This is Why…..

15 Feb

I am very passionate about motivating, inspiring and encouraging people that life and health is directly related to choices that we make….it’s not just something that happens to us.  However, I do not “preach” something that I do no practice.  Our bodies are amazing creations and daily choices can help those creations or hurt those creations.  I cannot put harmful foods, drinks, and substances into my body and expect my body to keep running at optimal performance.  I cannot sit all day and all evening and expect my body to continue being strong, flexible, and healthy.  I cannot think negative thoughts and expect my emotions, my outlook on life, and my interactions with people to be positive.

Yesterday, while sitting in the lobby at the UT Cancer Institute, I was reminding of why it’s so important for me to do what I can to help my body run at its best.  Last year, my doctor was concerned about some tests and wanted a second opinion and biopsy done by one of the best doctors for women’s health in our area – thankfully, there was no cancer; but I am on a follow-up program for a while.  Needless to say, the importance of making healthy choices became even more of a passion for me.

This small journey began in November of 2011; and at one of my very first appointments, the doctor went over with me the choices I needed to be making to help out my immune system.  Exercise, Rest, food choices, Positive thinking, no smoking, being careful of alcohol consumption, stress, and toxic relationships were all topics that entered that conversation.  I already was ahead of most people when it came to exercise, food choices, no smoking, and alcohol consumption; however, I needed to work on stress, rest and toxic relationships. I realized more than ever that I had to make good choices for me and my wellbeing. I could not continue to allow undue stress or relationships that were not healthy for me to be part of my daily life in any way, shape, or form. I also chose not to tell the whole world what was going on…just my family and a few trusted friends. I’m of the belief that the more you talk about something the bigger it can become and did not want to add more worry, fear, or stress.

I moved forward from that day – left certain things, situations, and people behind me – the past was the past and I just wanted to focus on the present moment and things I could do “today” to help make a better future for my mind, my emotions and my health. Was it always easy? No. Did I have moments where fear and worry would try to overwhelm me? Yes, I did. What I chose to do in those moments was very critical….I could allow the emotion to overwhelm me or I could acknowledge it and then remind myself that everything was going to work out and all would be well. I would quote Bible Scriptures or positive quotes….would spend time in prayer and meditation…or would lace up the running shoes and hit the road. I knew my choices would matter and make a difference. Now I’m not saying that my choices caused me NOT to have cancer – I am saying that I did what I needed to do to help my body out. Putting the wrong things into my body and my mind was not going to help my immune system get stronger – it would only weaken it. I did what I needed to do and that’s all that mattered. I controlled what I could and then let go of what I could not control. Choices…we are faced with them every moment and we have been given the power and the freedom to choose. I don’t take that lightly or for granted. This is why I do what I do, say what I say, live what I live – it’s my choice

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Epiphany

6 Jan

Today is Epiphany Day. Many Christians around the world celebrate this Holiday and in many countries it is a public holiday. I’m not sure that many of us in the United States or especially those of us who are not Catholic, Orthodox or Anglican Christians have an understanding of what it is. Many different cultural and denominational customs are practiced; however, in general the feast celebrates the manifestation of God in the form of human flesh through Jesus Christ. The word epiphany means “manifestation” or “revelation” and is commonly linked in Western Christianity to the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child. Through the Magi, Christ revealed himself to the Gentiles. In Eastern Christianity the emphasis is on the baptism of Jesus by John. Epiphany is also called, “Three Kings Day,” or “Twelfth Day.” It’s quite interesting to read how different countries celebrate – Wikipedia gives a great rundown of the countries that celebrate Twelfth Day and how they celebrate.

According to dictionary.com, one can use the word to refer to: 1) a sudden, intuitive perception of or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something, usually initiated by some simple, homely, or commonplace occurrence or experience. 2) a literary work or section of a work presenting, usually symbolically, such a moment of revelation and insight.

Wikipedia gives a definition of Epiphany as it relates to a feeling. The word can be used to describe an experience of sudden and striking realization. “Generally the term is used to describe breakthrough scientific, religious or philosophical discoveries, but it can apply in any situation in which an enlightening realization allows a problem or situation to be understood from a new and deeper perspective…Epiphanies are relatively rare occurrences and generally following a process of significant thought about a problem….”

Now I know that few of us have epiphanies as defined by Wikipedia but I do believe during our lifetime we experience several occasions where we have our own personal epiphanies that change our lives, our thinking, our goals, and our spirituality. In my own personal life, my deeper understanding moments have occurred during or right after a very difficult time and they also did not happen while I was in my teens or twenties – no, most of them have happened in the last two years. I thought I knew what life was about and what I was doing and where I was going and then my world was shaken up. Maybe this happens so we have to stop, refocus, figure out if the path we are on is going in the right direction, figure out what really matters and what does not matter, and check in with ourselves to see if we are being true to our mission/purpose/passion.

As I reflect upon the holiday and feeling of Epiphany today, I hope that this year will be one of enlightening moments, deeper understanding, insight into situations, and more revelation of who God is and His love for us. Blessings!

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Blank pages

5 Jan

I know we are in a time that we can do everything on our laptops, our smart phones, our iPads, and all other sorts of devices.  We can write ourselves notes, fill in our daily calendar, journal, read our books, instant message, email, text and so much more.  However, there are some things that I just refuse to give up – my journal and my Franklin Covey planner.  To me, there is nothing like opening my brand new journal and writing my thoughts, feelings, and emotions.  I also love putting my new planner pages into my binder and filling it up with my classes, my appointments, important dates, and my “to-dos” . 

That is how I choose to look at each new year – it’s a brand new year filled with blank pages and I get to choose how I fill those pages.  I get to write my own book this year – no one else writes it for me.  No matter what happens, I choose my reaction.  I get to choose my emotion.  I get to choose life, hope, trust, joy, contentment.  I’m excited about this book of blank pages that is before me.  I don’t want to live with regrets so I choose to take risks, to say “yes” more often, to travel new roads, to believe that anything is possible and that there are no limits except those I set for myself.  I plan on writing a good book in 2013.  What will you do with your blank pages?

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I want to be like you when I grow up….

6 Nov

 

This past weekend I was privileged to meet an extraordinary couple who attend The Rock Church in Sunnyvale, California.  They are proof that age is just a number and that wellbeing can be achieved no matter your date of birth.  I did not get their first names so I’ll refer to them as the people there refer to them…..Momma and Papa Leaman.  He is a spry 90-year old gentleman and she is an energetic 85-year old lady.

There are several choices they make that enable them to live such full lives.

1.   They recognize the importance of moving their bodies.  They attend their local health club three mornings a week and walk for 45 minutes and participate in an aqua fitness class.  Because of the ladies conference this past weekend, they were not able participate in their typical Friday morning fitness routine, and Papa Leaman was disappointed that they had to miss.

2.  They are active members in their church.  They attend services and special events that their local church sponsors.  They help when they can and where they can – they know that they are a part of a community and you can see how the other members of the congregation interact with them and let them know that they are loved, honored, and appreciated.  I was there this past February for a dinner at the church and they were both in the kitchen helping out….and Momma Leaman is quite the chef.  She helps with the food when she is able.

3.  They are madly in love with each other.  They have been married 66 years and she refers to him as her “latin lover” 🙂 (He is Italian and Spanish.)  Upon meeting him, he will proudly pull out a picture from his wallet to show you–it’s a little worn and faded but the beauty of the young lady is breathtaking.  It is one of the first pictures she gave to her sweetheart.  As I watched them talking to other members of the congregation, I saw that they still like to hold hands.

4.  Travel and adventure is still vital in their lives – they don’t leave that for the young people.  The last few years they’ve went with family members to Hawaii for one month to vacation.  Then last year, they decided to take a cruise all by themselves without any family members.  They refuse to let fear of the unknown keep them in their comfort zones.

5.  They realize they have talents and abilities to share with others and realize that hanging out with children can put some energy, fun, and laughter into your day. She has a workshop behind their garage and once a week she has girls of all ages come to her workshop and she teaches them to knit, embroider, sew, and crochet.  Many of these young girls will make Christmas gifts for their family members during these weekly lessons – the week before Christmas, she has wrapping paper for them and they prepare their gifts.  Then they go into the kitchen and she all the ingredients ready for homemade gingerbread men.  They decorate their cookies and then clean up the mess before she takes them out for lunch. I told her I wished I live there so I could go over her house once a week 🙂

6.  They refuse to allow health issues to run their lives and they make whatever changes they need to in order to keep disease from diminishing their quality of life.  When he was diagnosed with diabetes, they went to informative sessions for two weeks to learn everything they could do to help the symptoms from escalating.  They made lifestyle changes and it’s working….he is only has to take one pill a day.  She was diagnosed with breast cancer and she did her research and made her choices and is cancer free.  At age 85, she is only on two prescription meds per day.

This couple radiates warmth, love, and well-being.  I wish all of you could meet them because I know they would inspire you as much as they inspired me! Momma and Papa Leaman, I want to be like you when I grow up!

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Alignment

28 Sep

This morning I made my way to Dr. Eddie, my chiropractor, so he could make some adjustments and continue helping my spinal column to be in good alignment.  The vertebrae in our spinal column can get out of alignment due to lifestyle, poor posture, stress, weight, etc.  The spinal column has a very important job of protecting the central nervous system; our central nervous system is VITAL to our well being….it’s how we live, move and breathe! I’m very aware of the importance of good alignment in the spinal column.

Another important alignment that has to be made every so often is on the tires of my car.  This has to be done so that the tires are set to the car maker’s specifications.  It reduces tire wear and ensures that my trusty, little Toyota Corolla will travel straight and true and not pull to one side.

I have to make alignments in my spiritual life, as well.  I have to align my thoughts, my hopes, and my purpose with God’s.  I have to put my trust and hope in Him and know that He is my provider and works all things out and brings about good things in my life.  When I neglect to keep myself in proper alignment vertically (between God and I), the relationships in my life get out of alignment horizontally.  I begin to put people into a position that is not fair to them.This puts unrealistic expectations on them as I begin to expect them to meet my needs or make me happy.   My peace of mind is not dependent on what others do and don’t do; my happiness is not based on people.  However, if I’m out of alignment spiritually, my emotions, thoughts and feelings will be based on others and their actions.  This makes for a very rocky/bumpy roller coaster ride….it’s not fun for anyone – me or the people in my life!  When I’m out of alignment, doubt, fear and worry will fill my mind and these things will make me want to react in negative ways.

As I align my thoughts with the Word, peace, contentment, joy, purpose, hope, trust, faith, and rest enter into my life, my heart, and my mind…..no matter what is going on around me, in me, or in my life.  The following scriptures come alive and bring peace:

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear. 1 John 4:18

God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in time of trouble. Psalms 46:1

I sought the Lord and He answered me.  He delivered me from all my fears. Psalms 34:4

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.  Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him.  Psalms 37:4-5

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not on your own understanding: in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Thou will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3

And there’s many more words that bring value, rest, peace, contentment and hope.  That is why it is imperative that I keep my vertical alignment at my top priority…when that is in perfect alignment, all is well.

How’s your alignment?

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Choices in new chapters

14 Aug

I opened up my journal to put some of my thoughts onto the paper….

As I did so, I noticed the last time I wrote was on July 11th and it started with, “Sitting here with Grandma as she begins her journey from this life to the next.  I’m praying she stays with us until my Mom can get here.” 

Grandma did stay with us until Mom arrived, and I’ve been blessed to have my Mom here for one month.  Today is the day that Mom had to go back to Michigan, so this has been a very emotional day…and as I read my entry on July 11th, I reflected on all that has happened since that day. 

I realized that I had to make a choice….

I can choose to be sad…..to focus on being all by myself for the first time in one month….to allow the emotions to be overwhelming….to focus on what I don’t have….to focus on who is not with me right now….to focus on all the uncertainties that seem to be looming over me at the moment….

OR

I can choose to be in the moment….to live in the present…..to take this time to better myself…to take this time to learn…to take this time to read….to focus on what I have….to focus on all the incredible people in my life….to focus on my blessings…to focus on the love that fills my heart and continues to grow on a daily basis.

I will choose the latter.

I do face a new chapter…new book in my life….and incredible things are birthed through pain.  The best is yet to come and I’m choosing to live in each moment with focus, clarity, and passion.

What will choose for your new chapter?

Choices in new chapters

14 Aug

I opened up my journal to put some of my thoughts onto the paper….

As I did so, I noticed the last time I wrote was on July 11th and it started with, “Sitting here with Grandma as she begins her journey from this life to the next.  I’m praying she stays with us until my Mom can get here.” 

Grandma did stay with us until Mom arrived, and I’ve been blessed to have my Mom here for one month.  Today is the day that Mom had to go back to Michigan, so this has been a very emotional day…and as I read my entry on July 11th, I reflected on all that has happened since that day. 

I realized that I had to make a choice….

I can choose to be sad…..to focus on being all by myself for the first time in one month….to allow the emotions to be overwhelming….to focus on what I don’t have….to focus on who is not with me right now….to focus on all the uncertainties that seem to be looming over me at the moment….

OR

I can choose to be in the moment….to live in the present…..to take this time to better myself…to take this time to learn…to take this time to read….to focus on what I have….to focus on all the incredible people in my life….to focus on my blessings…to focus on the love that fills my heart and continues to grow on a daily basis.

I will choose the latter.

I do face a new chapter…new book in my life….and incredible things are birthed through pain.  The best is yet to come and I’m choosing to live in each moment with focus, clarity, and passion.

What will choose for your new chapter?

Choices in new chapters

14 Aug

I opened up my journal to put some of my thoughts onto the paper….

As I did so, I noticed the last time I wrote was on July 11th and it started with, “Sitting here with Grandma as she begins her journey from this life to the next.  I’m praying she stays with us until my Mom can get here.” 

Grandma did stay with us until Mom arrived, and I’ve been blessed to have my Mom here for one month.  Today is the day that Mom had to go back to Michigan, so this has been a very emotional day…and as I read my entry on July 11th, I reflected on all that has happened since that day. 

I realized that I had to make a choice….

I can choose to be sad…..to focus on being all by myself for the first time in one month….to allow the emotions to be overwhelming….to focus on what I don’t have….to focus on who is not with me right now….to focus on all the uncertainties that seem to be looming over me at the moment….

OR

I can choose to be in the moment….to live in the present…..to take this time to better myself…to take this time to learn…to take this time to read….to focus on what I have….to focus on all the incredible people in my life….to focus on my blessings…to focus on the love that fills my heart and continues to grow on a daily basis.

I will choose the latter.

I do face a new chapter…new book in my life….and incredible things are birthed through pain.  The best is yet to come and I’m choosing to live in each moment with focus, clarity, and passion.

What will choose for your new chapter?

Lessons learned in the classroom

14 Aug

As a group exercise instructor, it is my mission to give each class participant motivation, encouragement, a challenge, and a fun time during class so when he/she walks out of my class, he/she feels better, stronger, more energetic, and glad that he/she made the effort to attend my class.

Last Wednesday morning in Zumba at Northside YMCA, I had a new class participant and she had never tried a Zumba class before.  I made sure to chat with her after class and encourage her to come back.  She proceeded to tell me that it’s the first class she has been back to after losing her mother unexpectedly at the end of June.  I could tell she wanted to talk, so for 20 minutes I listened….shared a little bit of my story of losing my grandmother a few weeks ago…and shared how being physically active can help us through dark, emotional moments. We both shed a few tears and then she gave me a hug and a little kiss on the cheek and thanked me for listening and said she would be back.

In this same class I have a senior lady who attends….I figured she was in her late 60s…she has been attending for a few weeks now…always smiles…has a great time….and makes sure to thank me after class.  I was moved to tears when another participant shared me the story of this lady, Phyllis.  Phyllis is 79 and is the caregiver for her husband who has Alzheimer’s.  She hires a sitter once a week so she can attend my class. I was overwhelmed with emotions after hearing the stories of these two ladies.

That is why it is vital for me as an instructor to give 110% in every class…no matter how I feel or no matter the day that I am having.  It is not about me….it is about my class participants.  Health and wellness is more than just physical fitness….it is emotional wellness…..it is mental wellbeing….it is experiencing moments of joy, happiness, and fulfillment.

I want my class participants to leave my class feeling like a better person…a stronger person…a healthier person….and feeling empowered, encouraged, and motivated to face the rest of their day no matter what may come their way.

More lessons I’m learning from the classroom….

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Lessons I’ve Learned While Watching The Olympics

5 Aug

I am one of the millions who has been staying up way too late to watch the world’s top athletes compete in the London 2012 Summer Olympics.  As I’ve watched, I have learned some valuable lessons that I hope to apply in my own life.

As I watched 16-year-old Gabby Douglas go through her gymnastics routines, I could not help but be drawn in by her engaging smile and her fun attitude.  She had me smiling as I watched her have fun while performing her floor work.  Yes, she knew she was at the Olympics; and, yes, she knew she was performing for the chance to win a medal.  However, for Gabby, it appears as if it was just another performance doing something she loves and enjoys doing.  Her smile lit up her face the entire time…she was having the time of her life.   I learned from her that if you do what you love and do it with passion while having fun, you will win the gold.

While watching the interview with Carmelita Jeter, it was mind-boggling to hear how people have slammed her, made negative remarks about her, posted things on the internet about her and questioned her authenticity in her performances.  What intrigued me and taught me a valuable lesson was the statement she made towards the end of her interview: You can let what people say consume you or fuel you.  Wow! If it consumes you, it drains you and is negative.  If it consumes you, it energizes you and fuels you to personal best records on the track.

And how can I fail to mention Oscar Pistorius, the first double amputee sprinter to compete in the 400 meter run in the Olympics????? Can we say “NO EXCUSES” to go for your dreams??? He has had to fight adversity and naysayers – people who said, “he has an unfair advantage because of his blades….they give him an edge…”  What???? Someone with legs and feet is at a disadvantage over someone who has had both legs amputated below the knees? I’m sure he is another person who doesn’t let what people say consume him.  I’ve learned from him that no matter how difficult it may seem to achieve your dream, you still have to believe in your dream, hope in it, and go for it.

The human body is an amazing design.  We all have an athlete that lives inside us that wants to be challenged.  It’s never too late to go for the gold in our lives….it’s never too late to train to live our dream.  No matter what anyone says…no matter what anyone thinks….. Do what you love and love what you do.  Live every moment with passion and no regrets.  Just do it!

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