Posted in bored, care, change, choice, creative, day, journal, life, live, meditation, prayer, quote, sacred, scripture, senses, Spiritual, write

Every Day

Is your everyday ordinary, ho hum? Bored with your daily routine? Your day doesn’t have to be this way. Choose to change every day into a special day. Liven it up today with a favorite tune played while on your route to work or drive a different route to work. Place a sugar-water filled hummingbird feeder just outside a window you frequently walk by and watch the little birds flit about at the feeder even if only for 3 or 4 minutes out of your day. Read a book on a subject new to you, so you can broaden your perspective and increase that grey brain matter. Tantalize your senses with a new perfume/cologne, a bouquet of freshly picked roadside blooms, comfy slippers, sweetened your tea with lavender or vanilla honey, read an inspirational short story or God’s holy scripture, create with crafts, or write a Haiku about something you see today.

“Life gives you plenty of time to do whatever you want to do if you stay in the present moment.” ~ Deepak Chopra

Simply be present moment for a few minutes each day. Journaling is the best way I know to capture the present moment. Make this your regular routine. I promise your life will be more enjoyable and even sacred when you take this care each day. “Everyday sacredness” poses as an oxymoron. Take a few moments today. Meditate, pray, create, journal.

Posted in battle, depression, faith, Family, God, light, love, man, pain, peace, People, Physical, purpose, quote, Rachel, sacred, Spiritual, thankful, Warrior, woman

I Know This Man … I Know This Woman

I was a guest panelist for the St. Louis American Heart Association’s Workplace Wellness Solutions Forum this week.  What a wonderful experience to share the budget strategies I have incorporated in the wellness program at my workplace with other human resources and wellness professionals.  Our keynote speaker, Aaron Hunnel brought his message of perspective, positivity, passion, and purpose.  This humble young man has accomplished much in his young years. An American veteran who served two tours overseas, overcame addiction, has literally climbed several huge mountains, ran an Ironman Marathon with a disabled young woman as his partner, author of the book Upwards, and a successful business owner.  His keynote message “There Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” moved many to tears.  I sobbed.  His authentic message reached home in my heart.

You see I know this woman who has a beautiful soul. She seeks the good in everyone she meets. She loves unceasingly, full of “thank yous”, and affectionate hugs. “See the light in others, and treat them as if that is all you see,” Kirk Weisler is quoted, and this is what this woman lives.  And the courage she possesses is like no other I know.  This woman has not one but multiple disabling medical conditions. This woman is Rachel, my oldest daughter.  I am so proud of the character she has and is.  An “all abilities” woman.  The battles she has fought and continues to fight are extreme pain with advanced degenerative disc disease and arachnoiditis.  Depression, self-pity, “why me”s, “why now”, purposelessness, faithlessness, hopelessness Rachel has fought against too.  And this woman warrior has won!  Her faith in God has saved her time and time again, and will continue to sustain her.  Rachel gives love to family, friends, and strangers because she knows she was created for such as this.  Love is sacred, love shared, no holding back.