This week I've been thinking about a young woman I recently met. She's my middle son's new girlfriend, and I am impressed with his good taste in women. She's just gotten a job at a Fort Wayne media outlet and her enthusiasm for journalism is infectious, while her outlook on life is optimistic and refreshing. One of things I like best about her is that she is unconsciously positive. She laughs easily and appreciates family. Her mom is her self-proclaimed "best friend." What's not to like about such a girl, a girl who peppers her conversations with the phrase "I've been lucky enough to..." ?

"Lucky enough." I've spent some time thinking about that phrase and how it pertains to the life I am living. I'm lucky enough to have a job, a home, three sons I am extraordinarily proud of, and a husband I love. I'm lucky enough to have good health and friends who love me, who hold me up when I need a hand, and who allow me to do the same for them. I'm lucky enough to had enough hardships in my life that I can see what good has come of them. Lucky enough to have faith in someone and something bigger than myself, lucky enough to believe in second chances and new beginnings.

I once heard a sermon in which the pastor explained he preferred to substitute the word "blessed" for lucky. I feel blessed today, blessed that I can agree with that observation, and consider the above paragraph through that perspective. I'm blessed. Thank God, blessed enough.

Thank God it's Monday

Mondays are generally relegated to the trash heap of the week, a leprous kind of day that offers nothing more than a reason to complain. But in the interest of changing old habits, I'm making an effort to view Monday as an opportunity, a launchpad. I've spent too much time looking behind me at weeks gone by. Now is the time to reframe Monday.

For some, Monday is a day of fasting. For others it is the day to commemorate the angels. I like this idea. It allows me to meditate on the impact those who have left this earth but who have made an important impact on my life. Though they are no longer with us, I feel their presence still. And for that I am grateful.

First on this list is my father. He was a kind and generous man, who spent his life supporting and upholding his me emotionally while trying to sent me down a better path than the ones I chose in my youth. My father taught me the value and  importance of family. He had a wicked sense of humor and a willingness to make fun of himself. He had a temper - don't we all? He knew how to apologize, and he was a faithful child of God. How many times did he invite me to study the Bible with him, as an opportunity to get closer to God and to him? Can't even count. How many times did I say, "Yeah, maybe later"  as I ran out the door, or up to my room, or off in another direction? Can't even count. He allowed me my failings and forgave me my frequent meanness and taught me that forgiveness trumps pain every single time. Thanks, Dad.

My sister-in-law Marcia tops the list as well. This flame-haired beauty was a beacon in a cynical world. Hallmarked by kindness, a quick wit, earth-mother wisdom and authenticity, she was a great example to all of us. She never wavered in her fight against cancer, never played the victim, never gave up. She left behind a family forever changed by her grace. We would do well to remember it when times are tough.

Who are the angels in your life? Who will you commemorate with your actions and attitude today? Who will enable you to say, as I do, "Thank God it's Monday" ?


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Worth noting: An interesting read at Health.com today about the scientific link between emotional and physical pain. Seems evidence now shows that the terms "heartache" and "heartbreak" may not be so far off. File it away in "Yeah, I thought so."

New beginnings

Where I have been: Lack of balance has brought me 40 added pounds of weight, a loss of strength throughout my body, and a tendency to focus on the negative rather than the positive. In early 2000, I set and I achieved a goal of cycling my way through a Sonoma County 100K. But I failed in an attempt to cycle 100 miles across the San Joaquin Valley a week later. Instead of focusing on the 50 miles I did ride during that 100 degree day, I slowly turned away from my cycling and away from exercise completely. During the next 10 years, I injured myself,  and discovered arthritis in my foot, a temperamental knee, and a fondness for alcohol. I moved across the country, changed jobs (3 times), and walked through some pretty intense relationship issues. Also during those years, two of my three children grew up and moved out, and a third is poised to do so next fall.

Where I am going: Armed with a new determination to regain the strength and fitness in my early 40s, I began a journey toward emotional health last year. My journey toward physical health began last week when I rejoined my gym and consulted a fitness trainer. In less than 100 days I will walking through Rome with my brother-in-law Keith, his wife Lisa, and my husband, Rob. My goals including losing 10 pounds before then and become physically stronger person. A weigh-in on Friday revealed a three-pound loss - typical in the early days to lose more first, I know. Yet, it is encouraging.

Join me on my journey. As I travel, I'll work on developing new habits while exploring my spiritual and emotional life. Like many of us, I've had a lot of false starts during my life. This time will be different. This time is for real.