I've been a journalist since I was a teen, back in the day we called it a diary and it came with a lock and key. Most of my entries were about my latest boyfriend and the car he drove. Of course, it was all about the car. Sometimes the hair, too
Today as a mature adult (ahem) I still keep a diary but refer to it as a journal, of course. This is a practice that has become a verifiable addiction. But a good addiction, at that. I write religiously every morning, either before or after I exercise, depending on the day. It's a place for me to get my private feelings and thoughts out without burdening another, or feeling self-conscious by admitting my fears, concerns or insecurities. My journal also helps me to relieve stress and anxiety. A sort of self-help counselor.
My journal is also a place that inspires creativity - whether in a painting I'm working on, a decorating project or a topic to explore on this blog.
No one, not a living soul, is permitted to read my journal. It is my personal sanctuary.
In addition to my daily journal, I also keep a five year journal. This book has a page for every day of the year and on each page is a paragraph on which I write whatever strikes me as memorable about that day. One of my favorite things about this journal is that I can look back to the previous years, simply by looking at the paragraphs above it and read what occurred on that day. At times it's a jolt to see that an entire year or two or three have passed, when I could have sworn it was just a few months. Our lives are moving at such a rapid pace. (Perhaps not right now during this pandemic - but normally it is). It's quite fun to read and recall whatever adventure took place a year or more ago.
I believe if our life is worth living, it's certainly worth logging.
xo
Thursday, April 30, 2020
Thursday, April 23, 2020
A Silver Lining
There's no denying the catastrophic damage the coronavirus is leveling on the population worldwide. This pandemic has split our hearts open. With God's help and grace we will emerge stronger, smarter and better.
In the meantime, what good can come of this? I dare say that there is quite a bit of good that has already been realized.
The most obvious is a new appreciation for the medical workers and first responders who put the lives of others before their own. All the grocery store employees and delivery personnel that we may previously have taken for granted.
Not only has this become a time for purging our overstuffed closets and cupboards but the goods donated to charities will help the needy.
This period has also been about reconnecting with loved ones; either by phone, FaceTime, or Skype - a time to reach out to those we miss and may not have contacted if we weren't at home. Many of us are also becoming closer to those we live with. Agreed, too much closeness can simply be way too much!
This is also a perfect time for personal reflection. Often we're just too busy to take a moment and look at our lives. Are we living with intention? Are we doing the things that make our hearts sing? If not, why? And when will we begin?
It's an opportune time to acknowledge the little things that perhaps in the past we've taken for granted; the birds chirping brightly in the morning, the contrast between the pale green cactus and the cloudless azure sky, the joy in scoring a double package of toilet paper!
What about the satisfaction of stepping back and admiring that newly purged closet? Or the pleasure in reading a new novel? Then there's also the delight in that first bite of fudge cake you treated yourself to as a reward for cleaning out that closet!
Some positive environmental impacts have occurred, as well, due to the worldwide decrease in emissions. The stay at home restrictions have given residents in some of the world's most polluted cities something they have not experienced in years: clean air.
This pandemic is not nearly over but as we can see; there is some good that has come of it. If we can set our hearts and minds on acknowledging all the blessings we have we are on the right track.
xo
In the meantime, what good can come of this? I dare say that there is quite a bit of good that has already been realized.
The most obvious is a new appreciation for the medical workers and first responders who put the lives of others before their own. All the grocery store employees and delivery personnel that we may previously have taken for granted.
Not only has this become a time for purging our overstuffed closets and cupboards but the goods donated to charities will help the needy.
This period has also been about reconnecting with loved ones; either by phone, FaceTime, or Skype - a time to reach out to those we miss and may not have contacted if we weren't at home. Many of us are also becoming closer to those we live with. Agreed, too much closeness can simply be way too much!
This is also a perfect time for personal reflection. Often we're just too busy to take a moment and look at our lives. Are we living with intention? Are we doing the things that make our hearts sing? If not, why? And when will we begin?
It's an opportune time to acknowledge the little things that perhaps in the past we've taken for granted; the birds chirping brightly in the morning, the contrast between the pale green cactus and the cloudless azure sky, the joy in scoring a double package of toilet paper!
What about the satisfaction of stepping back and admiring that newly purged closet? Or the pleasure in reading a new novel? Then there's also the delight in that first bite of fudge cake you treated yourself to as a reward for cleaning out that closet!
Some positive environmental impacts have occurred, as well, due to the worldwide decrease in emissions. The stay at home restrictions have given residents in some of the world's most polluted cities something they have not experienced in years: clean air.
This pandemic is not nearly over but as we can see; there is some good that has come of it. If we can set our hearts and minds on acknowledging all the blessings we have we are on the right track.
xo
Thursday, April 16, 2020
Do Your Best
A favorite spiritual book of mine is The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. Over the past 20 years or so, I have read this book approximately four times and attempted to practice the agreements in my day to day life. As with other practices, some of the agreements tended to fall by the wayside. However, the first and fourth have remained blueprinted on my mind and are never too far from my consciousness. The second and third agreements are a bit more challenging.
The Four Agreements are:
1. Be Impeccable with Your Word
2. Don't Take Anything Personally
3. Don't Make Assumptions
4. Always Do Your Best
It is the fourth agreement that I've been more conscious of lately. Since the Covid 19 pandemic began, life as we knew it has changed dramatically.
Regarding the Fourth Agreement, Mr. Ruiz advises: "Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret."
Now that we are living life beyond anything we could have imagined, our best may vary tremendously from day to day. Some days your best may simply be getting out of your p.j.'s and into a pair of sweats. Tomorrow, you may jump out of bed with enthusiasm, happy to greet another day, regardless of what may be in store for you. You get into your clothes and walking shoes and are out the door for a vigorous walk as the sun is rising. Okay, granted this may be a bit extreme, but let's leave it at: taking a neighborhood walk after a cup of coffee and a bite to eat.
Do things that help you feel "normal"or maybe even great. I make sure I put on makeup every day even though most days I don't leave the house after my morning walk. I (almost) always get out of my exercise clothes - again, my best varies from day to day, but I make an attempt to do whatever my best is that day.
The point is, do your best, whatever that may be and do not judge yourself, nor chastise yourself for not doing more. Be kind to yourself. It's quite simple - do your best, whatever that may look like today.
xo
The Four Agreements are:
1. Be Impeccable with Your Word
2. Don't Take Anything Personally
3. Don't Make Assumptions
4. Always Do Your Best
It is the fourth agreement that I've been more conscious of lately. Since the Covid 19 pandemic began, life as we knew it has changed dramatically.
Regarding the Fourth Agreement, Mr. Ruiz advises: "Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret."
Now that we are living life beyond anything we could have imagined, our best may vary tremendously from day to day. Some days your best may simply be getting out of your p.j.'s and into a pair of sweats. Tomorrow, you may jump out of bed with enthusiasm, happy to greet another day, regardless of what may be in store for you. You get into your clothes and walking shoes and are out the door for a vigorous walk as the sun is rising. Okay, granted this may be a bit extreme, but let's leave it at: taking a neighborhood walk after a cup of coffee and a bite to eat.
Do things that help you feel "normal"or maybe even great. I make sure I put on makeup every day even though most days I don't leave the house after my morning walk. I (almost) always get out of my exercise clothes - again, my best varies from day to day, but I make an attempt to do whatever my best is that day.
The point is, do your best, whatever that may be and do not judge yourself, nor chastise yourself for not doing more. Be kind to yourself. It's quite simple - do your best, whatever that may look like today.
xo
Thursday, April 9, 2020
No Complaints
We're under a lot of stress. The corona virus pandemic isn't easy for anyone. Some of us are getting bored since we can't play golf, or tennis or pickle ball, or go out to dinner with our friends or family. Yes, many, many have it worse than us. Yet that doesn't stop us from complaining. And I'm not just talking about how we don't like being confined to home. I'm referring to the little things that are getting on our nerves that have nothing to do with the restrictions.
In 2006, a Christ Church Unity minister, Rev. Will Bowen, in St. Louis, MO, began what became a movement of sorts. He challenged his parishioners to refrain from complaining for 21 consecutive days. He appealed to them in a sermon suggesting they shift their focus from lack to abundance. He gave them bracelets to wear on their wrists and whenever they found themselves complaining, the bracelet was moved to the other wrist. Amazingly, most people take four to ten months to make it to three straight weeks without a complaint. The average person complains 20-30 times a day!
I took on the challenge back then and managed to be complaint free for about the first two hours! It was harder than I expected. I'm taking on the challenge again. I have placed a bracelet, my touchstone, on my right wrist and am curious to see how long I can go without complaining. (True, I have fewer people to complain to during this pandemic, but my hubby will be exceedingly pleased as will Shannon with whom I hike daily and the friends I check in with by phone).
My belief has always been that our thoughts create our reality. I believe not complaining will generate happier thoughts, leading to more contentment and peace.
Rev. Bowen says: "Complaining is like bad breath. You notice it when it comes out of someone else's mouth but not when it comes out of your own". Not a pleasant thought, but true.
I also think it is cleansing to be able to vent about issues that bother us, at least to our besties. I'm not sure how this need to "vent" will be actualized in a positive manner. I'm willing to give it a go. For now though, I am determined to focus on the all the good I have in my life. And, of course, work on putting an end to complaining. How about you? Do you think you could go 21 days without complaining? Let's give it a try.
xo
xo
In 2006, a Christ Church Unity minister, Rev. Will Bowen, in St. Louis, MO, began what became a movement of sorts. He challenged his parishioners to refrain from complaining for 21 consecutive days. He appealed to them in a sermon suggesting they shift their focus from lack to abundance. He gave them bracelets to wear on their wrists and whenever they found themselves complaining, the bracelet was moved to the other wrist. Amazingly, most people take four to ten months to make it to three straight weeks without a complaint. The average person complains 20-30 times a day!
I took on the challenge back then and managed to be complaint free for about the first two hours! It was harder than I expected. I'm taking on the challenge again. I have placed a bracelet, my touchstone, on my right wrist and am curious to see how long I can go without complaining. (True, I have fewer people to complain to during this pandemic, but my hubby will be exceedingly pleased as will Shannon with whom I hike daily and the friends I check in with by phone).
My belief has always been that our thoughts create our reality. I believe not complaining will generate happier thoughts, leading to more contentment and peace.
Rev. Bowen says: "Complaining is like bad breath. You notice it when it comes out of someone else's mouth but not when it comes out of your own". Not a pleasant thought, but true.
I also think it is cleansing to be able to vent about issues that bother us, at least to our besties. I'm not sure how this need to "vent" will be actualized in a positive manner. I'm willing to give it a go. For now though, I am determined to focus on the all the good I have in my life. And, of course, work on putting an end to complaining. How about you? Do you think you could go 21 days without complaining? Let's give it a try.
xo
xo
Thursday, April 2, 2020
Blessed
Shannon and I live three houses apart yet we take separate cars to drive the mile or so to our favorite hiking trails since the Covid-19 pandemic began. Once there we try to maintain a gap of several feet. It's a beautiful trail - especially now with the wildflowers blooming and patches of green grass everywhere, thanks to the abundant rain that fell on the desert this winter. We go early to avoid as many hikers as possible, still there are a few, keeping their distance, as well. Our new normal. Yet, I know how blessed we are.
Accounts of overcrowded hospitals, not enough protective equipment for the medical staffs, a short supply of testing kits, grocery stores running out of food. Don't even get me started on the lack of toilet paper or disinfectant sprays and wipes. Still, we are blessed.
We have plenty of food. A pot roast is cooking in the crock pot as I write this, surrounded by potatoes and carrots. My Golden Retriever, Merlin, still has a cupboard full of treats. Yes, we are blessed.
However, many, many people have died all across the globe from this unfathomable virus. Hospital workers are putting their lives on the line daily. Our supermarket employees are hard at work stocking shelves and ringing up our purchases. The UPS, Amazon, Post Office and Fed Ex drivers are still managing to get our goods to us. So many are risking their personal health and welfare in order to help others. Could this be a reset button for us to wake up and love more? Be more charitable? Appreciate all that we have? Be grateful for all those who are working around the clock to help others?
Will we emerge from this a better human being? No longer take for granted all that we have? Perhaps give more of ourselves?
Sure I miss going out to dinner, playing pickle ball with my friends, getting a manicure - but I have become acutely aware that these things I can live without. A minor inconvenience.
I have my health. My husband, son, sisters and brother are well as are my extended family and my friends, thus far. Yes, I am blessed and grateful to all those who have been doing amazing work to help all of us.
My heart goes out to those who have lost a loved one or who may have been diagnosed with the virus. And most of all - a huge thank you to those people who are putting their lives at risk daily. We are blessed to have you. Stay safe.
xo
Accounts of overcrowded hospitals, not enough protective equipment for the medical staffs, a short supply of testing kits, grocery stores running out of food. Don't even get me started on the lack of toilet paper or disinfectant sprays and wipes. Still, we are blessed.
We have plenty of food. A pot roast is cooking in the crock pot as I write this, surrounded by potatoes and carrots. My Golden Retriever, Merlin, still has a cupboard full of treats. Yes, we are blessed.
However, many, many people have died all across the globe from this unfathomable virus. Hospital workers are putting their lives on the line daily. Our supermarket employees are hard at work stocking shelves and ringing up our purchases. The UPS, Amazon, Post Office and Fed Ex drivers are still managing to get our goods to us. So many are risking their personal health and welfare in order to help others. Could this be a reset button for us to wake up and love more? Be more charitable? Appreciate all that we have? Be grateful for all those who are working around the clock to help others?
Will we emerge from this a better human being? No longer take for granted all that we have? Perhaps give more of ourselves?
Sure I miss going out to dinner, playing pickle ball with my friends, getting a manicure - but I have become acutely aware that these things I can live without. A minor inconvenience.
I have my health. My husband, son, sisters and brother are well as are my extended family and my friends, thus far. Yes, I am blessed and grateful to all those who have been doing amazing work to help all of us.
My heart goes out to those who have lost a loved one or who may have been diagnosed with the virus. And most of all - a huge thank you to those people who are putting their lives at risk daily. We are blessed to have you. Stay safe.
xo
Thursday, March 26, 2020
Faith and Hope
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
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 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
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