On November 4, 2007 - I decided to permanantly change my life. The lifestyle I was living and the road I was heading down was clearly a dead end but needed a serious wake up call or I would find myself “pushing daisies” sooner than later. Simply put I was chasing the wrong dreams and not focusing on what really matters in life. As my one year anniversary of starting my journey is here, I thought I would put up a photo that would best illustrate my progress in my journey.
Many of my friends, work collegues and family have seen the progress first hand, while others have seen small glimpses, while others have never known who I was a year ago. I want to personally thank you all for being there for me and contributing so positively towards my journey. Thanks to all of you I’m glad to let you know that I’ll be sticking around a little longer than anticipated and tormenting you all! Then there is that one person (you know who you are) who said the right words, at the right time, with the right intent; that caused this incredibly positive avalanche to start, THANK YOU SO MUCH - I WILL FOREVER REMEMBER YOUR KIND WORDS!
I have documented much of my progress, not only in the physical numbers but in the emotionally gains and struggles that I hope to finalize into a book and self publish. If you are interested in getting a copy, getting notified when it is complete, or simply have a question or two; please drop me on note on this blog or email me at canespa@gmail.com.
I am also happy to let you know that I have decided to keep on going on this incredible journey and have a new goal of hitting 175 lbs by the end of August or September of this year 2009. (for a grand total loss of 162 lbs). Here’s the twist, this time I want to take you along! Come on guys this is your chance to not only create your own positive journey but get involved in the next leg of my journey. I’ll be documenting this journey right on this blog, providing you with the same tools and strategies I’ve used to get where I am today! Go ahead bookmark my blog and drop a quick comment telling me you’re on board!
I want to leave you today by encouraging you all to make at least one positive change in your lives this year - do it for YOU! Start today, never look back and don’t forget to positively contribute to someone around you everyday.
God bless you all and we’ll talk to you soon!!
Frank
PS. Everyone has goals, dreams and intentions, if your struggling you may need some help - remember It’s All About You!
You’re crazy Frank! That’s incredible and although it’s only been 1 year I hardly remember the old you. I’m here for you in the last push and can’t wait to see you reach your goal.
Love ya!
Wow I think its amazing what you have done; but then again your able to do whatever you set your mind to. Keep on going Frank!
Its amazing what one person has done in one year and more milestones are yet to be set! :). You’re an inspiration to so many. For the ones who say they can not do it, I use you as an example everytime! Keep up the great work!!
good on ya frank! i am just starting to hit the gym now…i’m so impressed on how you’ve remained so committed for so long. you’re an inspiration man!!
ps. is it supposed to hurt this much? i mean really; i can’t lift my arms up high enough to even wash my hair anymore!
Frank!!
It has been a pleasure to watch you go through your amazing transformation this past year! I can say without hesitation that your commitment has inspired a number of people to improve upon their own health and fitness goals.
I wish you great success in the next leg of your journey. You’ve already proven that you can do it!
Frank, you are an ispiration to people everywhere who feel like they could never accomplish something like this. It seems impossible until speaking with or reading about someone like you who didn’t give up..
Frank,
Allissa passed on your wonderful story to me, and it’s been a delight to read. With all of the negativity and hustle and bustle in this world, what you’ve acheived and continue to do is an inspiration. Congratulations on your positive life change!
Frank
I am so happy that you heard the right words at the right time, and found your inner strength and desire to become your own best friend. Too many of us go through our struggles and desires to improve our lives all alone. We battle it out inside our head, and we usually beat oursleves up pretty good. But once we decide we are important, and we do count, and it is possible for us to set and reach for our goals…then we can do anything! Keep surrounding yourself with positive supportive people and putting good thoughts in to get the best results coming out! Bless you for sharing your inspiring story with others, because we all need some good news to keep us on track:) I have no doubt that you will reach all of your goals this year Frank! One step at a time:)
smiles
DK Wallace
Frank,
Wow, you have done amazingly well and continue to do so. I am looking at losing 100 lbs and find it so very daunting. After having two children (now starting school), it is high time I shed these pounds for good. I’ve had a gym membership for 6 years and have barely stepped foot in the place. You inspire me!
Frank
I was totally amazed at how you look. The last time I saw you at the Rogers stampede out by Beiseker, was at your heaviest. I have to say I did not recognize you in the paper, you look AMAZING!!! Kudos to you, that is an incredible amount of drive and willpower you have acquired. Good for you, you are an inspiration to others.
Hola Frank, al final te has hecho famoso. Bueno me alegro mucho que las cosas te vayan bien y espero verte en poco tiempo. Estoy planeando un viaje a ver a mi hermano y por supuesto voy a parar en Calgary y quedamos a comar o algo( not chicken wings)
Go Frank Go!!! We are all very proud of you…
Thanks everyone for your support, it really means a lot to me and I’m hoping that many of you will not only share in my past success but also my upcoming success!
@ Sandy:
100 lbs is just a number, just like 1 lb is. Try to focus on taking the small steps and you will see that as these steps take you forward, you will always get closer to, and ultimately, your goal.
My advice to you is to not give up on yourself and that when you are ready to make the committment that you chase it heads down.
Over the next little while (until Aug/Sept 2009 maybe longer) I and other authors will be posting articles, links and advice that will hopefully help you achieve your goals.
Take a few days to reflect on what you want to achieve and when you’re ready lets do it together!
Frank I want to share this line with you:
Life is incredibly complex. It is filled with infinite possibilities limited only by our creative ability and courage. Keep it up Frank!
Cada día es un renacimiento, es un nuevo día
Cheers my friend….
Hey Frank,
I haven’t seen you in awhile, although we did talk briefly a few months ago. I had heard from my mom that you were losing a lot of weight and today I was able to see for myself how well you’ve really done. Congratulations!!! I’m so glad you were able to find the inspiration inside of you that you needed to get started and keep going. I know you’ll be an inspiration to others (including myself hopefully). Thank you for having the courage to go public (both in the newspaper and online) with your story. It’s great for other people to see that we all can have the same type of struggles and overcome them with a little hard work. My thoughts, prayers and love are with you and your family (I’ll call you soon).
Hey Man, can’t wait for the speedo in the summer!!
Congrats again on your accomplishments to date, Frank. I’m proud to call you my friend, and look forward to joining you on your journey forward.
Wow, Wow, Wow, great job Frank. I know I haven’t seen you in a while, but I just wanted to let you know that were cheering you on. Keeping strong and focused and you’ll achieve your goals. Let’s go for a bike ride.
Hey Frank,
I met you I think almost 14 years ago, I never got a chance to really get to know you. But I did know you were and still are a great guy….and look at you!!!! Way to go!!!
Keep going, the world is your oyster!!! Congrats!
You’re so awesome! I will definitely follow along and try to do some shrinkage myself too, 9″ and 5lbs since January, not much but baby steps I guess
I hope to hit near my ideal weight by August and I’ll be looking to you for inspiration, I want to fit into those flamenco dresses again! I also can’t wait to read your book! I still can barely recognize you, I haven’t seen you in 6 years, all those nights smoking our brains out at Santa Fe, staggering home later. I suppose that wasn’t really good for us, huh? Best wishes to your momma too, xoxo
Frank, you truly are amazing. Looking at pictures from you back then and pictures of you now, the transformation is amazing. I’m so proud of you. I know right now isn’t the best time in your life but I know you will persevere and I know you will reach your goals. You have succeeded in reaching them all thus far. You are an inspiration to many. Congrats on the story in the paper. Front page of Real Life. I couldn’t be happier for all you’ve accomplished the last year. Lots of love and prayers from Jade and I to you and your family. I’ll see you soon!
To Frankie B. from Frankie K.
Saw the article in the paper and am so proud of what you have done. As a friend from our previous work life in CBE, I am happy that you found this new lease on life. I am a cancer survivor (colon cancer) and have been exercising diligently and trying to eat the right things but its not easy. Congratulations Amigo and I am delighted with the new “you”.
Frank Karas
Hi Paquito,
I knew that you were able to do this and much more… Let me to propose you a new challenge: to participate in the Madrid marathon in April 2010, we’ll go together. It will be like cycling to Soto when we were eighteen!
At least discuss about this with your personal trainer. Be good!
Buddy you are an inspiration to everyone no matter what there goal is. Me and my family are extremely proud of you.
Great job Frank!
So proud of what you have done. I missed seeing you online everyday, but it is great that you got out and got your life back.
You are a real inspiration,
Chad
Hiya Frank!
This seems like a much better plan than those wicked bad bets you made with me regarding the Oilers and Flames
(Flames in 5, if I remember correctly!) It is good to hear that you are doing well.
All the best,
Randy
Frank, what a precious and personal accomplishment. I have always had a worry in my heart about you, and so what a thrill when Donna Y passed this link along to me.
Congratulations seems inadequate in the face of what you have done.
All the best in the next leg of your journey.
Cindy
Okay folks … lets start this next phase of the journey together!
Read: Give me seven days, I’ll help you change!
Frank
Hey Frankie
Your danish pal Ged here.
Oh wow, now I understand better what happend since we lost contact - Hope I wasnt part of a bad influence on you :/
It is really great to see you bloom like this.
You got my e-mail - let me hear more from you mate