Election – We Are In This Thing Together

All my life, I have been an optimist – a glass half full, sunshine and roses, balance and harmony kind of girl.  My sights are usually set on the positive, anything can happen, watch for the miracles side of a situation.  I truly believe that people are inherently good and want to do the right thing.

But once in a while, we are faced with situations where it may be hard to see the sunshine through the rain.  I have seen my share of hard times.  There are moments I wish I could take back, things I wish I could have changed and challenges where I managed to come out stronger on the other side.  Somehow, the sun continues to shine and my glass remains half full.  One piece that has helped pull me through each situation is having others to lean on, a sense of family and a confidence in knowing that there will always be someone there to catch me when I fall. 

Some days may seem scary and impossible – like you’re in a no-win situation.  Some may see the recent election and inauguration as an example, while some others may disagree.  But regardless of our opinions, our rights, our race or our wealth, we need to have each others’ backs.  Right or wrong, good or bad, Republican or Democrat, we are all Americans and we are in this thing together.  

Trust is always very important.  Sometimes, despite the way a situation may look on the surface, we need to trust that people have good intentions and are doing what they feel to be right.  We all make mistakes and sometimes our emotions may be our own worst enemy.  We have to trust each other; trust our leaders, our spouses, our children, and ourselves.  Trust in God.

That’s not to say that we don’t need to stand up for what we believe in.  We definitely do!  It is important to do what we can to remain in control of our own futures, our relationships, our communities and our country.  We may march for a cause we believe in, stand up for ourselves and our children, fight for or end a relationship or leave a dead-end job.  Whatever the situation, we all have an obligation to both ourselves and those we love to strive to make our world a better place.  But let’s do it with grace and dignity – let’s not tear each other down in the process.   

Life is short!  There is no promise of tomorrow … so we must do what we can today.  Trust that there is good in others and good in the world.  Take a stand to make a change, and then trust in the process and find peace.  We are here for each other.  Now let go and let God!

New Years Resolutions - Moving Mountains One Pebble at a Time

In the early morning hours of December 31, 2016, with both of my grown children tucked safely in the shelter of our home, my heart is content with the way the year has come to a close.  Nearby, the Christmas tree that we decorated just weeks ago still shimmers amid an array of traditional decorations.  In the peace of the morning, I glance at the brightly lit star adorning the top of the tree.  I have yet to understand how it came to light up one morning last week after it had stubbornly refused to work when my husband plugged it in a few days before.  It has been shining continuously ever since. 

With just a few hours left of 2016, I have been spending my morning reflecting on the past year with gratitude and considering my resolutions for the year ahead.  Have you made your New Year’s resolutions yet?

Through my thoughts, I am reminded of my original intent in starting this blog five years ago.  My intent was to use my love of writing to share my own story, personal goals and bucket list adventures in hopes that others may find some inspiration.  Perhaps I have managed to help someone in the world be a little bit happier or achieve the goals on their bucket list.  (I invite you to revisit the entries and pages of the blog that were written in earlier years).  Each year, it seems I have written less and less and saved my entries for what I felt were more "post worthy" thoughts.  As one of my goals for 2017, I have decided to come full circle and attempt to post more often once again.

With that said, my New Year’s resolutions cannot begin without first taking the time to be grateful for the moments lived in 2016.  I have so much to be thankful for - and so do you!  As I stated years ago, gratitude is essential in choosing to be happy and continuing to find your inner joy.  We all have something to be thankful for - the opportunity to see what today has in store, the memory of days or years gone by, and the hope for a brighter tomorrow.  It may be something as simple as a sunrise, a hot cup of coffee or a good hair day.  Even if 2016 was a challenging year, you can at least be thankful that the struggle is over.  Perhaps you made progress on your resolutions.  If not, maybe you learned something from the lack of progress on your previous ideas.  

I didn't achieve ALL my resolutions, but that is okay.  I did make a great deal of progress on many of my goals, and as a family we had fun on new bucket list adventures.  I also left a few goals untouched and took steps both forward and backward in some areas - but I haven't thrown in the towel!      

 

As I review and create my new list of resolutions and goals for 2017, I realize that many of the them are the same or at least similar to last year.  This is the reason many people give up on their resolutions each year or find the whole process to be too cliché -- but I don't see it that way.  I see it as reinforcement that the same things are still important after all these years and I am still focusing on the things that matter to me.

Just because it is a new year does not mean that you have to start all over with a whole new set of resolutions.  Last year’s resolutions can simply be refreshed, refocused and adjusted for the coming year. Be sure to make the resolutions obtainable.   Perhaps you had a lofty goal last year to lose a great deal of weight but only lost a few pounds.  The goal wasn't a total failure – perhaps you learned what doesn’t work for you and you will just have more work to do this year.  Perhaps you did achieve your goal – congratulations!  Now it is time to refocus.  Always remember that larger goals can be broken down into smaller, obtainable action plans to achieve each week, each month or throughout the whole year.  Be sure to take a moment to evaluate your progress periodically as well.  There is no reason you can’t completely revise a goal partway through the year - but don't give up entirely.   

So as 2017 is about to drop in with a year full of new opportunities, please join me in starting the New Year off right.  Let’s start (or continue) that exercise program.  Drink more water.  Call up an old friend.  Plan a bucket list adventure, weekend away or staycation at home.  Focus on your children, your spouse and yourself.  Read a book, write a book, take a class.  Allow yourself to grieve over last year's tough times and let go of last year's failures.   We don't have to move mountains in 2017, let’s just gather the pebbles one step at a time.  

Are you with me?

Everyone Has a Vice

Everyone has a vice, right?  It’s that unhealthy habit that you know you probably shouldn’t do.  But you enjoy it!  It may also give you comfort, get you through the day, or perhaps ease your stress or another negative emotion. 

I have a vice (or two).  I definitely love my coffee in the morning!  In fact, I may even go so far as to say I NEED my morning coffee.  I usually only have one (large) cup; but, beware, you may not want to talk to me until I've at least started sipping on that cup!  I am well aware that it is not a particularly healthy option – I know I get jittery if I drink too much, and I’m aware that if I drink it too late in the day that I won’t be able to sleep at night.  I’ve learned that exercise and meditation are healthier options to get energized and ready for the day.  However, I can’t help but prefer to start my day with a hot cup of coffee.  (Okay, so I may be a bit addicted to caffeine!) 

As my second vice, I am also a self-proclaimed stress eater.  Not only do I just plain enjoy the taste of food or the social aspect of eating out with a loved one or friend; I also find food to be a source of comfort when I feel out of balance.  As some of you may have noticed, I was obviously extra stressed about a year or two ago as I dealt with the fact that my first born child was graduating from high school and heading off to college.  While dealing with those emotions, I managed to gain a quite a few pounds, leaving me down right unhealthy and definitely overweight.  I am proud to say that I recently lost OVER 50 pounds (and still counting) and I am hoping to never go back to that unhealthy place again!

Some vices may simply be bad habits, while some can turn into actual addictions.  People can even become addicted to everyday things such as shopping, golfing (or any hobby), work or even exercise if done to extreme.  Video games, checking Facebook and binge-watching Netflix can be very addicting as well.  (Let’s turn off that technology!)  Ultimately, any habit can turn into an addiction if it interferes with your health, relationships or responsibilities, or otherwise causes you to lose control of what you know to be right.  Of course, eating a slice (or two) of your favorite pie, watching a whole season of something on Netflix, spending too much on that pair of shoes, or partying too hard on occasion are all perfectly normal … but we probably shouldn’t make a daily habit of these things. 

Of course, there are also the obvious addictions such as drugs, alcohol, smoking (or other tobacco use), gambling, etc.  Unfortunately, I am familiar with these types of addiction as well.  My dad was both an alcoholic and a heavy smoker.  He died from lung cancer at the age of 48.  I loved him … I did … but often I did not.  Alcohol addictions (and other addictions) can be hard on those addicted as well as on those who love them.  As I enter the mid-forties myself, I think about how, with hindsight, my father probably would have wanted to do things differently (for many reasons) and he would definitely have wanted his loved ones (or anyone reading this blog) to know that piece of his story and to heed this advice.

 

Maybe you know someone with an addiction. Maybe it's even you.  Maybe you simply think you have a vice or a habit – and maybe that is true.  But remember, many habits have the potential to become addictions.  It is better to nip a bad habit in the bud now before it is too late, right?

My husband was addicted to chewing tobacco for almost 20 years.  I am extremely thankful that he chose to quit 10 years ago.  It wasn’t easy!  He struggled … a lot.  He wanted to give up; and he was not an easy person to live with for a few months while he went through withdrawal.  But he did it, and I am very grateful! 

You can do it too!  As I aim to continue on my own weight loss and exercise journey,    please join me today in setting goals and making your health a priority.  Let go of your unhealthy habits.  Decide to deal with any negative emotions you may be trying to suppress or relationships you may be running away from.  If needed, have a conversation with a loved one, a friend, or even a doctor or counselor.  Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and it can be the first step to getting back to a healthy and happy you.  No excuses – let go of any denial.  If you don’t want to do this for yourself, then do it for your loved ones.  I am here to tell you that you can do it.  You do deserve to be healthy and happy!  You just have to take responsibility and decide to take the first step.  Although today may not be easy, tomorrow (or next month or next year) may be the best one yet!  I know you can be happy tomorrow if you heed my words of advice, today… 

Happy Birthday Grandma!

In Honor of My Grandma, Norma Einck

On Her 90^th Birthday

March 28, 2016

Ninety years have come and gone

Since my "Grandma Einck" entered the world.

The daughter of Walter and Mabel Koch,

She grew to be a beautiful young girl.

As a girl in her teens she soon fell in love

And stole my grandfather's heart

Though for three years or so, during World War II

They were many miles apart.

She said she wrote letters to him every day

That were signed with a spritz of cologne.

Her words and her fragrance, I tend to believe

Helped her soldier to feel less alone.

As war turned to peace and my grandpa came home,

My grandma was swept off her feet.

Within a few days, they were husband and wife

And each of their hearts were complete.

Soon this beautiful young girl became a fine mom

With four daughters to shower with love.

She lead by example as a hardworking wife

And a woman they’re very proud of!

As her granddaughter (myself now a wife and a mother),

That's where my story begins.

As my childhood memories, found deep in my heart

Take me back through the years once again…

Holidays and birthdays and fresh pumpkin pie,

Goulash - enough for a crowd,

Walks in the field with a long crooked stick

Past a garden that's been freshly plowed.

In the dark snuggled up to the warmth of her robe

As her hands scratched my back in the night,

The smell of fresh popcorn still hung in the air

In a room filled with soft TV light.

Recently, I stopped to visit a bit

And brought my daughter along –

A beautiful young girl, like her Great-Grandma Einck,

Proud to carry her legacy on.