SPACE BETWEEN MY RAINDROPS A Journey From Chaos To Fitness

Break free from a destructive mind

Includes fitness & nutrition guide

Sneak Preview – Coming Soon on Most Major Platforms

About the Author

From Chaos to Clarity: A Journey of Mind, Body, and Faith

I was born in the heart of Chicago, Illinois, where the city’s pulse merged with the unwavering spirit of my Serbian and Greek heritage. These were not just cultural roots but the bedrock of who I was becoming. In our home, stories of survival and resilience were not merely told; they were lived. I did not fully understand them as a child, but they planted seeds that would later bloom in the face of my trials.

At the age of five, we exchanged the bustling Chicago skyline for the serene sunshine of Florida. Life became slower, yet I felt restless within. In my childhood, I faced near-drowning in a fishpond at eight, struggled with insecurities, and dealt with bullying and social anxiety. By my late teens, I immersed myself in the vibrant hippie culture, searching for peace to calm my inner turmoil.

Between the ages of 19 and 22, I discovered my lifeline. Fitness, including martial arts and weightlifting, provided me with structure, and faith offered me hope, walking away from my destructive friendships all at once. I channeled my pain into iron and sweat. I delved deeply into discipline and prayer, which is an endless journey. I’ve embraced wellness for body, mind, and spirit for over fifty years.

I share my journey, not as a guru or hero, but as someone who has experienced the struggles. You will find raw moments, hard-won lessons, comprehensive fitness and nutrition guidance, and a fire that refuses to be extinguished.

I hope this book resonates with you, no matter where you are, whether you’re beginning your fitness journey, exploring your faith, or facing personal struggles. If it inspires you to persevere, push through, and regain your belief, then every page has fulfilled its purpose.

Thank you for letting me share my story.

Many blessings,
Wally Baskovich

From the back cover

This isn’t merely a book—it's an invitation to elevate yourself. It's a call to find your strength, not in an ideal future, but in the present, amidst your chaos and quiet struggles.

I know what it feels like to fall.

Having endured bullying, isolation, and a near-drowning in a backyard fishpond, I’ve also hidden behind the haze of the hippie era and the heavy silence of social anxiety. I’ve felt lost, uncertain, and consumed by doubt. Yet, during turmoil, I discovered something profound: resilience. It’s not characterized by being loud or glamorous, but by steadfastness.

This is a story of redemption earned, not handed out.
A journey forged in pain, shaped by discipline, and uplifted by faith. It’s about rebuilding when everything seems broken, transforming struggle into strength, and choosing to fight forward when it is easier to give in.

I’ve discovered that progress and pain go hand in hand, and that greatness emerges on the other side of fear. Setbacks don’t define who you are; your reaction to them matters. True transformation begins with one bold step in the right direction.

This book combines authentic experiences with straightforward fitness principles, presenting a clear and sustainable approach to enhancing your body, focusing your mind, and revitalizing your spirit. It demonstrates that you’re never too far gone, never too old, and never too broken to start anew.

If you’ve ever experienced feelings of being stuck, lost, or unnoticed in your struggles, remember this: You’re not alone. Your journey isn’t over. The moment to rise is now.

Introduction

This book goes beyond storytelling—it's an invitation to rise above life’s challenges and become stronger in body, mind, and spirit. Your journey begins here.

It’s a flicker of hope in the darkness, a steady hand reaching out to remind you: it’s never too late to stand tall, no matter how many times you’ve fallen. Redemption doesn’t depend on luck or being chosen. It comes from the unwavering decision to keep going.

My unfiltered reality is a journey marked by silent struggles, hard-earned insights, and moments of clarity born from chaos. These experiences don’t define me, but they have shaped every part of who I am. In the stillness that followed each setback, I discovered a powerful truth: resilience. It’s not loud or showy—but it’s always there, steady and unshaken.

My story is one of relentless pursuit—a journey toward strength, driven by redemption and a rise from failure. It’s powered by discipline, faith, and the transformative force of fitness.

This is a testament: no matter how far you fall your past doesn’t define you, your choices today do. It’s about rebuilding, evolving, and discovering purpose through family, struggle, and the fire that burns within.

Looking back, I realize my childhood home was more than just a place—it reminds me that, even in the face of challenges, I’ve always had the strength to rise and the determination to keep moving forward.

I learned perseverance from my father’s discipline and kindness from my mother’s affection. She showed me that true strength isn’t just about enduring hardships, but facing them with an open heart, giving selflessly, caring deeply, and holding on to faith in something greater than yourself. That, she taught me, is the highest form of resilience.

Her compassionate resilience and kindness demonstrated how discipline and compassion support each other. Her lifestyle revealed that true greatness is defined by what we endure and how lovingly we support others while we persist. In her presence, I found a strength that didn’t roar but sang softly — a strength that illustrated that true greatness resides in a life illuminated by love, kindness, and quiet faith.

My story reveals how pain and progress are deeply connected—how fear, once overwhelming, can become just another stepping-stone. Adversity doesn’t break us; it builds strength, faith, and resilience. My struggles taught me that it’s not excuses, but determination, that pulls you through. I hope my journey inspires you to keep moving forward.

Through every storm and every victory, God’s presence felt like a steady hand—offering strength even in the darkest moments, though I often wrestled with doubt. His grace carried me through the chaos, especially when life felt too heavy to bear. And yet, here I am today.

What drives us to flirt with destruction? Sometimes, it’s just one drink, one drug, or one impulsive decision. It seems small—harmless, even forgettable. But what feels trivial in the moment can send powerful ripples through our lives, leading to deep and lasting damage.

We wield more influence than we realize. Every choice we make becomes a thread in the intricate fabric of our destiny. My father often said, "One strike won’t bring down an oak, but repeated blows will eventually weaken and topple it." It’s rarely a single action that causes our downfall—it’s the gradual accumulation of choices. Like that tree, our soul, character, and mind can erode not all at once, but through consistent blows: neglect, doubt, compromise, and excuses. Each one chips away at our core.

That’s why it’s vital to guard our decisions. Real strength lies not only in what we can do, but in what we choose to resist. Every moment offers a choice: to remain steadfast or to give in. Choose strength. Choose growth.

My emotional storm calmed when my mindset shifted, giving way to the quiet strength of renewal—a feeling of lightness and hope. New thoughts surged like lightning, igniting clarity and purpose. I began to transform, sculpting my body, mind, and spirit into a temple of strength. The chaos between my thoughts solidified into pillars of truth. No longer lost in the noise, I became the conductor of my own symphony, shaping silence into power and turning chaos into rhythm.

Strength, Faith, and the Power of Choice

From 19 to 22, fitness became more than just an outlet for me; it became a lifeline. It was a battleground where I faced my fears and chose resilience instead of retreat. Each repetition, punch, and drop of sweat symbolized the building of power and speed and a journey to reclaim my life. Through the grind, I discovered discipline; through the struggle, I found faith. Fitness was my proving ground, demonstrating that redemption is within reach and that the hardest paths often lead to the most significant transformations.

With decades of fitness experience, I offer a direct, practical approach grounded in fundamental training principles, sustainable nutrition, and an in-depth Q&A section. This journey has led me to achieve personal milestones well into my mid-to-late 60s—such as completing 210 pull-ups in 35 minutes and 1,006 push-ups in just over an hour.

My journey goes beyond fitness—it’s a reminder that true, lasting change begins within and can occur at any moment in life.

If any part of my story resonates with you, I gently invite you to take that first step, not in pursuit of perfection but in choosing progress. Because this is about recognizing your worth, the path is open. The time is yours. Are you ready to begin?

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think on these things.–Philippians 4:8

“Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 10:5

So he said to me, ‘This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty. – Zech 4:6B

A Peek into Fitness

ISSUES WITH LOSING WEIGHT

Poor Diet
Both overeating and undereating can hinder your ability to lose weight by causing your body to store more fat. It’s vital to avoid high-calorie foods that contribute to weight gain and to steer clear of fad diets that eliminate essential food groups. Instead, focus on incorporating more fruits (in moderation), vegetables, and whole grains into your diet while avoiding oversized portions. Many people underestimate their daily food intake, so keeping a food diary can help you identify where extra calories are coming from.

If you consume too few calories, you might slow down your metabolism, which can lead your body to hold onto weight. Instead of losing weight, your body may enter "starvation mode" and reduce the number of calories it needs for daily activities. Women should aim to eat at least 1,200 to 1,500 calories per day, while men should have a minimum of 1,500 calories daily, even when dieting. If you're consuming less than this, gradually increase your caloric intake each week to reach a healthier range.

Insufficient Exercise
Short bouts of low-intensity exercise won't elevate your heart rate enough to stimulate significant weight loss. Similarly, engaging in moderate or intense exercise infrequently won't provide the daily balance necessary to combat excess calories. Aim for at least 60 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each day and choose activities that target multiple muscle groups, such as walking, running, or dancing. Avoid workouts that focus solely on one area of the body.

Self-Sabotage
In your quest to slim down, you may engage in behaviors that inadvertently sabotage your goals. For instance, allowing yourself "cheat days" where you binge on sweets without any exercise can lead to your body storing excess fat. Many people overlook foods that affect their diet, such as drinks and snacks. Eliminating just one soda or sports drink a day can reduce your calorie intake by about 150 calories. Pay attention to what you consume throughout the day, especially during activities like watching television, socializing, or managing emotional stress. That daily latte before work might be contributing to the extra pounds you want to lose.

Other Factors
Even the most carefully planned weight-loss strategies can be thwarted by unexpected factors. Common barriers include persistent stress and lack of sleep, both of which can create hormonal imbalances that affect metabolism and fat storage. Being stressed or staying up late can also increase your cravings for food, whether for comfort or to alleviate late-night hunger pangs. Additionally, certain medications or health conditions, such as menopause or thyroid disorders, can lead to weight gain.

It’s also important to consider that your current weight may be appropriate for your height and body type. If you exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet but are not seeing weight loss results, consult your physician. A doctor can help you determine whether you need to lose weight and advise you on the best course of action.

Transit Time

On average, 50 percent of the stomach content empties after 2.5 to 3 hours and completely empties after 4 to 5 hours.

It requires another 2.5 to 3 hours before 50 percent of the contents in the small intestine empty. At this point, your digestive system has absorbed most of the nutrients.

The remaining nutrients and components that continue on to the colon will take 30 to 40 more hours before the body fully excretes them.

THE BENEFITS OF REGULAR EXERCISE EXTEND FAR BEYOND PHYSICAL STRENGTH AND APPEARANCE.

Improved Mobility and Balance: Regular exercise enhances flexibility, coordination, and balance, reducing the risk of falls and maintaining independence in daily life.

Increased Strength and Energy Levels: Building muscle mass and improving cardiovascular fitness can combat age-related muscle loss and increase energy levels, making daily activities more enjoyable and less taxing.

Enhanced Quality of Life: Regular physical activity has been shown to improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being, contributing to a higher quality of life and a greater sense of purpose.

Final Thoughts: A Journey of Lifelong Learning and Adaptation

Embarking on a fitness journey later in life requires a mindful and personalized approach. Working with a qualified fitness trainer experienced in senior fitness can provide valuable guidance and ensure that your exercise program is safe, effective, and enjoyable.

Prioritize safety and long-term consistency over the pursuit of extreme intensity. Listen to your body, adjust your routine as needed, and celebrate your progress, no matter how small.

Remember, you are never too old to exercise and improve your health. By embracing a proactive and informed approach to fitness, you can unlock your full potential and enjoy a vibrant and fulfilling life at any age.

UNDERSTANDING SPOT REDUCTION AND EFFECTIVE FAT LOSS

1. The Myth of Spot Reduction
Many people want to focus on losing fat from specific areas like their stomach, hips, or thighs. However, spot reduction is a myth. No matter how many exercises you do targeting a particular area, you cannot control where your body loses fat.

2. Why Spot Reduction Doesn't Work
Fat loss occurs systemically, not locally. When your body burns fat, it does so throughout, depending on genetics, hormone levels, and overall caloric balance.

For example, doing 1,000 crunches daily won’t specifically reduce fat around your stomach. Instead, it will strengthen the muscles underneath, but the fat covering them may remain unless you reduce your overall body fat percentage.

3. How to Reduce Fat Effectively
To reduce fat in any area, focus on overall fat loss through:

· Caloric Deficit: Burn more calories than you consume by combining proper nutrition with regular exercise.

· Strength Training: Build muscle across your entire body, which increases your metabolic rate and helps you burn more calories.

· Cardiovascular Exercise: Engage in activities like walking, running, cycling, or swimming to increase calorie expenditure.

4. Importance of Core Training
Even though you can’t spot reduce, strengthening your core has significant benefits:

What Is the Core?

The core includes all the muscles in your upper torso—from your hips to your shoulders (excluding your head and arms).

It supports your spine, improves posture, and enhances overall athletic performance.

Training the Core:

Core exercises, like planks, deadlifts, or rotational movements, strengthen the area but won’t specifically burn belly fat.

5. A Personal Example
Years ago, I conducted an experiment where I focused solely on upper body exercises for a year without doing sit-ups, crunches, or direct ab training. Despite this, my abdominal muscles became strong and defined because of overall fat loss and consistent strength training. This proves that strengthening your core doesn’t always require targeted ab exercises.

6. Managing Expectations
It’s important to set realistic goals:

· Balanced Fat Loss: You won’t achieve a six-pack or slim hips without reducing your overall body fat percentage.

· Genetic Factors: Genetics play a significant role in determining where your body stores and loses fat first.

· Holistic Approach: Focus on full-body strength training, a healthy diet, and regular cardio rather than obsessing over specific areas.

7. The Takeaway
Nobody achieves a six-pack while still carrying excess fat in other areas like their hips, thighs, or arms. Fat loss is a whole-body process that requires patience, consistency, and a well-rounded approach to diet and exercise.

Remember:

· Focus on overall fat loss through a combination of strength training, cardio, and proper nutrition.

· Strengthen your core for improved stability, posture, and athletic performance.

· Accept that spot reduction isn’t possible, but a holistic approach will bring you closer to your fitness goals.

I Appreciate Your Dedication—Stay Consistent, And You'll See Results!