On September 19 I posted my personal
feelings on the World Trade Center attack and it's impact
upon our lives. As of September 25 I'd received over 650 responses,
far more than I imagined, and by the 28th the number of responses
exceeded 1000! And they're still pouring in! This illustrates
that people need to connect, to share, and to express their
emotions. I've included some of the comments here. To everyone
who has responded, your thoughts have been so well stated
and your words so obviously heartfelt I feel it important
for you to know I will read them all. I only regret that there
are far too many for me to share in this forum. I believe
that the few that I can include here will echo those thoughts
and emotions we all share - Phil Kaplan
- "Hello Phil, I just read
what you had to say about the tragic events of the past
week. When I spoke to you last week, I didn't want to admit
to you how I really felt. I, like yourself and many others,
wanted to help but didn't know what to do. I prayed, I gave
blood, I cleaned out all my bank accounts, I inquired about
enlistment into the armed forces - all without any feeling
of satisfaction. I felt helpless. My life, career, and mission
no longer mattered. My entire focus was on what can I do
to help. To hear my friends voices who were near the sites
was the sweetest of sounds. To listen to my clients as they
are saddened by the loss of family and friends, weighed
heavy upon my emotions. I thought a lot about what had happened
and what the future holds for all of us. Overall, one emotion
dominated all others - GRATITUDE. Suddenly, I refused to
take anyone or anything for granted and made extra time
to spend with my friends and family. I talked to people
I haven't seen or heard from in years. I often talk to complete
strangers when I am out and about, but now it was different.
I felt a new sense of unification, patriotism. As if we
are all team mates. We have a common cause or purpose. We
want the same things. It is great to know that when the
going gets tough we can all come together and become one.
That's powerful! On Monday morning, I was speaking with
a extremely intelligent client of mine who understands what
life is really about. He asked me, "Billy, You are more
important to the world right now than I think you know."
" What you do is clear heads and give people energy to go
on." " You relieve stress. Others look to you for answers
and leadership. You must not let up. If you do, then many
others will be disappointed. You make people better people."
I never thought of it that way before. As fitness professionals
that is what we do - We make people better people - both
physically and mentally. " We empower our clients and all
those who we influence the ability to take control of the
way they look, think and feel. Each of us must realize that
we have a massive impact on the lives of numerous Americans.
After the attacks, I initially questioned the importance
of my career. However, I now know that as a fitness professional,
it is my (it is our) responsibility to make people feel
good by allowing them to escape and manage problems, pressure,
and tragedy.Peace, love and strength for America."
- Billy Beck, Personal Fitness
Trainer
- "Hi Phil, I appreciate
your outpouring of emotion regarding this past week of horror.
I feel it is important to carry on what we do and embrace
the unity that has come from this horrible event. We have
to be strong and healthy to carry on the task ahead of us
and this is what I have been telling my clients who feel
too sickened to work out. I feel good has already come of
this evil - as it must or all of those lost lives will mean
nothing - I'm proud to be an American and have a new respect
and understanding of our place in this world. We must be
physically and mentally fit to beat this enemy. Thanks for
giving me the tools to help my clients be their best. Yours
in Health."
- Jody Twer Body Basics Personal
Training Hatboro, Pa
- "Phil, For me it's back
to work as usual in the Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue Department.
As a Fire Officer and public servant, it is imperative that
we continue to serve the needs of our community and still
offer our generous donations, condolences, and prayers to
the people, firefighters, police officers, and the Mayor
of New York City. I lost two FDNY friends in the World Trade
Center and feel numb each time I think about the tragic
events. Words (other than unthinkable) alone cannot describe
the tragedy that has occurred in our nation. As a nation
of Americans we will pull together and band as one to quell
terrorism at its roots. May God Bless America and the Free
World."
- Christopher J. Weir BPA
CFEI Assistant Fire Marshal Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue
- "Phil, First of all I'd
like to thank you for posting your thoughts on your site.
It brings us the sense that our country is truly getting
smaller, and closer in this tragic time. It's still difficult
to believe that all this has happened. I could see the footage
a hundred more times and it would still seem like I've been
watching a bad Schwartzeneger movie. As I watched to second
plane strike the second tower I was at first surprised that
the tower held up. Soon after the tower came crumbling down.
I'm still waiting for the realization to finally set in.
The Thursday after the attack the wind shifted and the smell
of smoke from the city reached my home, more than 20 miles
away from Manhattan. My emotions are also cycling through
disbelief, sadness, anger, and a desire for revenge. My
home town is one the north shore of Long Island, so there
are several spots where you can see the NYC skyline. One
road in particular, lighthouse road, is a place people frequently
go to observe the wonder of the skyline, particularly at
night. Since it's a one way road, the cops make sure to
keep the road clear, at least they used to. Now people visit
the road even more. The cops don't seem to mind anymore.
As I mentioned before, even though we've all seen the footage
dozens of times, it still seems like a bad movie, or a horrible
dream, until we see it right in front of us. It's worse
at night than you've heard. Yes the towers are gone, but
it's not just a gapping hole in the landscape. The fires
are still burning, and there are still still rescue workers
at the site round-the-clock. The powerful lights that are
used to illuminate the work space give the smoke an eerie
glow as rises into the air, like an immense funeral pyre.
You'd think it were a special effect it you weren't there.
"There" being about 26 miles away. This last Sunday I was
in the city, and it was pretty much the same, except it
was bigger, larger than life. I almost got physically sick
the first time I saw what had happened without the benefit
of the sterilizing eye of the television cameras, but it
gets easier. I can't tell you how encouraging it was to
be told by Long Blood Services that I should call back in
a week and a half, to keep hearing from the governor that
they have too many volunteers, more than enough supplies.
In spite of the reputation that Americans in general, and
New Yorkers in particular have somehow gotten, the whole
world knows that we truly are a family. That like siblings,
we may bicker about a great deal of things, when something
major happens, we all come together. As cold it may seem,
I'm also comforted by the irony of people fleeing the countries
that may be harboring those animals that initiated this
horrible attack. If the purpose of terrorism if to illicit
a fearful response, it would seem to me that the plan has
backfired. I won't say that life is back to normal here
by any means, but we're trying to go about our business.
That's really all we can do. Let our government and our
military take care of the terrorists, and let us show them
that they can't keep us down."
- Stephen Szwed, Personal
Fitness Trainer, NY
- Phil, I think that we need to
continue to take care of our health and reduce our stress
by not putting a halt to our personal fitness. We will be
a better and stronger country because of these cowardly
acts by others. We will have to give up a few of our freedoms
of ease, but it is well worth it. If this had not happened,
our country would not have had anything to do with the changes
we are going to live with from now on. Together we stand
and the better we will be . . . from a very sad and pissed
off American
- "Thanks, Phil, for your
wise words in these troubling
times. As a personal trainer working with clients in Manhattan,
I have witnessed firsthand the amazing impact last week's
events, and the ongoing struggle, have resulted in. One
of my fellow trainers lost a client in the 2 WTC building.
One of my valued clients is an executive with Citigroup,
whose offices were in the 7 WTC building. Fortunately, he
and his office staff escaped safely, but not without exposure
to some gruesome sights. I met with this client last night
for the first time since last Tuesday's tragedy. He has
been going through an incredibly trying week, dealing with
the ordinary business decisions of his worklife (now made
extraordinary by the nature of the change in the economy)
compounded by dealing with the grief and stress being felt
by his superiors and his employees. In talking with him,
one thing came through clearly: while he has had difficulty
sleeping; while he is working incredibly long hours; while
he is struggling -- his workouts and his runs in Central
Park are providing an amazing refuge for him. We all know
this is true. We know how in the last year more and more
reports have come out showing the benefits of exercise for
depression/anxiety/mood disorders/stress management. We
also know that our clients need us, now more than ever,
to be active helpers in their quest for optimizing their
health and wellness. I would encourage fitness professionals
to educate themselves regarding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
(A good preliminary website is www.ncptsd.org) Some of the
very things which can manifest in people's reaction to tragic
events will make our work with them even more challenging
-- but if we are equipped with more information, we can
hopefully make that journey an easier one. I wish other
trainers and fitness professionals the best in the weeks
and months ahead. Sincerely."
- Seth Swoboda, Personal Fitness
Trainer, NY
- "Hi Phil, Thank you for
your powerful, well-written message. I'm glad to hear your
family is OK. Two of my co-workers were actually staying
at the Marriott World Trade Center the morning of Sept.
11th. (You can read about one in today's Sun-Sentinel in
the Lifestyle section - the article titled "Plantation Lawyer
Hails 'Incredible' New Yorkers".) Both of these co-workers
got out safely. My cousin's husband, who works at the Pentagon,
was late for work last Tuesday morning and is also safe.
A partner from my firm's NY office went across the street
to the WTC to lend assistance. He has not been heard from
since. As someone who has always used any and every excuse
to eat like a pig, drink too much alcohol and stop exercising,
I have amazed myself by staying on track through this horrible
tragedy. In fact, since last Tuesday, my workouts and supportive
eating are the only things that feel normal about the world
lately. I hope you will go forward with your October 4th
seminar - I am looking forward to attending and being motivated.
thanks again"
- "Once the pain, shock,
and horror of the recent terrorist attacks has passed, we
are then faced with the question, "How do we go on?" The
one concept that keeps surfacing in my mind is that given
the ephemeral nature of life - we don't know how long we
have and are not guaranteed anything - we have an obligation
to use our talents, skills, and abilities to live our lives
as best we can and to touch the lives of others in a positive
way. To fail to do so is a waste of our inherent gifts.
Our days should be marked by a sense of purpose, direction,
and a ceaseless commitment to be the best we can be. A quote
from Emerson communicates this idea wonderfully, "To laugh
often much, to win the respect of intelligent people and
the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest
critics and endure the betrayal of false friends, to appreciate
beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a
bit better, wheter by a healthy child, a garden patch...to
know even one life has breathed easier because you have
lived. This is to have succeeded!"
- Jonathan Ross, Personal
Trainer, Bowie, MD
- "Dear Phil, In light of
the recent tragedy we at Vortex decided to hold off for
most of last week to mourn the loss and to see where our
help could best be used. Delaware, our business headquarters,
is in between NY and Washington. As a company whose mission
is to develop products and services that better the lives
of those around us (as is your company) we felt compelled
to put off life as usual for a time. As a former US Marine
I also am of the strong belief that we can not let those
who have done this take away our lives altogether. To do
so would be another victory for them. We as a company have
decided that on Monday we are to be ready to do anything
asked of us by our country and/or those in need and to resume
our work as before to the best extent possible. In this
way we will best be able to beat back this foe and show
we can do whatever it takes to win this new war and live
our lives as a free people. We hope and pray that all of
those in your families and business are safe. Take care."
- Bob Piane CEO Vortex Fitness
and Wellness Equipment
- "I reflect your sentiments.
It is difficult to carry on with "business as usual". But
I am trying. Take solice in that your feelings are shared
by many."
- Ken Edelson, Director HealthQuest
Fitness & Therapy Personal Training Center
- "Dear Phil, I had no intention
of opening your e-mail, leaving for my husband to read at
some time. But, in an attempt to clear out our messages,
I opened it, thinking that it would be a "quick delete".
Your opening paragraph captured my attention and heart.
I,like so many others, have become obsessed with the horror
that took place last week. I find myself watching the news,
listening to news in the car, reading every bit of information
that is released about the situation. I have lost focus
of my personal goals feeling like they really don't matter
right now. I feel such sadness and anger. I try not to let
my children see my great concern, but they are perceptive.
Although they're young in years, (6, 4, and 20 months) and
have been kept sheltered from what happened, they know something
is up. How do we get back to normal? I ask myself this question
all day. But there is that ever present question lingering:
What is going to happen next? There is fear in me of what
our future holds. There is anger in me towards these inhumans
that caused such hell. There is deep pain and sadness in
me for the victims and there loved ones. This could have
been any of us. Today, my husband came home early to give
me a hand. He knows I'm not myself. He knows I'm struggling
with all of this. He encouraged me to go to the gym, something
that I LOVE so much, but I just couldn't find it in me.
Instead, I lay on the bed catching up on the news, and inevitably
falling asleep. I woke up to a quiet home, and scurried
to the computer to check my messages. So, now, this is where
I'm at. Feeling a bit better, thanks to your e-mail that
I almost didn't read. THANK YOU, for doing something you
probably didn't even know you did. You provided me an outlet
for MY uneasy feelings about everything. It is amazing how
writing my feelings out has lightened my load a bit. I feel
a bit lighter and ready to go to the gym! So, Phil, thank
you once again. May you continue to educate and inspire!
Your work has been a blessing to me and my husband. Keep
doing what you do! I look forward to hearing your most recent
program. God Bless."
- "Dear Phil, I think you
summarized so many of the feelings many of us have, but
have no where to express them and want to exhibit a "positive
front" to our clients and class participants, but feel like
crap inside. As you have relatives in NYC, so do I. My brother,
who is safe in London now (although his office was evacuated
on Tuesday due to a bomb threat), was in NYC Sunday night.
He fly home on Monday morning, thankfully, but we weren't
sure until Tuesday afternoon (time difference threw us off)
that he was ok. A very frightening few hours until I heard
my parents had actually talked to him. In a mail message
from a cousin in Long Island she writes of a close friend
with three young children all under 6 years old, who will
have a memorial for her husband, who worked in the WTC,
this weekend. Directly affected, no but very close to home.
I saw a very disturbing, but well-done report about Afghanistan
this evening and how the Taliban treat their countrymen
and women. I cried as I saw the undercover reporter interview
three girls who saw their mother shot and then when asked
what happend during the two days these men took over their
home -- were only able to cry. I don't want to know what
happened, they are 7, 9 and 12 years old I think. I just
cried after I saw their faces and for a brief moment realized
they were younger than my own 10 year old daughter. How
can a people kill more than 5,000 or more innocent people
in NYC and Washington DC? It appears they care little of
those in their own homeland, so committing these acts, was
done with a different understanding of what is considered
sacred to you and I. Death does occur everyday and many
for because of inactivity and misuse. I realize myself from
reading your books and website updates that there is more
that I can do to be a role model and represent a "profesional
image" of what a personal trainer really is and what we
do. I hope those whom I work with wll remember for how I
cared about them and their success than for what I know
about how myosin and actin react in their muscles. We recently
implemented a new nutrition/fitness program using a RD-approved
software package and have acquired 8 new clients. Much of
what I presented in the program was influenced by your comments
and suggestions. There are 8 women -- 4 of which are obese
and are literally "dying" for help. I'm thankful everyday
for my own abilities and situation and realize that very
easily I could have been one of these women. I hope and
pray that I can continue to follow in your footsteps and
provide not only value and service, but a caring heart and
shoulder for these folks and others to lean on. I hope I've
not rambled on. Need to get some reading done -- just received
my copy of Transform yesterday and need to study for the
NSCA -- CSCS test that I'm taking in November. Keep the
faith, thanks for your comments and thanks for listening."
- Nora Dwyer ACE certified
personal trainer Muscatine, Iowa
- "Hello Phil-- I work for
Fox Newschannel as a Miami-based television correspondent.
I wrote you a few weeks back concerning how to get back
into shape. You answered my email. Thanks. You're right.
There are no words right now. I keep doing my job. Trying
to get out information to the public as it comes into us.
Everyday routines are no longer everyday nor routine. I
still want to get into better shape... exactly when... that
depends on a whole host of other factors. God bless"
- Orly (Orlando Salinas, Fox
News)
- "I met with one of my clients
four days after the atrocity in New York City and Washington
and wherever else. He was a wreck to say the least. He hadn't
slept or eatin since the horrible attacks. He had 10 loved
ones either missing or dead. At first he said that a fitness
lifestyle doesn't seem very important now. We mostly talked
about what happened that session. I tried to explain that
he has to move forward and neglecting a fitness lifestyle
does not make sense because he is still here. I told him
to at least eat supportively until the next session which
was on monday. That was Saturday. On Monday his spirits
were much higher. He said that eating supportively made
him feel better and he was going to be commited to a program.
He said, " If I have to fight the enemy, I want to be in
my best shape ever." Thanks Phil. I think your update has
helped my mindset of moving forward and now I want to help
as many people as I can."
- Billy Hofacker, Personal
Fitness Trainer
- "Dear Mr. Kaplan, I have
been reading the reports from the Washington Post, AP wires
and the British news group: Guardian Unlimited. I have been
focusing on the news and reports from the middle East, Central
Asia and Northern Africa. I have tried to place myself in
the shoes of the very poor and the extremely poor. I can
understand their anger at the US. During the Russian invasion
of Afghanistan we funneled funds through Pakistan to support
the Rebels who became the Taliban, there is a possibility
that some of the funds were used by Bin Ladin to create
an extensive tunnel system in the mountains of Northern
Afghanistan. In Iraq there was a very rich lake that had
100's of different types of migratory birds and two years
ago the surrounding villages were able to pull 12,000 tons
of fish. This year the lake is a desert. The winds blow
the sand from the lake bottom and villages are becoming
buried. The large body of water that created the livelihood
and fertility of the land is no longer there. Why? Because
the Taliban controls the dam that dams up the river that
feeds the lake. They shut the river up. These are simply
examples of how the actions of governments have further
reaching effects than the initial goal. Terrorism is a generational
political and social tool. America fought its Independance
with somewhat terrorist tactics, the Native Americans also
used terrorism, the pirates on the Barbary Coast were particularly
successful with terrorism of the seas. Terrorism is an equailzer
and the terrorist has many motives and goals. It does not
help this country to succumb to some of the goals of terrorism;
fear, vengence, and the bringing of the attention of the
leader of the richest nation. Bush's handlers need to take
a lesson from President Kennedy: During the hijackings of
airliners and the landing of these in Cuba Kennedy refused
to be deterred from his goal of a summit with the Central
and South American countries. By doing this Kennedy was
able to stay focussed and the terrorists were caught. Bush
needs to get back to the job of governing the country; education,
taxes, health care and the economy should be his concerns.
The terrorist looses when he can not direct the attention
of the President. Let the State Dept., Defense and the military
deal with the terrorists now. Terrorists around the world
need to see that America will respond to their attacks and
at the same time we must also show them that we are going
about business as usual and that the President of the US
is not letting the attacks deter him from his job of governing.
The American people should try to restrain ourselves from
utilizing the tactics of the terrorists in contacts with
those peoples who practice non-Judeo Christan religions.
Terrorism is fought through lack of fear, continued tolerance
and vigilance with our safety. We can not completely erradicate
terrorism because there are always going to be individuals
who desire that those with power share that power. The lack
of hope is going to remain for a long time and the various
ways that groups promise hope will attract those who are
willing to die for that hope. As the distribution of ever
scarcer resources become more and more one sided terrorism
will continue and perhaps escalate here at home and abroad.
I will continue to live my life as I have been and continue
to help individuals to attain their goal of increased fitness.
I will continue educate my clients on health issues so that
they can make informed decisions. I will continue to guide
my children to become responsible and contributing individuals.
I will continue to encourage those who seek my advice to
be patient and to remain focussed on their goals. Thank
you for "listening"."
- "This tragedy made me realize
how fragile life on earth is...how important it is to appreciate
everyday, and all of the wonderful friends and family members
each one of us has. Tragedy can happen to any of us at anytime.
Live life to its fullest and make sure those you love know
you love them. Be thankful to those that risk their lives
everyday to make our world a safer place in which to live."
- Geoff Dyer, Owner, Lifestyle
Fitness Centers, Tampa
- "Phil, I have a totally
different attitude than I have these past 3-4 years about
myself in reference to the tragedy. I feel more compelled
to get myself in the best shape ever. I don't want to curl
up and sit on the couch, watch TV, or hang inside so much
anymore. I want to be outside, active, eat well, and have
included some light weight work-out sessions in my daily
routine. I am taking it one day at a time, and trying to
get myself to lose 30-40 pounds. My attitude is that, I
don't want to keep feeling "fat" and out of shape anymore,
I want to make life better for myself and feel incredible
about my body one day, and not keep putting it off till
"tomorrow". Tomorrow may never come. Thanks."
- "Hi Phil, First of all,
let me say that I am glad that your family in NYC is safe,
and thank you for sharing, as you always do, from your heart.
Here are my thoughts on this disaster and what has been
going on for me: I heard about the horrible acts of terrorism
just as we were learning about the plane that crashed near
Pittsburg. I e-mailed a friend near there immediatley to
be sure he was okay... Shock, disbelief, fear, and nausea
were the first of the emotions I felt. I went to the gym
during "peak hours" that evening, and it was almost empty.
Everyone who was there felt guilty about being there. Later,
and more than once, I cried. As I drove down the road, everything
looked the same, but I knew it would never be the same.
I hoped it would never be the same. Let me explain: We work
in an industry and live in a world governed by the fear
that there is not enough to go around. We tend to function
within the belief that the more another has, the less there
will be for ourselves. Living this way can only lead to
destruction. Fear breeds fear and selfish behavior which
creates a world of hate and despair. Love breeds even more
love,and more opportunity to experience true joy. In the
aftermath of this tragedy, the people of America are coming
together. My heart is warmed by each American flag I see
on peoples' homes and cars. In listening to people, I can
see that our old way of thinking is already changing. People
are discussing what is really important in their lives,
family and friends are coming together. Minor complaints
and grudges are put into perspective. I hope that the way
things were are never the same again and that we will honor
and appreciate ourselves, our lives and others more. My
biggest fear is not of another attack, but that we will
go back to old ways instead of moving ahead on this new
path. We all so desperately want to help. Many have gone
to NYC, given blood and made donations. In the last nine
days I have wondered how I can really help, how I can really
make a difference. Then I realized that we don't all have
to go to NYC. I can make a difference right where I am at
any given moment. It may be as simple as smiling at the
check out clerk in the grocery store, or saying "hello"
to someone walking down the street, instead of staring at
the sidewalk or past the person. Invest in yourself, and
what your purpose is. Don't be afraid to live it and share
your wisdom and success so that others will have the courage
to do the same. Lets together, help people defeat stress,
fatigue and illness. Lets together empower people to have
the energy to think straight, to be healthy, productive,
and to love. That isn't going to happen within the dog-eat-dog
mentality of a society that is rushed, stressed out, and
ill. Make no mistake, we have an important job and we can
indeed change the world, one person at a time. I can see
that my every interaction with another human being is indeed
an opportunity to spread health, love and peace. Thank you,
Phil for providing this forum."
- Cristyn Peters, Clinical
Exercise Specialist, Catalyst for Change
- I am currently working as a
presenter in Germany. I have been working as program director
for Strong, Stretched and Centered on Maui for many years,
and we have just brought the program to Europe this last
two years. So I have been in Germany while this has been
going on in the states. Our trainings have been preaching,
practicing and teaching,holistic fitness for over 20 years
and we have been preparing the trainers to deal with their
clients 'inner stuff'. During times of stress, no matter
what type, the psycho-physical aspects of the client needs
to be addressed. During this time away from Maui, I continue
to teach the methods, away from the safety net of paradise,
where it is not so easy to practice mindfulness, patience,
love and many other new age ideals. Now here during this
radical shift in the world I have the opportunity to clearly
see the events from a global perspective. I reach out and
teach the same methods that I was taught by my mentor and
they work. I have noticed the simplicity of our work right
now as trainers or actually, preventative healers. No matter
where we are in the world, or what language we speak, religion
we practice, we all share the same common emotions as humans.
We srive for acceptance and love. People hire us for this
reason more than our technical experience whether we realize
this or not. We resonate with our clients who, unconsciously,
feel we will offer them the opportunity to move deep within
their emotional beings. We move them physically, and emotionally,
because there is not one without the other. This is the
basis of our work as trainers: Peventative health. We need
to teach our clients the ways that we know best from our
personal and professional experience, how to do just that...and
how do we? This stressful time is an opportunity for us
to dig deep within our personal belief systems. We have
to grow on 'other'levels very quickly to meet the physical
distresses and diseases that will accompany this 'new stress'
and lifestyle. I see that the idea of living in fear, will
now be more of a reality than the imagined fears of the
'good old days' when our clients had only been on prozac
for anxiety over not looking like the vogue model. This
fear, brings out issues of rage, resentment, anger and more.
As a culture, we are told to keep a stiff upper lip, take
it like a man, hang in there, hang tough, hang tight and
more. Bascially not to show our emotions. The truth is we
are working with the body, and the body will not lie. The
body will give us all the clues to the emotions. We will
have to be prepared for sudden emotional outbursts, depression,
and illness. We also need to find the tools to use on ourselves
to release these very subtle but deadly thought patterns.
Then find creative fun ways to integrate them into our work.
We have the opportunity to really make a difference...really
make a difference. This is our biggest challenge yet. Not
being afraid to get a little closer to real STUFF! The body
is like armor, we wear it,our thoughts and emotional clothes
arelike a waredrobe. What did your client pick out to wear
today? That is the first thing I am looking at. Then proceed
with care, compassion and honesty. I am sad sometimes not
to be in the states doing the 'work' with 'my people' Then
I realize we are all just the same... people need us everywhere.
I like to think of this as anti-terrorist work. I tell my
clients and students here, even though I am from the US,
there will be no guns, bomb or terror in this room. We all
laugh and get on with 'the work' I just wanted to share
this insight with you and I think your doing some great
'work' in the world. You are Magnificent You are Powerful
Believe It Own it and GIVE IT AWAY!
- "First, thank you for your
note, expressing the confusion and dispair that we all feel.
I read your update and share alot of your opinions. It's
been 12 days since the tragedy, and I agree, not one of
us will ever be the same again. Although, I am thankful
that no one I know was lost, my heart is broken for those
that did. I am afraid what is yet to come, but I pray everyday
that our leaders make the decisions that will be the most
difficult of their lives. It's true that we are all different
now, and that while our country suffers and enourmous loss,
I see something else, something miraculous. It is in our
nature to adapt and go on, to bear horrible grief and loss,
and go on. I see that happening now. We will never forget,
and when we need each other we have proven that we will
be here for each other, but the undeniable spirit of our
country has shown it's self stronger than any terrorist
act. Our lives will resume, we will go on, wiser, a bit
more sad, but we will prosper. I started "The Answer" on
9/10/01, and I'll tell you, it was very difficult to eat
my meals and exercise when felt sick most of the time. But
I did and I am, my first 2 weeks are completed. Admist the
horror and anger i'm feeling, I actually have something
to feel proud about. For the first time in my life, I'm
committed to making this change. From going from eating
1-2 huge meals a day to this, sheer genius. I have already
felt my clothes start to losen and (believe this or not)
my seasonal allergies have all but disappeared! I never
thought that would happen! I look forward to this continuing
and my health (and body) getting stronger and stronger.
Phil, thanks again for pouring so much of yourself into
this, and for giving me a bright spot of joy when there
is so much pain. I hope you and your family are well, I
wish you happiness."
- Sincerely, Kristine, Rochester,
NY
- "I was on my book tour when
this horrible, indescribable thing happened. I am back in
my office in Fort Lauderdale now. And I am 'dazed and confused'
as they say. I am having a difficult time functioning as
I am sure all of you are. And I am trying to find a way
to share the past month with you. It is very difficult to
find the words to tell you what it was like for me, and
what has changed for me now. If you have read my book you
already know that I am from New York City. It is my home
town, and quite frankly I never wanted to leave it. I was
one of those die-hard New Yorkers that wore tee shirts proclaiming
such sentiments as "You leave New York-You Go No place!"
I am still grieving, still in shock, still wondering how
or why…alternating between rage, anger, frustration, fear,
and confusion. My city will never be the same again. I was
so fiercely proud of that beautiful skyline. I loved the
beat of that city, the pace, and the people. I became "Miss
New York City" when I won the bodybuilding championship
there in 1986. Miss New York City. Yes I do. Forever we
will all know where we were on that incredibly terrible
day. My husband Pat and I were preparing to go to Grand
Rapids Minnesota for our appearance at the public library
there the evening of the 11th. When this happened I became
near-hysterical, inconsolable, and horrified. How could
I possibly go on with this event? How could I get up and
speak after this? About what? And to whom??? Who would come
out…tear away from TV…why…what for???? I questioned my relevance,
my significance in the scheme of things as they were now.
Fitness? Nutrition? Health? What is the plan for my life
now? How am I supposed to contribute? Would could I do that
would really make a difference in the midst of all this
tragedy and horror? We called the library certain they would
cancel the event. Surely they did not want a gathering in
a public place. Surely people were terrified and grief-stricken
and would not come out anyway. But they asked that we come.
They did not want to cancel. Pat and I invited a pastor
to the library to lead us in prayer should anyone show up.
110 people came out to see us that evening-the evening of
those horrible, tragic, unspeakable events. Lois Scanlon,
the wonderful director of the Grand Rapids Public Library
introduced us through tears saying, "We did not cancel this
event because small town America will not cower in fear
of terrorism, we will go on with life!" Pastor Michael Eckert
led us in healing prayer, Pat sang his beautiful Christian
Folk music that lifted spirits and consoled hurting hearts,
and I…well I gave my talk, albeit a subdued departure from
my usual wackiness. But my message has more urgency than
ever now. In a time where it seems that we have lost control…it
is important to take control of what we can, and that is
the health and condition of our bodies. Never before has
it been so important to be your personal best. I know now…especially
since so many people came out to my events after this tragedy
left us in fear and uncertain of the future…that God's plan
for me is still the same. People want answers, more now
than ever. And health and fitness professionals such as
myself are here to motivate you, to inspire you, and to
educate you so you can be healthy and strong and less vulnerable.
We will continue to do what we do, so we will be a healthier
nation. Take control of your bodies…and you will have more
confidence in this strange new time. God Bless."
- Donna Michaels, Fitness
Professional, Author, Burn Fat For Fuel
Please send me
your comments regarding this Update. Help me understand how
your life has been affected and how this horrific event has
impacted your outlook on health and well being. I will post
within the next 10 days comments I collect from Fitness Professionals.
Please e-mail your comments to phil@philkaplan.com
or use the standard contact form.
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