I love to play pickle ball. Before the pandemic I played in an indoor league with other "picklers" at the same skill level. Teaming up this way enabled us to be competitive yet not to the point of being overly challenging. We met weekly and we were matched up with a different partner for each of the 4 or 5 games we played on our scheduled day. First and foremost - it was great fun. Secondly, we got a darn good workout.
Since the Covid-19 shut-down, as we know all gyms and pickle ball courts, both indoor and out were closed. Now what do I do to make up for the loss of the exercise? The end of our companionship and partner play is yet another issue.
On the days I wasn't playing pickle ball, I walked or hiked. Now, the walking and hiking has become a daily routine. Taking the same route every day can become weary so my dear friend and walking partner, Shannon, and I began exploring various neighborhoods near our home. The wandering led us up hills and down and past exquisite homes we hadn't seen before and most likely wouldn't if it weren't for this situation.
However, I felt I was using the same muscles every day and needed to work the ones that were being neglected since walking/hiking uses primarily the larger muscles of the lower body.
This is where the dreaded weights come in. I call them dreaded because I do NOT relish lifting weights and have been avoiding them at all costs. I have repeatedly said in the past that I would begin working with weights as I know how important they are to both muscle and bone health. Sure, there were days I broke down and lifted a few dumbbells - bicep curls here and there, a few kickbacks, now and then, but nothing serious.
Finally, I've relented and have begun a weight lifting program of my design. Believe it or not, I have been enduring it for nine weeks now. It's actually not as bad as I had conjured up. Granted, I'm only using 5-8 pound dumbbells but I am consistently lifting 2-3 times a week. Hallelujah! I'm finally being accountable to myself. Darn, I am so proud. And, I believe I am seeing a bit of muscle growth!
I'm determined to not only stay healthy, well and strong through this crazy time but to be stronger than before. Healthier and more resilient than I was several months ago. My heart is certainly more open and grateful for the frontline workers that I - for the most part - took for granted. Never again. And my life - while I never took that for granted, I have certainly become more aware of it's fragility.
xo
Thursday, May 28, 2020
Thursday, May 21, 2020
Boredom or Uncomfortable?
In the beginning of this pandemic, friends and aquaintances were going full steam ahead cleaning out closets and pantries, going through old files and shredding documents as if their lives depended on it. Some donned their aprons and were baking yummy cookies, savory bread and spicy chili. One friend even went as far as to make her own sour dough starter. Granted, she is a chef and caterer, however, boredom, made her do it!
I read a quote recently, (sorry, I'm unable to recall who said it) regarding boredom: "We're not actually bored, we're just uncomfortable with our day to day life and we don't know what to do about it." What I do remember though is that this quote wasn't referring to our current lives during the pandemic. She was referring to the void left when one decides to no longer consume alcohol. It feels as though there is something missing. Well, of course something's missing. The crutch is gone. The sweet feeling of 'ah, that's better. I can deal now with my situation'. Or whatever feeling arises with the first sip.
Another area this uncomfortableness is showing up is in our isolation. We have been relegated to our homes for an indeterminate time. Some of us since March. Others a bit later, but in most cases we are running out of ideas of what to do with ourselves. Yes, this is uncomfortable for sure as our options are rather limited.
I find it an interesting take on boredom - we are uncomfortable and don't know what to do about it.
Another feeling that I've been facing since our stay at home order, is a vexing restlessness. At times, I'm content to read a book. Other times, there is nothing that fills the lack of one on one contact.
States are beginning to open up and folks will be getting out and about once again. The boredom or "uncomfortableness" will be assuaged for the time being, surely to return at some point once again.
Whether the boredom/uncomfortableness is the result of not drinking or being isolated, the feeling is the same. We are resilient and strong and must learn to be comfortable with uncomfortableness.
xo
I read a quote recently, (sorry, I'm unable to recall who said it) regarding boredom: "We're not actually bored, we're just uncomfortable with our day to day life and we don't know what to do about it." What I do remember though is that this quote wasn't referring to our current lives during the pandemic. She was referring to the void left when one decides to no longer consume alcohol. It feels as though there is something missing. Well, of course something's missing. The crutch is gone. The sweet feeling of 'ah, that's better. I can deal now with my situation'. Or whatever feeling arises with the first sip.
Another area this uncomfortableness is showing up is in our isolation. We have been relegated to our homes for an indeterminate time. Some of us since March. Others a bit later, but in most cases we are running out of ideas of what to do with ourselves. Yes, this is uncomfortable for sure as our options are rather limited.
I find it an interesting take on boredom - we are uncomfortable and don't know what to do about it.
Another feeling that I've been facing since our stay at home order, is a vexing restlessness. At times, I'm content to read a book. Other times, there is nothing that fills the lack of one on one contact.
States are beginning to open up and folks will be getting out and about once again. The boredom or "uncomfortableness" will be assuaged for the time being, surely to return at some point once again.
Whether the boredom/uncomfortableness is the result of not drinking or being isolated, the feeling is the same. We are resilient and strong and must learn to be comfortable with uncomfortableness.
xo
Thursday, May 14, 2020
Happiness
Ray Chambers, the current Ambassador for Global Strategy for the World Health Organization once was a Wall Street CEO and innovator. After revolutionizing the idea of leveraged buyout, decided he had amassed enough capital to do something worthwhile with it. His philanthropic efforts are diverse, with major focus areas in global health, mentoring and revitalizing his home town of Newark, N.J.
He has created what he calls The 5 Keys in the Pursuit of Happiness:
1. Be in the moment.
My take on this is that if you stop your thoughts about what happened in the past or ruminating about the future and be exactly where you are now - there is peace. Just be. No thinking involved.
2. Better to be loving than right.
I remind myself of this often (even when I am right!). And when in the midst of a disagreement with someone - and since we are basically isolated at home - that someone would be the hubby.
3. Be a spectator to our own thoughts.
As I've experienced, this is especially important when we are feeling emotional, scared or tense. It helps to step outside of our thoughts and concerns and have compassion towards ourselves. This disengaging helps immensely in having compassion for others.
4. Be grateful for one thing every day.
I love this one and it is the very best way to start the day. Usually before my feet hit the floor I thank God that I am on this side of the dirt.
5. Be of service to others.
In my experience, this key not only guarantees your happiness but the receiver's happiness as well.
I've also found that kindness brings me a huge measure of happiness. The smallest kindnesses - smiling at a stranger, opening a door for someone, sharing the fruit from my abundant lemon tree with my neighbors - all bring a bit of happiness to my heart and these small bits add up to a gladness of spirit.
We are certainly living in uncertain times and what the future will hold is anyone's guess. However, utilizing Mr. Chambers' keys may bring us a modicum of peace.
xo
He has created what he calls The 5 Keys in the Pursuit of Happiness:
1. Be in the moment.
My take on this is that if you stop your thoughts about what happened in the past or ruminating about the future and be exactly where you are now - there is peace. Just be. No thinking involved.
2. Better to be loving than right.
I remind myself of this often (even when I am right!). And when in the midst of a disagreement with someone - and since we are basically isolated at home - that someone would be the hubby.
3. Be a spectator to our own thoughts.
As I've experienced, this is especially important when we are feeling emotional, scared or tense. It helps to step outside of our thoughts and concerns and have compassion towards ourselves. This disengaging helps immensely in having compassion for others.
4. Be grateful for one thing every day.
I love this one and it is the very best way to start the day. Usually before my feet hit the floor I thank God that I am on this side of the dirt.
5. Be of service to others.
In my experience, this key not only guarantees your happiness but the receiver's happiness as well.
I've also found that kindness brings me a huge measure of happiness. The smallest kindnesses - smiling at a stranger, opening a door for someone, sharing the fruit from my abundant lemon tree with my neighbors - all bring a bit of happiness to my heart and these small bits add up to a gladness of spirit.
We are certainly living in uncertain times and what the future will hold is anyone's guess. However, utilizing Mr. Chambers' keys may bring us a modicum of peace.
xo
Thursday, May 7, 2020
Your Memoir
I wrote the following blog post a week or so before the Coronavirus pandemic began and didn't publish it. It was a light and breezy post. It still is, however, perhaps what you may have named your memoir prior to this epidemic is not the same as what you may call it today. I will give the title of my memoir more thought, however, the original post is as follows:
One of my favorite creative and inspiring books is Art and Soul, Reloaded by Pam Grout. It is filled with exercises to jumpstart our creative juices and at times, to step outside of our comfort zones.
One of the more interesting assignments is to write our memoir in six words, no more no less. This idea originated with the book Not Quite What I was Planning, a collection of six word memoir titles by famous and not so famous people.
It all began when Ernest Hemingway wrote: "For sale: baby shoes, never worn".
A few examples from the book are:
Author Dave Eggers: Fifteen years since last professional haircut.
Comedian Stephen Colbert: Well, I thought it was funny.
Author Joyce Carol Oates: Revenge is living well, without you.
Chef and restauranteur Mario Batali: Brought it to a boil, often.
And one from a not-so-famous person; me: Still curious after all these years.
It's fun and not as easy as it sounds to come up with a six word title for your memoir. Give it some thought. What would your memoir be called?
xo
One of my favorite creative and inspiring books is Art and Soul, Reloaded by Pam Grout. It is filled with exercises to jumpstart our creative juices and at times, to step outside of our comfort zones.
One of the more interesting assignments is to write our memoir in six words, no more no less. This idea originated with the book Not Quite What I was Planning, a collection of six word memoir titles by famous and not so famous people.
It all began when Ernest Hemingway wrote: "For sale: baby shoes, never worn".
A few examples from the book are:
Author Dave Eggers: Fifteen years since last professional haircut.
Comedian Stephen Colbert: Well, I thought it was funny.
Author Joyce Carol Oates: Revenge is living well, without you.
Chef and restauranteur Mario Batali: Brought it to a boil, often.
And one from a not-so-famous person; me: Still curious after all these years.
It's fun and not as easy as it sounds to come up with a six word title for your memoir. Give it some thought. What would your memoir be called?
xo
Thursday, April 30, 2020
Journaling
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
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 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
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