In the August issue we tout super-hot Olympian Lolo Jones. With the 2012 Summer Olympics a mere 3 days away we are super excited to have this dynamo on the cover.
I also get real in this issue discussing "How I Began the Healing Process". Learn all about how I've been getting out of bed every morning to face the day with your help and that of my friends, family & fabulous team at RKP. My tip: "It is not what life throws at you that decides your fate, but your reaction to it. You can choose to be depressed, but I have learned to grieve and be grateful at the same time. It is still difficult but I know how blessed my life was with Bob and now without, as I take baby steps in they new normal."
Interested in getting a free copy of Oxygen? We're giving away 5 copies of the magazine to people who leave a comment about how they have dealt with a difficult situation in their life.
I'd love a free copy of Oxygen! I've been thinking about subscribing.
ReplyDeleteAlmost 6 years ago, I lost my 13 year old sister suddenly. After the initial grief, I remember that first outdoor run. There was still snow on the ground but my running partner forced me to get out there for what was one of the most healing runs ever. Ever since then running has become more than just exercise for me. I use it to deal with stress of all kinds - work, family, the kind I create in my head. To me, nothing can make you feel stronger and able to get through anything than a great workout.
My mother has been my best friend, my mom, my rock, and my mentor. Plagued with health issues for 30 years, she faced adversity with a smile and overcame each time. Except in January 2009 when I received the dreaded "I'm in the hospital" call. She never left the hospital. After several weeks of rallying the family and trying to prepare myself for what I thought was inconceivable, my mom "Moved to Heaven" in March 2009. As my ultimate display of unconditional love, I am honored that I took care of every detail in laying her body to rest (to include dressing her, makeup, hair, the service). Mom deserved that. Mom deserves peace. I know she is in heaven dancing and laughing! I've let my unconditional love for my mom, and our special mother/daughter relationship comfort me. She promised to never leave, and she hasn't. She guides me everyday, inspiring me to be a better version of myself.
ReplyDeleteRunning helped me get through a hard period when my husband just had spinal surgery and I had 2 under 3 to care for and our home. It gave me strength when I felt like giving up. Tosca you are my inspiration to keep chasing my dreams of one day being a success story!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss, Tosca, but am happy to hear that you have a coping system in place to help you heal. My system has always been my faith. There are a few verses that always help me get through the hard times. There are two verses from the Bible that are particularly spirit-lifting. Isaiah 40:31 says, "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." This one gives me courage when I feel like the pain is never going to end. And, Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." This verse gives me hope in the darkest times. I pray that you continue to heal and that God will bless you and your family. Thank you for sharing your life with all of us. You are an incredible inspiration. :o)
ReplyDeleteI would love to win! In the past 9 months, my hubby and I have had to close our family business of 39 years (his dad started it). It's been hard to watch my best friend/hubby lost his passion to get up in the morning. This is the only business he has ever done and he never went to college. In the process, I have convinced him to get up and go to the gym with me each morning (4-5 times a week), so that we can work off the stress of our new life, as well as the stress of not knowing what the future holds. We are learning to redefine what is important in life and those things are family, faith, health. The workouts have become something that gives us great motivation to jump out of bed in the mornings! And we benefit in many ways, on many levels.
ReplyDeleteI am not as familiar with the magazine Oxygen and would love to acquaint myself with all the information that it has to offer to its subscribers.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was finishing up with my Masters my youngest daughter at the time was 9, was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis and Chrones. She was in the hospital for 3 weeks, I slept there and then during the day when I had to go to school we made arrangements for someone to come be with her. Mean while I had 3 other children at home. Shortly after she was put in the hospital my husband was diagnosed with cancer in the soft tissue under his scapula and had to undergo 2 surgeries to remove it. It was a very stressful times between taking finals, and trying to be in three different places at the same time. I did a lot of praying. I cried a lot and ask Heavenly Father to give me the strength to carry on. With his help and my determination all went well. I graduated, my husband is cancer free, my daughter is doing better through eating healthier she is able to keep flare ups from hitting. God only gives us what we can handle was what kept running through my mind. Hugs, Bobbi Jo
ReplyDeleteIn February of 2005 I was diagnosed with Thyroid cancer. As a 25 year old I always thought I had all the time in the world. I had already put off so much in my life and now I saw it all coming to an end. A few months after the diagnosis I had a Thyroidectomy and radiation. I began to feel sorry for myself and fell into a deep depression. Then I hard a song that I hadn't heard in years Groove Theory's "Keep Tryin" and it was an awakening. I told myself that I was going to live, be healthy, and regain my life, in September I was told that I was cancer free and I knew this was the second chance I had longed for. I went back to college, started hitting the gym, and told myself that bad times will always be a art of life, but so will the great times. I had to stop focusing on the negative and start seeing the beauty that lived all around me. And to this day I still so that, but it all started with a disease and a song to see my path in life.
ReplyDeletehaving gone through several huge life changes and lots of grief over the last couple years, I have found that therapy, my dogs, my horse, getting outside and/or breaking a sweat and my tribe of girlfriends have really been what has pulled me through. and not necessarily in that order! :)
ReplyDeleteSeveral years ago I started having issues with my strength and energy levels. At the time I was an aspiring body builder, but I kept injuring myself and couldn't for the life of me figure out why. At a crucial point where my body started falling apart, nearly literally, I went to a nutritional therapist after many tests and questions back and forth, it became evident that I had Celiac disease. My body was eating itself away because I couldn't even absorb 50% of nutrients due to gluten and many other food allergies I had. It has been come and go ever since, but with a restricted diet, I have been able to make a comeback. There were times lack of nutrition brought me down into deep depression, and the chemical imbalances were horrendous. As a man, experiencing such swings in mood was mind boggling. I sought counseling throughout these times, or else I wouldn't have lived, there is not doubt. I have learned a lot through all my experiences, but the most important thing I have learned is not to give up or play the victim. When we play the victim in any circumstance, we allow the situation to take control over our lives. Stand on your own two feed and take on the challenge. Life is about the journey and not the destination. In present day, I am in a stable state, but working towards my goal of bodybuilding and am happy to say, my disease doesn't define me.
ReplyDeleteI have had health issues ever since I gave birth to my son almost 27 years ago from having been dealt with hypothyroidism which to this day I'm dealing with & it is frustrating plus I have had ovarian poly cystic syndrome with over the years of many surgeries of cysts and fibroids which ended up with a final hysterectomy last March so now I'm faced with Menopause at 43 years of age and it has been a battle that I'm not willing to give up with out a fight. I have gained weight and I have scars on my belly that remind me of all the woman issues which brings on depression so this is what I do to help me stay on my path to getting Fit & healthy, I push forward by good influences such as this blog, I joined a boot camp,I meditate & do yoga, & I'm trying to improve on Clean eating. I just want to someday have someone come up to me and say "boy Pati did you lose weight" And I can reply back and say no I just got Healthy!!!!I'm on that journey so that is why Tosca, you are an inspiration to me because you too decided to get fit & healthy in your 40's. Thank you for all that you do !!!!
ReplyDeleteMy mother was the biggest person in my daughter's life, and when she was a toddler mom was diagnosed with inoperable cancer. As a single parent it hurt to think my daughter would lose one of the closest people in her life and I would lose the biggest support in my single parenting role. It was a very hard year as mom, just fifty, deteriorated into the shell of a woman who looked like she was ninety-five. During that time I dealt with the death of mom through prayer and clinging to my faith in Jesus. He has gotten me through so much! I also buried myself in my studies and achieved honors in Public Relations. I miss mom still after all these years, and now enter into a new time in my life. My daughter has recently left home and I am looking for a new career opportunity in Public Relations because my job layoff comes September 8. I am quite a catch for any company, and as I work through this season in my life I will be focusing on Clean Eating and reducing my body to a healthy weight. I love Clean Eating, Oxygen magazine is very inspirational, and Tosca Reno is someone I would love to meet one day. She is definitely someone I admire.
ReplyDeleteAfter experiencing a number of losses in quick succession, I was asked by someone how it was I kept on going, my response was that I didn't know there was an option not to. With two young kids to support, while I dearly would have loved at times to crawl under the covers and pull the blankets up over my head, my need to keep providing and to keep on being "mom" had me putting one foot in front of the other.
ReplyDeleteSpend time in prayer. Focus on others and the great gifts and blessings that are already in your life. Talk with good friends and enjoy a good workout!
ReplyDeleteI was with my partner for ten years when I found out randomly one day that he had been cheating on me, for over a year. As difficult as it was to walk away, I did. I left behind the house, the boat, the snow machines... all the toys. All the materials in my life weren't making me happy and I had to focus on me. I decided to get fit. I ate clean. I even took some boudoir photographs of myself to remind myself that I am healthy- without him in my life. Everything happens for a reason and I am a living example of that. I hate to admit I'm not as fit as I was a few months ago after training for my first marathon, and would love a copy to get those abs back into shape!
ReplyDeleteWow...these stories just made me ill with grief. I pray for all of you and hope you feel some peace. *hugs*
ReplyDeleteMy story isn't as tragic but rocked my world. I was a television reporter for 13 years and I did a lot of stories with children who had autism. When my son turned 2, he didn't speak. At 28 months he was diagnosed on the autism spectrum and it just devastated me. The families I reached out to were suddenly me. I remember waking up, unable to breathe and I went outside at 3:00 a.m. and ran and ran and ran. I ran until I couldn't stand up.
4 years later, he is free of the label, still having developmental delays and sensory integration issues. Exercise, specifically swimming, is our bond and he pushes me to try even harder to reach my goals.
18 years ago I was 6 months pregnant and in labour. My due date wasn't for another 3 months so I was more than a little concerned. Medication didn't stop the labour and after a C-section I was awake through (epidural), my son was born. He weighed a whopping ONE POUND, 14 ounces! My mom gave me the strength to put in the long hours at the hospital and the support when I couldn't get there.
ReplyDeleteI am proud of my healthy (and so typical) 18 year old son. He has no health issues and if he applies himself to school he can accomplish anything. When I see him with his friends, nothing shows that he started out life by spending 2 months in Neo-Natal Intensive Care.
January 23, 2006, I looked out the window when I heard a door close, it was winter and dark. I saw 2 sergeants walking up the steps. I called my younger son, and we met them at the door before they knocked. They came to tell us that my older son, the oldest of three adult children, had been killed earlier that day in Iraq, by an IED. He was leading a patrol of his Iraqi medic students and had been the only one injured. We made the necessary phone calls, and started the processes we knew we would need. I teach school, and I knew I would be off a while, so next morning, younger son and I went to my school to let my co-workers know, and to make a plan for my Special Ed Classroom. Family came, my son's military friends came. We walked through the process, and we told stories, and we laughed and we cried. After 14 days, I went back to work, because my brain could not process when I stayed at home. I adopted a beautiful Rottweiler puppy, I finished my masters, my dear husband and I do many things in his name, contributions, donations, volunteer work, and I spend as much time as possible with 3 lovely grand daughters. Matt was everyone's cheerleader, whether as a 4-H leader, as a neighbor, a son, a brother, or serving in his military capacity as a medic. He used gym workouts and fishing as stress relievers, and was very much the care taker. The very best thing that I can do every day is to work to live up to his opinion and expectations of me. He gave us an extended family of his military peers, and for that I am forever grateful.
ReplyDeleteMy cancer diagnosis has made me take life day by day, putting one foot in front of the other, enjoying the simpler things in life, and finally learning not to take life for granted.
ReplyDeleteHi Tosca, so sorry for the loss of your husband. This year, I experienced the tragic loss of two brothers within 7 months, ages 32 and 39. Both of these losses were alcohol related. These losses have reminded me of the fragility of life and how quickly it can all end. With this, I have found motivation to fulfill a goal I've had for years; to compete in figure. I have also struggled with alcohol abuse; my Dr. informed me two weeks ago that my lab work is showing increased liver functioning. I know that focusing my energy on this goal will help me live healthier and take better care of my temple. Thanks for the terrific books and inspiration!
ReplyDeleteKathy
My father passed away unexpectedly over a year ago. He was only 50 years old. Before his passing, I never experienced anything major other than having children. So when he passed, I thought my life was over. He was everything to me and did just about everything for me. He was the rock in our family. The first few months were extremely hard. I tried everything to deal with his passing from changing religion to traveling to his birthplace and the home he grew up in to feel closer to him. Although it helped a little, much of me was still empty. It wasn't until about two months ago that I found that the only thing that really helped was going back to school. My main motivation is finish school and become a physician's assistant. I want to honor my father's last name in becoming successful and doing everything I can to make him proud. He used to make fun of me because I would always have these great ideas, but never followed through or quit in the middle. Becoming a physician assistant will probably the hardest thing I will ever accomplish in my life, but my motivation helps me get through my day and makes me want to be the best at anything I could possibly do. I’m a fourth of the way done and so proud that I even came this far with high G.P.A.
ReplyDeleteWatching my sister almost die from a toxemia during her first pregnancy and then walking with her after the loss of her baby was one of the hardest things I have had to do. Pain in a loved one's life is so difficult because you feel so helpless. How did I deal with it? "If the Lord had not been my help, my soul would soon have dwelt in the abode of silence." (Psalms 94:17). Learning to sit through the pain and not expect my sister to skip through any of the phases of grieving was difficult but essential for long-term healing. Also, putting in my headphones and exercising like a mad-woman while I prayed always helped me burn off steam and gain much needed perspective so that I could come back to the painful situation with a hopeful attitude.
ReplyDeleteI picked up my first copy of Oxygen magazine after my second operation for thyroid cancer in 2005. I spent 12 months doing 3 rounds of radiation and put on a lot of weight. During this time, i read about health and training and joined the local gym. Things were going a long well, not much weight loss but getting healthier and fit. But in early 2008 i started losing weight very quickly to the point where one day i couldn't walk or stay awake. I was sent straight to hospital with type 1 diabetes. It's been a roller coaster ride trying to get my blood sugar right and my head space. Oxygen magazine has always been my inspiration and this year i have found an amazing coach who has taught me more about health and now i plan to compete in my first ever figure competition in October. Thankyou Oxygen for always being there with useful information and inspiring pictures!!
ReplyDeleteI recently had a miscarriage.It was my first pregnancy after 1.5 years trying. To say I was devastated is an understatement. It was for sure the saddest moment of my life, my heart stopped when the doctor gave us the news. I cried for days and felt very sad and empty but I understood that if I want to have a family I have to be brave and keep trying even though that means it can happen again. Since I have been depressed before and stopped the treatment in order to get pregnant I knew it was really important to take care of myself. I didn´t feel like eating but I forced myself to eat clean and nutritious food to heal my body and prepare it for the next pregnancy. I didn´t feel like getting out of bed in the morning , especially after being up all night, tossing around for hours but I forced myself to go to the gym and get some cardio and weight training done. It was not my usual workout but I moved, sweat and distracted myself enough to face the rest of the day with a better attitude and more energy. It gets easier everyday but sometimes when I see a baby or a pregnant woman it all comes back to me. Thanks God there´s always the gym to get my frustration out and my mood up.
ReplyDeleteSo many stories Tosca and each an encouraging testimony to the life we can choose to live after a devastating loss. I look forward to reading your inspiring story in this month's Oxygen - I just love the magazine and need to subscribe!! My baby girl Maddie was called home at 6 months after she failed to awaken from an afternoon nap at the sitters. I'll never forget seeing my husband run into my work that afternoon sobbing, I world just fell apart. I just couldn't imagine not having her waiting for me when I came home that night. She was perfectly healthy, thriving and such a joy to have in our lives. She would be thirteen this September and all of those sweet 6 months of memories that I was so fearful of losing are as fresh as they were 13 years ago. It is truly my faith that has carried me through and the decision to be happy and grateful for our numerous blessings, like you said, that provides the healing.
ReplyDeleteGod's blessings to you Tosca!
PRAYER and belief in a higher power, I constantly remind myself that everything is in divine order, thats why we go through the multitude of emotional stages a vicarious circle that ends when you accept and believe...
ReplyDeleteI rely on my outlets. My friends who know me better than myself are those outlets. I focus on my strengths, and try to find new one's at the same time. And I thank God every day. My evening prayers ALWAYS begin with a thank you to the Lord for the day I was given. And the most important and absolute best way for me to overcome my woes is to simply be around my children. They are my true salvation. I know this is kind of cliche, but my life would not exist if they were not here. They are my favorite ducklings! :-)
ReplyDeleteActually my experience with grief happened differently. I am sure others can relate though. I had a dream of which my Grandpa Jones told me he was going to pass on my cousin's birthday. He said not to be upset about it and that he knew we were close. He went on to say that he had chosen the time he was going to be born and the time he would die. Grandpa actually changed the time to leave by a couple of weeks because he wanted to see my Uncle who was coming down to see him. This dream took place a month and a half before he passed. Imagine my surprise when my Uncle announced the when of when he was coming down. This dream was a premonition and it helped me and my family cope with the loss. My Grandpa continues to visit me in my dreams as does my Grandma who has since passed on also. I encourage people to ask for their loved ones to visit them when they are sleeping and ask to remember the visit also. :) Seann (also known as dreamtheanswer)
ReplyDeleteI am sorry for your loss! What I have found my strength in is my faith. However, I am really struggling with getting into an exercise routine and do not even know where to start. I lose weight - through eating healthy, but then fall off the wagon with a birthday or some celebration. I am not 43 years old and I am STILL over weight and now need to start again. My thoughts and prayers are with you - I will be starting again - eating clean and being more active this week.
ReplyDeleteOver the last month or so, I've watched you transform yourself once again. Ready to compete again....you're an amazing woman. Every day, you keep Bob's spirit alive with your knowledge and through the guidance you give to us.
ReplyDeleteWhen my older brother passed away at a young age, my parents needed me to keep them going. I kept my brother's spirit alive by following in his footsteps. He loved photography and cycling, so I started by polishing his bike and made it my own- my parents were moved. This not only helped me but them as well. We enjoyed his photography by sharing it with friends and family. We found negatives that were never made into prints, then printed and framed them. His spirit is still alive to this day, over 30 years later! My brother enjoyed life and I'm sure that he wanted us to move forward and enjoy everyday until we could be together again.
My mother is 62 years old and four years ago she ws diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer's . The diagnosis was devestating! I thought that was the worst part but it wasn't. I am slowly losing my mother day by day. She's becoming someone I don't know. I could choose to mourn my loss but instead I'm choosing to come to know this new person she is. She still knows who I am, for now, but one day, I will no longer be her daughter in her mind. That day will be the hardest, but when she asks who I am I will smile at her and introduce myself as her good friend Sara.
ReplyDeleteI began suffering from debilitating depression and panic attacks. However I have decided that I will not allow them to define my life. I look at this as a blessing. My health is now a priority. I eat right and exercise. I have found my passion in exercise and nutrition. I have learned to ask and accept help from others. I now hope to help others in my shoes and remember that on days where I struggle.
ReplyDeleteI've dealt with difficult situations by talking & leaning on others for support. I've also used exercise has a way to deal because it has a way of clarifying things. There is also a freedom in it & it just better helps your mind cope.
ReplyDeletePrayer, support of friends, and lots of working it out at the gym! It's amazing what that time for "you" can do for your spirit.
ReplyDeleteI recently found out my skin cancer is back again so I realized that I had to approach it like
ReplyDeleteAn opporttinity to really look at getting healthier and facing each day as a gift. This is another wake up call to live in the moment. There is freedom in that. I find myself being more grateful and positive everyday.
AzBarbie I am saying a prayer for you and hope that the Cancer disappears. have faith and hope and surround yourself with the good things in life!
DeleteSo sorry to hear of all the bad things that have happened to what appears to be fantastic folks. My situation seems mild in comparison. A few years ago I had a stroke while on a plane traveling from a conference. I had trouble doing everything from talking to walking. I'm back to work and much better now but still have deficits that show. I'm out of shape and over weight. My friend at work has been telling me about Tosca and how clean eating has turned your life around. I've now purchased a couple cook books and I'm following you on FB. Tonya, my friend was featured on a copy of oxygen for weight lifting a few years back and she as well you are a great inspiration to me. I look forward to what I can learn from you. Thanks for sharing yourself with so many. I may still have the deficits...only show when I'm tired which seems to be most of the time here lately but I have goals now. I did not for so long. I just thought I'd give up and just get old quick. I pray for all of you and your growth and healing.
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ReplyDeleteit seems many of us has lost a loved one and my story is no different; Tosca, my brother in law passed away after suffering 3 months of Esophagus Cancer. Unfortunately he was a very heavy smoker and alcohol was his best friend. It was mercifully quick but he suffered so much and we all suffered with him. At that time I was overweight, my BMI 35 and was shocked when my husband noticed I had stopped breathing in my sleep a few times one night. To make a long story short, within 4 months I had done a sleep apena test and was saved just in time. Under the direction of a nutritionist I was able to shed 25 pounds but it was your teachings and reading your blogs and my Oxygen Magazine bibles as I call them that I was able to shed a further 20 pounds. Saving my life to spare my husband and family grief was very difficult. Although new stresses have popped up and I find myself under your wing and hope that you can save me once more.
ReplyDeleteExercise -- the harder the better for mental clarity in making positive-energy choices and reactions to life's challenges. Run, lift, skip, jump, push, pull, slip, slide, glide and/or pedal for your health, your family, your work. Everything falls into place with exercise.
ReplyDeleteContinued from above: Every challenge in my life - and mine are no different than everyone else's - were easier to endure with a clear mind. When I felt really "down," I exercised harder and always, without fairl, felt better afterwards.
DeleteSurrounding myself with family and friends. Talking, laughing and crying helped us all deal with a loss recently. Taking time for myself, too. Exercise; walking yoga, even strength training. Using that time spent to reflect on the moments we had together.
ReplyDeleteFor the past 3 years I having been dealing with my 10 year old son being molested by his farther. It has been a battle in court but we are getting near the end. My son smiles alot and gives me reason to get up everyday. He is going to be a survivor and will come out of this stronger. It has been very trying on him but he will be ok. Last year I lost my mum to cancer which took a tole on myself and my son..but we are still marching on. Take care.
ReplyDeleteCheers Susan
I hate to say that this year, since the day that I turned 39 things have continually gone wrong - deaths, job loss, local massacre (you can read it in my blog). In order to keep myself sane, I have thrown myself even more into working out. I'm lifting harder and heavier to give myself release of sadness, frustration, anger. It's strange to even think that I could go harder in the gym. I'm going harder than when I was prepping for competition in April. I've also been journalling, paper for those thoughts that I don't feel comfortable sharing with everyone and blogging, as well.
ReplyDeleteI find that prayer and support of family and friends helps with loss.
ReplyDeleteTosca, 2 months ago my family lost the most special, amazing person Im sure I will ever know... my mom. After a 3 year battle with breast cancer, we lost her. Being only 21, and my sister 20, we both have felt very lost in the whole situation. There are two ways I have been dealing with my loss; My family and my gym. My family has stuck so close together through all of this, and I know my mum is smiling on us because family was the most important thing to her. I train and work at a Muay-thai gym, and this has been my best outlet of emotion. When I am there, I am able to escape. Nothing feels better than working my hardest and sweating it all out! Teaching, and seeing the new members at the gym progress brings me a lot of happiness. My team mates/friends at the gym have been there for me this entire time, and are always there for me, whether it be holding pads for me to take my aggression out on, or giving me their shoulder to cry on. Exercise and family are holding me together Tosca.
ReplyDeleteI've learned, after years of shutting my inner thoughts and feelings away from those in my life, that when I'm faced with a grieving situation or just a tough time, that I need to go to one of my two best friends and just cry it out with them. I still have trust issues, so I limit it to those two, but they understand and they know just how to comfort me and then a few days later, we'll talk it out. I don't always bounce back quickly, but it's a step in the right direction!
ReplyDeleteI'm already a subscriber but want to say this...:-)
ReplyDeleteI will never forget my father's words when I was going through major depression 10 years ago... "If you do nothing else today, you must get out of bed, shower and leave the house."
I believe ritual saves us during difficult times.
Big hug to you.
I'm not looking for a copy of the magazine. I'm a subscriber as well. This was a really great article. Thanks for opening up and sharing. I too, am going through a grieving process after losing my father back in Feb at the age of 60. I love the term "new normal", because that's exactly what it is. It's a hard concept to live with some days, but like you I take baby steps and hope each day gets a little easier. I admire your courage.
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