A Story That Had to be Told

I wrote an article about a subject that is extremely personal and difficult to talk about but the story needed to be told. I learned from personal experience that we have a long way to go when it comes to compassionate end-of-life care. Here is my story...Against Their Wishes.

Keeping Goals on Track

As part of an annual goals exercise, my dear friend, Tracy, sent a list of questions to help evaluate accomplishments in 2011 and identify areas that might need more focus this year. Now, my true confession: 

**Although I've thought about my goals, I've never really made a concerted effort to actually track my progress or give them additional focus until the next year.**

Some of them I've managed to achieve in spite of the lack of attention, but most just languish only to be carried over year to year. Life gets in the way and what should be a priority gets pushed aside by the demands of the day-to-day stuff.

So, to keep myself on track, I'll modify these questions and consider them month-by-month rather than annually and send myself a monthly reminder through an iPhone app called Bloom. 

1. What was your biggest triumph in 2011 last month?
2. What was the greatest lesson you learned?
3. What are you most happy about completing in 2011 last month?
4. What advice would you give yourself for 2012 this month?

Happy planning!

Wisdom from the Facebook Files

Someone posted a graphic today showing the income disparity in the United States between CEOs and employee wages. The ratio is 475:1. Yikes.

I don't have any simple answer to the issue but I do know that regardless of who controls the weatlh, 

a nation that values civility, compassion and the health, education

and welfare of all its citizens will thrive.

Can I get an Amen to that?!

One has hope that in this political climate calmer heads will prevail.

“Maintain composure in times of heightened emotion, reacting only when thoughts are calm and clear. Being sensible will open doors for solutions and creativity.” Jaren L. Davis      

Until then, I'm praying for snow. :-)

Only when you've taken responsibility and acknowledged who you are at your core will you move in the direction that is right and good for you.

Only when you stop letting others dictate your every thought and action will you begin living YOUR life.

Only when you take moments for yourself will you have the clarity to do the most that you can for others.

Clear your mind of the clutter...stand up for yourself...

take back the energy that drives you...practice personal discipline.

“Vision is not enough, it must be combined with venture. It is not enough to stare up the steps, we must step up the stairs.”

Vaclav Havel (born 1936);
Poet, Playwright, 1st President Of Czech Republic

Age is a State of Mind

Today I heard an interview with Tory Amos and she was talking about the fact that she was nearing the age of 50. She had an incredibly positive attitude about it and was imploring women to stop fighting their age and trying to be younger than they are. Why not embrace your experience? Then she said something that nailed it for me, 

"Step into your grace."

I love that.

Little Lessons

Stay in touch with friends.

With forward momentum, change can happen. One. Day.

On my deathbed, I doubt I will say, "I wish I would have stayed in my comfort zone more."

In lieu of an opinion, sometimes a deep breath is all that's needed.

Often, a perceived weakness is actually a hidden strength.

Love and respect will lift people up.  

We're all perfectly flawed.

Willpower is Discipline

The word "DISCIPLINE" is engraved on my Road I.D. bracelet. It's how I stay focused on running - the one activity that gives me a multitude of physical and psychological benefits. So my interest was peaked when I read an article titled "Where There's a Will" in the January issue of Whole Living. Discipline is really about having the willpower to stick to something that's difficult yet worthy of the change necessary. Most of us strive to live a healthier, productive, stress-LESS, life. What advice does the author give? Meditation, a healthy diet and exercise are three of the top willpower tactics along with

Sleep    Visualization    Self-forgiveness.