I lost Mr. Virgo in a matter of hours. The shock that kind of death brings is stunning. You cannot breathe. I have often thought to myself how, if he had to die, at least he went quickly and relatively pain free. But what about these people who are given a death sentence way out in front? I cannot imagine what they go through.
Balance. There are many things we need to balance in life. Work and play. Family and jobs. Kids and finances. Exercise and food. I once worked for an old school Doctor. He carefully explained his diet to every patient. And it was SO simple.
He reminded his patients..."The last bite does not taste any better than the first one did. Stop testing that theory."
I'm your biggest fan. I'm the cheerleader that wants to rocket my team into first place. I think it is our moral obligation to build each other up, to nurture each other. To applaud the triumphs. To give a hand up after a fall. To help you dust off and get back out there.
Pollyanna. Yep, that's me. But not in a vapid way. I just want to see you succeed! I want you to be your best YOU. I want to encourage you. Why? Because....you are awesome! Inside you is a uniquely beautiful individual. You have capabilities you haven't even thought of yet. You have talents the world needs. You're smart, and funny, and kind. You've had experiences that have knocked off some of your rough edges. You've had wounds that cut deep...but still you got up and did what had to be done. You are brave! You are strong!! You are a fierce Warrior Princess in the face of your own weakness!!!
It was a long day yesterday working on the website and today will be even longer. There was a gentleman sitting at our table at Starbucks where we were working. He overheard our conversation and was asking me questions about what I'm doing. He was interested in my writing. He kept laughing when my "media consultant" aka Hubby #1 and I bantered back and forth with that old familiarity divorced people can sometimes achieve. I introduced myself...and my ex. He stopped and said, "Your ex? I wish my ex and I could get along like that!"
I love road trips. I love to drive because I do my best thinking behind the wheel of my truck. I work through all kinds of issues as the miles fly by. I have whole conversations with people and they always end up going my way. I make plans, solve problems, write stories. I do this best alone. Don't get me wrong...traveling with Mr. Virgo was a hoot and a half! He always had a good story or a funny joke. He always spotted the best places to stop and enjoy a good view. Travel with Mr. Virgo was a joy! I know some don't, but I travel well alone.
It doesn't matter what you call it...fate, kismet, destiny, serendipity, divine intervention...it's real. It's when something happens at exactly the right time in exactly the right way it needed to in order for the outcome to occur. It happens to everyone, all the time. You just may not be in tune with it.
My lifestyle is such that I have the freedom currently to do pretty much whatever I want, when I want. I have few deadlines. I have no real schedule to speak of. On a typical day, I wake up and meditate and converse with God. Then I check in here and my personal FB page. I check the news and weather. I glance at emails. I read. I allow two hours for this nebulous journey then I get up, put on my coffee. After that...it's anybody's guess where I'll end up. I train, have lunch, run errands, do chores, write, research, prep meals, and have dinner...with friends or alone. It's a simple life and allows much more clarity than I have ever experienced in my life. It's like living in a foreign land where everything is beautifully outlined in light. I notice things more. I feel and sense more. And God absolutely drops everything I need in my lap. He's been pretty generous with the things I want as well.
Uh-oh...I'm getting ideas. I'm seeing major results from my fitness regime and its giving me ideas. I'm beginning to see myself as capable of doing really cool things. Things I never dreamed I'd even consider doing. Like...hike the Appalachian Trail. And the Colorado Trail. Like...climbing the steps to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Like....riding my bike....really far.
I'm beginning to see possibilities.
Getting fit isn't just physical. Getting fit is a whole life experience. You can work every muscle in your body till you're hard as steel but if your mind is mired in chaos, you're not even half way there. If you feel right with God, but you're going to bed every night with your two favorite men...Ben & Jerry...you're missing the boat. I like to imagine the areas of my life individually as objects...say, apples. They each need a good washing. They will be so much more appealing if they're given a good polishing. And they each offer the same nourishment. One isn't more important than the other. They are apples.
This is the time of year, even with the fluctuations in the weather...the psychotic battle between sunny/warmth and dismal/chill...I come alive. I've said this before and it is so true. I feel like a prisoner must feel when the jailer says, "You're free to go. It was all a terrible misunderstanding." I want to run headlong into the heat of a summer day putting miles between us....you know, in case they change their minds and want to lock me back up.
My legs will be 63 in 10 weeks. They've carried me a long way, these gams of mine. A month ago I got winded climbing one flight of stairs. That was alarming. I have a lifestyle that demands a certain level of fitness if I want to keep it up. Yesterday, I walked uphill and pulled my personal best time in 3K. Then I went and walked the Quincy steps again. It was still a struggle, but every time I do something physical, it's a little easier than the last time.