The Amazing Human Race

Sometimes I get to meet the most amazing and incredibly inspiring people.

This past week, I met a family who has learned to appreciate and value every achievement in life, regardless of how small. This has been part of their life's journey in caring for a child with a developmental disorder. The simple act of learning to eat or making a friend is an occasion to rejoice in their household.

When challenges arise and families learn to navigate the effects of life-altering health issues, people can rise up to meet obstacles with astounding strength, love and grace. There is a beauty in this, that takes my breath away.

I am reminded of a story I heard last week about an Amish community that suffered great loss in a mass shooting in their schoolhouse. Despite the tragic loss of the lives of five young girls, that community’s response was one of forgiveness and love toward the perpetrator and his family. I heard that donations were accepted by the Amish community only on the condition that an equal amount be given to the perpetrator’s family.  (Online sources verify that “some” donations were designated for the perpetrator's family.)

Looking up the incident, I am brought to a stunned silence by the horror of it. I am greatly humbled by the human capacity for forgiveness and compassion as demonstrated by the community's response.

This week, I will remember the capacity for Love that exists inside us all. I will remember that when we are called upon to make a choice, we can choose to meet any challenge, no matter how big or small, with great Love.

Namaste,

T

Let It Snow

Well, there’s no denying it anymore…

It’s not exactly my favorite time of year – when the patio furniture and the bikes get put away, the sky goes gray and the night comes early.

“A lot of people like snow. 

I find it to be an unnecessary freezing of water.” 

– Carl Reiner

I’ve been searching for something  positive… Soup is good. :)

As I dig out the winter coats, boots and scarves, I’ll try to keep focused on the positive. I’ll find some of my favorite soup recipes, get the Crock-Pot going, fill up the house with the smell of cinnamon apples, and replace my dresser drawer of shorts with long sleeve shirts that I forgot I had.

There’s no use in complaining. I’ll keep finding things to appreciate and smile when I do. Maybe I’ll make a snowman.

I’ll wear my Gryffindor sweatshirt. I’ll look around outside and remember the crystal shaped beauty in a single flake of snow, then zoom out and realize how much beauty surrounds us. I’ll place battery operated candles in all the windows and smile when I come home at night to see their glow.

It’s just winter. It’s not that bad. It’s not really bad at all.  :) 

Namaste,

T

Muck It Up

Russ and I were talking about life… (and doing taxes).

In self-reflection, we started examining whether or not we were "reconciled within ourselves" – in other words, are the choices we make reflective of the reality we are trying to create? If not, why? What are some of the ways we are holding ourselves back? In what ways are we complacent? Why might we sometimes stay in a comfort zone instead of pushing forward? What could we do differently, that might bring change for the better?

These are really tough questions. In order to answer, we have to journey into ourselves and seek the truth. We are going to need boots.  :)

We have to have the gumption to travel through our own muck. Sometimes moving ahead in life means moving ahead in our own thoughts first. Maybe we have to dismantle some old, outdated shadow belief before we can move on. We might start believing in ourselves a little more in order to take that one leap of faith that would make all the difference. We might stop making excuses and take one step, one action that moves us closer to our dreams. We might make a healthy meal choice instead of saying we didn’t have time to eat right. We might do the RIGHT thing instead of the EASY thing and feel so good about it that we set off a chain reaction in ourselves and steer ourselves in a new direction.

"To everything there is a season..."

- Ecclesiastes 3:1

As the weather turns and I am forced to admit what I had been trying to deny (that winter is coming), I’ll try to apply the principle to other areas as well. Like they say at the gym, sometimes we have to deconstruct a little to rebuild stronger and better.

Here’s bidding us all safe passage through the muck! Here’s to evolving and constantly improving ourselves. I can do it. I have boots. (I’m thinking I could use a new raincoat too… #BringItOn)

:)

Namaste!

T

xoxo

Photos by C.T.

Super Foods

It became apparent to me this week that I MUST eat in a very healthy way in order to maintain my pace. I've been pushing myself very hard and when there are long hours and traveling involved, it can become difficult to find nourishing food options. I discovered a GREAT smoothie place! 

I had been what I call "beyond coffee." Caffeine was no longer working, and was starting to make me feel sick. I really just needed some more sleep and to stop working so hard, but I could not. Across the street from the coffee place was a juice place that I had never tried. I'm SO GLAD I went in.

After drinking a blend of superfoods including spinach and fruit, I found myself bursting with energy I didn't imagine would be possible. I went back the next day and replicated the effect. 

After driving all night to arrive four hundred miles away, this morning (Monday) I was exhausted. I went online and found another smoothie place with amazing healthy options. Both of my new favorite food places are family owned, private businesses with very passionate and dedicated owners. I love their products and love supporting them!

I'll try to slow down a little this week. :) I'll be grateful for my health and for all the amazing people working hard to make their dreams come true - and making the world a little better in the process.

Namaste!
T