I always say that whoever needs yoga shows up for class. That's how it went today.......a full class for the first round, one student for the second. But that one student needed the class as much as all of those in the first.
It's funny how yoga is a mirror to my life sometimes........that one student needed the class today......well, I got a card from a young friend today, actually I would claim this young woman for a daughter if I could. Her card made me cry, it warmed my heart, touched my spirit and gave me hope.
Pretty much the way the class did that one student today.
I have said it before, but it warrants a second or more reminder......if you feel the need to contact a friend, send a note, a card, an e-mail or phone.......do it. Those little gestures mean more than you will ever know. That little card that came in my mail today came at a low point, I needed to hear every word that my friend Laken wrote. It changed my whole day. Many times we all get busy,
we think of someone......but we never follow through. Next time, take that five minutes.....you might change someone's day.....you might change their life, you never know.
Friday, October 31, 2014
Thursday, October 30, 2014
October 30
October 30........tomorrow, I hope all your goblins are cute, that you get lots of treats, no tricks, and that all the scary stuff just disappears! Remember Halloween candy is just like Valentine's candy........no calories.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Use Wisely
Yesterday I saw my pulmonary doc, today Rick had a couple of doctor's visits. As I sat in the waiting room waiting for him, I noticed a gentleman younger than Rick and me, restless and pacing.
I ask if everything was ok, he smiled and said I can't stand to wait, I have no patience.
I smiled back, told him I understood, that up until a few years ago I had no patience either........but I said, all of that changed with one diagnosis, one doctor's visit, one round of IVIG which turned into three years of treatment and will continue for the rest of my life.
He looked at me and shook his head, but you look so healthy he said. I smiled back, said thanks and said that's how it happens you know, in the blink of an eye life changes......and I learned to be patient.
He grinned rather sheepishly, it seems his wife was getting an eye exam for a possible surgery. Neither one had any issues with their health and this was unsettling . About that time, she walked out to the waiting room, he looked at me as they were leaving, grinning and said I might be learning some patience.
Patience is difficult, but yoga prepared my journey to the land of patience and chronic illness. Age probably helped me along the way also. Sitting in a doctor's or hospital waiting room is agony, I agree, but sooner or later we all end up there. We can agonize, fuss and pace or we can take some breaths, appreciate the time we have to sit and reflect, or meet someone new, read a book, knit,
listen to music on headphones, or sometimes I just journal. Time is precious no matter where it is spent, don't waste it, don't wish it away.......use it wisely.
I ask if everything was ok, he smiled and said I can't stand to wait, I have no patience.
I smiled back, told him I understood, that up until a few years ago I had no patience either........but I said, all of that changed with one diagnosis, one doctor's visit, one round of IVIG which turned into three years of treatment and will continue for the rest of my life.
He looked at me and shook his head, but you look so healthy he said. I smiled back, said thanks and said that's how it happens you know, in the blink of an eye life changes......and I learned to be patient.
He grinned rather sheepishly, it seems his wife was getting an eye exam for a possible surgery. Neither one had any issues with their health and this was unsettling . About that time, she walked out to the waiting room, he looked at me as they were leaving, grinning and said I might be learning some patience.
Patience is difficult, but yoga prepared my journey to the land of patience and chronic illness. Age probably helped me along the way also. Sitting in a doctor's or hospital waiting room is agony, I agree, but sooner or later we all end up there. We can agonize, fuss and pace or we can take some breaths, appreciate the time we have to sit and reflect, or meet someone new, read a book, knit,
listen to music on headphones, or sometimes I just journal. Time is precious no matter where it is spent, don't waste it, don't wish it away.......use it wisely.
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
I'm Back
I had a bout with the dreaded serum sickness last night, so sorry about not posting. I had sat down to write and within seconds, was very ill. Some days my transformation is just dealing with the unexpected illness and side effects from IVIG. Thankfully tonight has been much better....I am back.
It has been in the 80's for the past few days, fall did a quick visit here in Alabama and then quickly decided to visit some other place. The weather guys swear she is coming back this weekend.......we shall see.
This is another week at work where there are goodbyes and hellos being said. New students in class, full of fear and confusion, others are leaving full of fear and excitement. Each of my work days is a roller coaster of emotions. I see transformations in many different ways working at an addiction center. Some are heart breaking, when divorce papers are served or someone loses their job while they are trying to get their life back on track. But, often I see smiles on faces that haven't smiled for a long time......I see the rosy glow of health and a sparkle appear in the eyes and a spring in steps that were slow and heavy when we first met.
Family and friends often ask why I continue to work when I am often so sick......it is simple, I believe that what I do, what I teach helps......not everyone, sometimes no one.....but there are those that get what I teach, and it is life changing for them. That is why I work, why I teach, on those days that are brutal for me. But I also have learned to slow down and that life changes, the path changes and there will be a time when my path takes a turn. I pray for the wisdom to know when to take the different path.
Tomorrow is hump day, Friday will be here before you know it.........I LOVE HALLOWEEN!
It has been in the 80's for the past few days, fall did a quick visit here in Alabama and then quickly decided to visit some other place. The weather guys swear she is coming back this weekend.......we shall see.
This is another week at work where there are goodbyes and hellos being said. New students in class, full of fear and confusion, others are leaving full of fear and excitement. Each of my work days is a roller coaster of emotions. I see transformations in many different ways working at an addiction center. Some are heart breaking, when divorce papers are served or someone loses their job while they are trying to get their life back on track. But, often I see smiles on faces that haven't smiled for a long time......I see the rosy glow of health and a sparkle appear in the eyes and a spring in steps that were slow and heavy when we first met.
Family and friends often ask why I continue to work when I am often so sick......it is simple, I believe that what I do, what I teach helps......not everyone, sometimes no one.....but there are those that get what I teach, and it is life changing for them. That is why I work, why I teach, on those days that are brutal for me. But I also have learned to slow down and that life changes, the path changes and there will be a time when my path takes a turn. I pray for the wisdom to know when to take the different path.
Tomorrow is hump day, Friday will be here before you know it.........I LOVE HALLOWEEN!
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Lifestyle
My nutrition and lifestyle class today was a bear, over four hours of video, and then homework and test.......I had to keep an activity journal this week, here's how I stack up for the week:
110 minutes of aerobic activity ( 40 minutes shy of what is recommended) 90 minutes of resistance training, 90 minutes of flexibility and 210 minutes of neuromotor work. Yep, that is my average week, so to up my aerobic activity, I will increase walk time and nordic track time.
In two weeks, I will get my certification in nutrition/healthy lifestyle from Vanderbilt. Not sure what I will do with it, but I have learned a great deal, realized I already knew a great deal......I am ready for the next round!
One thing I can tell you, as we age, nutrition and movement are the big keys for good health. Our moms were right, LOTS of fruits and veggies will make us strong and healthy.....so will water, fresh air, sunshine and that dreaded word.....exercise. ( moderate, 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week)
Here's to a brand new week, don't take your health for granted, do something good for yourself every day.
110 minutes of aerobic activity ( 40 minutes shy of what is recommended) 90 minutes of resistance training, 90 minutes of flexibility and 210 minutes of neuromotor work. Yep, that is my average week, so to up my aerobic activity, I will increase walk time and nordic track time.
In two weeks, I will get my certification in nutrition/healthy lifestyle from Vanderbilt. Not sure what I will do with it, but I have learned a great deal, realized I already knew a great deal......I am ready for the next round!
One thing I can tell you, as we age, nutrition and movement are the big keys for good health. Our moms were right, LOTS of fruits and veggies will make us strong and healthy.....so will water, fresh air, sunshine and that dreaded word.....exercise. ( moderate, 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week)
Here's to a brand new week, don't take your health for granted, do something good for yourself every day.
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Work
" I would like for my life to be a statement of love and compassion- and where it isn't, that's where my work lies." - Ram Dass
This quote spoke volumes to me today, honestly there are many times I avoid the places where my work lies.......but deep in my heart I know where they are.....I know, I'm lazy.
Wishing you a Sunday of peace, filled with compassion and love.
This quote spoke volumes to me today, honestly there are many times I avoid the places where my work lies.......but deep in my heart I know where they are.....I know, I'm lazy.
Wishing you a Sunday of peace, filled with compassion and love.
Friday, October 24, 2014
Do What You Love
Life is at it's best when you do what you love...........we wrote a song titled, "Do What You Love" and it is how we try to live our lives. Tonight, we did what we both love to do.......played music.
Local Color in Springville, Al is one our most favorite venues, Merle and Gary, the owners are true supporters of local musicians and artists, plus Gary is a great chef.
We had a great time with our friend Skip Cochran, playing our songs, telling our stories. But it is late, the gear is unloaded ( I am also a great roadie) and we are tired. I hope your Friday night has been as much fun as ours.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams
Local Color in Springville, Al is one our most favorite venues, Merle and Gary, the owners are true supporters of local musicians and artists, plus Gary is a great chef.
We had a great time with our friend Skip Cochran, playing our songs, telling our stories. But it is late, the gear is unloaded ( I am also a great roadie) and we are tired. I hope your Friday night has been as much fun as ours.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams
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