Our Minnesota sisters left and the house seems a bit empty. I was able to attend several workout classes this past week. I'm still exploring options for a new gym or personal training. Finally, read my mail and actually paid some bills. I also helped out my friend Mary as she had knee surgery and needed an escort. I spent the day and night with her to help with her beloved dog. I seem to attract pets as he spent the night in my bed snuggled up. Mary is doing great getting around and will try to drive tomorrow. I must admit I was a bit tired a lot of the week. I felt like I was fighting something so I increased my dosage from vitamin C and started taking the OTC allergy med my doctor recommended. I think my body was feeling the change in the weather and seasons. I also thought I was impacted by the sadness surrounding September 11th. I remembered the day vividly as well as where I was, who I was with and the feelings. As I watched news stories and comments on FB throughout the day, I took on more sadness. I did take a nap or two this week which I normally do not do, but I decided to go with the flow. If my body craves a nap I'm going to take it. Do you suffer allergies? Can you feel the changes of seasons before others? Are you impacted by the sadness of others? Do you enjoy a good nap?
I took time each day to catch up with some online blogs and websites I follow in regards to coaching and life in general. Jennifer Boykin, http://www.lifeaftertampons.com/.
She is a wonderful, thoughtful writer and always leaves me with something to ponder. The other day she asked us to think about ourselves and gave us the option of answering one of five questions. I chose to answer: WHO are you? The following was my response:
"...As to the game questions, I love WHO are you? I am a strong woman who loves to read. I am a daughter, sister, and friend (in many cases for life). I am a woman who had a career of 32 plus years and is living the next part of her life. I am a woman who is exploring a bit more of the fun in life.
I am a woman who owns two businesses, both of which I had to scale back in the past year. I am a woman who is dealing with elderly parents with health issues in another state. I am Marie! "
I have to admit to all of you that I was so surprised at what I wrote which is why I am sharing it with you. In the past I would never have described myself as above. I would have used unkind adjectives and been down on myself or used sarcasm. After I wrote the above, I felt empowered and that I had crossed some type of threshold in my life. So I ask - WHO are you? Really think about it. Feel free to share with me if you'd like.
In the past couple of weeks I was able to finish a few books: "Miracles Now" by Gabrielle Bernstein. She provides 108 life-changing tools for less stress, more flow and finding your true purpose.
"Make Yourself Indispensable: A Guide for Career Success" by Dr. Darren McKnight and Roger Campbell. A practical, compelling guide to career success. It addresses the key behaviors and techniques to assure that you maximize your chances of attaining success. "The Black Tulip" by Milt Bearden. Set in the treacherous mountains of Afghanistan and the equally hazardous headquarters of the CIA Operations Directorate in Washington, it is a fast-paced thriller, based on real events, by the legendary spy who masterminded the plot to arm Afghan freedom fighters in their holy war against the Soviets. I also read two James Patterson books as I read everything he publishes except for the kids books.
As you can see from above, my reading selections were all over the place. What are you reading? Please feel free to let me know what you recommend as I always have a list going.
Well, I am going to leave it here for today. After all, Fox NFL Sunday starts soon and I love that show - I love to watch Howie and Terry! Whether or not I watch a game, I love the pre-game show. I hope you have a wonderful week. Take care. I hope you have the opportunity to show someone you care. Chat soon. Marie
"You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them." Desmond Tutu
"Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine and at last you create what you will." George Bernard Shaw
"When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love." Marcus Aurelius
Referrals are always appreciated.