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.

Advice from a Six Year Old, Part 2

My six year old and I were riding in the car.  Here's the conversation we had.

Trevor: Mom, what people do you like?
Me: I guess I like nice people.  Who do you like?
Trevor:  I like all people in the world.

A sign of a kind, pure heart.  What if all people in the world had this view?

The Rules of Bike Riding

I was running with my six year old last week while he rode his bike.  He thought it would be important to make some rules for riding his bike with me.  Here are the rules he brainstormed.

*Always look forward.  If you look back too long, you'll crash.
*Wait for others even if they're slower.
*Stay on your side so you can give everyone space.
*Try your hardest when you get to a hill.  It's ok if you have to walk your bike.
*Try not to get wet.  If you get wet, it's ok.

I was thinking about these rules of the road.  What if we used these rules as a personal guide.  I was thinking about a mistake I made at work last week.  I didn't want to get wet, make a mistake.  I did and really it is ok.  Sometimes I think my six year old is wise beyond his years.