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!
Thursday, February 27, 2020
Meditation - Another Step Toward Wellness
I've been meditating for a number of years, as I'm sure many of you have, as well. I know there isn't a right way or wrong way to do it, but I often feel I'm missing something. My mind frequently wanders and what I understand is bringing the mind back again and again no matter how many times it goes astray is a huge part of the meditation. I've heard it compared to a puppy who roams - keep bringing her back to the place to "stay". The wandering is something the mind does and is not wrong. At times I think of meditation as a mediation between the mind that wants to quiet down and my energetic self that wants to be accomplishing something "important".
I listened to Dean Ornish being interviewed by Oprah and he talks about his experience with meditation. He is a world renowned doctor saving lives by changing diets of heart attack patients.
He was a suicidal young college student when he serendipitously met a swami who introduced him to meditation. The swami explained that nothing can bring us lasting happiness. It is our nature to be peaceful and happy - we have it already. Not being mindful of this, we end up running after all these things. If only I had a bigger house, a nicer car, more money, more power, etc., then I wouldn't be unhappy and depressed. I'd be happy, people would love me- if only.
As Dr. Ornish says; when you quiet down your mind and body through meditation, you realize you already have happiness. It's within you - you don't need to go chasing after it. We have a center, a groundedness, a stillness that is always there.
This is not navel gazing. This is a highly effective way of slowing down the mind and body and has been established that it:
Improves:
- Immune system
- Sleep
- Efficiency of oxygen use in the body
- Production of the anti-aging hormone DHEA
Decreases:
- Blood pressure and hypertension
- Cholesterol
- Anxiety and depression
- Insomnia
- Production of stress hormone
(Thank you to Deepak Chopra for this list).
So, no, I am not missing anything. I will continue my daily morning meditation and do my best to remember that the straying mind is part of the process and this practice is important.
xo
I listened to Dean Ornish being interviewed by Oprah and he talks about his experience with meditation. He is a world renowned doctor saving lives by changing diets of heart attack patients.
He was a suicidal young college student when he serendipitously met a swami who introduced him to meditation. The swami explained that nothing can bring us lasting happiness. It is our nature to be peaceful and happy - we have it already. Not being mindful of this, we end up running after all these things. If only I had a bigger house, a nicer car, more money, more power, etc., then I wouldn't be unhappy and depressed. I'd be happy, people would love me- if only.
As Dr. Ornish says; when you quiet down your mind and body through meditation, you realize you already have happiness. It's within you - you don't need to go chasing after it. We have a center, a groundedness, a stillness that is always there.
This is not navel gazing. This is a highly effective way of slowing down the mind and body and has been established that it:
Improves:
- Immune system
- Sleep
- Efficiency of oxygen use in the body
- Production of the anti-aging hormone DHEA
Decreases:
- Blood pressure and hypertension
- Cholesterol
- Anxiety and depression
- Insomnia
- Production of stress hormone
(Thank you to Deepak Chopra for this list).
So, no, I am not missing anything. I will continue my daily morning meditation and do my best to remember that the straying mind is part of the process and this practice is important.
xo
Thursday, February 20, 2020
Community - An Important Step to Wellness
There is a lot of information available today regarding how to be healthy through exercise and diet. Most of us are well informed in these areas. Another way to maintain optimal health that can add years to our lives and life to our years are the relationships we have. From our significant others, to children and grandchildren, church members, and friends - these connections are invaluable to our health and well being.
It is so vital that we feel seen and heard when we share our thoughts, dreams, vulnerabilities, pain and successes with others. It doesn't take a huge amount of people to form a community. It can be one or two people that you trust and care about, in order to feel connected and fulfilled.
Since I lived in California for over 40 years, I have been blessed to have a group of friends that I connect with on a regular basis. When I first moved to Arizona in 2013, I didn't know any women except for the wives of my hubby's friends. That was hard, as they had their own friends and busy lives.
Fortunately, I was lucky enough to meet a neighbor and Shannon is now one of my closest confidantes. I'd be lost without her. In addition, I have developed a wonderful circle of friends through a mutual love of pickle ball. Our friendships have grown beyond merely playing a sport. These women buoy me up when I feel down and listen to my complaints without too much eye rolling (kidding). They also inspire me to play better and to listen to my body and rest when needed.
It is important to recognize that our supportive relationships enhance our lives inviting better health and well-being. Sharing the ups and downs of everyday life, and the joy and heartache we all go through is easier to bear when there is a kind ear and heart listening.
This type of camaraderie is priceless and it's health benefits go beyond anything that medication can do.
xo
It is so vital that we feel seen and heard when we share our thoughts, dreams, vulnerabilities, pain and successes with others. It doesn't take a huge amount of people to form a community. It can be one or two people that you trust and care about, in order to feel connected and fulfilled.
Since I lived in California for over 40 years, I have been blessed to have a group of friends that I connect with on a regular basis. When I first moved to Arizona in 2013, I didn't know any women except for the wives of my hubby's friends. That was hard, as they had their own friends and busy lives.
Fortunately, I was lucky enough to meet a neighbor and Shannon is now one of my closest confidantes. I'd be lost without her. In addition, I have developed a wonderful circle of friends through a mutual love of pickle ball. Our friendships have grown beyond merely playing a sport. These women buoy me up when I feel down and listen to my complaints without too much eye rolling (kidding). They also inspire me to play better and to listen to my body and rest when needed.
It is important to recognize that our supportive relationships enhance our lives inviting better health and well-being. Sharing the ups and downs of everyday life, and the joy and heartache we all go through is easier to bear when there is a kind ear and heart listening.
This type of camaraderie is priceless and it's health benefits go beyond anything that medication can do.
xo
Thursday, February 13, 2020
Younger Next Year, a Sequel
Thanks to the book Younger Next Year, I have learned the dire importance of 6 days of exercise; 4 days cardio, and 2-3 days of resistance training through weights, machines or even body weight exercises. I'd like to focus a bit on weight training. Yes, the weight training I keep putting off and putting off as I simply do not like it. After rereading this chapter, I am determined to get to the gym and begin a program. Perhaps, writing and sharing this I will feel compelled to actually do it.
Chris Crowley, one of the authors, writes about how he had a lot of sore joints: hips, shoulders, elbows, wrists, Achilles tendon, the works. All that went away, with the exception of his arthritic hands. Even his Achilles tendon, which he suffered with for decades, has responded. All because he began lifting weights on a regular basis. Yes, it took several months of weight training 2-3 days a week to reap these rewards. I am hoping (and praying) that I will have similar results. I, too, suffer from various aches and pains and even though I am determined not to let it slow me down, it inevitably does.
Now this is a scary statistic; ten times as many women die of heart disease as breast cancer. In fact, heart disease and stroke kill more women than the next seven causes of death combined! Shocking. Most cardiovascular disease is preventable. The number varies with different researchers but 70-80% of heart attacks and strokes are caused by lifestyle. The most sedentary women are five times more likely to die than the fittest women.
Of course, lifestyle embraces not only exercise, but diet, sleep, engagement with life and community, stress, alcohol and tobacco use, and body weight, among others. Too much to talk about in this post, but all are tremendously important.
I have learned from this book that cardio exercise and weight training can help to ward off cardiovascular disease and improve our lives in many ways. Cardio exercise for me is a pleasure and I look forward to my hikes, dog walks and pickle ball. And if I can find a way to make weight lifting enjoyable so much the better.
xo
Chris Crowley, one of the authors, writes about how he had a lot of sore joints: hips, shoulders, elbows, wrists, Achilles tendon, the works. All that went away, with the exception of his arthritic hands. Even his Achilles tendon, which he suffered with for decades, has responded. All because he began lifting weights on a regular basis. Yes, it took several months of weight training 2-3 days a week to reap these rewards. I am hoping (and praying) that I will have similar results. I, too, suffer from various aches and pains and even though I am determined not to let it slow me down, it inevitably does.
Now this is a scary statistic; ten times as many women die of heart disease as breast cancer. In fact, heart disease and stroke kill more women than the next seven causes of death combined! Shocking. Most cardiovascular disease is preventable. The number varies with different researchers but 70-80% of heart attacks and strokes are caused by lifestyle. The most sedentary women are five times more likely to die than the fittest women.
Of course, lifestyle embraces not only exercise, but diet, sleep, engagement with life and community, stress, alcohol and tobacco use, and body weight, among others. Too much to talk about in this post, but all are tremendously important.
I have learned from this book that cardio exercise and weight training can help to ward off cardiovascular disease and improve our lives in many ways. Cardio exercise for me is a pleasure and I look forward to my hikes, dog walks and pickle ball. And if I can find a way to make weight lifting enjoyable so much the better.
xo
Thursday, February 6, 2020
Younger Next Year and Beyond
A year or two ago I read the book "Younger Next Year -for Women" and it was an eye opener. Recently, I picked it up again and what a great reminder. I knew we should be exercising just as much, if not more as we age, to stave off the possible perils of advanced age. What surprised me is that we should be moving aerobically four days a week and lifting weights or using resistance machines two to three times a week! Phew! That's a lot of exercise. However, the rewards are so worthwhile.
As the authors; Chris Crowley and Henry S. Lodge, M.D. said: "Exercise six days a week for the rest of your life - until you die. It is the great lifesaver and life enhancer for women." According to Chris and Henry, following this rule, and seeing the early results, opens you up to seeing the Next Third of your life differently. Exercise is magic.
When they say exercise, they don't mean a casual walk, a round of golf, an hour in the garden - though these certainly can be in addition to serious exercise. According to them - you want to sweat, you need to feel your heart pumping hard. (Needless to say - absolutely check with your doctor before embarking on an exercise routine if exercise is new to you). For me, hiking the desert hills of Scottsdale or the trails in Marin County or a couple of hours of pickle ball are my go-to choices.
Adding resistance exercise is the next step, as most of you know, and ideally, should be done in a gym either in a class or with a trainer or on your own, provided you know what you're doing.
I love their idea that there is a critical distinction between aging and decay. Aging is inevitable, but it's biologically programmed to be a slow process. Most of what we call aging is actually decay.
So how do we keep ourselves from decaying? The keys to overriding the decay code are daily exercise, emotional commitment, reasonable nutrition and a real engagement with living. Thank you Chris Crowley and Dr. Henry Lodge for this book and enlightening me and inspiring me to play harder six days a week and share this information with as many women as I can.
xo
As the authors; Chris Crowley and Henry S. Lodge, M.D. said: "Exercise six days a week for the rest of your life - until you die. It is the great lifesaver and life enhancer for women." According to Chris and Henry, following this rule, and seeing the early results, opens you up to seeing the Next Third of your life differently. Exercise is magic.
When they say exercise, they don't mean a casual walk, a round of golf, an hour in the garden - though these certainly can be in addition to serious exercise. According to them - you want to sweat, you need to feel your heart pumping hard. (Needless to say - absolutely check with your doctor before embarking on an exercise routine if exercise is new to you). For me, hiking the desert hills of Scottsdale or the trails in Marin County or a couple of hours of pickle ball are my go-to choices.
Adding resistance exercise is the next step, as most of you know, and ideally, should be done in a gym either in a class or with a trainer or on your own, provided you know what you're doing.
I love their idea that there is a critical distinction between aging and decay. Aging is inevitable, but it's biologically programmed to be a slow process. Most of what we call aging is actually decay.
So how do we keep ourselves from decaying? The keys to overriding the decay code are daily exercise, emotional commitment, reasonable nutrition and a real engagement with living. Thank you Chris Crowley and Dr. Henry Lodge for this book and enlightening me and inspiring me to play harder six days a week and share this information with as many women as I can.
xo
Thursday, January 30, 2020
Women Just Like Us
I turned another year older this week. Yahoo! Firmly planted in my seventh decade and feeling good (most of the time)! In that vein, I'd like to point out several women, who in their retirement years decided to take up a sport. I agree, this isn't that unusual, as not only do we have more time but time for new interests, and these women became extraordinary in their pursuits.
Bobbe Greenberg, at age 57, entered a mini triathlon at her gym. It consisted of a 10 minute pool swim, a 20 minute stationary bike ride and a 15 minute treadmill run. Only problem, Bobbe did not know how to swim. She took a weekend swim course and has never looked back.
Bobbe's debut outdoor triathlon resulted in a first place medal. She was 20 years older than the second-place winner. She's been hooked ever since. She has entered 14 full triathlon competitions and has won/qualified 9 times! In October of 2019, Bobbe won her second Ironman Triathlon in Kona, Hawaii, at 73 years of age. This entails a 2.4 mile swim in choppy ocean waters, a 112 mile bike ride and a marathon (26.2 mile run). Simply amazing.
At 59 years old, Mimi Secor was a busy nurse practitioner thinking about going back to graduate school, when her daughter, a health coach told her she was not a healthy role model for her patients and was being a hypocrite. That stunned her into allowing her daughter to develop a plan to begin weight lifting and clean up her diet.
After one year of hitting the gym and eating healthily, Mimi has dropped 30 pounds and 12 inches from her waist plus built a lot of muscle. Enough muscle to begin competing in bodybuilding championships - all the while pursuing a rigorous doctoral program. After competing and placing fifth in her age category, Dr. Mimi fell in love with the sport and now at age 64 has competed in three more competitions and written a book about her experiences.
When Olga Kotelko retired from teaching and after raising two daughters, she took up coed softball at age 64. She played that sport until she was 77 years old when she decided it was safer, after a collision with a man twice her size, to enter the world of Track and Field. The switch was easy for Olga, as she developed skills in throwing and running from her softball days.
Olga's first event was in the UK where she set her first record. In the following 18 years she won 750 gold medals and set 37 world records in the 100-meter dash, long jumps and hammer throw. Olga continued to break records, including her own. She competed in this sport until her death at age 95.
Olga proved that one could live to a healthy older age if one is willing to be physically and mentally active in later years.
I love this quote from one of tennis's greatest, Martina Navratilova: "The difference between involvement and commitment is like ham and eggs. The chicken is involved; the pig is committed".
Being all in is the key to making anything happen. Are you the chicken or the pig?
This post was written before the crash that killed one of our greatest athletes; Kobe Bryant, his daughter, Gianna and 7 others. My prayers and condolences are with their families. May they rest in peace.
xo
Bobbe Greenberg, at age 57, entered a mini triathlon at her gym. It consisted of a 10 minute pool swim, a 20 minute stationary bike ride and a 15 minute treadmill run. Only problem, Bobbe did not know how to swim. She took a weekend swim course and has never looked back.
Bobbe's debut outdoor triathlon resulted in a first place medal. She was 20 years older than the second-place winner. She's been hooked ever since. She has entered 14 full triathlon competitions and has won/qualified 9 times! In October of 2019, Bobbe won her second Ironman Triathlon in Kona, Hawaii, at 73 years of age. This entails a 2.4 mile swim in choppy ocean waters, a 112 mile bike ride and a marathon (26.2 mile run). Simply amazing.
At 59 years old, Mimi Secor was a busy nurse practitioner thinking about going back to graduate school, when her daughter, a health coach told her she was not a healthy role model for her patients and was being a hypocrite. That stunned her into allowing her daughter to develop a plan to begin weight lifting and clean up her diet.
After one year of hitting the gym and eating healthily, Mimi has dropped 30 pounds and 12 inches from her waist plus built a lot of muscle. Enough muscle to begin competing in bodybuilding championships - all the while pursuing a rigorous doctoral program. After competing and placing fifth in her age category, Dr. Mimi fell in love with the sport and now at age 64 has competed in three more competitions and written a book about her experiences.
When Olga Kotelko retired from teaching and after raising two daughters, she took up coed softball at age 64. She played that sport until she was 77 years old when she decided it was safer, after a collision with a man twice her size, to enter the world of Track and Field. The switch was easy for Olga, as she developed skills in throwing and running from her softball days.
Olga's first event was in the UK where she set her first record. In the following 18 years she won 750 gold medals and set 37 world records in the 100-meter dash, long jumps and hammer throw. Olga continued to break records, including her own. She competed in this sport until her death at age 95.
Olga proved that one could live to a healthy older age if one is willing to be physically and mentally active in later years.
I love this quote from one of tennis's greatest, Martina Navratilova: "The difference between involvement and commitment is like ham and eggs. The chicken is involved; the pig is committed".
Being all in is the key to making anything happen. Are you the chicken or the pig?
This post was written before the crash that killed one of our greatest athletes; Kobe Bryant, his daughter, Gianna and 7 others. My prayers and condolences are with their families. May they rest in peace.
xo
Thursday, January 23, 2020
Trials
A dear friend tripped and fell while walking her dogs and broke three ribs and bruised her face badly. Two weeks later while pulling out of a grocery store parking lot she was hit broadside. She suffered three more broken ribs, a broken bone in her hip, a broken bone in her ankle and a cracked sternum. She spent several days in the hospital and is now home and in a wheelchair and will be for quite some time. She has 24/7 care with an agency and has her loving husband by her side doing whatever else needs to be done. I plan on going to see her as soon as she is up to it. She's in California, I'm in Arizona.
My sister has her dental work done in Mexico and has an infection in an implant the dentist completed last year. Whenever she goes there, I accompany her as I don't want her to endure this alone. Often it is a week or more that we are there. If the antibiotics do not clear up this infection, off to Mexico we go.
Richard, a friend my husband and I have had since our high school days was here visiting recently and he and hubby had a falling out. They have not reconciled and Richard left hurt and angry. This is painful after all these years of friendship.
Another very close friend is progressing from Mild Cognitive Impairment into Alzheimer's faster than we anticipated. She would like to visit me in AZ but her family and I are not sure how this will work given her limitations.
These events are not tragic by any stretch compared to what others endure, however, they are serious to those involved.
I am healthy, strong, happy and very fortunate that I have never had a major disease or surgery (other than knee replacements and two Caesarians) yet these trials my friends are going through are difficult to bear. I can't imagine how hard it is for them.
Of course, I've had my share of challenges and heartaches as have all of us if we've lived long enough, yet it is a helpless feeling to not be able to kiss away the hurt and make it better. At the very least, I am able to be there for them, hold their hand, give a hug and listen.
It is an honor to be able to be an ear and shoulder for a loved one.
xo
My sister has her dental work done in Mexico and has an infection in an implant the dentist completed last year. Whenever she goes there, I accompany her as I don't want her to endure this alone. Often it is a week or more that we are there. If the antibiotics do not clear up this infection, off to Mexico we go.
Richard, a friend my husband and I have had since our high school days was here visiting recently and he and hubby had a falling out. They have not reconciled and Richard left hurt and angry. This is painful after all these years of friendship.
Another very close friend is progressing from Mild Cognitive Impairment into Alzheimer's faster than we anticipated. She would like to visit me in AZ but her family and I are not sure how this will work given her limitations.
These events are not tragic by any stretch compared to what others endure, however, they are serious to those involved.
I am healthy, strong, happy and very fortunate that I have never had a major disease or surgery (other than knee replacements and two Caesarians) yet these trials my friends are going through are difficult to bear. I can't imagine how hard it is for them.
Of course, I've had my share of challenges and heartaches as have all of us if we've lived long enough, yet it is a helpless feeling to not be able to kiss away the hurt and make it better. At the very least, I am able to be there for them, hold their hand, give a hug and listen.
It is an honor to be able to be an ear and shoulder for a loved one.
xo
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