Life in Recovery

I've gained so many insights while in recovery from major back surgery.  Lessons about patience and acceptance abound.  Years of a high-intensity lifestyle brought to a screeching but necessary halt.  Wearing a brace for 3 months felt like a form of prison ... bars around my freedom.  Yet, in the grand scheme of things, the restriction was short-lived and required of me should I wish to return to a robust life of activity.  Perspective gained, I became grateful.  Thankful.  Full of joy and cheer for the chance to get up and get going again. 

Life Lessons by Admiral William H. McRaven

Start each day with a task completed.

Find someone to help you through life.

Respect everyone.

Know that life is not fair and that you will fail often, but if take you take some risks, step up when the times are toughest, face down the bullies, lift up the downtrodden and never, ever give up—if you do these things, then next generation and the generations that follow will live in a world far better than the one we have today and—what started here will indeed have changed the world—for the better.

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2014/05/22/10_lessons_to_help_change_the_world.html

That Wasn't Part of My Plan

“We must be willing to let go of the life we’ve planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” Joseph Campbell

I am an active person.  I like to run, bike and swim.  I teach aerobics.  I'm a yoga instructor. 

I also have had issues with my back for 26 years.  Over the past year and a half, I have been dealing with pain and weakness in my right leg.  It's at a point now where I most likely will have back surgery.  

So what does this mean for my active lifestyle?  I no longer run.  I do not teach aerobics.  Two weeks ago I had to give up my yoga class at the YMCA.  I have taught classes at the Y for 18 years.  This is not what I had planned. 

As I reflect on the life waiting for me, I see a new path.  I am able to ride. I love the open road.  The fresh air is invigorating.  I can't describe the beauty of riding on a country road, surrounded by corn fields with the sun on the horizon. With cycling, I have formed new friendships.  We have open, honest conversations as we work and sweat! I have a new appreciation for the freedom on a bike.

How often do we have our life planned out and something jumps in the way to change the course we are on? Accept the challenge to let go.  While we don't know what the future holds, it is all before us.  Go explore.

What is Happiness?

I was recently reading an article in Fast Company's magazine called "5 Profound Insights on Success from a Wharton Prof Devoted to Understanding It."  The author described how to find happiness by choosing the profession that fits you best.  It was in the article I found an inspirational quote. 

It said, “Happiness is just three things: good health, meaningful work, and love.”

What is happiness to you?

http://www.fastcompany.com/3016575/dialed/5-profound-insights-on-success-from-a-wharton-prof-devoted-to-understanding-it

Top 10 Words of Wisdom from Gandhi

1. Be the change.

2. What you think you become.

3. Where there is love there is life.

4. Learn as if you’ll live forever.

5. Your health is your real wealth.

6. Have a sense of humour.

7. Your life is your message.

8. Action expresses priorities.

9. Our greatness is being able to remake ourselves.

10. Find yourself in the service of others.

What would the world be like if we followed even half of these principles?

Wants and Needs

We all have things we need and things we want. Working out...need. Junk food... want. I was staying at a hotel last week and there was a vending machine selling Butterfingers and Hostess cupcakes in the workout room. How often are we faced with the choice of what we know would be best for us though it takes some serious effort versus what would give us immediate satisfaction. The next time you're making a decision to do something, ask yourself if it is a want or need. Taking that extra moment to think and breathe will allow for some perspective. 

A Good Life

A friend posted this saying on their Facebook page.  

"A good life is when you assume nothing, do more, need less, smile often, dream big, laugh a lot, and realize how blessed you are."

Pick one to try today.