Our nation is in crisis. New York, the city that never sleeps is quiet. It is now the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 140 countries globally have reported cases of the corona virus.
We're afraid. And rightly so. Not only is our health threatened but our financial security is, as well.
Fear is a natural instinct. It gave us the ability to flee from tigers in the jungle and escape to safety. Fear has given us the "fight or flight response" that we use today - not just in the jungle of many thousands of years ago but in the situation that is happening now.
This response, when present on a continuing, non-stop basis will make us ill. We cannot thrive in this environment. We must call on the stronger part of us - the part that is FAITH that we will emerge on the other side of this stronger, smarter and more resilient than we ever thought we could be. As Tony Robbins has said: "Faith is knowing that at our core we're more than anything we will ever face, and we can handle whatever life brings us. We always have and we always will. That is the power of the human race".
One of my heroes; Navy SEAL William McRaven, who was instrumental in taking down Osama Bin Laden, talks about HOPE. He compares this pandemic to slogging through mud during training: "Today the corona virus has thrown us all in the mud. We are cold, wet and miserable and the dawn seems a long way off. But while we should not be cavalier about the dangers of this pandemic, neither should we feel hopeless and paralyzed with fear." ......."Hope abounds".
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Thank you for being there and keeping the faith and holding on to hope.
xo
Thursday, March 26, 2020
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Reaching Out
Normally, I publish one post a week, on Thursdays, but because of the COVID-19 I felt the need to get a post out sooner and that was on Tuesday, March 17. Thursday wouldn't be the same with a post from me, so here it is:
Most Americans are either under self-imposed isolation or mandated "shelter in place". Given the feelings of isolation this can cause it is important that we reach out to our loved ones. Of course, you don't need me to tell you this. We are an amazing community of bright, talented and caring women.
Yesterday, as I sat in the comfort of my cozy living room sipping tea and reading a light fiction, I was inspired to simply send out a few texts to friends and family members across the country just to check in.
The results were astonishing. Almost everyone thanked me for reaching out and wanted to know how my hubby and I are doing. So many of them gave funny updates about how they are managing or in some cases, frustrated with the various issues due to bare supermarket shelves and even the fear of going out for supplies. Without fail, everyone of these contacts reminded me that we are not alone during this time. It also made me aware how vital it is for some of us to hear from loved ones in order to know there is someone who is thinking of them.
The husband of a dear friend was the head of the E.R. department in a major San Francisco hospital. Rather than retire, (he's in his early 70's) he decided to retire from the hospital and work in an urgent care facility in the financial district in S.F. Little did he know he would have his hands more than full! He is amazing though and happy he can be of help to his patients.
My thanks and admiration go out to the entire medical community. In some cases they are working without the proper protective equipment that is in short supply. They are working diligently and long hours. There is not enough thanks to express how grateful we are for all that you do.
xo
Most Americans are either under self-imposed isolation or mandated "shelter in place". Given the feelings of isolation this can cause it is important that we reach out to our loved ones. Of course, you don't need me to tell you this. We are an amazing community of bright, talented and caring women.
Yesterday, as I sat in the comfort of my cozy living room sipping tea and reading a light fiction, I was inspired to simply send out a few texts to friends and family members across the country just to check in.
The results were astonishing. Almost everyone thanked me for reaching out and wanted to know how my hubby and I are doing. So many of them gave funny updates about how they are managing or in some cases, frustrated with the various issues due to bare supermarket shelves and even the fear of going out for supplies. Without fail, everyone of these contacts reminded me that we are not alone during this time. It also made me aware how vital it is for some of us to hear from loved ones in order to know there is someone who is thinking of them.
The husband of a dear friend was the head of the E.R. department in a major San Francisco hospital. Rather than retire, (he's in his early 70's) he decided to retire from the hospital and work in an urgent care facility in the financial district in S.F. Little did he know he would have his hands more than full! He is amazing though and happy he can be of help to his patients.
My thanks and admiration go out to the entire medical community. In some cases they are working without the proper protective equipment that is in short supply. They are working diligently and long hours. There is not enough thanks to express how grateful we are for all that you do.
xo
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Carrying On (published early due to COVID-19)
I hope this post finds you well and safe. As we know, the corona virus is in full swing in the U.S. Often we think of America as immune to pandemics such as these. What a wake-up call.
I'm sure everyone is informed of what they need to know about this disease and has been diligently washing their hands 15 times an hour, stocked up on toilet paper, canned foods and the like.
My husband's dad was born in Ireland so we host a dinner party every year. This year it'll be just a few close friends. That is, if I can get my hands on a few potatoes. No St. Patrick's Day party is complete without the boiled potatoes and cabbage playing second fiddle to the corned beef on the dinner table. The produce department is a bit bare as people worry they may be quarantined if diagnosed with this. Our party is a minor distraction from the concerns we all have regarding COVID-19.
Conditions and information is changing on an almost hourly basis - we have decided to cancel our little party for the health and safety of all.
There's no short supply of scary information going around. Fortunately, we each have an inner world that we have full control over. We can choose, as difficult as it is at times, to remain calm and hopeful. After all, much of what is happening is out of our control, we're in uncharted territory, but our inner life and sanity is within our power.
This is also the time to reach out to our community via phone, Skype, etc. - to friends, neighbors and family, for mutual support, reassurance and to check in with one another to see if anyone is in need of a helping hand. We all have one ultimate goal in mind and that is to eliminate COVID-19 and to be healthy and vital.
My thoughts are with all of you as we navigate the upcoming weeks. I wish you well and thank you for being a part of my community.
xo
I'm sure everyone is informed of what they need to know about this disease and has been diligently washing their hands 15 times an hour, stocked up on toilet paper, canned foods and the like.
My husband's dad was born in Ireland so we host a dinner party every year. This year it'll be just a few close friends. That is, if I can get my hands on a few potatoes. No St. Patrick's Day party is complete without the boiled potatoes and cabbage playing second fiddle to the corned beef on the dinner table. The produce department is a bit bare as people worry they may be quarantined if diagnosed with this. Our party is a minor distraction from the concerns we all have regarding COVID-19.
Conditions and information is changing on an almost hourly basis - we have decided to cancel our little party for the health and safety of all.
There's no short supply of scary information going around. Fortunately, we each have an inner world that we have full control over. We can choose, as difficult as it is at times, to remain calm and hopeful. After all, much of what is happening is out of our control, we're in uncharted territory, but our inner life and sanity is within our power.
This is also the time to reach out to our community via phone, Skype, etc. - to friends, neighbors and family, for mutual support, reassurance and to check in with one another to see if anyone is in need of a helping hand. We all have one ultimate goal in mind and that is to eliminate COVID-19 and to be healthy and vital.
My thoughts are with all of you as we navigate the upcoming weeks. I wish you well and thank you for being a part of my community.
xo
Thursday, March 12, 2020
Surrender
Sometimes life goes merrily along without a hitch and other times it's as though a huge gray cloud has descended and we can't seem to find our way. It's curious how this can happen so un-expectantly as we're skipping along through our days unaware of what is coming.
I'm not talking about a death or a life threatening illness. What I'm referring to is your everyday argument with your spouse or friend where you cannot seem to come to an agreement or even an agreement to disagree. Then another little chink in the armor when a bit of tummy flu hits you with all barrels. This means you can't make it to a much anticipated movie. And on and on with a myriad of little annoyances. Yes, the big, serious issues appear out of nowhere, as well, and can derail our life. At times it appears as simply unfixable. What do you do at moments such as these?
Surrender. Simply allow it to be. Don't fight or resist it. It is said "what we resist, persists". Surrender is also acceptance. It does not imply giving up. It simply means this is what is happening now.
Of course, I fully acknowledge there are times action must be taken. Yes, an aspirin is welcome for a headache or an apology may be warranted to end an argument. Yet there are times when simply allowing what is, to be as it is.
In moments such as these I often say to my God - I am turning this over to You. (And if the word God is uncomfortable for you - please insert whatever works for you; higher power, spirit, whatever feels right). I ask for enlightenment. Guide me, please. Often, something will come to me, or the right book will suddenly be discussed on tv, someone will tell me about a brilliant doctor or I'll hear a song on the radio and wham! An answer is delivered out of the ethers.
Then there are times when I am not so confident. I think - I have so much when others are starving or in the midst of a war - who I am to ask for help? Plus, I don't want to bug Him/Her, after all, I asked for help yesterday.
Then I return to my senses and remember that we are put on earth to live a joyous life, not to suffer. So who am I not to ask for help.
xo
I'm not talking about a death or a life threatening illness. What I'm referring to is your everyday argument with your spouse or friend where you cannot seem to come to an agreement or even an agreement to disagree. Then another little chink in the armor when a bit of tummy flu hits you with all barrels. This means you can't make it to a much anticipated movie. And on and on with a myriad of little annoyances. Yes, the big, serious issues appear out of nowhere, as well, and can derail our life. At times it appears as simply unfixable. What do you do at moments such as these?
Surrender. Simply allow it to be. Don't fight or resist it. It is said "what we resist, persists". Surrender is also acceptance. It does not imply giving up. It simply means this is what is happening now.
Of course, I fully acknowledge there are times action must be taken. Yes, an aspirin is welcome for a headache or an apology may be warranted to end an argument. Yet there are times when simply allowing what is, to be as it is.
In moments such as these I often say to my God - I am turning this over to You. (And if the word God is uncomfortable for you - please insert whatever works for you; higher power, spirit, whatever feels right). I ask for enlightenment. Guide me, please. Often, something will come to me, or the right book will suddenly be discussed on tv, someone will tell me about a brilliant doctor or I'll hear a song on the radio and wham! An answer is delivered out of the ethers.
Then there are times when I am not so confident. I think - I have so much when others are starving or in the midst of a war - who I am to ask for help? Plus, I don't want to bug Him/Her, after all, I asked for help yesterday.
Then I return to my senses and remember that we are put on earth to live a joyous life, not to suffer. So who am I not to ask for help.
xo
Thursday, March 5, 2020
Courage
This quote from Soren Kierkegaard, philosopher, says it eloquently: "To dare is to lose one's footing momentarily. Not to dare is to lose oneself".
Some people seem to have been born with an inordinate amount of courage. Some of us, not so much.
My oldest son, Anthony, knew from an early age that he wanted to be a sailor and fisherman. At age 21 he hightailed it out of California and landed in Kona, Hawaii to begin his life on the sea. His first job - the only one an inexperienced young man could get - was on a dinner cruise. He stayed six months - then on to his next adventure - Kennebunkport, Maine. He fell in love with the beautiful Atlantic and charming coastal community and its' warm, welcoming townspeople.
He began a job as a lobsterman and fisherman and on days off worked on the "Eleanor" a 55 foot schooner taking tourists and locals out on 2 hour ocean explorations. When the fishing season went on hiatus he was hired by a New York real estate magnate to be first mate on his yacht. They sailed the East Coast and eventually crossed the Atlantic to Europe. Seriously? My 20 something son crossing the Atlantic on a sailboat? Where did this sense of adventure and non-stop bravery come from?
My younger son, Nick, after graduating from college decided to go to Seoul, Korea to teach English. This is not exceptionally uncommon, yet for a quiet, introverted young man with zero knowledge of Korea or the language - a huge leap. He immediately embraced the country and its' customs and stayed three years. He used Seoul as a launching pad for exploring Japan, Thailand and other places on his vacations - alone.
His next undertaking was to return to school for his Master's in psychology. Since his undergraduate degree was in anthropology the choices for graduate schools were limited. He settled on the University of South Dakota.
He is now a psychologist in the school district of San Francisco, CA.
Two of our pickleball partners faced their fear and entered a tournament they felt was out of their league (if you'll pardon the pun). They showed up despite their nervousness. Simply showing up is an act of bravery and we are so proud of them. They moved out of their comfort zones and set an example for the rest of us. Yay Morgan and Sophia!
The boldest move I ever made was moving from New Jersey to California when I was 27. Whoa. It seemed a big deal at the time. Yes, I did have a bit of entrepreneurial spirit - starting and operating two small businesses, but these weren't actually something I'd consider courageous.
How about you? Do you think of yourself as a courageous woman?
I think this is an area for future exploration, as there are many types of courage and as Nelson Mandela said: "Courage isn't the absence of fear, but the triumph over it".
xo
P.S. I always use aliases to protect the innocent!
Some people seem to have been born with an inordinate amount of courage. Some of us, not so much.
My oldest son, Anthony, knew from an early age that he wanted to be a sailor and fisherman. At age 21 he hightailed it out of California and landed in Kona, Hawaii to begin his life on the sea. His first job - the only one an inexperienced young man could get - was on a dinner cruise. He stayed six months - then on to his next adventure - Kennebunkport, Maine. He fell in love with the beautiful Atlantic and charming coastal community and its' warm, welcoming townspeople.
He began a job as a lobsterman and fisherman and on days off worked on the "Eleanor" a 55 foot schooner taking tourists and locals out on 2 hour ocean explorations. When the fishing season went on hiatus he was hired by a New York real estate magnate to be first mate on his yacht. They sailed the East Coast and eventually crossed the Atlantic to Europe. Seriously? My 20 something son crossing the Atlantic on a sailboat? Where did this sense of adventure and non-stop bravery come from?
My younger son, Nick, after graduating from college decided to go to Seoul, Korea to teach English. This is not exceptionally uncommon, yet for a quiet, introverted young man with zero knowledge of Korea or the language - a huge leap. He immediately embraced the country and its' customs and stayed three years. He used Seoul as a launching pad for exploring Japan, Thailand and other places on his vacations - alone.
His next undertaking was to return to school for his Master's in psychology. Since his undergraduate degree was in anthropology the choices for graduate schools were limited. He settled on the University of South Dakota.
He is now a psychologist in the school district of San Francisco, CA.
Two of our pickleball partners faced their fear and entered a tournament they felt was out of their league (if you'll pardon the pun). They showed up despite their nervousness. Simply showing up is an act of bravery and we are so proud of them. They moved out of their comfort zones and set an example for the rest of us. Yay Morgan and Sophia!
The boldest move I ever made was moving from New Jersey to California when I was 27. Whoa. It seemed a big deal at the time. Yes, I did have a bit of entrepreneurial spirit - starting and operating two small businesses, but these weren't actually something I'd consider courageous.
How about you? Do you think of yourself as a courageous woman?
I think this is an area for future exploration, as there are many types of courage and as Nelson Mandela said: "Courage isn't the absence of fear, but the triumph over it".
xo
P.S. I always use aliases to protect the innocent!
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