Life is like a box of chocolates . . .

Thursday, May 10, 2012

you never know what you're going to get! Of course, most of us know this came from the movie "Forest Gump". Now I loved that movie on many levels, but the one thing I loved most is despite perceived challenges, Forest never saw himself not being able to meet or exceed these challenges! That was what his Mom taught him (of course, have to put a plug in for us Mom's . . . we rock!)

I am in maintenance, so I cannot say I've seen progress (or lack thereof) per se. I have maintained my weight since Jan. 2011, my blood sugars have gone from needing meds to none @ all. . . HUGE! So, for me, there are no major changes I plan on making to my plan for this "caravan" (see BOSS, I learned from you!)

Anywho. . . not necessarily specific to this goal, I want to focus on what I have gained.

1. self-confidence: do NOT tell me I can't do something, because I'm going to turn around and DO IT.

2. self-love: I learned that before all else I have to love myself. Otherwise I don't have any to pass on!

3. self-determination: challenges have a way of presenting themselves in my life (as they do in EVERYONE'S life). But the difference for me is how I look @ things. I know that with effort I will accomplish whatever needs to be done. Sure, I may need help, but it will get done! That's the key though . . . getting help when needed. THAT'S what Spark People is for on this caravan of ours. We're here for each other, always. We have to have the determination to ask for what we need, not rely on others to accomplish the goal, but certainly accept help and support.

4. HEALTH! Let me tell you. My body has been through a LOT. Back in 1998 I literally had to re-learn to walk and just do daily things. It was probably the darkest part of my life. BUT I always focused on the light @ the end of the tunnel and by golly, I made it through that tunnel . . . and the light wasn't a train coming towards me, thankfully!

This journey has taught me soooooo much about the value not only of physical health, but emotional and spiritual health too. It's a package deal . . . can't have one without having the others. HUGE lesson.

So, like any other journey I've taken in life, often the significance of the trip doesn't hit me till AFTER. This is no different. So, sometimes we need to take a look in that rear view mirror to appreciate where we've been to truly appreciate where we are!

This caravan, this journey, this challenge has really helped me realize how important prioritizing my life has to be! I need to put myself #1 so I have what it takes to give to others. My priorities, like others, do have to shift like the sand sometimes, but always have to take care of ME.

At the core of my priorities always:

1. Family
2. Friends
3. Faith
4. All the rest of what is this thing called LIFE

So enjoy that box of chocolates called life! It's the mix of different types that makes it a real adventure!

XRSIZE: Hope this meets the criteria of answering what progress we've seen (or not!) You are an inspiration. Just wanted to tell you that. Look . . . my 3rd blog this month!

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And the Oscar goes to . . .

Monday, May 07, 2012

YOU! Huh? Didn't have a starring role in a movie lately? That OK.

Every morning we wake up and get started with our routine. Some days are more difficult or challenging than others. Sometimes that inner child of ours is . . . well . . . bratty!!! "I don't wanna!" or "I'm too tired", or "Not now . . . later". Ok, you get the idea. I'm sure if we compiled a list, we could come up with about a million excuses that our inner child give us to skip it . . . don't do it . . . do something FUN instead.

Our brains have literally thousands of thoughts that go through it in any given minute. The hard part is figuring out what to filter out and what to act on. That's where parenting our inner child comes in.

On those days that I just don't FEEL like doing what needs to be done, I subscribe to the "fake it til you feel it" theory. Start out by putting a smile on your face. EVENTUALLY your mind and body will synch with that smile! You'll FEEL happiness.

In the morning, the most important accessory isn't the blouse or shirt or shoes or jewelery It's that SMILE !

The funny thing is, when YOU put a big ol' on your face, YOU feel better, but anyone you pass it on to feels better too!

So, when you're busy getting ready for your day, don't forget the SMILE. It's Oscar winning!! (See, betcha wondered how I was going to work that in there, didn't you! )

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Today . . .

Sunday, May 06, 2012

is it really important to your health?? To you??

Well, only YOU can decide if today is important to you. For me, today is important. Every day is important. Being mere mortals, we don't know how many days we have here on this planet. BUT if you wake up, that's a good start for another day.

Why is today important to me? Well, there many reasons -- most importantly, I want to live each day as healthfully as I can. I lived toooooooo many years making rotten choices and paid the consequences. I no longer choose to live like that. Did it require a major overhaul of the mind, spirit and body? You betcha. Is that overhaul complete? Being in maintenance, I can honestly say, no it is not. I am a work in progress. That's alright, though! That's how it SHOULD be. Yesterday wasn't as good as today and tomorrow will be better than today. That's because I am a work in progress. It is important to never stop making each day better than the day before and setting yourself up to make tomorrow even better.

Do I rue the days of my self-inflicted consequences from bad choices? Well, yes, I do, BUT in a different context than beating myself up about it. I use it as a point of reference . . . I am NOT going back to that!!!

Family & friends -- that's why it's important to me, too, to live each day to the best of my ability. Not only do I want to be around to be there for family and friends, I want to be an example to them, too, of how important each day is!

Life is so very fragile, you just cannot take it for granted. Ever.

These are all reasons why TODAY is the day to get started. . . not tomorrow. We don't know what tomorrow will bring, but we can live in each moment and use it for the best.

I have always felt, no matter what, there is a fundamental reason why we're put on this Earth. Each one of us has a purpose for being. It's up to each of us to listen carefully and follow that voice that guides us to accomplish the goals we're meant to accomplish.

Procrastination . . . well, that doesn't take us forward on our journey.. That doesn't allow us to reach the health we all desire to have, which we need to accomplish all the other goals we may have!

So, cheers to TODAY. Embrace it, live it, love it!

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I'm a believer . . .

Wednesday, May 02, 2012

not a trace of doubt in my mind . . . anymore!

This is completely NOT what I intended to blog about before, but it is WAY more important for me to share this with you for right now. So, here goes.

My son has had a very rough time of it in basics. Oh, not the usual suspects . . . following orders, strict routine, and the like. Those are things he surprisingly has done well with. First John had bronchitis for two weeks. Since birth even the slightest cold has always turned to bronchitis. So, during that time he missed out on some skills that are crucial. For that reason he was transferred to another unit to train with them as their rotation was working on the required skill . . . specifically marksmanship. Though not happy about it, obviously he went.

From the letters we've gotten he has really been working so very hard and is showing his leadership abilities, and they're being noticed. Now, forgive this very subjective Mom's opinion, but I have ALWAYS felt and told him that he is destined to be a leader, not a follower. See, Mom's know! Well, he is the leader of his unit, and will more than likely be asked to be the platoon leader.

Things were on the right track for sure. The last three letters we've gotten have been optimistic, but not his usual upbeat. The reason? He was having severe knee pain which was hampering him in physical training, running, marching, jumping . . . all the things they do on a daily basis. The very last letter we got (dated 26 April -- but we received it yesterday) John told us that it was confirmed on x-ray that he had a stress fracture of the right knee and probably development of a stress fracture of the left knee as well. My heart just sank. The Dr. profiled him against Airborne School. So, that option was closed, at least for now. I was surprised John was pretty accepting of it realizing that with his knee it would NOT be a good idea. I was glad he could be realistic.

However the Dr. did order him to be NO physical training/runnning/jumping and on crutches for two weeks. UGH. THEN because he'd be missing out on more skills, he'd be transferred to ANOTHER unit, which doesn't begin training till 1 June, which would obviously mean graduation postponed again.

John chose to carry on -- not limiting his activity. Of course, Jason & I wrote him two letters already telling him follow the Drs. instructions!

Ok, so that brings me to my point. (Long winded -- I know! Sorry!) It just broke my heart that he is really turning his life around, making something of himself and these two horrible obstacles are put in his way! Although he was/is dealing with them, I just felt so sad for him. I have prayed my little heart out about this asking Him to just give John peace (me too!) Well, MANY others have also been praying for him, as well, including Spark Friends.

Tonight was the answer to those prayers . . . just the fact that he called, he's doing alright, he's ALIVE! I am so grateful.

Seems like he is over the bronchitis and working his way through the knee issue. Every morning he is up @ 3 am to put in an hour of knee rehab exercises before marching 1/4 mile to breakfast. He PASSED his marksmanship requirement today! He EARNED the phone call home.

I just cannot tell you that any shred of doubt I many have ever had in the power of prayer . . . POOF. GONE. VANISHED. NEVER TO RETURN!

My son has taught me a most valuable lesson. Keep trying. Never quit. Never. I will forever remember that!!

Thank you from the very bottom of my heart for the prayers and support. It takes a village to LIVE! We all need each other. Thank you for being the wind beneath my wings, the wind in my sail when I didn't think I could fly, I didn't think I could sail forward!

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Just random thoughts

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Needing some prayers from anyone who can spare some.

1. Mom is having her right knee replaced. Mentally she is scared. I can't say I blame her for that at all. Trying to get her to focus on the fact that she'll feel better once it's done. She's hanging in there, but has been through so much since last June (diagnosis of breast cancer, lumpectomy followed by radiatin therapy) and then she had bilateral rotator cuff tears . . . PAINFUL!

2. Yesterday got the news that an Aunt Mary died . . . my Mother's oldest brother Bob's wife. She had Alzheimers and it was "the long good-bye" indeed.

She was a very spirited person . . . dramatic. And that was her passion. My Aunt taught theater in High School. I got hooked into loving theater succumbing to her influence. I thanked her for that many times over, because it enriched my life.

Probably my favorite memory of my Aunt Mary was co-chaperoning a bunch of 18 giggly high-school Jrs. and Srs. on a trip to London. We saw 7 plays in 7 days. What fun that was! I was 21 @ the time and let me tell you, it definitely took both of us to "rein in" those girls, but much to their credit, they DID listen. Mostly. I learned so much about theater from my Aunt on that trip. We were lucky enough to get box seats to a play called "The Constant Wife" starting Ingrid Bergman!

I know the loss of my Aunt is going to be very difficult for my Uncle. They have been inseparable for 60 years. My prayers for him.

You know, things always happen in life bringing things full circle in one way or another. There is no good time to have surgery, no gooe time to lose a person you love. There is no control over those situations. It boils down to learning how to deal with them, hopefully in a positive way.

Always treasure those you love. Tell them you love them. Don't let it be assumed.

It's been a month of really learning the meaning of "letting go" for me with DS. He is now in the 2nd stage of boot camp. Earning more priviledges, but way more is expected of them to earn priviledges. Much to his credit, John is reall doing what it takes to make this work. Much like we ALL have to do in life. In the good or bad times, we still have to make things WORK.

Not hearing from him, except for letters, has been very difficult, but I can tell you I treasure each and every letter. As parents, you always wonder if you did a good enough job, did they learn the lessons you were trying to teach them (teens have an uncanny knack of being able to hide the fact that they've heard ANYTHING we've said, but from reading my son's letters, he did indeed hear . . . almost every word! So, the lesson in THIS situation is, never give up! That applies to our lives in general, too, of course. Never give up.

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