Summertime Winding Down

Summertime in Colorado is magical. The sky is perfectly blue, and the days are endless. Then it is mid-August, and you are scrambling to enjoy the last days. It happens every year. So instead I count the moments. This summer had many moments to savor. Going back over my photos I realize just how much has happened. My friend and I met for a Sip and Snack at a favorite spot, Eat in New Castle, and she asked what I did this summer. I remembered the most recent, but forgot the rest. Once I looked back it was packed.

May Flowers & Commencement

The first part of May brought a work trip with Namrata to Cherry Creek to present West Mountain Regional Health Alliance (WMRHA) and our efforts with Community Resource Network with the Copic Medical Foundation Grantee Summit. We were one of the smaller organizations awarded a grant. Other organization's included Children's Hospital in Denver, organizations from New York City, and state organizations. It was an honor to be included.

Next was a trip to University of Missouri in Columbia, my alma mater. My family all went there to see my nephew Luke graduate. It was so fun to be back in my college town. It brought back so many memories of my friends, Journalism School, and the life of a college student. Seeing Luke get a degree in Business at MIZZOU was so amazing. He followed in the footsteps of his Mom and Aunt. Next we headed to the Lake of the Ozarks for a wonderful visit, fishing, playing cards and cruising on the boat. 

June Culture & Ideas

In June I went to Chinle, Arizona, located in the Navajo nation as a Glenwood Springs Rotarian volunteer for Chinle Planting Hope, a nonprofit that GWS Rotary has adopted. Being there with fellow Rotarians, Charlene, Debbie and many others just reinforced why Rotary is such a special organization. This was my first visit, and I was impressed by all CPH has accomplished to provide a library, thrift store, bike giveaways, food for seniors, a community garden, and more. The Glenwood Springs Rotary Club has made a great difference in Chinle and will in the years to come.

What was the most special about Chinle was the people I met. I got to hear stories of life on the reservation. The close-knit community and the experiences of extreme hardships. More than 30 percent of people in the area don't have water or electricity. I then met young people who are embracing their culture and heritage while expanding their horizons. Seeing a woman weave a rug, while her granddaughter strings beads for a necklace and taking a jeep ride in Chelle Canyon to see stories on rock from the Ansari, Hopi, and Navajo was really impactful. Learning about "Walk in Beauty", which is the translation for the Navajo term for the spiritual path of celebrating the sacredness of life.

Next in June, the WMRHA team  got the opportunity to go to Aspen Health Ideas, which is a place where health ideas spread. For me the best session was hearing from Dr. Jim, a doctor in Boston who took a fellowship for a year to work with the homeless population, and now 30 years later the program is thriving, and he continues to make an impact. The conversation included the author Tracy Kidder, who wrote a book about Dr. Jim and the program. The book Rough Sleepers really spoke to me as WMRHA and partners continue the journey to transform homelessness in the region.

July/August Fun With Family & Friends

All the months brought moments with family and friends from Music in the Park in Glenwood Springs to hikes, to trips to other mountain towns, to enjoying Slow Grooving BBQ. Another work trip was attending The Colorado Health Foundation Symposium. This event was great to connect with people from the front range, funders, other nonprofits, and local people who I hadn't seen from my own community. It helped to fill my cup after a month of grueling grant deadlines. July also brought seeing my friend Karen who was back from Alaska. That visit warmed my heart!

At the last Music in the Park Nicole and Emily surprised me with a surprise birthday party. That was so cool. I knew we were having a picnic potluck, but they also invited everyone to celebrate my birthday. I felt so loved. Then Mary Beth came on Thursday before my birthday, we went wine tasting that day in Palisade, then to Tennessee Pass Cookhouse and stayed in a yurt. Saturday brought brunch in Leadville and then back to Glenwood Springs for time at the Ironbridge Pool and dinner with my Mom and Dad for my actual birthday. Sunday brunch and shopping, and then Iron Mountain Hot Springs that evening. Overall, an excellent birthday, and yes it definitely was a week plus celebration!

Today it's August 17th I have an end of summer cold. Not my favorite, but it is forcing me to slow down and reflect. I hope you look back at your summer and see the moments to remember Now it's time for hiking, falling leaves, and hot cocoa. I am ready for a long autumn.

What We Keep and What We Cherish

Looking around my room I see photos, art, books, and things that remind me of amazing experiences. Right now I am looking a pillow that is Aboriginal art, a memento of one of my trips to Australia. I see my copy of Yogi Berra's book, "When You Come to a Fork in the Road, Take It!", which he signed after I saw him speak at the 92nd Y in New York. (Great advice, by the way).

I try to keep and showcase things that truly matter to me. My style is eclectic and some might call it busy, but it works for me. What doesn't work is when I realize that I'm hanging on to things that don't matter and that no longer serve me and my life as it is today.

It's spring, and I've already cleaned out two closets. I have more to do, and as I divest I realize that I don't miss what moves on, and I'm happy it has the opportunity to find a new home. I have started getting rid of something when I bring something new. 

Some things like books are more difficult for me to let go. Books are my way of traveling from an armchair. The challenge is that I don't have unlimited bookshelves. So I keep my favorites, read others and pass them on to receive new books.

What do you keep and cherish? And if stuff is overwhelming you what are you holding on to that you can't release? Each of us has stuff that matters to us, but the rest is probably weighting us down. Pick a drawer, a closet, or a bookshelf and keep what speaks to you and let go of the rest. My goal to tackle the books in boxes downstairs and decide what I will keep, and what I will let go. 

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." --Eleanor Roosevelt

This quote is written on my journal, which I turn to in despair and happiness. I realize that keeping a journal might not be in vogue in today's tell-all world, but sometimes I want to share, and other times I just want to clear my head and write using a pen. It is a powerful way to get out what's bothering you or to capture wonderful moments you don't want to forget.

The thing is that those moments bad and good fade, and a journal or a blog give you a place to remember. You notice your frame of mind and you realize that things do change and what was awful or wonderful changes. This gives you a blueprint to understand that this too shall pass.

When everything is going swimmingly you don't always want it to pass, but it does. When things are falling apart you want it to pass, and it does. How you respond is what truly matters. This quote by Viktor Frankl sums it up: "Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom."

So right now things aren't great, but I remember that it will pass. I will keep going realizing that just around the corner is another moment of wonder. I will continue to write in my journal, and I will start writing here in my blog, as a practice and a way to share my thoughts aloud, so to speak. I do believe in the beauty of my dreams. There I said it out loud in the public. Do you?

Seeking Balance

As the snow balances on the branches of a tree with grace and ease, I wonder why it is so daunting to find that simple balance in our own lives. What I have discovered is if you don't make a conscious effort to find balance you will become much like a dryer completely out of balance.

Sometimes the disaster of being out of balance is the wake-up call you need to address the lopsided life that you're living. It can mean that you're letting the stress of work take over your life, or it can mean that you've stopped taking care of yourself.

Either way, your life is no longer your own, and the only person that can take it back is you. What this means is that you have to get clear about the blocks, distractions, and way you're living that is no longer serving you. If that statement sounds overwhelming to you, it should.

This process is not for you if you expect it to happen in an hour, day, or even six weeks. Just as you can't lose weight by taking a pill, you won't be able to complete this process get an "A" and then go right back to what you were doing. This will be an ongoing journey with twists, unexpected turns and road blocks. But you will be able to garner small wins by making small changes. 

These small changes add up over time to more significant change. For me though the most significant factor is that now I feel different. I can accept when things get out of balance, and I can more easily tip things back into a better balance. The reason is that I no longer expect it to happen quickly, and I don't expect to get it perfect. I can accept when life happens, and I am aware of what helps me get back in balance.

Instead I realize that like the snow balancing on the branch, balance in your life will be temporary and fleeting. However, it will come back around if you nurture yourself and your mind, body, and spirit. All you need to do to start is take a couple minutes to breathe and recognize the beauty of the snow falling.

"You begin to do your part in the Life Pattern by doing all the good things you feel motivated toward, even though they are just little good things at first. You give these priority in your life over all the superficial things that customarily clutter human lives." --Peace Pilgrim

Follow Your Heart

Well the universe has been speaking to me. It seems that I often don't listen or I ignore what it is trying to tell me. Recently, I wasn't the only one to experience the message being sent to me. My friend Ruth came up a few weekends ago to visit me in the mountains to hang out, get outside, and regroup. Both of us needed time away. Although I wasn't "away", I had permission to be on vacation with a friend in town.

I have been having strange and vivid dreams, and during this weekend I woke up feeling unsettled. I have been wrestling with what I want in my life. It's not just about my career or what I do. It's about my life and embracing who I am and what I offer to the world, which is enough. Anyway, I switched on my lamp, and I grabbed some cards I had picked up in Sedona. The first one I felt compelled to draw was "Follow Your Heart".

Keep in mind the first card that was drawn when I was actually in Sedona was "Open Your Heart". Yes, I had a physic reading by a third generation physic of Native American and Japanese descent....I am open to the fact that God sometimes speaks to people in different ways. And when in Sedona, new age capital of the U.S., why not?

I feel good about the movement as I have progressed from opening my heart to following my heart. I feel that I have opened my heart to the possibilities, and now that it is open I need to stop and listen. I believe in the integration of the head and heart to become your best self. I just didn't realize that often my head was overruling my heart. At different times in life you need to lead more with your head and at other times more with your heart. Right now, for me my heart is emerging as the appropriate leader at this point in my life.

It's interesting the universe wanted me to have a witness. Ruth and I went hiking on the American Trail near Ashcroft in Aspen. We had eaten a later breakfast and skipped lunch so we were famished after our hike. We went into Aspen. We stopped for sushi. It was closed (off-season). Then we went to an Italian place (not open for 40 minutes), so we decided sushi at Zheng's in Basalt.

We had a wonderful and more affordable meal, and then we got our fortune cookies following our meal. Yes, sushi and fortune cookies, only in America. I felt gravitation to the fortune cookie nearest me, and I cracked it open to read: "Follow your heart's desires".

I was telling another friend about this experience, and she asked me an interesting question. "Do you know what your heart wants?" That gave me pause. She said that is where she gets caught. I am following my heart again though I don't know how it will look as I travel this path.

What I know at this point is that I want my life to include writing and creative expression. I am embracing love and compassion for myself when previously I only reserved those sentiments for others. I want to form and nurture meaningful connections. I want to get outside in nature as much as possible, and I want to do less to do more.

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.

The Story of Your Life

Most of you know that I read a lot. Usually, I have three or more books going at the same time. Right now, I've got two. I'm trying to focus. Anyway, I just finished a book that was so good that I want to tell you all about it.

The book is called, "How I Learned to Live a Better Story: A Million Miles in a Thousand Years". This memoir offers insights on how you can change your story if the one you're living isn't the one you want to be living.

Stories connect us together. Since the beginning, stories weave the fabric of our lives, and they resonate with us on a deeper level than statistics, which tell us something, but they don't activate our emotions or remind us of our humanity.

This book will make you ponder whether the story you're living is the one that you want to live. It made me stop and reflect on where I'm at and where I'm headed. I'm fairly reflective as it is, but even so I get caught up in the busyness that is our modern day life. Heck, I just joined Hootsuite so I can manage all my social networking sites in one place. Just one problem I'm not sure how to use it.

That modern world is one topic that the author Donald Miller explores as well. The marketing machine and the quest for more hasn't actually made people happier. Maybe it offers a momentary happiness, but then it goes away. Getting back to basics to a simpler life is known to do more to foster contentment.

Last year was such a difficult year for me, and now I am reclaiming who I am and truly identifying what it is that makes me happy and brings me joy. It isn't more stuff. It's enjoying the experience of life and finding meaning. Read the book and let me know what you think!

First Day of School

Today my nephews Luke and Adam started their first day of school in a new school. My nephew Adam was a bit nervous, and he asked, "Who will I sit by at lunch?" Such an insightful question from a seven-year-old. I told him to talk to someone who's nice in his class and ask if he could sit by him or her at lunch. (I hope that worked!)

The truth is that we all struggle sometimes with who to sit by. I did explain to Luke and Adam that each place I've lived has introduced me to some amazing people who have brought so much to my life. Even though moving is difficult it brings new experiences, new perspectives, and new friends.

These people in our lives are part of our history. It doesn't mean that you can easily stay in touch with everyone other than catching up on Facebook, but it does mean that once there's a connection, at some level you are always connected. Really we are all connected in this tangled web of humanity.

This weekend I found out that it was time to say goodbye to an old friend from high school. Seeing the outpouring of love for his sister and family it makes you realize that we all are in this together.

So when you meet someone new invite them to sit by you. They might be that new friend you are destined to meet. And they might need a friend more than you know.

Run don't walk to see "The Help"

Get out your tissues, because this movie will make you cry. I read the book a long time ago before it even became a sensation, and I kept telling other people to read it, too. A lot of times when a book is made into a movie I'm disappointed, but this time I really felt like they got it right.

"The Help" delivers, and it gives you a glimpse of what it was like to live in the South, during a period when separate but equal was touted and believed by many.

What makes this movie and the book so memorable and touching is that in both the book and the movie the characters are fleshed out and they come to life with color, sass, and fullness. You also feel like you are experiencing the good, the bad, and the beautiful moments right along beside them.

To be honest there wasn't a dry eye in the house. I even suspect that the guy who was dragged there by his girlfriend shed some tears, but I'm sure there was just something in his eye.

I saw the movie with my mom, which made it more special. She had read the book, too, and we both were excited and nervous to see it. We both were afraid the movie wouldn't strike the same chord as the book, but it turned out that both versions delivered.

The main theme of the movie was courage, which is something we all need a little more of in ourselves and in this world. May we all have courage when it's needed. Be couragous and be bold!

Birthday Daze

Since I have a tradition of celebrating my birthday for at least a week or sometimes longer it tends to get a bit out of hand. So fun! This year was no exception. I celebrated before my birthday and during my birthday as well as after my birthday with friends and family.

This year it was decided to visit Los Angeles for the birthday weekend. The idea was to celebrate in style...and find a spot by the beach and a pool. We did it all. There's really nothing better than a girls' trip. It reminds you how much girl's rule.

Then you get home and realize that you've overindulged in food and drink, and that it's time to take care of yourself. Also, not a good idea to schedule a doctor's visit the week after the festivities. So I'm cutting out sugar (mostly), watching what I'm eating and logging it in MyFitnessPal, and getting back to exercise. Wish me luck!

Oh and I'm getting a new scale as for the first time ever I weighed four pounds less at the doctor's office. Now that's a birthday present.

Life's a beach!

Sometimes it's hard to just enjoy each day as it comes. This is especially true when you're anticipating an exciting trip. I'm headed to Cali to meet Ruth and Mary Beth for my birthday extravaganza. It is said that a lot of what makes a trip so great is the anticipation. Looking forward to vacations, fun events, or visitors is part of the fun.

That being said there are opportunities for greatness each day or at least moments to savor. For example, yesterday two grants (complicated ones at that) were turned in on time and they really were well done. If I say so myself. That was such a nice accomplishment! Then I had the evening to get laundry finished before my trip. My friend Lo stopped by so we had a glass of wine. Then I watched "Blind Side" for the second time, and it made me teary. Overall, a good day for a Monday.

Today, I am playing catchup to dig myself out after the grants. So that feels good. And tonight my friend Carrie is taking me out for an early birthday dinner. I always say you should have a birthday month! We're going to hop around some galleries, and then grab drinks and dinner. Today is going to be so fun. I dressed up!

So what does tomorrow hold? Well I'm attending a yoga breathing workshop in the morning, and who knows what else. See each day is good. Life's a beach, and it truly will be this weekend when I'm at the beach soaking up the sun.

Where is my chocolate?

This might seem like a silly question, but I need a boost, and a piece or of dark chocolate would do nicely. If my friend Mary Beth was around I'd be in great shape, as she's known to have emergency chocolate on hand. Unfortunately, I don't have any chocolate. Sure I could go to the store around the corner and down the street, but I've already been there today to pick up healthy breakfast items.

Instead I'm going to complain about needing chocolate. I actually blame the folks that made this crazy grant application that I'm writing. Overload. And did I mention that I'm writing two grants for two different nonprofits? The plan was to space out the grants so I wouldn't be overloaded, but guess what that didn't work.

So all I want is some chocolate. I could be really bad and get a yummy chocolate goody from a shop across the way. That's what I'll do. It better be open! Wish me luck!

Il Dolce Far Niente

Summertime is my favorite time of year especially in Colorado when the weather is well in a word, amazing. You can't help feeling good because the sun is shining, and everyone is in such a good mood.

The only challenge is everyone is just so busy. As we're all trying to squeeze in as much as possible in the summer it becomes overwhelming. This summer I'm planning much less, as I like to have some flexibility in my schedule. Honestly, I used to be so overscheduled that I never had free time. I'm just not willing to do that anymore.

Without freetime you can't possibly be creative or just see where the day will take you. (I know a lot of kids who are completely overscheduled...parents need to stop it). Part of this lesson was learned in Australia where people are just so much more relaxed. Americans often feel that the more they do the better.

I say that we should enjoy the summer and sometimes make it a point not to plan anything. To just enjoy. The italians say, "Il Dolce Far Niente," which means the sweetness of doing nothing. Sounds good to me. Anyone, want to take a trip to Italy?

I am thankful for my friends

Here are today's quotes about friends:

"A true friend is someone who thinks you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked."
-Bernard Meltzer

"Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends we choose."
-Tennessee Williams

"Friends are those rare people who ask how we are and then wait to hear the answer."
-Anonymous

Friends make the world go round. Take the time today to tell a friend how much they make your life better.