Declare Victory!

Shall we declare victory over what ails us this week?

We know it's wise keep healthy no matter what our medical condition.

We know there is help available like:  coaches, rabbis, counselors, doctors, lawyers or just a trusted someone.

We have access to all types of transportation to move us to and fro -- a place here, a place there, wherever our want-need-desire-compulsion sends us.

We have vast amounts of food choices awaiting our consumption -- organic, stuffed, salt- free, sugar-coated, carrots --- you name it and you can eat it.

And, the drugs. way, way too many to name.  Drugs that heal, reduce, induce, cure, perpetuate, arrest, coma--synthetic -- all designed to... remedy...

Hopefully one of these, or even something else, will help what ails you. Take charge, find a remedy, and Declare Victory!

Fathers Day

To my father, who always:

was kind and gentle
said nice things to me
had the love of all the neighborhood kids
provided cash and candy (he had a candy drawer and a jacked pocket with money)
told me stories
taught me about sports
wrote me letters after I left home
was kind to animals
was a great painter
put out the American flag
was there for his country (he went on 7 invasions while in the Navy)
quietly handled things
was generous, good looking, and humble
was well liked
made me feel important and loved
stood by me...

I miss you Dad. Happy Fathers Day.

What is the lesson?

Here we are, in this life, everyone of us, doing the best we can with the thoughts we have, the principles we were taught, the prejudices we learned, and a whole host of feelings and emotions that we either name or wonder about. Some of us are either blessed or cursed with illness or good health. For some good health is a curse, for others, illness is a blessing. There are no parameters, rather there are natural laws.

The obstacles that confront us are many. For example, when someone challenges your motivation and/or intentions, what is the lesson in it? Is it a lack of communication or is it something more? When forced into a defensive position, how do you best protect yourself? 

Pema Chodrin, a Tibetan Monk said, "when we are so involved in protecting ourselves, we are unable to see the pain in another's face." Underlying judgement, negativity, and slander is insecurity and fear which revolves around the ego. What good will two battling egos accomplish? In the Bible, Luke 6:29, "If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also." Considering this, and knowing you will always have choice, ask yourself, what is the lesson in it? How will I grow into greater awareness?  Herein lies understanding, empathy, kindness, and healing.

Look for the lessons this week...










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Managing Wellness

This continuing effort to be 'okay' in the midst of life's demands, not feeling well, side effects of medications, and feeling down is wearisome. In fact, it demands so much. Of course, so does the life of those who work day in and day out and don't have a medical condition. So, there it is. No one has it easy. Even if they appear to, it doesn't mean they do.

Everyone of us takes on responsibilities and requests when we shouldn't. I say shouldn't because it's true. How many times have you said 'yes' to something and realized you really don't have the time or energy to do it? The next time your poised to accept another task, ask yourself this question: Am I managing my wellness?

Think about it, your wellness. Do you have a wellness plan? If so, are you following it? Are you thinking about what you really want out of this life? This time here...What can you do to make your life better?

Here's a challenge, make it a point to talk with your coach or someone your trust about how to put yourself first--to engage in self-care. If you need to rest, then rest. If you need to say no, say no (without feeling guilty), if you need to scream, scream! Just take care of you and manage your wellness. What better time than June?