by admin | Jul 30, 2018 | Warrior Movement, Warrior of the Week/Month
Hi all, my name is Alex De La Campa. I am 27 years old and I am now a retired veteran of the United States Navy. I spent 4 years in Naval special warfare and in 2012 while on active duty I was involved in an accident that resulted not only in the loss of physical but mental and cognitive capabilities. A severe injury to my inner ear and a TBI (traumatic brain injury) left me with little to do but spend a painfully slow 14 month recovery with things like: relearning how to walk in straight lines, closing my eyes without losing proprioception, bed ridden with migraines and neurological impairments. I wasn’t prepared for my time in the military to end so abruptly, I loved my job so when it was time for me to move on I had nothing really to move on to. This transition brought with it it’s own set of unique challenges and up until that point I had always defined myself on my ability to not only meet a challenge but dominate the opportunity to overcome an obstacle. These challenges were different–they are different— and I fight them every day, they continue to challenge me when I least expect it and am most unprepared. I spent a lot of time wringing bottles of Jameson dry and asking myself if I was worth the effort. I’m currently a sociology Major set to graduate in 2016, this is something I didn’t plan on doing before I joined and something I didn’t think I would be able to do after my injury. I am back in the gym and am luckily under the advisement of Dr. Theresa Larson, I have a redefined view on fitness, health and the amazingly resilient structure that is the human body.
What I have come to understand about myself and my one trait that I used to admire, but that I had seemed to loose after my injury and the one I had always defined myself by: My mental fortitude, I found that ability for perseverance and self talk, has actually been the one trait that has gotten me through. So its nice to know I still got the goods. I am still a sucker for being able to fly.
by admin | Feb 21, 2016 | Dr. Theresa Larson, Warrior Movement
I have exciting news. WARRIOR, my memoir is coming on April 5th.
I am extremely proud of this book as it took years to put together, and a lot of healing in the interim.
WARRIOR tells the story of my life.
In fact, WARRIOR tells the story of all of my lives.
Because in my thirty plus years I feel like I’ve lived ten lives.
It shares my journey of being a tomboy, living in a log cabin where I helped care for my mother who I was very close too, and who died of cancer when I was ten.
I was a talented athlete. I won accolades in high school, and pitched on the softball team for Villanova University. I was voted All-East Pitcher of the Year, Academic All-America, and later I pitched professionally in Italy.
I became a fitness contest participant and winner, and model.
I served in the United States Marines Corps, won leadership awards, became a platoon leader, and served in Iraq, leading 150 Marines on several dangerous missions.
And…I was world class at being cruel to my mind and body- telling myself I was not good enough when I didn’t win a game, when my body was not as fit as I wanted it to feel and look, when I didn’t get good enough grades, when I was made fun of in school, when anything external allowed me to feel less than perfect. To top it off, I also became a world-class bulimic, sometimes throwing up sometimes seven times a day.
Yes, for years I fought my own war, struggling to balance several of these lives at once, while hiding that one secret life. Finally, to overcome that secret war, I learned that I needed to call up every ounce of strength I could muster, strength I never knew I had. I learned then that your true strength lies within you.
In WARRIOR I take you with me into all of my lives in intimate and vivid detail. I examine every important relationship I had, no matter how personal, difficult, and, at times, painful. I take you into my Marine training and deployment into the guts of the Corps, learning hand to hand combat, mountain warfare training and becoming—not without difficulty and some hilarity—a Marine Corps engineer and platoon leader, and then dealing with sexual harassment, arriving in Iraq, and finally facing my eating disorder head on and deciding to return home via being medevaced.
We all face wars inside us. Our foes are self doubt, regret, loneliness, loss, fear of failure, and the need to be in control. Our weapons are love for ourselves, good friends, exercise, healthy eating, rest, quiet, and living in each and every moment. Choosing to use these weapons means you are in the arena battling for your life each and every day. The glory goes to you, just being in the arena, and knowing there will always be critics (even yourself) wanting you to fail, feel less than, etc.
I continue to live my daily life in a male dominated world as doctor of physical therapy and strength & conditioning coach. I’ve realized my calling. I run a physical therapy practice and I run a CrossFit class for wounded warriors and adaptive athletes, helping them develop strength and improve their movement. I am the instructor, but these inspiring men and women teach me way more than I could ever teach them. I work with a mother of two, a former Marine, who wages her war with adrenal cancer and does not know when her last day on this earth will be. I work with a young veteran who lost his leg above the knee in Afghanistan. I work with a double amputee who served in Iraq. I work with a Naval Officer who was sexually assaulted by one of her peers.
They share their stories, they reveal their vulnerabilities, they give me their hearts. We laugh, all of us, and we cry sometimes. They curse, not at their plight, but at not being able to do one more rep or push themselves for thirty more seconds. Yet, I tell them. You haven’t done that one more rep yet. We work together, we cheer each other on. This is my new team, the team I lead, the team I pitch for now.
I tell them that asking for help makes you strong.
Asking for help makes you a warrior.
I am a warrior.
I wrote this book because I think I can help.
I believe my story to be many peoples’ story, perhaps the story of someone you know, or perhaps even your story.
Here is what Kirkus Reviews wrote in a rave review:
“By turns honest and heartbreaking, Larson’s book is a celebration of inner strength. It is also a poignant reminder that the mark of a true warrior is not just someone who fights wars, but who also knows how to “ask for help” in times of crisis. A courageous and inspiring memoir.”
I used to believe that I had to be perfect. I used to believe looking fit and winning games meant I was good enough. It took me a lifetime and living several lives to find out that no such thing as perfection, and strength is so much more than what it looks like.
by admin | Feb 2, 2016 | Dr. Theresa Larson, Warrior Movement
Let’s be honest. How many of you have felt a tinge of envy when you see a friend’s Facebook post in some awesome place doing some awesome thing? Or wonder what they’re doing in life that you’re not doing to allow them to do such cool things? I know I have, and it’s ridiculous.
Now that I am in full swing launch mode for my upcoming book ‘Warrior’, I am quite active on social media 6 days of the week. As I use social media more and more, I have become hyper-aware of how curated most posts are. Most original posts seem to be the best moments of that person’s day or recreations of a happy moment. When I compare those to the offline conversations I have with people, usually that person’s reality isn’t what was posted. I understand – who wants to frown into a camera? But who realistically has awesome moments all day long?
Many of you might think, “that’s obvious, Dr. T!” I want to dig a bit further into this, because the repetitive dopamine cycle we fall into with social media isn’t necessarily good, and it’s hard to break.
I wanted to share some methods I’m working on to keep social media in its place so it does NOT get in the way of doing what I love, does NOT cause me envy or anxiety and does NOT keep me from being present with those physically around me. I hope these resonate with you. #5 is the most important of all!
1. When I scroll through my feeds, I remind myself to consider the source of the post. Some posts are intended to be uplifting, others attention-seeking. The poster made a choice not to show the cursing and sweating during the hike to that mountain vista, not the half-dozen fails before hitting the PR I’m watching nor the sad moment earlier in the day.
2. I know social media activity has been shown to be addictive (dopamine and narcissism are the key culprits). If, upon a happy or sad moment, I feel the need to tell the world about it, I know I’m giving in to that addiction, that my brain is seeking more and more social media stimulus, more and more dopamine-driven emotion, pleasure, and want. In these moments I shut off my phone.
3. I try to be happy for the person posting. Being authentically happy for others can really help in avoiding low moments. Everyone is unique and gets unique opportunities, some more than others. I do not have to know their whole story. Reminding myself to be authentically happy for someone helps me quickly get past jealous thoughts, and keeps the gifts of my own life in perspective.
4. When I get tired of only seeing inauthentic or staged posts, I consider posting my reality in that moment. People may hate it, people may like it. But it is ME, and it is real. One fourth of Americans have anxiety and or depression. Posting real sh*t can be really nice and helpful for someone who is having a bad day. Showing how life can be messy is a good thing. Just wait until all my book quotes start coming out…those show some of my messes.
5. I focus inward. The more I focus on caring for my own inner nature- quiet time, being present to my husband, human interaction versus text, the less I need or care about what others are doing. The more I focus on seeking approval from others the more I need to be in the know or find myself spending hours on Facebook.
Social Media is addicting, but it can be controlled. Try the 5 steps above and enjoy your reality. Post YOUR reality but only because you want to, not because you feel you NEED too. Give yourself time away from looking at other peoples’ lives and ENJOY and be present in your own.
For more on dopamine and social media addiction, read here.
by admin | Jan 13, 2016 | Dr. Theresa Larson, Warrior Movement
“How do I know the good side from the bad side” – Luke Skywalker
“You will know when you are CALM, at peace. Passive.” – Yoda
Obi Wan Kenobi describes the Force as what gives a Jedi his power. It’s an energy created by all living things and surrounds and penetrates us. Some have stronger forces than others. I am sure most of us choose light over dark- I would hope! Dark sides in our lives can take the form as negative thoughts, self harm, lack of self care, the drive to be perfect, wanting to harm others, unfocused, out of control, mean, and/or selfishness. The light side takes the form of patience, love, taking in the good in situations, discipline, health, the acceptance and love for yourself, the ability to stick up for yourself, being calm, genuine, and compassionate.
So to avoid more dark side behaviors that can suck us in and create tapes that are distorted, let’s nip the dark side in the butt early on, and start creating the light side of the Force behaviors.
Here is how:
1. Perform Self Care 10-15 minutes a day. Picking up a piece of your favorite mobility equipment and going after the knotted, stiff, sore tissue in your body is a good idea daily. 10-15 minutes a day 2-3 minutes each spot/technique can help change the physiology of your musculo-skeletal system. This will also help you eliminate pain in your body and allow you to be pro-active about your health. 96-98 % of all injuries out there are preventable. Also the dark side hates it when you’re healthy and pain-free.
2. Spend 5 minutes a day in stillness and quiet. This is where your body, mind, and soul can connect and find some balance. We all live busy lives, and the dark side feeds on a monkey-like mind that likes to be negative and self- defeating. Consistency is key in this arena, and one of the best times of the day is in the morning before your home wakes up or evening when everyone is in bed. Make it your time to fill your souls cup!
3. Move 45 min to 1 hour per day in your favorite activity– could be yoga, walking, hiking, running, weight training or anything else. Move it or lose it. The dark side likes a sedentary, non-moving human being who hates good posture and really loves sitting in a dumpy position. Enjoy exercise of your choice, sit and stand frequently during your day, and me sure to smile when you are training!
4. Say I love you to someone. Saying I love you is a positive, uplifting message and can be said to those who you have really really strong feelings for. This could be a really good friend or your significant other. It is a good practice to do this because just by you saying it gives positive energy to not only you but your friend or significant other. The light side Force is then spread around which is not what the dark side wants.
5. When you are in a sticky situation, are being challenged by emails, phone calls, to -do’s etc take the time to BREATH 3 long slow breaths (5 seconds in, 5 seconds out) filling up the belly AND RIB CAGE. This is a great way to check in and build energy because you broke the chain of frantic events and gave yourself a chance to ground in the moment so to speak. Using your breath as a tool to take a quick break. Vacation, time to center/ground in the moment is like a small dose of serotonin or dopamine that we all need during our day. The dark side likes stressed out, frantic, miles long of to-do’s.
Choose the LIGHT!
Photo credit: http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Yoda
by admin | Jan 12, 2016 | Warrior Movement, Warrior of the Week/Month
I had the awesome opportunity to be a guest on Stephs “Harder to Kill” radio which was not only a rewarding experience, but gave me the chance to connect with I had heard and read so much about, but also decide instantaneously I had to be friends with her.
-Dr. T
Steph Gaudreau combines a formal education in biology / human physiology (BS Biology—Human Physiology), 12 years of science teaching experience (MA—Education and National Board Certification), holistic nutrition training (Certified Holistic Nutrition Practitioner), and an unabashed love of tasty food (human with taste buds) on her blogs, StupidEasyPaleo.com and StephGaudreau.com.
Steph’s mission is to spread the word about how to make simple, tasty recipes to help people in their quests to just eat real food. She wrote the best-seller The Paleo Athlete: A Beginner’s Guide to Real Food for Performance in 2014, and her award-winning book, The Performance Paleo Cookbook: Recipes for Eating Better, Getting Stronger & Gaining the Competitive Edge (Page Street Publishing, 2015).
Steph’s recently taken to the airwaves with her chart-topping podcast, Harder to Kill Radio, where she interviews experts in fitness, nutrition and mindset about how to build unbreakable humans.
She lives in San Diego with the loves of her life, her Scottish husband Z and her cat Ellie. When she’s not lifting heavy stuff, you can find her tending to her beehive, standing on the dining room table to get the perfect food photo shot, and reading nerdy science books.
Name and a little about WHO you are!
I’m Steph Gaudreau, and I spend my days coaching others how eat healthy and get stronger. That’s the one sentence summary of what I do, but in reality my interests span everything from beekeeping to food photography, podcasting to writing, and everything in between.
I grew up in Massachusetts and ended up living in San Diego eleven years ago. A twelve year career as a high school science teacher left me feeling like there was a bigger world to teach outside the four walls of the classroom, so in 2013 I left to blaze my own trail and start my own business. I turned my hobby blog, Stupid Easy Paleo, into a platform where I educate people about healthy eating and inspire them to make the process as simple—and painless—as possible.
Sports and competing have always been a big part of my life, and I’ve dabbled in everything from tae kwon do to soccer to mountain biking. Five years ago, I found the barbell, and it’s changed my life. Now I train and compete (and coach) in the sport of Olympic weightlifting. There’s nothing like strong feels.
Warrior Story about how you used your inner Warrior to survive, adapt and overcome, and how it gave you perspective on life.
Back in 2011, I was doing a race called Vision Quest for the second time. It’s a grueling event…56+ miles long with over 12,000 feet of climbing over rough terrain. I’d trained my butt off and was so excited to crush it, having improved my fitness and strength since my first Vision Quest three years prior.
Five miles into the race, as the sun began to light the canyon, I started to experience overwhelming back pain. I kept riding on, but every pedal stroke was killing me. Every ten feet, I thought about turning around and pulling the plug on the whole thing considering I expected to have another 8+ hours on the bike.
Somehow, I willed myself forward. While I was never in harm’s way and it wasn’t a life or death situation, I battled with my own mind for hours and hours. I knew that if I believed I could go on, my legs would follow suit.
It was a long day on the bike, a hair over 8 hours when it was all said and done, but I crossed the finish line. I’ve done dozens of races, but that one stands out as a defining event in my life. From then on, I knew that I could rely on the strength of my mind to get me through just about anything.
What is one trait you most admire about you (Your inner warrior)?
Gosh, I think I’d have to say that I’m hard-working. If you give me a job to do, I will get it done, and I’ve earned the nickname “workhorse” because of it. I know that could be seen in a negative way, like I get sucked into the hustle, but in reality I’m highly protective of my health and wellness as a business owner. That hard-working side of me translates into consistency and patience. I’ve never been really naturally gifted at anything, but I’m able to keep working at things until I develop some pretty decent skills. It’s not magic. It’s not genetic. It’s something all of us are capable of if we put our minds to it.
What kind of special power would you like to have?
This is so tough, but if we’re talking superhero type stuff, I’d have to say the power to fly. If we’re speaking a little more pragmatically, I’d say the power to convince every woman I meet to give strength training a try. Sure, the physical benefits are wonderful, but it’s so mentally and emotionally powerful. The confidence it builds spills over into all aspects of one’s life.
by admin | Jan 4, 2016 | Warrior Movement, Warrior of the Week/Month
I am Kevin P. Justice. Born 4 Nov 1969 in Roanoke, VA. I had a good childhood, take the Appalachian Mountains with me wherever I go and when I smell fresh air, it reminds me of home.
I joined the Navy in 1994, and remember vividly the feeling of excitement of a new chapter in my life. I spent most of this past summer in and out of hospitals and was diagnosed with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) due to an injury I received while deployed.
Associated with the TBI, I have also been diagnosed with Trauma Related, Cognitive and Anxiety Disorders, all not to overshadow sometimes funny but very frustrating balance issues, a pesky speech impediment and headaches… Having spent most of my career at sea and doing what Sailors do, I have had my share of injuries, but nothing like this. Questioning your thoughts is not unusual, but constantly about most everything that goes through your mind is not my ideal cognitive process…
I have endured/enjoyed many deployments over the years. Thankful for the wonderful and life-long friends that I have made and can think of few better callings in life. Sacrifice is part of the deal and I have had my share. None to worry though as I have air in my lungs, moving forward as best I am able, and thankful for the precious things in my life…
What the future holds: Medical separation from the Navy I love and don’t want to leave, questions about how to sustain myself on the “outside” and a new chapter in the journey…All the things that won’t matter much in 20 years and I try and keep that outlook.
Regarding a trait that I admire about myself: My desire. My desire to be the best Papa I can be to my boys, my desire of self-healing (clarification: focus on myself by the use of my own and other’s knowledge, caring and experience to heal), and my desire to spread good things to those around me whether it is with a smile, kind words or effort that drains me.
Now for a superpower I would like to have. Superman was always my favorite, but I like shorts too much. Don’t remember him ever wearing shorts… Maybe being like Spiderman cause of his agility, but at 46, doubt there is a spider alive that can bridge that gap. How about being able to have a sphere of influence that allows others around me to be happy or in some kind manner? Geessshhh, I think I am on to something here. Imagine people void of pessimism, negativity, greed and envy. What a life that would be. Yep, I pick that!
About “Getting quiet”: I met Dr. Theresa Larson through the adaptive sports program run by Balboa hospital. They have an amazing program that help people get back into shape, physically as well as mentally. I went to a Crossfit workout at Fathom Crossfit where she (and the owner Alec Zirkenbach) showed true caring for my well-being and have enhanced my inner-focus. She mentioned this thing about being quiet. I was interested. After some instruction, I followed her prescribed path. What a wonderful journey it took me on. Simply sitting in my chair and taking care of me for a bit of time during each day. This kind of focus, commitment and understanding is not in our everyday culture. However, I recommend that you take it, make it yours and it will provide benefits that you can not measure by a slide rule, lab results or percentage. Only you know you the best. Thanks doc for reminding me that our journey needs to be simpler, better focused and have valued clarity 🙂
My closing thoughts (and this might get towards the deep end of the shallow part of the pool so get on your favorite animal decorated arm-floaties)…
We all have physical and/or mental challenges that face us often. You may not be able to stop them and they may be small or large in comparison to the ones of the person next to you. However, I try not to think of them in those terms, but rather of my perception of what it will take me to overcome and/or adapt to them. That to me, is the measurement of effort required for a given challenge. My simple terms: Do I need a shovel, backhoe or explosives to get to the desired depth of my perception needed to overcome the challenge…
Some of the ways I work around or through challenges:
-Breathe deep and try to sustain forward momentum
-The direction travelled may not be straight, that’s ok (angles give better perspective)
-Small goals create more success than trying to squint at the finish line
-Your patience will be tested. This is not pass/fail, it is an opportunity to to improve it
-The past is just that, so leave it be
-Asking/accepting help shows strength, courage and almost always is a must
-Professionals, friends, and family can provide guidance and support, but it is the belief within you that WILL allow you to get better
Every single day, work on you.
V/R,
LT Kevin P. Justice
USN
Kevin is picture with his sons DJ and Logan
