by admin | Nov 30, 2015 | Dr. Theresa Larson, Warrior Movement
Do you remember the time your dad or mom came to visit you in college and they took you to your favorite restaurant? Do you remember ever taking a trip on a holiday or doing volunteer work at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter? Some of my most special holiday memories are centered around the experiences I had versus the ‘stuff’ I received. Experiences like feeding the homeless at a soup kitchen on 1st avenue in Seattle, visiting the sick with my Dad in Scranton, receiving Thanksgiving dinner from my church as a young girl when my mother was terribly sick, making coupons for my Dad saying I would go above and beyond in helping him around the house, baking cookies with my brothers back home in our log cabin in Seattle and traveling to Argentina for Thanksgiving. The list goes on. I usually forget what people got me, unless it was the Teresa Barbie doll I really, really wanted when I was 10 or the rope and wood my Dad gave me to make a rope swing…haha, but I never seem to forget the experiences.
My Challenge for US this holiday season:
#1: Take a staycation or vacation
Why not change things up this holiday? Take yourself and your significant other or loved ones on a vacation. You say now is not the time? When is there a perfect time for anything?! You do not have to go to Paris, rather stay in a nice hotel on the beach or in the mountains, or go camping. Just do something together with your family for a half or full day.
#2: Give the gift of experiences
I am excited to give my loved ones experiences that they can build a memory around. When I think about doing this it makes me smile as I need to be creative to do this. We are all creative in some ways, but commercialism almost takes away that creative twinkle in our mind. Perhaps it is a gift card to their favorite restaurant, or a coupon to go shopping at their favorite store, or a homemade memory box they can store pictures, a picture of something memorable they can put on their wall, or simply an awesome card you wrote from your heart versus a generic happy holiday card with nothing extra but your cat’s mug shot.
#3: Get out from behind the lens and enjoy the moments here and now!
Another thing I challenge you to do (something that I am working on as well) is get away from taking a ton of pictures and just enjoy living the moment not through a lens. It is nice to have the pictures as memories, but I don’t need 700, only a handful. This will help me just be in the present versus waiting to get the perfect picture or create the perfect moment for my social media feed. I know many of you can relate.
#4: Steer clear from social media for a few days, get your dopamine fix from other stimulus like being present with yourself and your loved ones.
If you are obsessed with tweeting, facebooking, Instagramming, take a few days off. The world will go on, your friends will still be there, and it will probably make you feel less anxious and distracted, and therefore more mindful and present with your loved ones who are in town. It is not uncommon to see entire families hanging out all on their phones doing separate things, and not communicating. When will this change? Let’s start this holiday season.
#5: Slow down
Lastly, slow everything down. Slow down your eating, slow down your walking, slow down how you talk. I notice during busy times of the year I start to walk fast and talk faster in an effort to try to get more stuff done in less time. Let’s all slow our roll this December. Unless you or I are an emergency room doctor, then what the heck are we rushing for?
Slowing down will allow us to be more mindful of what we are doing. Eating is a huge thing around the holidays and people end up overeating and often feeling uncomfortable with their food intake. Slowing down eating, actually chewing your food, making time for a meal, and saying no to one more piece of pie. Maybe you do really want one more, and if so, go for it, but if you do not, then say NO. Your in-laws won’t be changing their mind about you.
This holiday season, slow your roll, enjoy the moments, and give the gift of experiences that create memories for a lifetime.
by admin | Nov 11, 2015 | Dr. Theresa Larson, Fitness
So honored to be mentioned in this fantastic piece written by my friend Hilary Achauer, Mind Over Muscle-Ups. Mind Over Muscle-Ups is all about mind over matter….The brain is more resilient than what we can understand at times. Read the full PDF here: Mind Over Muscle-Ups 2
Make sure you follow Hilary and her work as well as The Crossfit Journal.
by admin | Oct 19, 2015 | Dr. Theresa Larson
I am so humbled inside to see Seattle Preparatory School honor my father in a great article on his love, faith and service, Donor Stories. Please enjoy this article, Keep Your Eyes On the Cross. You can also find it here, on SeaPrep.com.
by admin | Oct 12, 2015 | Dr. Theresa Larson, Warrior Movement
Resiliency Project was started by a very inspiring couple of individuals- Troy Willis and Dr. Kelly Starrett. I have had the opportunity to work with this project and help spread the message about what resiliency is all about. Helping veterans and active duty service members overcoming adversity is what this project represents. I have been able to provide Marc Pro units and other healing modalities to veterans and service members who need the care. I am thankful for this project, but more importantly thankful to be able to work with such resilient folks like Troy and Kelly who live their life out loud and dedicate endless hours to helping our service members get the care they need. I am thankful I get to work with veterans and active duty service members daily and have the support of Resiliency Project in the work I do.
1. Who is Troy Willis?
Troy Willis is a father, husband, believer, vet, CrossFitter, and philanthropist.
2. What is the Resiliency Project?
The Resiliency Project started as a collaboration between Kelly Starrett and Troy Willis to help our armed forces recover from serving our country. It has grown from the genesis moment in 2011 and is now aiming to get CrossFit gyms involved and to have an open door policy with service members reintegrating into civilian life. The idle mind mixed with PTSD has devastating effects on our soldiers. Our first line of defense in preventing suicide is to keep the troops moving -literally moving, with our high intensity workouts in CrossFit. It promotes a mind body connection that brings the conscientiousness to the here and now.
3. What is the WHY behind the Resiliency Project?
I served in the US Navy as a Hospital Corpsman and after becoming a CrossFit Coach and Affiliate, years later, it just made sense to help veterans and everybody for that matter. My WHY, is for all those men and women that have paid the ultimate sacrifice serving our country.
4. Who is your target audience for Resiliency Project?
The target audience for the project are the armed forces looking for an edge that will help them escape the clutches of depression and CrossFit Affiliate owners that understand the connection between mind and body but ultimately want to help our troops.
5. What are you most proud of in your life?
I am most proud of my two boys, Theo (11) and Moseley (8). They see the world with their big hearts and open minds.
6. Who inspires you the most?
I am inspired by people with integrity. It’s a simple thing really.
7. If you could have one super power what would it be?
If I had one super power that would be the ability to fly like superman.
8. What is your favorite quote?
My favorite quote is, “So you’re saying there’s a chance?” I never take “No” for an answer and always looks for ways to do things so this quote best defines my nature.
9. What is your definition of a Warrior?
To me a Warrior is someone that stands up for more than just their own beliefs. They stand up for their tribe’s beliefs and are willing to die to protect that tribe. Our tribe is the people of the United States.
10. Best way to contact you, find out about you and Resiliency Project, any hashtags, social media information?
troy@resiliency-project.org
www.resiliency-project.org
On FB: Resiliency Project
On Instagram: @resiliencyproject @troyswillis
On Twitter: @trp4warriors @troyswillis
#resiliencyproject
#mwodmarcpro
by admin | Oct 10, 2015 | Dr. Theresa Larson, Warrior Movement
I met Retired Lieutenant General (LTG) Mike Ferriter through my colleague Dr. Kelly Starrett. Mike asked me to help with a Inspired Leadership course at the Army- Navy Military Military Boarding School up in Carlsbad California on Veterans Day of 2014. It was a tremendous event that focused using the principles of a fight as a metaphor for life. They beautifully instructed to these kids, if you get knocked down in a fight, you must get up. If you get knocked down in life, then you likewise must cope with disappointment or other challenges and “ get up and keep going. They also were able to tailor their instruction to building self confidence in these young men and how to hold themselves with confidence and mentally deal with any conflict that comes their way.
Between Mike, his wife, and the martial artists to include Rener Gracie from the world renown Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy they helped these young men through some fun and very inspiring training that involved learning fighting techniques and how they relate to life. Since this day I have stayed in touch with Mike and his family and very much appreciate who they are. They live their life out loud, they are authentic, and are extremely passionate about spreading the message to businesses, youth, wounded warriors, veterans about what being an inspired leader is all about. Most of all, these lovely people walk their talk! And that to me is the mark of true leadership!
1. Who is Michael Ferriter?
Mike Ferriter is a Christian and husband to his wife, Margie. He is the father to four great kids, Meghan, Dan, Paddy and Mary Whitney. He is the father-in-law to three great kids, Jessica, Lauren and Garrett. Mike is the son of Marie and Dick Ferriter and a brother to four siblings. His greatest role yet is grandfather to Parker, the best two-year-old on the planet.
But Mike is so much more than that; he is a friend for life, a Special Operations Army Ranger, a Veteran, a golfer, a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt, and a retired Army 3-Star General. He is a team builder, transformer, mentor and an inspired leader.
2. What is Inspired Leadership?
Inspired leadership is who we are. It is instilled in each and every one of us if we know what to look for. Inspired leadership encourages utilizing our honor, character, integrity selflessness, positive mental attitude, empathy and a never quit determination to take care of others and succeed in our life.
3. What is the WHY behind inspired leadership?
I developed a one-of-a-kind interactive leadership seminar designed to deliver the message that “life is like a fight and in a fight you must close the distance, establish a dominant position and finish the fight.” I use this idea and the physicality of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to show our audience that each of us can take on any issue, challenge or opportunity, move to a position of advantage and then close the deal. I call this seminar Hands-On Inspired Leadership and it has helped transform many organizations and teams.
4. Who is your target audience for Inspired Leadership?
My target audience is actually quite wide, because this customizable training can be suited for any team, group or organization. It can be scaled for group sizes ranging from 10-200+ people.
This year, I have delivered Hands-On Inspired Leadership training to Wounded Warriors, Active Duty Soldiers, Families of the Fallen, High School students and business executives.
The training works well for any type of group and it is perfect for corporate off-sites and conferences.
5. What are you most proud of you in your life?
I am most proud of my family, faith, friends and my integrity.
6. Who inspires you the most?
I draw inspiration everyday from almost every person I see, meet and work with. My wife and kids also inspire me; each is selfless, brilliant and driven to achieve excellence.
7. If you could have one super power what would it be?
I don’t need a super power, per se, but a semi-super power would be to hit a golf ball straighter and longer (just kidding). I do think, however, that we can wield super power by delivering Hands-On Inspired Leadership 25-30 times a year, helping to transform many different teams.
8. What is your favorite quote?
I always tell people “Do Your Best! Do What’s Right! And Demonstrate Inspired Leadership!”
9. Where was your favorite duty station?
My favorite duty station is Fort Benning, Georgia. As the former Home of the Infantry (now home to the Infantry and Armor) it raised me to be the leader I am today. It is also the place where Margie and I spent a major portion of our time and raised our kids. We made lifelong friends, memories and gained values here and are always happy to hear “welcome home” when we drive through the gates. It really is the greatest installation on Earth!
10. What is your definition of a Warrior?
A Warrior is a person of character, with moral and physical courage who works relentlessly to improve self and help others. Warriors win humbly and build teams daily. Finally, a Warrior is a fighter who exudes confidence and never quits on the team, on his family and on his mission.
11. Best way to contact you, find out about you and inspired leadership, any hashtags, social media information?
Check us out at:
www.theferritergroup.com
https://www.facebook.com/The-Ferriter-Group-579695728842824/timeline/
Or email theferritergroup@gmail.com for more information!
by admin | Sep 20, 2015 | Dr. Theresa Larson, Warrior Movement
How a young military leader battled bulimia and was able to heal through a chain reaction starting with her thoughts!
A principle rule of life is that whatever passes from one’s head to one’s heart will affect every move made with body, mind, and spirit. A chain reaction of healing must take the place of a negative self-image. By a sequence of self destructive thoughts, words and deeds, bulimia infected me. Like a carnivorous, sinister monster, it controlled most things in my life, and caused unhappiness with my direction in life and overall self-loathing. What once were innocent thoughts became my beliefs!
My personal war with bulimia started as series of minor battles. From managing my food intake to my obsession with exercise, these skirmishes went to my core. I excelled at pushing myself to the point where I was willing to give up my own freedom and health to serve others. Ultimately, this mindset would accomplish any mission required of me. From an All American softball player, to First Lieutenant Marine Corps Officer, I was with the elite. On the surface I may have been calm, cool and collected; but inside I was a churning whirlpool of misguided passions. I was my own worst critic.
The chain reaction of negative events had gone so far that my body’s every movement had the tattoo of bulimia attached to it. My personal discontent had reached a point where my ability to lead effectively got in the way. Time seemed to stand still. During my deployment to the Sunni Triangle during Operation Iraqi Freedom III, my time was filled with daily missions, operational preparation, and female insurgent escort. Personally I began filling my body, mind, and spirit with fatigue of criticism, restricting, over-indulging, and anxiety. With talking to my father, a few Marines I respected, and listening to my heart, I realized I had to say something and get help or else, God forbid, I could hurt someone else by my lack of attention to detail. I was medevac’d home to the United States knowing, as explained to me, that my career in the United States Marine Corps, would be over!! In retrospect, Bulimia was the bullet with my name on it. My battle was do or die, and it needed to end.
Following my medevac, I encountered feelings of intense guilt that I did not FINISH the job I sent out to do, something very unlike me. I was on a slow road to recovery. During my first season of professional softball in Italy, I was finally able to let go of bulimia and let my body heal. Recovery took the power and strength given to me by God, the support and the encouragement from loved ones, and the constant mindfulness and flow of positive information.
My healing manifested itself in many forms of the mind, body, and spirit and I was able to heal in my mind with the help of this concept:
“May Your beliefs become your thoughts,
Your thoughts become your words,
Your words become your actions,
Your actions become your habits,
Your habits become your character,
Your values become your destiny.”
– Mahatma Gandhi
The slow and steady pilgrimage from my mind to my heart was the longest trip I ever made. I learned why crucial, positive self-talk is vital to mental health and how beautiful my mind was with re-occurring positive thoughts substituting my bad ones. My spiritual recovery was the most crucial. I HAD to rely on God, and with HIM I would have faith-talks that bolstered my belief in myself through his love for me.
My physical recovery also came with time and patience. I took part in Team-in-Training engaging in voluntary health and exercise programs that kept me active with other like-minded people. I am now a Doctor of Physical Therapy and helping people not only with their physical ailments, but also their mental and spiritual components, I find to be very fulfilling. I train crossfit adaptive athletes as well as teach mobility at my local crossfit gym. I can tailor effective workouts and exercises athletes, both healthy and those with disabilities or dysfunctions need and love to fit their capabilities. With my days centered on helping others heal, I am being healed, and I take time for myself each day to keep the balance alive. Being in a profession of always helping others, my desire to reach out has expanded, manifesting into other areas such as speaking and writing. I have been invited to speak on the subject of building healthy body image with not only young men and women, but military leaders, and wounded warriors. It is true that when you give to others, you receive, but you must first know how to give to yourself.
I give to myself through meditation, yoga, preparing a good meal, prayer, and crossfit. I am delighted to have the energy to manage personal affairs now, that seven years ago I would not have been able to do. See your struggles as a gift. Remember: what the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve! I challenge you to take the pilgrimage from your mind to your heart, it starts with your thoughts…..
This article originally appeared on NEDA.
