inside. I shaved off my goatee because I no longer require a dark patch of hair to show people where my actual chin is. It shows up all by itself. I love how I feel about myself and I fully accept that I have a long, long way to go before I can ever shake off all that weight that the binging has brought upon all these years. Now, I’m actually enjoying the journey. I don’t beat myself up when I slip up and have a burger. There’s a great system of belief and support that’s been built in me through the people I have met at Ritual: normal, human beings with the same cravings and insecurities. They celebrate life and the journey. I’m learning how to as well.
So for everyone out there thinking of starting on some sort of exercise regime and healthy eating, let’s just say that I know how hard it is. To get off the couch and put one foot in front of the other, to choose the chicken breast over the Hokkien Mee. It’s not easy. Anyone telling you it’s easy is a lying son/daughter of a bitch. Don’t focus on a 3-month crash diet or juice fast. Just do a little every day. A little. And I swear to you before you know it, you will learn to love yourself enough to make the right decisions. But of course, if you are thinking of starting, give yourself a break and start after Pineapple Tart season. I did.
As for the people at Ritual that have changed my life: Thank You. Shrek, Nas, Mubin, Amir, Ramzan, Ruzaini, Desmond, Faizal, Christine, Stephanie, Shawn, Ian and Brad, you guys have no idea the positive change you bring about in so many people’s lives on a daily basis. You should be so fucking proud. Have a great holiday!
Because Yehuang couldn t explain Qin Feng s origin, people around him started talking about it.He raised his head helplessly Mr. Chu, if you want to talk to me, just call me.
Instead, she showed a bright smile I will consider your proposal.And when I take action personally
Haha, boy, it seems that you haven t been beaten up by society before you dare to be so arrogant.
To put it bluntly, I don t have enough brains, but at least I have the talent for martial arts.Qin Feng stopped and turned slightly, but did not completely turn to look at her.
Qin Chuan snorted in disgust It s too late even if you regret it now.David, who had just regained some consciousness, was stunned when he saw this scene Qin Feng, are you crazy That s Mr.
The two sides are on the verge of breaking out. Hey, is it so lively tonight Just when the two sides were about to collide, a lazy female voice came.Chu Qin Feng glanced at him without saying anything, and Unlocking Noom Weight Loss Secrets: Expert Tips and Strategies
his eyes fell on Liu Yuchang.
Qin Feng squinted slightly and looked at his back As for him, I A suitable home will be arranged for him.And Panlong Palace has disappeared for ten years. Even if it comes back now, how much attention will it get from the Martial Alliance Although everyone is not optimistic, this does not affect their expectations for the new dragon master.
If I were looking for someone. Acting, they won t be so hard boned, everything that needs to be explained has already been explained, in that case, why didn t the Dai family settle the score with me Although the Dai family is low key, Barrett played key role in growth of BI parks
they are not willing to be bullied.Du Shixi also witnessed what happened that night. Although the two families still maintain a cooperative relationship and may interact more closely in the future, to Fan Bangyan, Du Shixi is not one of his own.
Mom, why didn t you let me and Brother Qin finish talking just now
As soon as they got in the car, Dai Ruolan didn t realize anything yet, she pouted her little mouth and couldn t help complaining.But now an ancient tomb has been discovered under this piece of land.
Needless to say, the strength that Xu Mofang showed just now is astonishing among the younger generation.Qin, they don t know how to reason at all, they just come to make trouble.
Except for the third floor, you can do whatever you want
In just a few words, everyone in Nirvana who was already confused became even more confused.Yes, the Shencheng Martial Arts League is weak in force.
But now, your grandfather dares to give away what should belong to me to others, and you have lost the capital to be arrogant and domineering in front of me.It s not that it can t be taken out, but it s really not worth it to buy a sword.
Then what should we do now Since today s theme is that you want to steal the show by stepping on the new Dragon Lord, let s get straight to the point.However, these people are lucky to have such an opportunity to show their faces in front of the public, and What Are CBD Gummies Used For: Understanding the Benefits and Uses of Cannabidiol Edibles
each of them is full of fighting spirit, waiting to show their full strength.
It would be more than enough to deal with today s opponents, but those who will appear tomorrow are all elite disciples from various sects.He is the last disciple of Elder Chu and the last disciple of Chu Huaijiang.
I even wanted to secretly take my notebook and go to the toilet to write a chapter.All kinds of negative Earthmed CBD Gummies on Amazon: Reviews, Benefits, and Safety
emotions surged through my heart, and I even wanted to stomp my feet and scold Lin Xia.
After getting a general understanding of the school, he still had to continue writing Breaking the Sky , which would be one of his sources of income for a long time to come.If you looked closely, it even looked a little long and deformed, and it looked ugly.
My mother s bones are broken
Liu Kaili s sarcasm made Liu Yingying look ugly, but she still looked at Liu Kaili.But after Zhang Sheng ended, he gradually became enemies.
At this moment
his cell phone rang. The phone call was from Paramecium Cao Li.Zhang Sheng was silent. Li Bin felt a little embarrassed for a while after seeing Zhang Sheng s lack of response.
Come over here. Let s talk about some details and see if we can cooperate.Unfortunately, I feel a little uneasy. I am looking forward to having my first published book in my life, but I am also afraid that the physical sales of this book will not be good, and then it will be cut off from the middle.
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K should write Zhen Lidi In front of my opponent, I was so violent that I tore the A4 paper into pieces one by one, and then smashed the table hard No matter how you write, you have to escape from this circle.Zhang Sheng received a call from Lin Xia. If she wants to come, let her come.
In particular, Weineng battery vehicle batteries have almost doubled Then
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The reporter couldn t find anything to ask and didn t embarrass her.After Gao Yuan Yanying graduated, Gao Jianliang Liang Geng tried all kinds of connections and even broke his leg before dragging him to the Shengshi Entertainment system and getting him investment in his first movie Closed Gate.
Since I came to this world inexplicably, I must change at least some of the status quo.After Chen Mengting arranged everything, she looked at Zhang Sheng Zhang Understanding the Benefits of CBD Gummies for Anxiety Relief
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let s
What we are doing now is to select talents. This time it is just a simple test.
But Zhang Sheng was the one in front
like a little hero who attracted the attention of the public.Brother Sheng, you, you seem to have come from Cangzhou, right Yes.
We re also looking for him, but we don t know what college he went to.Li Qiang was silent and complicated. Once you look at it, you know that Li Qiang wants to play this empty handed thing again.
I didn t lie to you. I told my friends what you told me Tom lowered his head.Special month, I originally won the Southern California International Film Awards , which is the most prestigious award I have ever seen in my life.
In a sense, she is considered a seed contestant that major entertainment companies are paying close attention to.He unconsciously Some were infected. The mute Clete next to him looked at Zhang Sheng and Tom in confusion, and then sat down.
Of course, the monitoring effect using surveillance equipment is far inferior to his role here, but he does not have time to stay here for a long time.Everyone knows that if Li Shiming wants to calm down his anger, he must hand over Bo Ran and his son Bo Zhao.
He still remained knocked down, waiting for the enemy to appear.After Wang He knew that it was not the Baidi Sect who had obtained the Shenxiao Thunder Bead , he was thinking about which force the Shenxiao Thunder Bead had fallen into.
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Li Shiming s spirit has already reached the peak of the golden elixir stage, but the special thing about the Human Reincarnation Art, the top spiritual technique in the world of immortality, is that it makes his spirit more solid.
Just as he was thinking about it, all the hairs on his body stood up, his great level body refining strength exploded, and his CBD THC Gummies Reviews: How Seniors Achieved Weight Loss Success
body completely transformed into jade.On a pair of hands, the nails became longer and glowed with a fierce light.
But he didn t know that the drone satellite system monitoring this area in the sky was specially spotted when he flew towards the medium sized sect on the left.The main reason is that the bottleneck of his late golden elixir has weakened a lot when his sword intent has exceeded the middle golden elixir.
At the same time, the Taiqing Mysterious Turtle s armor emitted a dazzling light, and the Taiqing Mysterious Turtle Qi transformed into it increased significantly.But his Four Characters Sword and the thousands of flying swords summoned from the Ten Lizzo’s Weight Loss Success: Inspiring Others with Her Journey to Wellness
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When the two sentry guards saw them coming out, they looked at each other and smiled sinisterly.There was a strong wind, and I suddenly felt strange.
Considering the vastness of the ocean, there are almost countless third grade monsters in it.Li Shiming changed the time arrangement, which also affected Li Yuanba.
In this way, he can have more than 350 kilograms of spiritual rice left every month.Li Shiming and Li Yuanba left the cave, found a flat place, and released Ten Thousand Swords Peak.
Li Shiming thought for a while and took out the fourth grade healing elixir.Kill Li Yuanba shouted, and his sword intent completely exploded.
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also knew that Wanjianfeng must have some special function, but it was not easy for her to inquire about the details of other sword cultivators magic weapons.With the use of terrifying power, the third grade synthetic metal that could withstand high temperatures only lasted for one breath.
Li Shiming s alchemy level is not recognized as number one in the East Qi Continent, but any monk who knows his level of refining fourth grade spiritual elixirs for great monks will confirm his number one status in the East Qi Continent.Don t thank me, you deserve this. By the way, your authority has also been upgraded Zuo Laozu waved his hand and said.
Invisible magnetic energy Wang He gritted his teeth when he found strange patterns on the ground under a rock.The metallic spiritual power carrying the sword s intention enters the interior of the metallic flying sword spiritual weapon, and aggressively and continuously engraves the mark of the sword s intention on the Miracle Diabetes Gummies: A Comprehensive Guide to Benefits, Effectiveness, and Expert Opinions (omvBH)
spiritual weapon.
Even better. It is enough for Venerable Huijing, Li Yuanba and his three monks to practice together.
Of course, he also had to show his value to Yu Ziya.His spiritual energy is disordered now. It is impossible to let the spiritual energy circulate around the sky normally.
I was just bragging about it, but why did I make a breakthrough in Menopause Weight Loss: Expert Advice for a Healthy Lifestyle
my cultivation for no reason Well, actually it can t be said to be inexplicable.The wealth Su Ye showed made them both think that Su Ye was in business, and it was possible that he belonged to a certain business family.
The same is true for Chen Xian and Luo Qingqing. Both of them have passed the provincial examination and are waiting for the court to issue scribe documents.Take medicinal baths, take elixirs, and practice weekly exercises.
Su Ye and Luo Qingqing could only wait and watch. Since he had to wait for the trial, there was no point in Su Ye staying in the Yanling World.Su Ye felt that the spirit of words that could float in the air for practitioners who were not in the foundation building stage was amazing.
Although it was said that the sea crossing magic weapon could be customized, this was the first time he had heard so many requests.After breaking through the Yin Qi, the ink tiger did not stop and moved forward, continuing to attack Su Ye.
There are traces of underworld beasts everywhere in the world of Hell of the Undead.But no matter what, Su Ye s poems deeply touched the hearts of many people, causing Su Ye s reputation to rise.
At least judging from the strength of that beast, Su Real Results with React Keto Gummies: Success Stories from Users
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way to walk by the river without getting your shoes wet, but the buyer ran onto the boat and shouted Two boats, the starting price is two thousand, does anyone want it Seize the ship is also a professional term for seizing the ship.Are you looking for me A deep voice came into Feitian Yaksha s mind, with a hint of teasing.
Moreover, this year s Double Ninth Festival Poetry Festival is still controversial.Su Ye, how are you Is he making things difficult for you It s okay.
The little white fox nodded I agree. After a simple conversation, Su Ye gained a spiritual beast.However, there is a saying that it takes three years to refine the body and ten years to build the foundation.
Lu Ting reached down and gestured Don t worry, it s up to me.It had no mouth, nose, or eyes. Except for the ears, all its facial features were on its chest.
Of course, part of the reason was that Sun Sijun was crazy.
