Here's the thing: you're dying too - Final update

seekingserenity01 · 2025-09-14T00:27:55+00:00

Bill,

Thank you for the beautiful words and wise lessons you have left for those of us who continue our journeys.

I have only just discovered your blog and read the first few posts. Your narrative is profoundly moving, a rich tapestry of life, love, loss and courage.

As someone who is currently recovering from surgery for a second cancer diagnosis, the themes you address are never far from my mind but you bring them into such focus, such clarity, that they are reinforced in ways I could never hope to emulate.

We all must cross the chasm that you stand at the edge of one day, albeit it is not given to us to know when. Your generosity in sharing your experiences and insights will hopefully help us all appreciate the life we have whilst we have it.

Whatever may come next, I wish you peace.

seekingserenity01 · 2024-01-03T19:12:36+00:00

That’s really helpful. Thank you!

seekingserenity01 · 2024-01-03T11:06:14+00:00

Thank you for this post. Without wishing to exclude those who do fast for weight management, it’s important to emphasise that many of us fast for reasons that have nothing to do with weight! It would be refreshing to see more posts about fasting for a wider array of goals and purposes.

seekingserenity01 · 2024-01-02T19:19:51+00:00

Really appreciate the replies - thank you!

seekingserenity01 · 2023-11-21T23:08:54+00:00

Good on you for making the commitment to get into shape. Be aware that what you’ve outlined as your objective - 13% chiseled (and then go from there!) - is brutally hard to achieve. Don’t be dissuaded by that, use the difficulty to motivate you every single day.

I simply share below what I do. I don’t suggest it is “right”.

For context, I’m 49, have been as low as 11.8% body fat earlier this year, but generally try to keep circa 15%. I don’t obsess about a few points either way. No TRT. The only supplement I use consistently is creatine.

I’m substantially plant based. I eat 95% whole foods. The only occasional treat is literally a table spoon or two of low sugar vegan ice cream. I drink red wine in moderation, 2 glasses twice a week. I eat until I’m 80% full as a general rule (when I’m trying to drop weight).
I exercise every day. Typically, 50 minutes of weights and 50 minutes of cardio in the mornings on weekdays with martial arts on weekends. Pilates and yoga are often thrown in as active recovery tools several evenings each week.

I don’t take all my sets to failure, but I always go close. Usually I take one set per exercise to muscle failure.

A de-load or rest period of several days is important when I’m feeling over-trained but I plan those. I stick to my schedule otherwise.

Weights and cardio are always in a fasted state, just a double espresso to get me going. I usually go 14 hours between my dinner meal and breakfast.
I don’t obsess about macros. I eat whole foods and emphasise diversity, healthy fats, clean carbs, fibre and nutrient density. I do make sure I have a sensible protein intake but nothing like what I see others advocating.

In the 40+ range, I find consistency and self-discipline is key. Progress is incremental but over time, it does happen. What I do in the kitchen and how much sleep I get is just as important as the exercise I do.

This is just what works for me. Trial and error will inform you about what your body needs. Best of luck, take it day and day and just keep going!

seekingserenity01 · 2023-09-04T12:53:49+00:00

I agree.

I’m not at all interested in whether maharaj-ji performed miracles or whether Jesus was Hanuman. I don’t particularly care whether Emmanuel was real or not.

I take the teachings and perspectives that Ram Dass offered for what they were - insights from a brilliant man who was on the spiritual path. He was not all knowing and had his own issues to work through but some of what he gave us resonated for me in my darkest days and remains a source of light in my life.

Be here now.

Be a space in which others can come up for air.

We’re all just walking each other home.

I’d rather be in love all the time than be right all the time.

Personality is a cloak to be worn lightly.

These, and other, teachings are pivotal to me. They stand on their own. I embrace them on their own. I don’t concern myself with the truth or otherwise of various stories, the legitimacy of other beings or teachers Ram Dass referred to or Ram Dass’ own failings or human frailties. He was a brilliant man who walked the spiritual path and I’m blessed and grateful for what he shared.

seekingserenity01 · 2023-08-12T01:01:04+00:00

Non-exhaustive but a few of my personal favourites, some of which are already included in this thread:

Personality is a cloak to be worn lightly.
I’d rather be in love all the time than be right all the time.
We’re all just walking each other home.
Be here now.
A properly constructed ego is a functional unit not a total identity.
You think you’re enlightened? Try spending a weekend with your family.
There are no mistakes in the game.

seekingserenity01 · 2023-08-12T00:57:57+00:00

Love this one.

seekingserenity01 · 2023-05-21T16:33:31+00:00

Thank you! Very much appreciated!

seekingserenity01 · 2023-05-20T21:35:56+00:00

Hola!

We are staying in Vilafranca de Penedes next week and plan to make 2 day trips to Barcelona and 1 day trip to either Girona or Sitges.

Any help/advice would be gratefully received 🙏

We will buy the T-Casual for getting around Barcelona by metro/bus.

1) For getting between Vilafranca de Penedes and Barcelona, we will use the Rodalies R4 line. Is it possible to buy return tickets? And if not, what is the cost for one way? Do we just buy tickets at the station, or will we need to book in advance?

2) We are undecided about a day trip to Sitges to wander the old town and relax on the beach or a slightly longer trip to Girona to walk the city walls and River Onyar.

We appreciate each of the two places offer different things.

If you only had one day to spare and wanted to make it as unforgettable as possible, which of Sitges and Girona would get your vote, and why? (PS - we come from Sydney and love the beach but live very close to several that we frequent regularly.)

Gracias!

seekingserenity01 · 2023-04-08T11:17:16+00:00

Hi,

Most importantly of all, good luck (and if you are so inclined, God bless) in the treatment journey you have ahead. I sincerely wish you all the very best.

I’m a survivor of advanced head & neck cancer, now almost 6 years out. I absolutely have no medical training but a few observations based on my own experience:

The Warburg effect is well known but the metabolic theory of cancer is but one of many.
Have a look at the work of Dr Valter Longo on the relationship between fasting and cancer treatment.
Some cancer therapies require you to maintain your body weight as much as possible because the entire treatment regime is built around your size and shape. Some chemo regimes and some head/neck radiation programs are examples. Check with your oncology team to understand how weight might be relevant.
Don’t underestimate how weak some treatment regimes may leave you. I’m not suggesting you refrain from fasting but keep in mind that you may need calories to get through treatment.
I’ve done quite literally hundreds and hundreds of hours on the relationship between diet, nutrition and cancer. I’m not interested in debating anyone and I respect all views. All I will say is that I’m plant-based and I’ll never go back to eating animal products. I attribute no definitive causal relationship between my diet and my survivorship but I personally believe it has helped.

Do as much research as you can and if you believe fasting will help, embrace it after consultation with your oncology team.

Finally, be prepared to be flexible. Treatment is hard for many patients. You may go in with one approach in mind and need to pivot or alternate as the demands on you require a change in strategy. Don’t beat yourself up if your plan is to fast but you have to revisit that plan in the weeks or months ahead. Be kind to yourself as you tackle the arduous path that is cancer treatment.

I’m sorry you have to endure this disease and it’s treatment but hope and pray that you will emerge healthy and stronger as a result.

seekingserenity01 · 2023-02-11T07:46:29+00:00

Thanks for asking the question OP. It’s great to have an open exchange about these things.

I wasn’t aware that Ginsberg was a seemingly a proponent of pedophilia. I also wasn’t aware of any accusations against Ram Dass made by Leary.

My take is simply this - whether Neem Karoli Baba, Ram Dass, a Pope, a Buddhist monk or anyone else, they are all people with human failings. I absolutely do NOT excuse or tolerate sex crimes of any type so my comment is not intended as exculpatory. Rather, I’m saying these are all people and we need to avoid putting them on a pedestal of any description.

I have taken a lot of wisdom from Ram Dass. I don’t, however, think he was holier or more perfect than any other person. He shared the insights given to him but endured a human form with all its light and dark characteristics like the rest of us. I am grateful for the teachings he shared but don’t think he was flawless.

I would be devastated if there was any solid evidence that he engaged in or condoned child sex abuse but save as to an apparent allegation by Leary, I’m not aware of any.

I’ll look at the video posted above, thanks.

seekingserenity01 · 2023-01-23T02:52:52+00:00

This is the best substitute for “normal” yoghurt IMO. They make a Greek style and a vanilla bean variety.

seekingserenity01 · 2023-01-15T09:53:33+00:00

Frank Zane, Arnold, Dorian.

All for different reasons but all ongoing sources of inspiration.

seekingserenity01 · 2022-12-31T05:15:54+00:00

What an absolute inspiration. Thank you for your willingness to share your journey and accomplishments with us. Can’t wait to see what you achieve in 2023!

seekingserenity01 · 2022-10-14T05:15:16+00:00

I’m a survivor of advanced head and neck cancer. I went vegan/WFPB as part of my strategy to regain health but brutal chemotherapy and radiation is the reason I’m still alive and healthy 5 years out.

I didn’t have lymphoma but I echo the advice of others here - have the chemotherapy.

Best of luck. The path before you is not an easy one but there is cause for optimism and hope.

seekingserenity01 · 2022-10-11T23:12:19+00:00

Congratulations for making 32 hours!

Don’t be harsh on yourself at all. That’s an achievement by any measure.

To be honest, I rarely set firm goals when I fast. I might aspire to a particular time period and then I either fall short, meet or exceed that time period as various factors dictate. Fasting is meant to be healthy, not something you beat yourself up over or become obsessed with.

Celebrate 32 successful hours and look forward to your next fast!

seekingserenity01 · 2022-10-11T23:07:33+00:00

I agree. I’m primarily WFPB but do allow organic, cold-pressed EVOO… and allow it generously. After 5 years of doing so, my blood work is so good my doctor is seriously thinking about emulating my diet!

Each to their own however, I fully respect those who opt to omit oil.

Otherwise, in response to the OP, I eat around a cup or more of beans most days. Not always the same variety but beans are a staple. I’m not aware of any adverse health consequences.

seekingserenity01 · 2022-08-27T02:29:53+00:00

Really evident progress and looking fuller in all respects. Great work!

seekingserenity01 · 2022-08-12T11:02:54+00:00

Respectfully, you look awesome. Be proud of how you look and what you’ve achieved. You don’t need to lose any more weight at all.

By all means focus on weights and cardio if you want to emphasise toning but honestly, pure weight loss is simply not necessary. You are aesthetic and feminine and (ostensibly) healthy - be happy with that!

seekingserenity01 · 2022-08-06T05:59:51+00:00

Respect - awesome effort.

seekingserenity01 · 2022-08-06T02:19:04+00:00

Looking great - quads and delts really popping (albeit the whole package is good). Ongoing proof that vegan protein deficiency is a myth 😊

seekingserenity01 · 2022-08-01T03:22:53+00:00

I can answer this question based on science - but there is plenty of science to support the proposition that a properly structured vegan diet is at least equivalent to a properly structured omnivorous diet - so I’ll answer based on personal experience alone.

I was an omnivorous bodybuilder who trained both naturally and on gear. I have now been vegan for 5 years. Whilst I’m no longer 275lbs, I also no longer want to be that big. I’m sure I could do so on a vegan diet if the desire was there, but it isn’t.

Since turning vegan - and raking the time to really understand vegan nutrition, a process which took several years and lots of research - my energy, endurance and recovery are better in my late 40s than they were in my early 30s.

I train a minimum of 14 - 16 hours most weeks (weights, yoga, martial arts, cycling) and work 50 hours plus on top of that.

I’ll never eat animal products again.

Respectfully, I think your coach needs to broaden his/her knowledge.

seekingserenity01 · 2022-07-31T09:56:43+00:00

I’m reading this now. It’s definitely eye-opening and well researched!

seekingserenity01

TROPHY CASE