Back on Track....and feeling great!

It's been a while....actually...way too long but the important thing is that the journey is still continuing.   There have been a few hiccups along the way over the last year or so but none so difficult that I haven't been able, although slower than anticipated...moving forward none the less.

Over the past few months there have been some amazing changed that I have to share.  Stay tuned...more to come in the next post. 
Talk soon!  

K

The Journey continues!

January 2, 2018
Happy New Year Everyone!  I hope that you made it thru the holidays safely. 

What I have learned on this journey is I CAN do anything I set my mind to.  Actually, doing things for myself is not my challenge.  The challenge is to stay motivated and determined to see the task through to completion so to speak!  Now that's not to say I can't finish anything but there are a few things that I personally find more difficult to stick too.  Deterrents are welcome in my world when attempting something that "I" find challenging.  TIME for ME to change.  I want to find a way to make challenges more enjoyable so I can, as my sister would say "Git er dun" LOL.

#1 - In my 59 years on this earth, I have on occasion made NEW YEAR'S resolutions.  None of which I've every kept so that's not what this is.  

#2 - Personally, the best way to tackle my weight is to have a starting point.  As many of you know, I had gastric by-pass surgery in 2012.  Although I've done very well,  I'm to at my goal weight and I'm ready to continue toward my goal.  Just before Christmas two people that are near and dear to my heart inspired me to join them (on my own) as they work at becoming more healthier which is where I am heading as well.  After stepping on the scale this morning, the result was tremendous.  I'm less than first thought and closer to my goal than expected so I'm thrilled.  

#3 - Writing...it's a passion for me.  After speaking with a close friend and Author, V.J. Smith: "writing books requires a lot of work and an enormous amount of discipline" and he's right.  For me, the struggle is finding the joy.  My fingers hit the keys and I have writer's block or that's what I tell myself,  The reality is, writing is extremely joyful and there is a number of things to write about and share.  I'm on a mission...hehehe!!  Writing this blog is the beginning so stay tuned...there is more to come. 

There is a burning in my soul telling me that there are wonderful exciting things in my future and everything is better with a smile!

"Living the Dream"

Wow...I want to apologize...I didn't realize it's been a year since I last posted.  LOTS of exciting kool things going on in my life and I really feel like I'm living the dream now.  Will be back shortly....stay tuned!

Big hugs
Karen  :)

It's happening....

Just over a week ago...I turned 58....the same number as the year I was born.  Not sure what that means but...I wanted to share how it feels.
I can remember being 10 years old and finding out that my Mum was 29 and thinking "WOW....THAT'S OLD" not understanding the concept of age.
What is 58 supposed to feel like?  What is my life like now?

• I am a Virtual Assistant...doing admin assistance from home which I LOVE
• Working from home where I get to GIVE customer service over the phone...assisting customers with information, making their lives easier...AMAZING!
• I am facilitating painting classes where you express your emotions on canvas with paint.  How fun is that...just YOUR interpretation of how you choose to honestly express your inner feeling with color...FUN, BEAUTIFUL & CREATIVE!
• Last week I was introduced to "The Power of the Joy Journal©" by my new friend Laura May Culver.  This is going to be HUGE!!!!!  Stay tuned....there's more coming!
• My hubby and I got to deliver a special gift to a very special friend.  It was magical to be part of the exchange and through the joy of technology...our mutual DEAR friend in South Africa was able to be part of the celebration.   Wonderful!!
• This week I am fulfilling my dream to be a Motivational Speaker....something I have wanted to do for a long time.  I have 2 engagements booked....AWESOME! 

 

Saturday, October 15th from my "Joy Journal©"

That is just a few things happening in the first week of 58 and there are more things in the works!  In summary...so far....so GOOD!
 

YEAH...back on track!!

For the past few months I have been back on track with my creative side.   I have a few wonderful things on the go.  First is my new website which I'm proud to say I created myself.   YEAH!!  Taking some courses on web design paid off.  I would love you to check it out.

www.infiniteflare.com

 

If you're looking for a personalized gift for someone special....drop me a line....I'd love to help you out.

Movin' On

As some of you know...I am a singer/songwriter and recently collaborated with my wonderful friend Howard Lopez to compose the theme song for a new web talk show called "Reflections" starting Ayse Hogan and Kelly Bentley from The Chakra House of Healing.   I was featured live at the beginning of the debut show.     Click here

Progress

My Dear friend Dayna shared this and I wanted to share it here for everyone to see!  Thanx....it's a great reminder that....every little bit counts!!  It's ALL progress xo

Recent Post from Facebook

Kelly Bentley and Ayse Hogan are so stoked, excited and thrilled to announce that Karen Clouter is in the process of writing the theme song for Reflections. She is an amazingly generous soul that has overcome her own personal battles. She has the voice of soulful angel, and a heart filled with love. We are also grateful to announce that she will be singing her new song on the first episode of Reflections LIVE. We want to thank you Karen and are so humbled by your gift. — at The Chakra House of Healing.

 

 

Wow....I have to say.....I am thrilled to be singing and composing and sharing my voice with the world.  This is truly exciting.   Ayse asked me a back in January and I don't think it really sunk in until now that I will be writing lyrics again.  

 

 

Stay tuned....it will be released in less than a month.  March 13th 2016

Dr. Peter Goldfarb - OPTIFAST.ca

September 2007 was my first real attempt at getting my weight under control.   I searched the net and found an OPTIFAST^® program facilitated by Dr. Peter Goldfarb in Etobicoke, ON and made an appointment. 

 

I remember being very nervous in the waiting room, not knowing what to expect. 

The nurse called me to the back office.  Before seeing the Dr., she recorded some preliminary information about me…blood pressure, pulse and that sort of thing.  This was followed by my biggest challenge, to step on the scale.  It was in the room under the window just over my left shoulder waiting for me.  It had to be done but I felt panicky at the thought of revealing my weight to anyone, including myself.

I gathered the following information from the OPTIFAST^® website which helped me to decide to choose this particular program.

Dr. Peter Goldfarb of Toronto, Canada is a weight loss coach who offers a safe,  effective weight loss program from OPTIFAST®. Obesity is a chronic health condition. The OPTIFAST® weight loss program in Toronto is a medically supervised weight loss program that provides you with the face-to-face support you need to control your weight. Over a million people have benefited from OPTIFAST® since it was developed in 1974 The OPTIFAST® Weight Loss Program Difference: Medically supervised –lose weight safely! Program is flexible, easy to modify, and adaptable Individually tailored to your situational, medical, personality and weight loss needs Comprehensive –includes medical, behavioral, physical and nutritional aspects Nutritional replacement meets Health & Welfare Canada’s daily dietary requirements Easy startup –no food choices or cooking!

For the first time in more years that I care to acknowledge, I stepped on the scale only to find I was too heavy to get a reading.  It was quite traumatic knowing the maximum measurement was about 440lbs if I remember correctly. The nurse assured me it was ok and asked me to wait for the Dr.  

Minutes later, a tall handsome man entered the room.  He was very well built with a thick moustache, fairly dark hair and a really warm confident smile.

“Hi, I’m Dr. Goldfarb” he said with a comforting tone that made me feel at ease.  He presented his hand to welcome me.

“Wow, you have a great handshake” he commented which put me a bit more ease.    

I was embarrassed and uncomfortable because of the condition I had let myself get to but, he made me feel quite relaxed.

We chatted about the program and he assured me that this could be the last weight loss program I will ever have to follow, provided I follow the program and his recommendations.  It sounded pretty simple. 

After Dr. G, as I affectionately called him, explained how the program worked, I followed him next door to his office.  Behind the desk was a stack of boxes with OPTIFAST™ on them.  He offered me a choice of chocolate or vanilla.  I chose a box of each which was a week’s supply. 

“You can always add instant coffee in the vanilla to change the flavor” he suggested.   He put the two boxes in a brown paper shopping bag with handles and sent me on my way.

For several weeks, I would step on the scale and not get a reading.  It was extremely difficult but I perceived.  I remember clearly the day I stepped on the scale and finally got a reading.  That was a joyous day.  When Dr. G. came in, he was so happy for me and proud of my accomplishment. 

“See, I told you” he said with confidence.  He really believed in me.

I took the shakes religiously.  That was the only thing I was consumed at the time, four shakes a day.  They are a complete meal replacement with all the vitamins needed for each meal.  My favorite preparation was to blend them with ice cubes and water.  They had the consistency and would taste like a fast food chain frozen dessert…delicious!

My success rate was fantastic.  I had committed to going to each appointment every week and continued to lose weight until my husband’s Christmas Social on December 4^th, I remember the date like it was yesterday. 

I talked to Dr. G. prior to the event and he gave me some great strategies to handle the Holiday food situation so that it would fit into the program.  My challenge was once I started eating, I didn’t want to stop.  Once I started eating food, I didn’t follow Dr. G’s suggestions and continued to cheat, first with snacking which then led to cheating on a daily basis.  Unfortunately, the only person I cheated was myself.   After continuing with the shakes and food for the next few weeks, I could see that I had for lack of better term “fallen of the wagon” and eventually stopped going to the clinic. 

Last month, I stopped by the clinic and the receptionist said he would be in the following day.  The next morning, I returned to the clinic.  I asked the lady at the desk to speak to Dr. Goldfarb, explaining that I only wanted a minute of his time.   She was cautious which is a good thing.  She asked me for my Health card and went to the back office.

While sitting in the waiting room, a gentleman walked by me from the back office.  He had a brown paper in his hand.  I knew what he was carrying.  A few minutes later, a familiar face was standing in the doorway inviting me to come in.  A few more grey hairs on top and through his moustache but…the same warm inviting smile that I remember so well.

“Wow, you look great!   How are things and how do you feel?”  He asked looking at me with what felt like a sense of pride for what I had accomplished. 

“Some days are challenging but for the most part, I feel fantastic” I responded, remembering how different I felt from the first time I had been at his office.

I shared my weight loss to date was 278.5lbs and he broke into a huge smile.   He in turn shared with me that my number broke his biggest weight loss success of 240lbs.   That really felt good to hear.

For the last few months, I had contemplated stopping by to check in with Dr. Goldfarb.  I’m so glad I did.  It truly made my heart sing and gave me the opportunity to take a very special man in my life.  He’s one of those heart centered people that I feel blessed to know.  

Karen speaking at AFW Networking event

Sharing the message!

On May 9th, I was asked to speak at the Feel Good Women's Expo in Burlington.  It truly was wonderful to share about my journey and my book "It's My Time".  I wrote about my weight loss journey.

I had always thought about being a motivational speaker but it's one thing to talk about it an another thing to be on stage.  One never knows who they are going to touch. 

After the presentation I spoke to some of the people that were at the event.   I made some wonderful connections.

I am very excited to be speaking at the AFW Connect Launch Party on Tuesday, May 27th.  http://absolutelyfabulouswomen.com/


I look forward to meeting you there! 

Absolutely Fabulous Women - Over 40 Event - March 8th 2015

The following are pictures from the 2014 Gala where I received an Achievement Award for writint my book "It's My Time" which was released August 19th 2014.

This year I will be signing my books at the event as they introduce the recipients for 2015. A huge thank you to Rosanna Penilla-Bharucha and Eddie Suliman! This is going to be a great event. There are no tickets at the door. To purchase your tickets, simply send it to afwomenoverforty@gmail.com and your Secret Question must be accessible by our codeword "afwtickets"

$40 for adults per person (HST included)
$30 for children 13 years old and below (HST included)
Award Recipients - Gratis
Once they received your notice of payment, they will process the transfer and send you a confirmation and receipt.

Receiving my award

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Life can change in an instant!

One of my best friends was planning to spend the day with me today.  He is a Wellness Practitioner and was going to come to our clinic giving free treatments and hang out with me.  I was so looking forward to it.  We’ve planned it for the last 3 weeks.

He called me last night at approximately 8pm to say that he had to reschedule...he was with the police because he had just been in an accident.  They hit some black ice and smashed into a tractor trailer I believe he said.  At that point I was in a bit of shock myself and I’m not 100% sure what he told me.  I asked him to call me when he could so that I knew he was alright. 

I got an email just after midnight saying he had just got home and that he was quite sore. 

As I read the email, it made me think how lucky he was to be alive.  I believe his truck is a 2013, well maintained with snow tires.  It doesn’t matter, black ice is dangerous.   Check in on your loved ones and make sure they are safe and that they know how much you care about them.

No is not good enough!!

This is not intended to be negative or a pity party.  My hope and goal is to help inspire others and bring awareness around gastric bypass before and after the surgery.  This was me just a few years ago.

In March of 2011, I began my weight loss journey.  Almost one year to the day later, I had gastric bypass surgery.  It was the best thing I’ve ever done.  Today, almost 4 years later, I have lost just over 270lbs..  My life has changed drastically.  I have mobility and the doctors say I’ve likely added 35 years to my life.

This is me in Sept 2014

 

In my personal circumstance, O.H.I. P. covered the cost of the surgery.  The down side is with losing that much weight, I’m left with large amounts of excess skin all over my body.  To have it all removed is not covered by O.H.I.P.   I have spoken to a few Doctors and they are all saying the same...removing the excess skin is not covered.  For those of us who can’t afford the very costly surgery(s), what can be done?  I know I’m not alone here.

 

I am also asking for any help from anyone who has information on affordable options for gastric bypass and skin removal.  Please feel free to post or message me.  I’m not alone here and I’m sure there are others who are looking for answers as well. 

 

 

 

 

                                                                

Back to basics Christmas!

Last year was very different....somewhat mechanical.  My dad passed away December 13th, the ice storm, waiting for the funeral January 4th, not enough heat in our house, and feeling like the walls were caving in.

This year, the adults have made a conscious effort to work together as a family to teach the little ones, (11, 6, 2 & 1) that it's not about getting a bunch of presents.  We have cut back consideeryrably and it feels great.   We are going to have a beautiful Christmas with doing fun things together, having meals, making cookies and watching movies...the things we used to do when I was a child. 

This time of year for many years has felt way too commercial and it's time to get back to basics.  This year has been so much more fun.  We are not stressing....we are enjoying each other.  That feels so much better.  

This year I connected with a friend that I have not seen in close to 20years.  A huge thank you to his nephew Justin for getting the message to my Dear friend.   It was so great to hear his voice and I'm looking forward to seeing him in January.

I have always wanted snow on Christmas eve and it can all go away on Boxing day.  For the first time ever, they are announcing that this year is going to be a "Green Christmas" and I am overjoyed!  

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and hoping that you get to spend time with your loved ones, friends and families.  Be safe....don't drink and drive and don't stress!  Enjoy the holidays.

Love and hugs to you and yours!
Karen xx

 

P.S.  We are making cookies tonight.  The coffee will be on....you're all welcome to join us!

You really never know!

I love to play Scrabble.  A game that I have played for many years as a board game and then online for a number of years.  It's amazing because you truly don't know who you are going to be matched up with and sometimes... you make that connection that is more that "Just another player!"  My new friend lives in the United States and he is a writer like I am....hence why he's so good at Scrabble.  Don't tell him I said so!

So why am I writing about him....because we have gone a step past the Scrabble board.  Tonight we had a beautiful long conversation about my journey and he expressed how proud he was of me and what I've accomplished.  It meant a lot to me.   If not for playing Scrabble together....would we have ever met?  Not likely and now I have a new friend that I enjoy talking to and we share a game we both enjoy as well.

I have to say....I laugh because I can clearly remember about 20 years ago, I didn't want anything to do with the computer.  I was afraid of it and didn't think it would be something I would be interested in.  My...how things have changed.   Now I am making friends in far away places.  It's very exciting.

The computer has made the world a much smaller place.   I have friends and family in Canada, the United States. Europe, South Africa and who knows who I will meet next?   Technology has REALLY changed the world for many people...myself included.  

If there is a negative, it's the frustration many of us feel when technology does NOT work.  Nothing more challenging than watching a little spinner on the page and your screen freezes.  Grrr. 

Oh well....this is definitely not a rant...just a thought that I wanted to share.

I hope you all have a very happy rest of the weekend.
Talk soon
Karen :o)

Book Signing Saturday, November 15th in St. Catharines ON

I will be hosting a book signing for my book "It's My Time" in St. Catharine's at Hannelore Headley Old & Fine Books, Inc. on Saturday, November 15th from 11am - 12noon. I look forward to meeting everyone that comes out. Hope to see you there!!

Thanx for an amazing lunch!

Yesterday I was invited to a lunch with a fabulous group of people who have either had gastric bypass or they are waiting surgery.  What an awesome group of people.  I got lost on the drive there so I arrived a bit late and didn't meet everyone but the folks I sat with were awesome. 

The conversation did not stop.  Lunch started at 12:30pm and I didn't leave until after 4pm.  Thank you to my new friend Karen for the invitation and for making me feel so welcome.  I am looking forward to the next time we meet.   It's nice to share and hear stories from others that have gone through the same things you have.

Going yesterday really reiterated what I felt in my journey, it's so much easier when you go through the journey with support.  Having a buddy or group to be there for you is just as important as the journey itself.  It's comforting when you have a good strong support system and that's how I felt about the group yesterday.

I was blessed to have a large group of people on my side.  It's also one of the reasons I wrote "It's My Time" so that I could hopefully help and support others.

Whatever you need help with, tap into your support system.  It truly makes your journey so much easier and you don't have to do it alone.

Cheers.
K

Sooo excited!!

When I first thought about writing a book...I truly went through the motions thinking that it was something that sounded good in theory but the reality was...would I really ever write and finish a book.  A book???  Yes me...writing a book.

Somebody asked me the other day...when did I know that I was going to write a book and I didn't have a straight answer because I didn't truly know. 

I thought about it and what happened was, my girlfriend and I had an art studio that we managed and held classes in.  We also would host two big shows a year.  One of our participants, Catherine Astolfo, a retired teacher was and still is an amazing mystery writer.  She had come to us with the idea of having a writing class.   My partner thought it was a great idea.   To be honest, I had to process for a minute and realize that writing truly is an art form.   Then I said I would stay at the studio during the classes and just do some work of my own because one of us had to be present when someone rented the space.  

The first session we scheduled was postponed because no one signed up.  The second time we posted the class, we had a few people sign up.  Because I was going to be in the building anyway...I decided to take the class.  I had written a lot and enjoyed it and also written a lot of poetry and a song of hope and inspiration so I thought I would give it a try.

Well...two years later, I am about to release my very first book!  Wow...it's a little surreal.  I am really proud of my accomplishment and anxious to send it out to the world. 

I hope you enjoy reading my story of how I made the choice to take my life back.  I take you with me on the one year span from hitting rock bottom to having gastric bypass surgery. 

By the way, I have already starting making the outline for my second book which continues the story of my life and how it has dramatically changed.  I am the same person but things have changed and I plan to share that all with you. 

Stay tuned!

Book Launch - August 19th starting at 6pm