Like many little kids, I played sports through local youth recreation leagues. Some of my favorite memories formed on a softball field. And because the coach never sent me to right field (thanks, Dad!) and I made some key plays, I thought I must be a pretty good fielder. I was a decent hitter. But when it came to my base running, I never doubted my speed. Slow. Then, my sophomore year of … [Read more...] about Field of Dreams: Examining What Keeps Us Down
MIND-BODY CONNECTION
Who Do You Give Access to Your Mind?
Despite being trained as a journalist and having worked for newspapers, I rarely turn on the television news or thoroughly read a newspaper anymore. What gets reported largely is what happened in the past, and I cannot change what happened. I can only react to it and let it affect me. Because much of it is negative or sad, and even confrontational, it affects me negatively. It … [Read more...] about Who Do You Give Access to Your Mind?
Making Sense of Tragedy: Turning “Why?” into “What Now?”
This isn’t ever how it should be – a high school senior gone in an instant. No matter how many news stories you hear about teens at other schools dying suddenly, you’re never prepared when it hits close to home. It hit our community last week. Bubbly, talented, respected and loved, Kenzie Ruston died Jan. 4, along with a family friend. Their small plane crashed in Wyoming. It was the day … [Read more...] about Making Sense of Tragedy: Turning “Why?” into “What Now?”
My Secret to Slower Aging
A few months beyond my 40th birthday, I discovered the first secret to aging well. It was to stop dwelling and start doing. How often do you hear someone with an ache or a health setback say, “I’m just getting old,” or make some derogatory remark about their body? Are you one who complains about getting old? Well, if you say so! That’s how to counter those remarks and thoughts, … [Read more...] about My Secret to Slower Aging
Overwhelmed? The 1 Question to Ask Yourself
My mind is racing through my list of activities and commitments ahead in the next few days, scrolling through a mental to-do list that needs to be written down. I feel my pulse quicken as my thoughts dart from what I should have finished already to what I’ve yet to start. And I’m not even out of bed yet. Sound familiar? With the holidays upon us, the feeling of overwhelm can be great. It … [Read more...] about Overwhelmed? The 1 Question to Ask Yourself
You Signed Up for This
As I trained for my first (and to date, only) marathon, the words of a longtime friend kept coming to mind. Always remember, YOU signed up for this. I laughed when he said it, but I didn’t know how true his statement was. Yes, I registered online and paid the registration fee. I printed out the training plan. I bought new gear. The anticipation was pretty exciting, before I had put in any … [Read more...] about You Signed Up for This