A Gift of Perspective

"Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them 

is what makes life meaningful." - Joshua J. Marine

I took this photo of my sister Lynne to honor & celebrate her life.  Her birthday is in December, yet August 29th marked 9 years since a drunk driver catapulted her into a new life perspective. 

This past week,  she defied death once more when  her car was hit by a vehicle running a red light.  

Her car is totaled, by God's grace, she is not!

Then my friend of 55 years, whose husband is a vet, sent me an email with this familiar story. What a great reminder to be present for everyday life and to be appreciative and grateful for the seemingly little things. And to perhaps view and live life as seen through a child's eyes, or from a dog's perspective... 

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer.

I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure as they felt that Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him.

Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

 The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion.

 We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.

Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why."

Startled, we all turned to him.

What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.

He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?"

 The six-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

• When loved ones come home, always run to greet them;
• Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride;
• Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy;
• Take naps;
• Stretch before rising;
• Run, romp, and play daily;
• Thrive on attention and let people touch you;
• Avoid biting when a simple growl will do;
• On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass;
• On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree;
• When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body;
• Delight in the simple joy of a long walk;
• Be loyal;
• Never pretend to be something you're not;
• If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it;
• When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently;

There comes a time in life, when you choose to walk away from all the drama and people who create it.
 
You surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad, and focus on the good. Love the people who treat you right.
Think good thoughts for the ones who don't ~ life is too short to be anything but happy. 

Falling down is part of LIFE... Getting back up is LIVING...

and with a proper perspective, 

Life...is a gift!

Opportunity of Choice

I was flipping through one of my journals this week and found an entry I made March 1, 2012. During that time I traveled back and forth from Denver to Scottsdale quite a bit, spending time with my Dad and sharing in his care with my sisters.

Each plane trip offered me a transitional bridge between what felt like "my two lives". I relished flying by myself, as it was a designated time owned only by me. I've learned that whenever we are in a position of caregiver, the freedom to be alone with our thoughts, or the privilege of just sitting, offering nothing, is a rare and treasured reprieve.

"Sitting on the plane, ready to take off. It has been a congested, prolonged boarding. In my quiet observation, I noticed how we all have a choice- a choice on how to respond... (react or resist) - to the energy of this activity.

There are those passengers who demonstrate their impatience, irritation and judgment at the source of any delay. Some appear frustrated by conditions outside of their control. Still, others chat critically of the process and of the culprits they deem responsible for the problem. And there is the additional route taken by several passengers who freely focus on fueling their own energy to the upset 

Isn't an "opportunity of choice" presented at every juncture or human interaction?"

We make choices every moment of the day and regarding every aspect of our lives. Whether we are even conscious of the choices we make, is a choice in itself. Life is a continuous offering of events, relationships and situations. How we respond ~ determines and creates our personal life experience. We are free to choose to take responsibility for that, or not! 

Underlining every moment is our choice of attitude. As human beings, we have been given free will. It is our birthright to choose what we think, believe and how we respond to our world. We can even choose how we feel or what level of health we experience. Now that statement could activate a few of us!

Our opportunity of choice spans our decision to become aware, as well as, our choice to remain ignorant. We can choose to be:

• kind or inconsiderate
• generous or greedy
• complimentary or critical
• engaged or unattached
• fair or unjust
• energetic or lethargic
• loving or cruel

Viewing our lives as an "opportunity of choice" can be empowering. It can also be a bit unsettling to recognize it is our every decision that paints the canvas of our lives.

In the margin of my journal entry I'd written one of the quotes I like from Jim Rohn, "Indecision is the theft of opportunity"

It reminded me of a little parable I'd heard years ago.

"Not to decide, is to decide!"

Hum...Sounds to me like another "opportunity of choice"!

The Art of Extreme Self Care

I met Cheryl Richardson at a magical event in Tucson AZ. She had partnered up with Louise Hay, both in coauthoring their book, You Can Create An Exceptional Life and in facilitating our women's retreat sharing the same message. 

The loving banter and flow between Cheryl and Louise created a supportive and fun environment. They encouraged us to examine our beliefs, behavior patterns, and attitudes in our thinking. They inspired us to entertain new and limitless possibilities for enhancing the quality of our lives.

 At the time of this retreat, I was fully immeshed in sharing with my two sisters, the care for our ill and grieving Father. "Taking care of myself" was a vague concept as I juggled living three different places and struggled to maintain some sense of personal balance. I was still reeling from my Mother's death a year and a half earlier, and felt lost, alone and empty.

 So when Cheryl Richardson introduced her new book, The Art of Extreme Self Care, Transform Your Life One month at a Time, I was intrigued.

 As women, we are accustomed to multi-tasking and demonstrating by our actions, whose needs we value most. Although we might have our hair or nails done, make it to our annual doctor's appointments, or squeeze exercise into our over extended schedules; we generally have limited experience with focusing on truly caring for ourselves!

We deprive ourselves, act on "yes' when we really mean "no", care for others to the extent we neglect ourselves, hide behind obligation or fear of rejection, sometimes martyr ourselves and erode our self-esteem by tolerating other's inappropriate behavior.

Cheryl Richardson's The Art of Extreme Self-Care, Transform Your Life One Month at a Time, is a life-changing handbook that offers us 12 strategies to transform our lives, one month at a time. She designed it as a practical, action-oriented program, with each chapter challenging us to alter one behavior that keeps us separate from the rich, rewarding lives we are meant to live.

Although this book certainly can be read and practiced alone, I know most of us are more likely to embrace something new with the support and encouragement of others. In creating this workshop and tele course, I utilized Cheryl's book as our foundation, added my own insights, experiences and exercises, and included a monthly 60 minute coaching session to provide you personal support.

 "The practice of Extreme Self-Care forces us to make choices and decisions

that honor and reflect the true nature of our soul."

~ Cheryl Richardson

This Art of Extreme Self-Care program will inspire you to dismantle your self-sabotaging behavior and empower you ~ to focus on making creative and necessary changes ~ that daily support loving and caring for yourself.

Learn more and register now to join us! 

Recognize the Tipping Point

Growing up in Colorado, August 1st meant we had one more month of summer vacation to enjoy. Those were the days when the school year started the day after Labor Day and most stores, except for some gas stations, were closed on Sundays.

Today, the beginning of August marks the tipping point; that place where summer with it's relaxed schedules and attitudes, dramatically shifts to a focus on fall, re-establishing routines and disciplines, and preparing for the new school year, just days away. 

As I reflect on the passing summer, I acknowledge the sweetness of my time spent with family and friends, riding my horse, and enjoying our puppy. Spending time communing with nature, at Evergreen lake and around this beautiful community, kept my spirits lifted and my heart, grateful.  

This summer I focused on taking care of me. I paid attention to my intuition and sought new resources to support my health. I also enjoyed supporting and celebrating victories with my clients and creating a new program to implement this fall.

The Art of Extreme Self Care, Transform Your Life One Month at a Time, is based on the book by Cheryl Richardson. Twelve monthly workshops and tele-courses are offered- augmented with a monthly 60 minute personal Coaching session. I am very excited about sharing this new adventure that has been in the works for the past 18 months. Please watch for details and a registration announcement coming next week! 

Take a moment to reflect upon your summer:

• What highlights will you remember from the summer of 2014?
• Did you meet any new people that were significant?
• Were you successful at learning something new?
• Where did you contribute?
• Did you make any important decisions about your Life?
• How did you demonstrate taking personal responsibility?
• What desires do you want to implement this fall?
   

Honoring Our Freedom

The Fourth of July, commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the United Kingdom. 

This weekend, millions of American's will again observe our nation's Independence Day. 

Celebrations will include barbecues, parades, U.S. flags, Freedom Runs, patriotic gatherings,  firework displays, eating, drinking and coming together with families and friends. 

Most of us remember the origins of this federal holiday. However today, may we pay tribute to the countless individuals who continue to accept responsibility, make sacrifices, and commit themselves to preserving our present day freedom and independence. 

May we consciously acknowledge them, honor their service and express our gratitude!  

Our personal freedom also comes from taking responsibility and action toward liberating ourselves. In order for us to live unencumbered lives, we must be free of the burdens we have chosen to bear. 

Much like the crusades of our nation, it is essential to identify and emancipate ourselves from self imposed deprivation and oppression. 

What are the "action steps" that could liberate us?  

They are the focus and measures we take to systematically release aspects of ourselves and our lives ~that restrict, control or define us.  

How could we benefit from declaring independence from old ways of thinking, non serving beliefs, and destructive behaviors?

With liberation comes greater awareness, clarity of thought and imagination, connection to inner wisdom and Freedom of Being.

This Independence Day, as you celebrate the holiday in your customary way; take a moment to identify one aspect of your life that you are ready to set free. 

Take a deep breath and make a decision to step forward toward honoring that freedom!