What's Your Word?

Every year I select a word to focus on.

The first year I chose "success". I created a little jar and put each success on a little piece of paper. At the end of the year I read them.

• I completed my bachelor's degree with a 4.0 GPA
• I lost 18 pounds
• I had my first paid photo shoot
• We got all our bills caught up
• Our home got "De cluttered" - a liberating experience

Just to name a few.

The next year I chose prosperity (we received an unexpected $12,000 check that year) and the year following, momentum. That year started great - finished my Master's degree that year. But in reflection I also saw my momentum reverse. It was that reflection that made me consider why this was and how to reverse the course. The idea led me to the year of the phrase - "Forward with intention".

Life does throw punches and the curves in the road can slow the journey. But it's those moments that we can reflect on the person we are and who we are becoming. We can embrace the trajectory or change the direction completely. We do have a choice. I learned in that year that forward may not necessarily be the direction we think we should go. It sometimes means taking the opportunities in front of us and embracing them. And intentional means that every moment in that journey brings unexpected treasures if we pay attention.

I was so excited by the revelation that I chose "Discovery" for the next word. So what exactly can a 60 something ol' lady discover? Well there is plenty. I discovered. I discovered my health wasn't as good as I thought, but I also discovered I could do something about it. And I discovered I loved training people. And that discovery has led to a business!

So now that you have the history of "the word", lets talk about the word of 2018. I chose "Adventure" and my goals were to "be open to new things and move out of my comfort zone". And move I did. I left a job that was detrimental to my mental health and causing problems with my physical health, and now am working at a place I look forward to going to - a job I honestly love. I make less money, but that'll be another adventure! I've changed my life in so many ways. Seeing a psychologist helped me to learn more about who I am and what I need - and that it's ok to give my needs priority.

So what will 2019 bring? What word should I focus on? I think I'll go with the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams". The dictionary defines the verb, dream, to consider a  possibility; to imagine. And so here's to a new year of possibilities - a new year to imagine...

Dream.

What will your word be?

Merry Christmas

Wishing you warmth and joy this holiday season - And may peace fill your soul.

Merry Christmas

My Big Fat Menopausal Wishlist

It's the holiday gift giving season. I don't know about you, but sometimes I get stumped! Well if you have a seasoned lady (that's a nice way to say old) and you don't know what she might like, let me help you!




But seriously folks - Here are some great ideas for gifts for your mom or your grandma -

Oh Deer - A Terrible Day

How many of you see a deer and admire it's beauty? I know I do. I'm an animal lover.

And I've never hit an animal. Until now.

Last Friday, on my way to work, I was driving on the Interstate. I noticed the car ahead of me in the middle lane start to move to my lane, nearly hitting the car in front of me. We were already traveling at a low speed because of traffic, but I slowed just a little more - thankfully. It was at that moment I saw the doe come from behind that car and right into the front of mine. I swerved to the shoulder but there was nothing I could do. I hit it.

I pulled over to the side about 20 yards ahead and sobbed. I couldn't stop. I called 911 because I didn't know if there would be traffic issues, although everything behind me seemed to be moving fine.

When the police officer came to the side of my door, I was still crying. She said the deer was no where in site and most likely had been able to run away. They are pretty tough critters. And, if I had hurt it seriously, my car would have had more damage. That made me feel a little better.

But wait - damage to my car? That hadn't occurred to me. It didn't feel that hard and the airbags didn't deploy. I couldn't be that bad.

It was an experience I never want to repeat. My heart broke and, even though she most likely is OK, I'll never forget those eyes. Every time I look at my car I almost cry. Not for the car, but for the creature I almost killed. For all the creatures that are moving into our "civilized" areas because their wild areas are getting smaller. For all those creatures just trying to survive.

But I am also grateful that this little deer has another chance.

Our wildlife is our responsibility to protect. If they are moving in on us, it's because we've moved in on them. They simply need to survive.

 

 

 

10 Things to do on Black Friday that Aren't in the Mall

I know some people absolutely love going shopping on black Friday, getting shoved and pushed by the crowds and coming home with deals on things they needed and didn't. But I am not one of them.

The first black Friday sale (called an after Thanksgiving sale back then) I went to was at a fabric store. They had lace for a penny a yard!! What a deal. I got there about 10 minutes before the store opened and saw a line starting to form. I got out of my car and got in line. When the door opened I had no choice but move - I was literally sucked through with the masses!!

Happy Thanksgiving

Grateful