I have let my beliefs keep my hands tied for so long so as to appeal to everyone and not piss any one off. I have not spoken my truth but I will no longer let that happen. I cannot make everyone happy all the time and I’m not going to limit myself any longer. I am taking a stand to honor my truth and who I really am. I am a very loving man, very Spiritual, want to be surrounded by beautiful women but have one committed woman in my life and honor her and her truth. I swear, I love, I give, I laugh and I cry. I have two cats that I love very much. I appreciate the beauty in all things. I train hard.. I sweat. I have a bible, but I’ve never read it. I drink occasionally, Red Wine and a good beer. I was vegetarian for 12 years of which 2 were Vegan… Now I’m not. I love meat… I’m a real guy, and I simply will not hesitate with my choices of words when I’m writing any longer.
The catalyst was a very powerful email from a friend that I posted with her permission. I’ve been overwhelmed with email and responses to the post One Serious Commitment To Weight Loss
So much so that my day yesterday was spent answering emails rather than writing.
Based on the responses, I’ve found a few things of note. Some people do not understand why I thought it was the best email I’ve ever received, others completely resonate with it and others were so offended by the word “fucking” that the looked past the message.
The f word can have a lot of power. Power for good and power for evil. It can empower you to take action and fully commit or it can be used to completely destroy someones life. It’s about choice. We are confronted with choices every day and it’s in how we react to them that make us who we are. The word “fuck” has no meaning; it has no power; it’s just 4 letters. It’s You and I who give it meaning. It’s your choice, it’s my choice. It’s not any different than saying “fricking” or “frick”. I know some people who can give that word some incredible power as well, for both good and bad.
One of my best friends sent me an email. It was the most moving thing I’ve read in a long time and I KNOW it has the power to change so many lives for the better. I believe that we need more enlightened people in this world, which is the whole point behind Warrior Camp. I shorten the actual name “Enlightened Warrior Camp” to just Warrior Camp for simplicity of writing. Part of enlightenment is to see things from another point of view. You don’t have to agree with me or anyone else, that is a choice as well, however, allowing another person their point of view allows your’s to be received as well. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. Well, I’m going to be me and speak my truth in hoping that you as well honor yourself and speak your truth. For more information about the power of words, read the book “The Four Agreements”
I LOVE the diversity on this planet. Christians, Muslims, Atheists, Mormon, Jewish, Black, White, Yellow, Red, Male Female, Heterosexual and Homosexual. It’s a wonderful planet and there are so many points of view.
I love asking questions and learning about people, how they’d react to situations and what there beliefs are. Two people can watch the same incident and describe it differently. It’s amazing. When I drove cab, I found it quite entertaining to see how people lived their lives. Some different than mine, some similar.
I have spent a lot of time with Leonard Eaglecloud Howell, a native shaman healer. We’ve done many a sweat lodge (many), smoked peace pipes and participated in native drumming ceremonies. He’s a beautiful singer, very funny and quite spiritual. I’m proud to call him a friend.
I’ve been to church, but quit when given the option by my parents at about age 13. My mom is quite devout as is my sister and her family. I have a good friend and associate Gene Sullivan who runs his ministry under the name “Jump For Jesus“. He is the former bodyguard for Evil Knievel and a fellow Sunrider. Watch your hand when you shake his… he may rip it off.
I’ve read about Buddhism, Taoism. I’ve been inside the mosque in Cairo where Muhammad Ali‘s crypt is located.
I am very spiritual, but I am not a church goer and do not subscribe to any one faith. I believe in the power of nature, the universe, all that is around us. Some call this power or energy God, others Jehovah, and many more “the universe”. If I had to narrow it down and describe my faith, I’d have to say it’s closest to Buddhism or Taoism. If I had to pick one, it would be Buddhist, however I do not go to temple, I just resonate with the message. I have NEVER told anyone this in print and only 1 person I know, knows my take on this. Funny enough.. nobody has ever asked, which is refreshing because I don’t believe it matters.
Be the best person you can be, do no harm and with every breath, try and change the world to make it a better place. Simple.
I have long been very careful about what it is that I say on my blog and in my writing. I also realize that by watching what I’m saying and being concerned about who I might offend has really limited me and not allowed me my full creative reign. I’ve sent out holiday messages saying “Happy Holidays” rather than “Merry Christmas” just so I don’t offend the Jewish.
I do not wish to offend. My mission is to change lives. To inspire people to take action on their health and physique. However, this caution that I take to not offend will no longer be in effect. Let me make this clear. I do not wish to offend and I won’t purposely say something to cause harm, but I won’t change all my wording so that it appeals to everyone and is the “diluted” version of the message.
From this point forward, I will be me. I will write in my style, saying what I have to say and if I choose to say “Holy Crap” or “Fuck” from time to time, it will be only if it’s fitting and in line with the message. Again, that word has power in it and I choose to use it for change…. The power to change… for commitment… to give power to your actions and your undeniable commitment to take action on your goal and know that “nothing is going to stop you”.
I will not be throttled back by my own beliefs of losing friends because of the language I use. Some of my most powerful beliefs are about offending people and not losing friends. I will not be held back because of this belief any longer.
I am re-framing that belief with the belief that by being myself, I will attract more people into my life who have the desire to create powerful change. I will resonate with more people and together we will show others that it can be done. That which you want is attainable if you believe it is and you’re willing to take action on it.
I am a good guy. I do not swear when I’m writing, but I certainly do when I’m speaking. To me the word has only the power I give it and it’s used for good. There are times when the use of that word can save your life or a loved ones. My commitment to you is this: I will only use the word where it gives power to the point I’m trying to make. In doing so, it has even more power because it’s not used routinely and without cause.
You can make a choice Dear Reader.
You can choose to respectfully disagree with my use of the word, honor my truth and receive the message, or you can choose to have the word shock you as you attach your beliefs to it and look past the message. In being open to others beliefs, honoring their truth, you gain more friends, receive more information and positions on the subject and become more loving as you accept others as they accept you.
I respect your beliefs and your truth, all I ask is that you allow and respect mine.
Holy Crap Rob…
You just laid it all out there my man!
The one lesson that your readers can take from this is that you are an honest man and they can trust that you are speaking from the heart and from truth.
Too many people put on a front to try to please everyone. Big lesson here… You can’t please everyone.
Hey bud… you’ve got a raving fan now. Not because you may use the F word, but because of your passion and ability to get a strong message across and give it the power that it deserves.
Myself, I use the word ‘frickin’ an aweful lot and it’s always when I’m passionate about something and really want to emphasize a point and catch the persons attention.
Thanks for sharing so much of your personal life with us. There are many lessons that we can learn from you and you continue to make a real difference in this world.
Keep it up Rob!
Scott Tousignant, BHK, CFC
http://www.AskTheFitBastard.com/blog
PS Yep my nickname is ‘The Fit Bastard’… I’m sure that will offend a few people… but it certainly inspires many.
Congradulations Coop!
I was amazed and inspired by your message to your readers called, ‘Speaking My Truth.’ We all can learn a big lesson here about what we edit in fear of judgement, personal ridicule, and what we want to appear as to others. Congradulations on what seems to be a breakthrough in your own life and the truth and honesty that you wish to offer to your readers. We can all use a little more honesty in our lives.
I’ve known this amazing man for a few years now and can attest to his kind heart, his loving and honest nature, and his huge arms. I encourage you all to continue to return to this site, use the amazing information contained here, and speak your own truth.
Much love and respect.
JOHN FRASER
http://www.itsgoodtobeme.net
Wow – honesty, cool!
It is on one hand that I can count the number of people I know that are truly honest and speak their truth. Most of us do fear being judged by others, making us like them, etc – whatever our reasoning or excuse.
I say go for it and more power to you and whatever words are necessary to get the message across – use ’em!
Darlene
WTG Rob ! This time, I agree with you 100%…non…let’s say 200%…Be the Rob we want to know…be the Rob you are…this is the one we want…well…let’s speak for myself…this is the Rob I want to see and read, the Rob that changed my life. Go Bud ! you are wonderful !
🙂
Lucie xx
Rob, great letter! People will think what they like no matter what. If they are offended, so be it, if they are inspired, that’s great! It is a choice as you said.
I don’t even know you and I can tell that you are a great guy. Becoming authentic takes a lot of work and courage. It’s called being real…I support you for being who you are… a whole person that may use the F word when he feels appropriate.
AHO! 🙂
Fellow Warrior!
I love that you are not going to hesitate to choose the words that best reflect the way you feel to avoid offending others. From what I’ve read, you seem to be a great guy so it is wonderful to get to read more of your thoughts, opinions and knowledge… without watering them down. To me, I feel like it is a step closer to the real you, making it more… honest? And certainly more meaningful. I believe as long as there is no intension to hurt others there is nothing wrong with the way a person expresses themselves.
On a side note, you are quite an inspiration to me and I will be checking back on your site regularly. You are a person well worth looking up to!
Thank you for all your comments. It’s a nice balance to this
Each and every email I send out has an unsubscribe link at the bottom. I invite everyone to take action on their life, their health, their physique. Let no one stand in your way of your dream.. take action. If that means clicking on an unsubscribe link.. then so be it… take charge. It is you who creates your reality. If I inspire you, fantastic.. lets go on an incredible journey of wellness… if I offend you with truth, honesty and what.. 1 word in the past 10 years.. then I am saddened to see you leave. Good luck with your new adventure.. I wish you well and the best of success.
Thank you Marie, Lucie… oui.. Lucie xxoo, Rita, Darlene, John and Scott.
Your thoughts.. one way or the other, I welcome them all
Rob I admire your decision to be true to yourself first and foremost and true and honest with those of us that look to you for inspiration, knowledge, and support! No matter how hard you work in life to do what you want and love to do, there is ALWAYS going to be a nay-sayer out there that will work just as hard to tear you down. Sometimes these people come in the form of strangers replying to your emails and sometimes they come as friends and family.
Strangers you can easily ignore, if you told them it was going to rain 100 dollar bills and all they had to do was put out buckets to catch them in they would find something wrong with the situation. We have to learn to move on and let them live their lives in the condition they choose to do so.
Friends and family seem to make it a little harder to ignore, but it can be done! It’s nice to have their support, acceptance, and approval but I’m realizing more and more I can be happy without it.
Once again you have inspired me! This time to stand up for what I believe and be the person I am.
Thank you Rob for being so willing to share so much of yourself with us. I know we must get a little exhausting sometimes but you have already helped me make very positive changes in my life and for that I will ALWAYS be grateful to you.
By the way, if you haven’t already I suggest you read “The Five People You Meet In Heaven” by Mitch Albom. There is no possible way YOU could ever understand all positive influences you have right now the lives of people you have never met and probably never will meet. Thank you for that!
Wow, what can I say. It’s sad that somebody would get so worked up over one word that they missed the whole message. As for the message in that post, it was strong. I had to do some self examination and kick myself in the ass. My first thought was, “has she looked in a mirror lately? She’s beautiful!” I felt sort of annoyed at first but then I came back to myself. I know I can’t compare her journey to mine. This is about so much more than weight loss. She may have less pounds to lose than I do but she’s still facing the same challenges and frustrations and can still use our support. So, Angela, you have my support and Rob, you have my respect. Thank you for being who you are and sharing it with all of us.
That’s the Coop I know!
The truth is all we have, when we live it every moment a whole new world opens up!
You will attract different people in your life, you will create amazing opportunites and the best part is you will love yourself event more.
A great role model for sure!
That’s why we are the bestest buds we are, Truth Prevails.
Love ya!
Ang
right on brother, you’re f**in’ killin’ it now!
Hi Rob – I too was one of those people that read your reply to “one serious commitment…” and was left feeling kinda “let down”. It’s like when someone builds up, and gets you all excited about a movie, and then when it doesn’t live up, you’re disappointed. I remember feeling kinda sorry that this was the best e-mail you have ever received.
I have just read your response to all the feedback you received “speaking my truth” and the first thing that came to mind was “overkill”. So, perhaps your over-reaction to situations is just who you are.
Good for you for speaking your truth, your mind, and saying whatever you want to say. It’s just too bad that you feel the need to rationalize it in a 35 paragraph, gazzillion word essay filled with religious analogies and explanations as to when and where you swear???
Nobody can say you’re not passionate and I did find the rhetoric entertaining. I enjoy your website.
Lisa
Thanks for the point of view Lisa, I appreciate it.
I had responded to Lucie who at first was not inspired at Ang’s email either. This is how I responded (via email)
and as for your comment about THIS post… Thank You.
Hell yeah! Not being yourself would mean having secrets. It’s a little secret that you occasionally use a four letter word. It’s a little secret that you don’t believe God is a bearded man who lives in the sky. Oh well.
If you don’t have secrets, your secrets cannot be exposed, and you cease to be vulnerable. Let me tell you, it’s a rough path, unless you fully commit to detachment. Once you fully detach from the concern of other’s opinions, you will attract 10 fold the good people in your life.
It’s odd how people like other people who are just themselves, even if they don’t share their views. Like me liking Bobby Knight for being himself, even though I disagree with nearly all of his childish crap. You at least know you’re not getting smoke blown up your ass.
Carry on, brother! BTW, you’re the second person I who has recommended Warrior Camp. I’m going to have to put some serious consideration into that.
OverKill and Over-reaction… hmmm
How about Passion and Passionate? Yep, I’m both. Thanks
and Josh… Thanks brother! Good to see your comment here! I’m on target for 7% bodyfat by Christmas. Never really committed to that goal until about 6 weeks ago. Now I’m all over it!
7% by Christmas, thats my personal promise to myself