I learned a long time ago that to build your success 1^st you must look at the overall picture, have the vision to see what is needed.  If you want to lead with success, marketing is a critical component.  Then it is all about finding the right person that can take you where you need to go. This world is filled with many ‘so-called’ experts, but it is takes more than having the skillset.  It takes Relationship Building, strong customer service abilities. Someone you hire must have the ability to pay attention to your needs and criteria, and must have an aptitude to be flexible and put your needs 1^st, and by all means, ‘Go the Extra Mile’.

With that said, I would like to introduce my partner and wife, Caryl Loper.  She is extraordinary in my book.  Besides being a talented graphic artist, she has exceptional customer service qualities, always placing the other person 1^st, meeting deadlines and delivering exactly what is needed and requested.  Throughout the years I have watched her create magic with incredible marketing pieces, from aesthetically beautiful designs to exemplifying what is an ideal marketing piece.

Her clients have been at the university, having an extensive background with the medical community as well as working for corporations, smaller businesses and entrepreneurs. Throughout the years she has worked at a full-time job while building her graphic design and writing business.  In recent times, she learned her university position of 23 years has been eliminated.   As the adage goes … “When one door closes another opens”.

I am now reaching out to all my connections.  If you happen to know someone who may need Caryl’s services, either in graphic design and/or writing/editorial work, please have them contact her at caryl@garyloper.com

What’s more, take an opportunity to learn more about Caryl, view her portfolio.  Be sure to schedule time by going to her contact form.  As a bonus, I invite you to send your business card, PowerPoint presentation or brochure, and she will give you feedback, a consultation about your marketing piece.

As you know, I am all about ‘Building Better Relationships’, so if you need an exceptional graphic artist, why not choose someone who has the same philosophy?

By Caryl Loper

Change and acceptance are inevitably the most challenging state of affairs.  There may be varying degrees of difficulty depending on the situation.  Losing someone you love is a heartrending experience.  Has there been a time in your life when you were challenged to accept such a fate?

Such a fate will affect matters of the heart at the deepest level.  Without any doubt, they are complex and arduous.  It is never about disregarding the experience, sweeping it under the rug, but rather one of acceptance.  It is about learning bravely, sifting through our perceptions of negative thoughts and extracting some measure of truth that teaches us something of value.  What did you learn?  If you could, would you make a different choice?  How has it changed who you are?  How can you help someone else through their experience?

Losing someone through death, divorce or abandonment is agonizing and heartbreaking.  It would be unusual to say that anyone was immune from such an outcome.   Although devastating, they broaden who we are.  What emotions have you felt from your experience?  What differences do you see and feel about life?  How can you help another human being?

Here is one journey that I relate, express and share with you.  It is not my personal experience; yet, it is everyone’s, simply because at one point or another we have all embraced loss, misfortune and adversity.

In 1969, when my husband Gary was only 13 years old he lost someone so dear to him – his baby brother. Can you imagine?  I cannot.

Five years earlier, Gary’s parents decided to become foster parents and opened their home to an infant boy.  Foster parenting can be noble and rewarding, offering support and guidance to someone who may not necessarily have received it, shaping the child’s future when placed in the right environment.  But, it takes extraordinary strength to let the child go.  The separation and loss are unimaginable.

From the foster child’s perspective, perhaps it feels like a movie being played and replayed, being taken from your natural parents, to foster care, and, then to adopted parents.  Although there may not be any concrete memory of leaving the hospital, as Bobby was only a few months old, the deeply rooted memories are lodged within the structure of his entire body, every muscle and fiber within.  One would believe that he remembers some of his formative years with Gary and his siblings.

For Gary and his siblings, to welcome a newborn baby brother was an endearing and loving encounter, nurturing a tremendous exchange of love and devotion.  For Gary, in particular, since the foundation of his family was waning and marred, the connection with Bobby was his saving grace, someone to adore and love.  His attentive mannerisms were well received, and over time brotherly love developed and expanded.

Can you imagine …. School is out, the summer months roll in; the balmy air reminds you that it is time to participate in fun-spirited activities, you just celebrated your birthdays together and then the social worker appears taking your brother away? Memories flash of her green – blue VW Bug; and, as quickly as she appeared, Bobby disappeared, for good.

It is an inexpressible experience, the ultimate definition of loss and abandonment; yet, the attached emotions never will be extinguished – love, care and protection.  Beyond that there is always an ache, an empty hole that is never filled, a void from the abandonment that is lasting.  When will the light come back on?

Some fortunes in life can be transformed; there is always hope.  By nature I am hopeful, looking for that happy ending.  When people are in pain I search for ways to assist and give wholeheartedly – looking to resolve, to deliver that one magical feat of heroism.  I strive for the grand achievement, what others see as unattainable.

Back in 2005, I initiated a process to find Bobby.   I contacted the Wisconsin Adoption Records Search Program searching for Bobby Trabor or Trabert (Gary is unsure of his actual birth name – he does state that his birth certificate may spell his first name – Bobbie).  Bobby was born on June 2nd or 3rd, 1964, and he was placed in Gary’s home a few months after his birth.  Gary was informed that there is a remote possibility that his adopted parents changed his first name.

The initiation process came to a dead halt when I learned that foster families have no legal rights to request information.  Gary’s only option was to write a letter to Bobby, which has been placed in his adoption file.   Laws may be warranted; but in this case, they are unwanted.   It is a major roadblock.

Incredulous as it may sound, I believe Bobby is out there, somewhere searching within, looking for answers.   He may never know the magnitude of affect he had on others.   At this point in time, he does not know that Gary is looking for him.

Can you please help us?!

There may be one person that knows Bobby; and, that he was born in Wisconsin on June 2nd or 3rd, 1964, that he was adopted.  Conceivably Bobby still has glimpses of a past with two brothers and a sister, perhaps he remembers.

Bobby’s birthday is on June 2nd or 3rd and Gary’s is on June 15^th.  That would be an incredible heartfelt and blessed birthday present, to have them meet after almost 44 years of being apart!

Please ‘pay it forward’.  Even if you do not have a direct connection to Bobby, there may be someone else who is in dire need of help, someone who is searching for a lost one.  Be a conduit to assist others.

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.  ~ Anne Frank

Please help!

Dare to reach out your hand into the darkness, to pull another hand into the light.  ~ Norman B. Rice

Please contact Gary at 727.374.7652.

Greetings & Welcome

PART 8

Welcome back ….  We have all read about the over indulgence in sweets. Just like anything in life, there is such a thing as moderation. A sweet treat once in a while is not only acceptable, but a way to keep from feeling deprived.  Besides, it is important to know there are other alternatives, healthy, tasteful consciousness choices.  My wife, Caryl even before it was popular, would create combination food choices, bitter and sweet while paying attention to that alternative, healthy choice.  She would mix walnuts and raisins. Remember, there are always other options.

I have to admit there are times when it can be challenging, especially at gatherings, networking groups and events.  The best solution I have come up with is: commitment, self-value and self-worth.  Being committed to the process and knowing my self-worth has kept me razor focused. Also, after many attempts of eating sweets, I have found that my demeanor changes: I am physically and mentally sluggish. There may be times that the temptation is too great. If that is the case then give yourself permission and then get back on track as soon as possible.

I have observed over the years that there is discrepancy, an obvious difference between the way in which people are treated both in their personal and business life when they are overweight.  After all, that initial meeting, in those first few seconds, most people will make a judgment, judging your overall physical appearance. Even though it falls in the category of discrimination, it happens all the time.  It is unacceptable to judge people by their appearance.

What’s more, as a health coach, I would have no credibility if I continued to stay fluffy and fat.  Now that I am losing weight and inches I find it easier to smile when I walk into a room. I don’t feel self-conscious about my weight. Simply getting started truly made a difference.

Please feel free to share with me your weight struggles and comments.  If I can help you with your body transformation or other life and business concerns, please contact me to schedule a complimentary coaching session to discover a new direction for you.

I am looking forward to even more massive changes in my body composition and hope that I can inspire you to start your resolution right NOW – our new bodies are waiting for us.

Gary@GaryLoper.com  to contact for complimentary coaching call.

Read My Series on My Fat Loss and Body Transformation.

Greetings & Welcome

PART 7

Welcome back …. I have talked about many topics and now I want to address a vital component to losing the inches …. Cleansing.  Unfortunately a lot of the foods we eat have chemicals and we become addicted to them.  You may notice that you have low energy or not feel well. The cleaner your body gets, the more energy you will have and the better you will feel.  Also, you will begin to want healthier foods like vegetables. By cleansing those chemicals out of your body, you will no longer have the same triggers.

However, don’t deprive yourself. You may find that you give into those cravings. Deprivation sets you up for failure. Part of your cravings may be based on emotional eating, seeking the comfort foods that your family, your tribe, your friends eat. First evaluate your choice and then add something of value. Keep adding foods with nutrients that sustain you like fruits and vegetables. Obviously by eating foods with ‘empty’ calories they will not sustain you.

A great tool that I use is journaling. Keep a written log of what you eat, keep it truthful and accurate. Don’t change anything. Then as a coach, I can help you find substitutes on the different glycemic index. There is a difference between the glycemic levels of a white baked potato and a sweet potato.

Here is a perfect example: I was at the doctor’s office.  They had trays of cookies and I decided to grab 3 cookies. I immediately felt a heavy feeling. You don’t have to feel that way. The goal is to feel excellent, incredible! Well, that was a true test.

Also, I noticed that there is a distinction between filling your plate up and taking smaller portions. I have elected to take smaller portions plus waiting 20 – 30 minutes before taking a 2^nd portion. You would be amazed …. by waiting 20 – 30 minutes, you may end up eliminating that 2^nd portion because in reality you realize that you are full. Remember to savor the food. Also, by inhaling your food, eating much too quickly, you increase the likelihood of overeating and you truly are not living in a state of appreciation.

Here is my level of success …. I was able to maintain the weight and still lose inches!  I have lost 42 3/4” in total!

See my loss below:

Please feel free to share with me your weight struggles and comments.  If I can help you with your body transformation or other life and business concerns, please contact me to schedule a complimentary coaching session to discover a new direction for you.

I am looking forward to even more massive changes in my body composition and hope that I can inspire you to start your resolution right NOW – our new bodies are waiting for us.

Gary@GaryLoper.com  to contact for complimentary coaching call.

Read My Series on My Fat Loss and Body Transformation.

Greetings & Welcome

PART 6

Welcome back …. I know so many of you have been on various weight loss programs, and may have become either disenchanted or disillusioned with losing weight. Here is the key: It is an important reminder - the emphasis is on inches. Remember a lb. of feathers is very different than a lb. of lead. Feathers are fluffy and take up more space; whereas, lead is compact. Even though they weigh the same, they look completely different. So, it is critical to remember, inches are far more important than weight loss.

Here are some things I have noticed with losing the inches: the clothes in my closet are fitting again, I feel more comfortable about going out into public places, and now some of the clothes are getting too tight.  At one point, I was wearing 3x shirts and now my 2x shirts are getting too tight. I am definitely losing inches!

I am noticing that my body is reshaping, its composition is changing and I am losing the inches and gaining muscle mass.  Even though I periodically weigh myself, it is very infrequent since I only weigh myself at the grocery stores. I do not believe in owning a scale.  Scales set people up for failure, create a negative tone, especially if you do not see any movement. Instead go with a positive attitude: measure the inch loss!

Another thing I have noticed … sometimes when I would measure there would not be a substantial shift at that moment.  There are many variables that can affect the outcome. For example, depending on what you ate and when you ate can affect it. Certain foods, although nutritional, healthy and delicious, may cause bloating. Also, measuring at a different time of the day can affect the results.

Most importantly, be good to yourself. As long as you are making some positive steps than know that you are moving in the right direction. Celebrate the milestones!

Please feel free to share with me your weight struggles and comments.  If I can help you with your body transformation or other life and business concerns, please contact me to schedule a complimentary coaching session to discover a new direction for you.

I am looking forward to even more massive changes in my body composition and hope that I can inspire you to start your resolution right NOW – our new bodies are waiting for us.

Gary@GaryLoper.com  to contact for complimentary coaching call.

Read My Series on My Fat Loss and Body Transformation.

Greetings & Welcome

PART 5

Welcome back …. While being an advocate for products and services that serve people and provide quality and value, my primary focus is all about relationships …. to help others build relationships whether it is relationships with partners, family, friends, associates, and most importantly yourself.  That is why I started this blog … to help you!

As a life, business and social media coach I frequently attend networking events. Many of the foods I use to eat I no longer choose to. The change has occurred due to a new mental and psychological shift in consciousness and more recently a physical reaction, my taste has altered. The foods I once savored and I considered flavorful are now distasteful.  Going to these events and observing people eating fried foods, my body automatically rejects them. I find potato skins and fries repugnant, as well as I know there is absolutely no nutritional value. I believe the change is due to the cleansings. It is my thoughts that the toxins created cravings and once I flushed them out, I started looking for healthier food choices, foods with higher nutritional value.

Also, one day, my wife Caryl was drinking her shake that she made in the blender, and out of curiosity asked to taste mine. Her immediate reaction was … “You can take mine. I would rather drink yours!” Her comments were something like this … “Wow, this taste yummy, and mine has a funky aftertaste, gritty in texture and not flavorful like yours …. everyone who makes shakes should drink this!”

Remember when looking at body changes it is important to make a comparison from the starting point. Everyone moves at a different rate.

Here is my level of success …. I was able to maintain the weight and still lose inches!  I have lost 40 1/4” in total! 

I welcome you to continue with me on my personal journey of fat loss. The purpose of my blog is to touch other people’s lives, share my story, so they can find HOPE …. There is something that does work!

See my loss below:

Listen to my Blog Talk Radio interview with Shannon Morgan who joined me again to help us better understand the process and the importance of commitment, a support team and the right choices to provide our bodies with fuel to burn off the fat.

Please feel free to share with me your weight struggles and comments.  If I can help you with your body transformation or other life and business concerns, please contact me to schedule a complimentary coaching session to discover a new direction for you.

I am looking forward to even more massive changes in my body composition and hope that I can inspire you to start your resolution right NOW – our new bodies are waiting for us.

Gary@GaryLoper.com  to contact for complimentary coaching call.

Read My Series on My Fat Loss and Body Transformation.

Greetings & Welcome

PART 4

Welcome back … We have all read about losing inches versus losing weight.  So, here are my thoughts on losing inches more quickly than weight. When there is little weight loss or none, you may become disenchanted.  But here is what may be happening … even if the numbers are not changing, when you are consistent in a fat loss program and exercise, weight loss may not change (as rapidly) because while your metabolism is changing, your muscles become stronger, and there appears to be little or no weight loss. But in reality there is a change.  Focusing on losing inches instead of losing pounds is a more sensible way to note your progress. In fact, even though the numbers do not change on your weight loss, you will notice that your clothes fit better and you look better!  I have.

The key is making a commitment!  To expect rapid change is unrealistic. After all, it took me 3 – 4 years for the weight and fluff to accumulate. To have the expectation that it would come off quickly, is not only unrealistic but an unhealthy way to pursue fat loss. So, the bottom line is consistency and commitment.

One of the best ways to stay true to the committed process is being part of a team.  It is a proven method.  Understanding and support are viable tools to create that positive energy to keep you focused and dedicated to a plan. So, not only finding the right product is important, but finding the right support is critical! I am here for you!

One important aspect of modifying your patterns is awareness.  First, be certain to notice, observe and be aware of your habits.  Know the difference between being hungry and being an emotional eater.  That has been a pattern throughout my life that has lead me to understand why I choose to eat certain foods and what I can do next … make a better choice.  Also, there are various times I have noted that I eat out of boredom, or while watching a football game.  What are your habits? It is time to focus on behaviors, so you can create a new model for success!  I am here to help you!

Here is my level of success …. I was able to maintain the weight and still lose inches!  I have lost 39 5/8” in total!

I welcome you to continue with me on my personal journey of fat loss. The purpose of my blog is to touch other people’s lives, share my story, so they can find HOPE …. There is something that does work!

See my loss below:

To hear more about my fat loss and body transformation journey, listen to my Blog Talk Radio interview.

Please feel free to share with me your weight struggles and comments.  If I can help you with your body transformation or other life and business concerns, please contact me to schedule a complimentary coaching session to discover a new direction for you.

I am looking forward to even more massive changes in my body composition and hope that I can inspire you to start your resolution right NOW – our new bodies are waiting for us.

Gary@GaryLoper.com  to contact for complimentary coaching call.

Read My Series on My Fat Loss and Body Transformation.

Greetings & Welcome

PART 3

Welcome back … In the month of December Caryl and I celebrate our anniversary. Also, like many other people, the last few weeks of December are packed with celebrations, with company parties, friends and family gatherings and intimate get-togethers. Holidays are a time for rejoicing, to celebrate the journey in the past year, the promises of tomorrow, and to share joy and love with those that matter.

Around our anniversary Caryl baked our favorite cake, a coconut/pineapple cake with whip cream frosting.  We included chocolate in our ritual. I found that as I increased my sugars, I gave into my periodic cravings, like the candy, Hot Tamales. That desire for sugars again increased.

The festive holiday celebrations were rich foods, high in fats and sugars.  One of my drink attractions over the years has been Mountain Dew. Yes, I know there are much better choices; and yet, there are times, especially around the holidays I choose to eat rich desserts and drink soda.  I made a personal agreement: to eliminate the guilt trip, and eat/drink in moderation. I realize that I made a conscious choice, and to badger or punish oneself is counterproductive.  So, around the holiday celebration I moderately ate rich foods and had my favorite drink, Mountain Dew.  After consuming foods laden with sugars, simple carbs and gluten, my body began to react. Clearly it was stating …. “Don’t do that anymore.”

During this time period, I did add walking. I noticed that with repetition that my stamina increased, I didn’t need to take a nap (which had been equal to the time I took when walking). Napping diminished and was eliminated over time. I found the benefits of walking huge physically and psychologically.  The ability to move and sweat, and take in the positive of attributes of being in the environment and soaking up sunshine was most beneficial. Most importantly, as I learned from my yoga instructor, it was critical to do breath work and limit water intake; it turns up the furnace.  However, for safety factors, if you feel faint, certainly drink! Otherwise, allow that internal fire to burn, to burn up the fat.

With my commitment to moderation, in spite of the added fats and sugars, and continuing with my Fat Loss System, I was able to maintain the weight and still lose inches!  I have lost 36 7/8” in total!  Now I am totally back on track.

I welcome you to continue with me on my personal journey of fat loss. The purpose of my blog is to touch other people’s lives, share my story, so they can find HOPE …. There is something that does work!

See my loss below:

To hear more about my fat loss and body transformation journey, listen to my Blog Talk Radio interview.

Please feel free to share with me your weight struggles and comments.  If I can help you with your body transformation or other life and business concerns, please contact me to schedule a complimentary coaching session to discover a new direction for you.

I am looking forward to even more massive changes in my body composition and hope that I can inspire you to start your resolution right NOW – our new bodies are waiting for us.

Gary@GaryLoper.com  to contact for complimentary coaching call.

Read My Series on My Fat Loss and Body Transformation.

Changes to TweetDeck Has Caused Major Changes in My Tweeting

Twitter is all about relationship building; its platform is a tool to build that ‘know, like and trust’ connection. Once you establish that rapport, doors open to create a strong foundation in relationships. Throughout the last 4 years, personally I have been blessed to develop many supportive, engaging and valued relationships.  I value all of my Twitter Friends!

Sharing my appreciation for your on-going support has been important to me. Through the use of TweetDeck, I have been able to consistently engage in a personal manner by sharing my daily gratitudes, more specifically for everyone who has retweeted me.  When Twitter acquired TweetDeck many of the valuable functions and tools I relied on are no longer available, mostly those that have allowed me to effectively show my gratitudes.

Previously, over the past year, we were fortunate to be able to access an old version of TweetDeck that included the use of filters, which are no longer supported.  Since there has been a modification in the newer versions, and that benefit is no longer available, it would be difficult and timely, taking up to 4 to 5 times longer to thank everyone.  With that said I will be switching to the new system that no longer provides that feature and modify my gratitudes. Consequently, I may not be able to share in the same manner.

With all change, there is a learning curve and I am sure in a short time I will get used to the new normal.  But for now I am feeling a huge loss of connection, and going forward my intention is: to look for more opportunities for engagement and interactions.

I am eternally grateful for all the retweets.

Again, thank you for your support. Hopefully my words have brought some comfort and hope for a brighter future!

In gratitude ~ Gary