Happy 2012!

A new year a new you, right? Well there is something amazing as the calendar flips over. It does give you that sense of a new start. For me I want to focus on health, happiness, saving money, writing, and enjoying life. I think I can do those things with love and compassion. May this year bring you joy.

Have yourself a Merry Christmas!

This year I haven't let the holidays overrun my life. I've been shopping since the Saturday after Thanksgiving, which is early for me. I shopped on Small Business Saturday, but I avoided Black Friday. Seriously, that scene isn't worth it. I've also been wrapping presents already, which is a first for me. Usually, I'm in a frenzy trying to wrap everything up the night before. I've also sent out some Christmas cards. I just have a few left to send that will arrive after the holiday. Even so, I feel like I've kept the stress level low.

And good thing, too, because when it rains it pours. It isn't snowing here after all. Anyway, my back windshield wiper hasn't been working, so the car was taken in. That needs a new motor, and my car needed new brakes. More expenses I wasn't expecting. Also, today, I had a slight fender bender in Aspen, so the expenses continue to mount. Thank goodness I've been spacing out my holiday stuff or this stress may have thrown me over the edge.

But this year it didn't, but I realize that things happen whether you like it or not. And yes, expenses happen in threes like everything else. The key is to take it one day at a time. The best part is that as I gathered addresses I heard from lots of people via text, email, and phone. It means so much. Last Saturday was the Gair Family Christmas of 40 people.
This weekend is a much smaller celebration with family. And lots of celebrating with friends, too. Overall, a really good month, despite the mishaps. I hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday season and a joyous new year. Welcome 2012.

National Novel Writing Month

November is not just a time to be thankful and eat until you burst. It's also National Novel Writing Month.The whole idea is to write 50,000 words in the month of November. So my friend Ruth and I are working on writing our own respective novels. I admit that my goal doesn't go as high as 50,000 words, because I do have to work as well, but the act of making writing a regular part of my schedule is what I want to accomplish. According to my Google search making something a habit takes 21 to 30 days. So if I can make writing an automatic activity then I might be able to form a habit, which will then prospectively lead to me actually writing 50,000 words over time. Wish me luck!

Falling Leaves and Pumpkins

I don't know about you, but I love October. It's all about leaves quaking in the wind, and then eventually falling to the ground. It's also about pumpkin carving or painting, which is an activity that I try to do each year. This year my nephews are close, so I'll get them involved, too. But in the past I've done it without any kids. Back in New York we used to celebrate with a party called fall festival. It might be time to bring it back in the Roaring Fork Valley. To me fall is also about renewal. I guess it's the 'back to school mentality'. Honestly, I think it's better than those pesky New Year's resolutions. Also, football is back, and I have to admit that it's fun to have football on the weekend agenda. This year I can watch my nephew play. He got his first touchdown this year yesterday as well as a new nickname from the announcer, "Sledgehammer". Enjoy the autumn, and Rocky Mountain let us have a long fall....

Giving and Receiving

“I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.” —Maya Angelou

I have been thinking about this quote, and I wanted to share it. Giving back is something that has been part of my life for a long time. I don't remember the first time I volunteered, but I know that each that I've made the effort to give back and do something for people it gives much more back to me. I had the opportunity to start a Youth Leaders Council and the premise is that kids learn about leadership and complete service projects in the community to give back. I feel like the more you give the more you want to give. It's a natural progression. Thanks to everyone who gives their money and their time. It means so much. And as the quote above says, it could offer you a spiritual benefit as well.

The Stories that Connect Us

Since the beginning of time stories have connected us. The cave men and women drew pictures telling a story on cave walls. Sharing stories orally came next and it continues today. What prompted me to write about this topic was that I led a QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention training yesterday, and as each individual in the room shared stories you could almost see them connecting as they recognized similiarities, commenalities, and a belief in making a difference.

Sometimes in our world of technology where you can connect in so many ways: text, email, Facebook, Twitter, blogs, instant messaging, and even when necessary the old-fashioned phone call it doesn't always seem necessary to meet with others face-to-face. The reality is that without a face-to-face meeting so many things can be lost in translation. What's interesting about leading a training is that each and every training is different, and this is because of the people in the room participating. It is amazing to watch people really listen, talk, and support each other.

I just took a webinar on Twitter yesterday, and I feel like I understand it a little better. It does have some power to affect change and potentially offer a vehicle to fundraise for an issue that you're passionate about, but I would contend it doesn't offer the same connection or magic of a room full of people. Each of our new technologies has a purpose and a time and a place. I used to be able to get away with paying $5 for 200 text messages, but now I had to upgrade to unlimited text messages, as my number of texts have steadily increased. It seems that most people would rather text, unlike me who's old-fashioned and prefers to speak on the phone. I am accepting this new change.

Even so sometimes a text or an email isn't always the most effective way to communicate. Sometimes you need to be in the same room with a group of people who create an energy by listening to each other's stories and thoughts. I appreciate everyone who shared stories last night. Face-to-face reminds us of our connection to each other. And that's something we need more of in our communities, nation, and world. It happened after 9/11, and it's time we find small ways to connect.

For more information about QPR Trainings go to http://www.qprinstitute.com/or contact me.

Attitude and Belief in Yourself

So I've been thinking a lot about attitude, and I just heard Lenny Kravitz sing, "You've got to believe in yourself." Admit it you're now singing along with me to this song.

I've been working on eating better and exercising, and this process is making my attitude take a nose dive. It's not that I haven't seen any results, but the main result that I am seeking, which is weight loss, is so elusive. My clothes fit better, I've toned up, and I'm stronger. Despite these successes my attitude to keep it up is wavering.

I have hypothyroidism, and boy it's a valid issue, but even so I can't use that as an excuse to give up. My friend told me yesterday that I looked great. I admit my jeans now fit so much better, which feels good.

So I'm trying a new app recommended by my cousin it's called MyFitness Pal. It's great to track your food and physical activity. Having this information is an eye-opener. I've also started a lunchtime boot camp class on Tuesdays with a friend. And I may sign up for another one, too on Thursdays. I need to move from working out three to four times a week to working out four to six times a week.

So I am going to seek more support going forward. I'm back to feeling better again, and I'm accepting the fact that I may have to work even harder than others. My attitude has to be that this is about my health and my life. Plus, I want to be in good shape before ski season so I can really rip it down the mountain. Let's not talk about snow, yet, though.

I guess it's like Lenny says, "You've got to believe in yourself." That's why I'm finally taking care of myself...it's not about the end, but the journey. And please remind me of this when I'm working out with my personal trainer tonight. I might need some encouragement.