We flew east to visit our niece who is graduating from George Washington University in 2 weeks. She is an amazing young woman who off to a great start in life. We are so proud of her!!!
At the same time we intersected with another amazing woman, our friend Admiral Allie. She gave us all a tour of the Pentagon (her office), where we walked on every level, saw fantastic corridors filled with amazing art, saw the famed purple fountain in the basement and finished our (5 mile) tour at the 9/11 Memorial outside of the Pentagon. It was a very special day filled with love, friendship and walking!
The next day we walked from our hotel to breakfast, then to the Lincoln Memorial, past the Korean Memorial, to the MLK Jr. Memorial, to the WWI Memorial, the the WWII Memorial, past the Washington monument (closed for reno) and ended up a the Air and Space Museum, where my niece is a tour guide. After walking through the museum, we finally got to sit down and have something to drink. AHHHHHH, it felt great on my feet!
We cabbed to dinner but then walked to the Metro to get home, and walked from the Metro to where we were staying.
Lots of walking during our little trip. I highly recommend walking as a way of burning calories on vacation trips!!!
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Why is Discipline a Bad Word?
First of all, I want to express my deepest gratitude for a few things: 1) Sarah is safe. She is a member of our community who lives in Boston and she is safe. 2) Next, words cannot express enough gratitude for all the real life heros, both in uniform and out, who did whatever they could to help people in need and to capture the ones who committed the atrocity on Patriot's Day aka marathon day. 3) Gratitude goes out to all Bostonians everywhere who have banned together to "take back their city". There have been so many examples of the strength and passion of the people of Boston. Finally, a moment of prayer for those who lost their lives and who will have to battle back from unimaginable injuries. May God bless them now and always.
Now, to my topic today - discipline. Amidst all the horrors in Boston and west Texas, life for many of us continued as planned. One example of that is our nephew, Tyler. He graudated from Army basic training on Thursday. We are all very proud of him! His journey inspired my topic today. He is a wonderful boy from a wonderful family with two loving parents and 2 loving siblings. With everything in his life, he graduated high school, went to his first year of college and did not meet with success. In fact, he dropped out due to poor grades. He decided that instead of trying college, he wanted to join the Army as a bottom of the barrel "grunt". And he has blossomed, flourished and is happier that he has ever been! We could not be more proud of him!
What happened to turn him around? One word - discipline. I am of the belief that discipline gets a bad rap. Many people do not like the idea of discipline. They see it as a negative, an imposition. And yet, discipline is the reason why many children succeed and others fail. Kids like to know their boundaries. It feels good to kids to know what their schedule is, when dinner is served, how much homework has to be done before they can play outside.
Are we adults that different? NO! Our bodies and minds respond well to structure, schedules and, yes, discipline. Having positive daily habits, scheduled workouts, meal planning for healthy choices, is all part of a disciplined way of life that can help lead us to a healthier journey.
Of course there are times we want to bust out and be spontaneous, do things out of the norm. Hurray, don't stop that! But if you are struggling to get to a lower healthier weight (is that all of us????), if you want to incoporate more exercise for stronger bones, lungs and heart, if you want to establish a better schedule to get more restorative sleep.....just engage with the big "D"-DISCIPLINE!
Desire to make freinds with the big D. Dedication to knowing what you need for heath. Discipline to be disciplined with your healthy habits.
Now, to my topic today - discipline. Amidst all the horrors in Boston and west Texas, life for many of us continued as planned. One example of that is our nephew, Tyler. He graudated from Army basic training on Thursday. We are all very proud of him! His journey inspired my topic today. He is a wonderful boy from a wonderful family with two loving parents and 2 loving siblings. With everything in his life, he graduated high school, went to his first year of college and did not meet with success. In fact, he dropped out due to poor grades. He decided that instead of trying college, he wanted to join the Army as a bottom of the barrel "grunt". And he has blossomed, flourished and is happier that he has ever been! We could not be more proud of him!
What happened to turn him around? One word - discipline. I am of the belief that discipline gets a bad rap. Many people do not like the idea of discipline. They see it as a negative, an imposition. And yet, discipline is the reason why many children succeed and others fail. Kids like to know their boundaries. It feels good to kids to know what their schedule is, when dinner is served, how much homework has to be done before they can play outside.
Are we adults that different? NO! Our bodies and minds respond well to structure, schedules and, yes, discipline. Having positive daily habits, scheduled workouts, meal planning for healthy choices, is all part of a disciplined way of life that can help lead us to a healthier journey.
Of course there are times we want to bust out and be spontaneous, do things out of the norm. Hurray, don't stop that! But if you are struggling to get to a lower healthier weight (is that all of us????), if you want to incoporate more exercise for stronger bones, lungs and heart, if you want to establish a better schedule to get more restorative sleep.....just engage with the big "D"-DISCIPLINE!
Desire to make freinds with the big D. Dedication to knowing what you need for heath. Discipline to be disciplined with your healthy habits.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Shellseekers Unite!
In our quest for health, it is so easy to forget about having fun. Today, as we were walking on the beach, we were absolutely delighted as we watched 3 little kids running into the surf and screaming at the tops of their lungs with glee as the waves "caught" them and they ran back to the sand.
Allen and I both reminisced about being that age and playing with the waves too. Can you remember the sheer joy of being at the beach and running around until you just dropped? I don't know about you but I was always the last one out of the water, swimming until the very last minute that Mom or Dad declared it was time to go!
So, as we walked the sand, I just enjoyed the fun of being at the beach, not worrying about if I was going fast enough. If I saw a pretty shell, I simply squatted down to pick it up without thinking about "doing another squat". It was SO NICE to just have fun at the beach.
The next time you go to the beach, a park or go on a walk, why don't you focus on just having fun!
Desire to have fun. Dedication to focus on the sheer joy of living. Discipline to let go of anything that gets in the way.
Allen and I both reminisced about being that age and playing with the waves too. Can you remember the sheer joy of being at the beach and running around until you just dropped? I don't know about you but I was always the last one out of the water, swimming until the very last minute that Mom or Dad declared it was time to go!
So, as we walked the sand, I just enjoyed the fun of being at the beach, not worrying about if I was going fast enough. If I saw a pretty shell, I simply squatted down to pick it up without thinking about "doing another squat". It was SO NICE to just have fun at the beach.
The next time you go to the beach, a park or go on a walk, why don't you focus on just having fun!
Desire to have fun. Dedication to focus on the sheer joy of living. Discipline to let go of anything that gets in the way.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Happy 200!
Last week was my 200th post! Thank you for reading what I share and allowing me to get to 200! Now, I know in the blogosphere that 200 is a small number, but it has meaning to me. And, if you have been with me for any time at all, then you know that I celebrate small milestones as well as the big ones! So.....virtual celebration!!! Can you see the balloons and confetti??? Hooray!
I am a few days late this week because I worked this weekend. I was a speaker yesterday at the Sales 2.0 conference in San Franciso. I traveled up Sunday morning to attend speakers meetings and to be in place for the speakers dinner on Sunday eve.
I am pleased to report that last week, I fasted on Monday. Actually, I told myself that I would eat if I was hungry. Following the Easter's indulgence, I was not hungry one bit. So I drank water. Then on Tuesday-Thursday, I did the Jay Robb protein and fruit flush. It was a good way to get back on the track of being very mindful of what you put in your mouth. Of course, it also represents calorie restriction.
Then I maintained great nutrition and exercise in San FRancisco, when all around me was ample temptation to consume extra calories.
So I am reporting in that I feel good, dropped a pound last week and feeling strong.
How are you doing on your "spring cleaning" efforts?
Desire to clean out what no longer serves my health. Dedication to be kind to myself. Discipline to JUST SAY NO THANK YOU!
I am a few days late this week because I worked this weekend. I was a speaker yesterday at the Sales 2.0 conference in San Franciso. I traveled up Sunday morning to attend speakers meetings and to be in place for the speakers dinner on Sunday eve.
I am pleased to report that last week, I fasted on Monday. Actually, I told myself that I would eat if I was hungry. Following the Easter's indulgence, I was not hungry one bit. So I drank water. Then on Tuesday-Thursday, I did the Jay Robb protein and fruit flush. It was a good way to get back on the track of being very mindful of what you put in your mouth. Of course, it also represents calorie restriction.
Then I maintained great nutrition and exercise in San FRancisco, when all around me was ample temptation to consume extra calories.
So I am reporting in that I feel good, dropped a pound last week and feeling strong.
How are you doing on your "spring cleaning" efforts?
Desire to clean out what no longer serves my health. Dedication to be kind to myself. Discipline to JUST SAY NO THANK YOU!
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Happy Easter and Passover!
Spiritually it is a time for celebrations plus spring is a time for renewal. So, in addition to all of the special food celebrations that we are sure to enjoy.....why not think about what steps you are going to take to renew your body, mind and spirit this year?
I was talking to a girlfriend this morning who is ready to make some changes with an eye towards shedding 20 pounds. She said she had seen a show about a couple who had dropped 500 pounds together. The husband lost 300 and the wife lost 200 over a period of 2 years. So she decided, what the heck, if they can do that, then I can let go of my 20 extra pounds.
I say "go for it"! In fact, I am going to renew my devotion to a lower weight too. My renewal begins the day after Easter. I will double down on my efforts and keep you updated.
Desire to renew a healthy devotion. Dedication to helping others reach their goals. Discipline to let go of the weight.
I was talking to a girlfriend this morning who is ready to make some changes with an eye towards shedding 20 pounds. She said she had seen a show about a couple who had dropped 500 pounds together. The husband lost 300 and the wife lost 200 over a period of 2 years. So she decided, what the heck, if they can do that, then I can let go of my 20 extra pounds.
I say "go for it"! In fact, I am going to renew my devotion to a lower weight too. My renewal begins the day after Easter. I will double down on my efforts and keep you updated.
Desire to renew a healthy devotion. Dedication to helping others reach their goals. Discipline to let go of the weight.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Thank You Deepak!
Do you enjoy listening to Deepak? I do. I find his voice soothing, his insights thoughtful and many of his recommendations very helpful.
Periodically, he teams up with Oprah to offer a free 21 day meditation journey. Today marks day 14 of this series. If you want to access it and catch up, just go to: www.meditationchallenge@chopra.com
I find it very interesting that the topics for this series are: The Journey to Perfect Health, The Nature of Perfect Health, The Intuition of Your Body, The Wisdom of Your Body, The Rhythm of Your Mind-Body, The Perfection of Your Body, Honoring Your Body, Restoring Balance, Creating Balance, Breathing for Balance, Eating for Balance, Connecting for Balance, Moving for Balance and The Balance in Silence.
It is easy to see the theme weaving its way through this series.....BALANCE!!!! Balance is one of my favorite topics. I seek it in the way I live, how I breathe and in just about everything I do. Am I eating in the best way that will serve my body and mind? Am I allowing myself an occasional treat to avoid the sense of being denied? Is my nutrition in balance?
Am I exercising enough? Am I getting enough rest? Is my physical body challenged enough while giving it enough time to recover?
Am I enjoying the happiness of my life while allowing any sadness that I need to feel?
Am I challenged enough in my work to keep the best part of my brain engaged? Do I allow myself enough mental breaks to let go of the logical execution driven left brain to allow my creative right brain to stay flexible and fly free?
Please check out the daily meditation series. I predict you will really enjoy it!!!
Desire to find balance. Dedication to honor both sides of life. Discipline to include meditation in my balanced day.
Periodically, he teams up with Oprah to offer a free 21 day meditation journey. Today marks day 14 of this series. If you want to access it and catch up, just go to: www.meditationchallenge@chopra.com
I find it very interesting that the topics for this series are: The Journey to Perfect Health, The Nature of Perfect Health, The Intuition of Your Body, The Wisdom of Your Body, The Rhythm of Your Mind-Body, The Perfection of Your Body, Honoring Your Body, Restoring Balance, Creating Balance, Breathing for Balance, Eating for Balance, Connecting for Balance, Moving for Balance and The Balance in Silence.
It is easy to see the theme weaving its way through this series.....BALANCE!!!! Balance is one of my favorite topics. I seek it in the way I live, how I breathe and in just about everything I do. Am I eating in the best way that will serve my body and mind? Am I allowing myself an occasional treat to avoid the sense of being denied? Is my nutrition in balance?
Am I exercising enough? Am I getting enough rest? Is my physical body challenged enough while giving it enough time to recover?
Am I enjoying the happiness of my life while allowing any sadness that I need to feel?
Am I challenged enough in my work to keep the best part of my brain engaged? Do I allow myself enough mental breaks to let go of the logical execution driven left brain to allow my creative right brain to stay flexible and fly free?
Please check out the daily meditation series. I predict you will really enjoy it!!!
Desire to find balance. Dedication to honor both sides of life. Discipline to include meditation in my balanced day.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Glorious Glorious Sunday!
Ever had one of those Sundays where it was absolute perfection? That describes my day today! A nice little sleep in with the most perfect husband on the planet, a nice long beach walk in Carlsbad (a few communities north of us), the skies went from overcast to brilliant sunshine during our walk exploring unfamiliar neighborhoods, followed by a yummy healthy breakfast outside overlooking the ocean, topped off by a nice long soak with the latest Coastal Living magazine and a nap.....
I am a simple person.....I love today!!!
So my glorious Sunday followed an amazing Saturday. I had a full day planned with a dear friend who cancelled at the last minute due to illness. So, I had a full day, after my workouts of course, open in front of me. Believe me, that is a rarity for me. So, at the last minute, I scooped up my Mom and we dropped in on the La Costa Spa (about 3 miles from my house) for some amazing last minute spa treatments. AAAAHHHHHAAAA! Afterwards, I did grocery shopping then came home and made a delicious healthy dinner for us.
What does all this have to do with my healthy journey, you might ask? Well, this weekend I believe the universe has surrounded me with an amazing energy to pause, relax, slow down and enjoy life.
I am filled with gratitude.
Desire to just slow down sometimes. Dedication to share the joy with others. Discipline to recognize the opportunity to pause.
I am a simple person.....I love today!!!
So my glorious Sunday followed an amazing Saturday. I had a full day planned with a dear friend who cancelled at the last minute due to illness. So, I had a full day, after my workouts of course, open in front of me. Believe me, that is a rarity for me. So, at the last minute, I scooped up my Mom and we dropped in on the La Costa Spa (about 3 miles from my house) for some amazing last minute spa treatments. AAAAHHHHHAAAA! Afterwards, I did grocery shopping then came home and made a delicious healthy dinner for us.
What does all this have to do with my healthy journey, you might ask? Well, this weekend I believe the universe has surrounded me with an amazing energy to pause, relax, slow down and enjoy life.
I am filled with gratitude.
Desire to just slow down sometimes. Dedication to share the joy with others. Discipline to recognize the opportunity to pause.
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