Sunday, December 30, 2012

Do or Die-t


That dreaded time of year has arrived.  No, I'm not talking about taking the rain machine noise maker (better know as our dead Christmas tree) down.  I'm referring to perky, slim, and forty years younger than I Jennifer Hudson pulling me into the"loose weight on Weight Watchers and you can eat everything you want and loose weight" drill.
But I already eat everything I want.  What I really desire is to carry on as usual but look like a pretty version of "This is what 64 looks like."
I recently read an article on Helen Mirren who looks fabulous in a bathing suit.  The interviewer asked her about her exercise regimen.  Crunches?  Weight lifting?  Marathons?
Oh, no Helen replied.  She hates to sweat and deplores exercise. 
She just........... get this............stands up straight!
Her mother drilled that into her head as a child and she has practiced it ever since.
I'm making a conscious effort to do the same and you know what?
I feel better.  I feel stronger.  I represent a more confident woman.
It takes a little practice and there is a definite rearranging of "parts".  But it has given me a little boost. 
That, a  boat load of lycra, photoshop,and hope springs eternal.

Saturday, December 29, 2012

New Year - New Word

After a year of "leverage"-ing my  humble gifts, talents, assets, and influence it is time to come up with a new word to set my course for 2013.
I've been asking God -- where should I perch my heart this year?  And then this handsome fellow showed up in our yard this morning  - basking in the goodness of this place.



Right away I had my answer. 
BASK
 
Not "Brisk" or "Brash" or "Bossy" as I'm prone to be in the bustle of my life.  Just BASK. 
As my physical metronome adjusts to a slower melody I want to enjoy and take in the blessings in life by being truly present.
I practiced it yesterday at the movies watching "Les Miserable".  Two and a half hours of intensity and drama and beauty flew by because I basked in the moment.
The reward was my heart shifted.  I got it.  Grace, service, mercy are their own rewards.
So there it is -- BASK.
You'll be hearing more from me now.
I'll have reports on the journey.  Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.