an interesting message

Sue,

You're the only person who knows what's right for you!

The ONLY one.

And if you already know what this is, commit to it. If you don't, commit to nothing.

Only you know,
The Universe

Whether you commit or not, Sue, get busy. There are still things to do, doors to knock on, stones to overturn, trees to befriend...

A Note From The Universe

Be still, Sue.

Stop thinking!

Feel.

Take action.

Visualize.

Repeat.

Yours,
The Universe

soul mates

"People think that a soul mate is your perfect fit, and that's what everyone wants. But, a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that's holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life.

A true soul mate is probably the most important person you'll ever meet, because they tear down your walls and smack you awake."

- from the book Eat, Pray, Love.

Falling down trying!

We all have the power to cultivate wonder in our lives. "A journey of a thousand miles, begins with a single step!"

I think everyone wants to summit a mountain. It's just that everyone's mountain is different....a different kind of mountain to get to the top of. (and a lot of people...well, they think they can't do it) (I often compare life in general to climbing up a mountain)

No matter what mountain you must summit, it's really about the journey though, for me, at least, and not the destination. But it sure does feel good though when you get to the finish line (or the top), especially when you've put the time in and worked so hard for something. It's an awesome feeling of accomplishment. Even when you pay off that credit card! Just like in climbing...and in life.....Just keep breathing, focus, relax and push! hahahaha

Everything is a learning process...it's what you learn and gather along the way...the wonder you cultivate....like a child does (or an adult, like me, on a vacation in a brand new place).
:)

Every time I try something new, I learn something new about myself and about life as a whole.

I want adventure. I want to learn new things constantly and evolve? I want to cultivate wonder my life.

"My urge to grow nudges me beyond my comfort zone." This is one of my favorite quotes right now. I took this quote from one of my yoga classes. I'm on my mat in a back bend trying to see the wall behind me. Or, I'm leaning into my pose and opening up fully (or trying to haha) lengthening my neck and opening my heart (expanding the chest) getting heavy into my legs as they hold me and growing up from the waist. It's hard. It's scary to lean into. I am afraid I will fall (fail) and I am afraid if I don't fall that I must lean more, more and more....then I'm afraid to succeed. Succeeding means more leaning...more trusting...more future falls. ;)

This quote applies to a lot of things though. Not just yoga or climbing. I want to evolve and grow. Growing means you must get out of your comfort zone. If you stay inside the box your entire life, you will not grow or learn anything new....about yourself or about anyone else.

I like meeting those who get me out of my box. Those are the friends and people I like being around these days. But I also have to remember that there are people out there who would like to get out of theirs too! So whatever I learn, I like to try and give back. So often we tend to forget this part.

The "box" to me is fear, self rejection, self abuse, a lack of personal integrity, among others...or it could be something more simpler such as not taking time to stop and smell the roses or listen to the crickets.

I have been striving to live outside of this box for awhile now. I made a conscious decision to change and reinvent myself awhile back. Anyone can do it. It takes constant practice. I'm not perfect. It's hard to change. And while I may not ever be the best at anything or the fastest either, at least I am out there...doing it. I'm trying. (Falling down, trying)

I wouldn't say that I'm complete and grounded just yet in my passion for life (i still have issues with the box)....but it is surely something I am really working on. I just never want to be that person that takes life for granted...this isn't a dress rehearsal. We only get one life to live. Always cultivate wonder!

Shake it!

Believe it or not, Sue, of all the types of happy, "yeehaa!" and "whoohooo!" that exist, the greatest are those derived from truly helping others.

Especially, when you help yourself along the way by choosing approaches that tickle you.

It most certainly won't hurt if you have fun, crank up the music, shake-shake-shake, and scarf a new identity, my re-creation while you're at it. In fact, maybe we could use your identity, my re-creation as we help others....

Shake-shake-shake,
The Universe

Considered like this, Sue, selfishness can be the new selflessness, and with far richer results.

a few things...

I'm finally going backpacking!!! I have never been, but I've always wanted to try it...especially since I started climbing. And I've always wanted to rough it a little to see what it would be like. Learn something new. Hmmm...I guess I will find out this weekend if I can survive!
I'm going with my friend, Paul Mongan. We are backpacking a short trek up in the mountains in Maryland. I'm bring my dog, Big, along. This should be a very interesting trip for sure!

I'm enrolled in a photography course right now. I love it so far.

I'm climbing up at Seneca Rocks again this month. It has been 2 years! I am climbing with my buddy Jeremy again. I can't wait to get back up there. I'm really glad we are waiting until the end of the month to go (end of month July)...holidays are so busy.

My mom is doing awesome. She seems to be getting around a lot better now. On Father's Day, she walked up and back down 17 stairs to go up to my brother's finished bonus room in his house. She barely used her walker. I'm so proud of her, and I'm so happy!!!

Me....I'm a little frustrated with my body right now. I'm having tons of tension headaches. My knees feel better. I feel like I never know how I'm gonna feel. I guess it could always be worse? I shouldn't complain.

Counting down the days to Kauai!!!

Must Love Dogs

1. Must love dogs

2. Must LOVE the outdoors

3. Must be reliable and follow through

4. Doesn't hide behind insecurities (we all have them, so get over yourself...be who you are, don't hide behind it)

5. Humble

6. Non-passive aggressive and non-controlling

7. Great sense of humor

8. Eager to learn and teach me new things as well

9. Should be compassionate

10. A real partner

11. Faithful

12. Admit mistakes

13. Patient (this is probably the most important)

14. Thoughtful of others

15. A true boy scout at heart

16. Has a strong spiritual approach to life and lives for something much larger than just themselves

17. Exercises and likes to stay in shape, b/c it is healthy to do so

18. Spontaneous

19. Very laid back

20. No anxieties...b/c i have enough of my own to cover us both or at least understand about anxiety

All We Are by Matt Nathanson

I tasted, tasted love so sweet
And all of it was lost on me
Bought and sold like property
Sugar on my tongue

I kept falling over
I kept looking backward
I went broke believing
That the simple should be hard

All we are we are
All we are we are
And every day is a start of something beautiful

I wasted, wasted love for you
Trading out for something new
Well, it's hard to change the way you lose
If you think you've never won

'Cause all we are we are
All we are we are
And every day is a start of something beautiful

And in the end the words won't matter
'Cause in the end nothing stays the same
And in the end dreams just scatter and fall like rain

'Cause all we are we are
All we are we are
And every day is a start of something beautiful, something real

All we are we are
All we are we are
And every day is a start of something beautiful, beautiful

KT Tape customer service rules!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_A3ioZAO-A&feature=youtube_gdata

This tape is awesome!

At first, I was not sold. I bought it hoping for all the things they say about this product! Well, I ran with it on my knees, and it rolled off. I couldn't get it to stick. Then, it came off in hot yoga! I know it is hot in there, but KT Tape is supposed to stay on for 7 days and supposed to be able to be worn in the shower, etc....so you would think it would hold up in hot yoga!

Well, I decided to write them on Facebook about it.

I have a condition called Patellar Maltracking. I have to tape my knees for this at times. Anyway, they responded with an awesome message. Talk about customer service! Click on the link above.

Not only am I totally sold on this product, but it held up and stuck to my knees/legs through 2 water obstacles and a mud obstacle this weekend. And I had to run in this event as well.

I like KT Tape, and I really like how KT Tape stands behind their product and their awesome customer service.

stay impeccable by always doing your best (from The Four Agreements Companion)

We all are given choices.

You can choose to be happy or you can chose to suffer.

You can choose to be a victim or you can choose to be an owner.

By choosing to be an owner, you are choosing happiness over suffering.

What you believe rules your life. You live your life the way you do, because you believe 100% in what you believe you are. If you can believe it, you can be it.

I know that whatever I do, there is going to be a reaction. I really want to strive to always do my best. In order to do that though, you have change your mind...you have to change what you believe. Change the action. Action v. apathy!

I read something the other night that kinda gave me a kick in the ass. "If there is something you don't like, and avoiding it will only cause a bigger problem for you, then you're not totally being impeccable. If you have a problem, even if you don't want to face it, it is better to face the problem, whatever it is, and do your best. Once you have done that, you don't have to worry about it anymore."

I can choose to believe in anything I want to, and that includes believing in myself. There is only one thing that guides our actions, reactions and interactions...it is our Integrity. You recover your integrity when you are impeccable with your word. Self-betrayal is what breaks our integrity. When you recover your integrity, you feel good...you feel happy. My integrity is who I really am...it is what I am...it is the totality of my authentic self.

I have the right to be happy. I have the right to be here.

I know I cannot control what is around me, but I can control how I will react...how I will perceive it. It is all a choice! It is not what is happening around me that controls whether I am happy or unhappy, it is how I choose to react to it.

If you don't like something, change it. Believe it. We are all faced with challenges. But without challenges, how would you know if you are evolving? It is the action-reaction that makes the difference. Also, go inside and listen to your body! Your body never lies to you! It is your mind that will play the tricks. The truth is the way you feel in your heart and in your guts.

I am where I am right now in my life and doing the best with what I have right now. It is what it is. I am choosing to be happy and to just always do my best.

The Four Agreements:

1. Be impeccable with your word (speak with integrity. only say what you mean. do not use te word to speak against yourself and to gossip about others)

2. Don't take anything personally (nothing others do is because of you)

3. Don't make assumptions (find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. communicate clearly to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama)

4. Always do your best (your best will change from moment to moment. under any circumstance, always do your best and you will avoid self-judgment, self abuse and regret)

Please help my friend!!!

http://info.avonfoundation.org/site/TR?px=5546365&fr_id=1980&pg=personal

She is going to be raising money to help fight the battle against breast cancer!

She will be power walking a marathon and a half in October.

Any donation would be awesome!!!

I know how difficult this event is, because I walked this same walk in 2008.

THANKS! :)

hmmm...

Sue, trust yourself.
The Universe

Sue, you know.

Fibromyalgia Awareness Day

Today is Fibromyalgia Awareness Day!

I have this disease, but it does not have me!

I'm climbing mountains, and just for the record, I did my first crossfit class tonight!

Even though I want to tell FMS where it can stick it, I also want to say that I really hope there is a cure for this weird, mysterious disease someday.

Sometimes, I don't even really believe I even have it at all. However, there are those days....where I know I definitely have it. But most of all, I feel that if I can control my mind more, I can control the way I feel... but I know each day will be different. I just have to accept it. It is what it is.

Exercise definitely helps! I figure if I am going to hurt on a couch...I might as well hurt going up a mountain. Anything that beats you up...just makes you stronger in the end.

Anyway, I love my life. I am truly blessed. There are so many other things out there that are far worse than having Fibromyalgia.

I just hope that more women out there who have this disease can get help. I hope that they can exercise, eat healthier and live a fuller life. I hope one day, they can figure out what is REALLY causing this disease and not just say "it's emotional". I wish for a cure someday.

Kauai, Hawaii

So I finally set a date! Late September it is.

My summer 2010 vacation!!!

I am beyond stoked right now :)

some change i found laying around...

I read something today that I thought was really awesome.

This comes from a book called The First 30 Days: Your Guide to Making Any Change Easier by Ariane de Bonvoisin.

"It takes 30 days to create a habit. How we relate to those first 30 days may make all the difference."

She talks about the "transition through any change, whether it is career, health, lifestyle, relocation, or personal relationship changes."

Ariane says, "Change is always an opportunity to pause, go inside, listen to our 'inner microphone' and be in the present. When change does happen, either by courageous choice or from life circumstances, it is asking us to be honest with what is, and also what is not working for us and our lives."

"Mindfulness is about being totally aware of what our mind is feeding us during change. Usually it's one of a few dominant disempowering programs: disapproval, comparison and perfection...these are the main ones. The mind is going to feed us the usual 'change demons', the classic emotions that show up as well to the 'change party'...fear, doubt, blame, shame, guilt and impatience. Being mindful during change is started by being aware. Aware of what emotion is getting your attention, welcoming it up, asking for its message and letting it be rather than resisting or escaping it."

"Moments of change also happen to help us let go of the need for control. Control of knowing an outcome, of how we can speed things up, get out of the void, or this period of uncertainty, the unknown. Being mindful during change is simply about staying with the shakiness. From all change, something good happens. Life is on our side if we just let it be and surrender to it. It knows the way."

"There are all sorts of changes. From forgiving someone to buying a home, to having a baby, to moving, the loss of a loved one to starting a new job, losing weight and handling a health diagnosis. We all go through changes!"

"Most of us are so focused on our professional resume when really who we are is a combination of all the changes we have ever made, faced and witnessed."

"Take a blank piece of paper and start writing down these changes. Then write down all the good that came from these changes. You will bring back into your mind the connection between life changes and good things emerging, despite the difficulty at that time. Finally make a list of what the main thing was that helped them through. Was it a person? A belief or faith? Getting healthy? Time? Doing things for others, etc.? This exercise will help you get your power back. Even though this change may be something new you are going through, you are not showing up w/o 'tools' or experiences, etc. You know what helped you."

"People aren't changed or helped by information, but by inspiration. You need to ask yourself WHY you want to make a change. The WHY is the fuel, not the HOW or BY WHEN."

"Why is this important to you? Why do you enjoy doing this? Why do you want to lose the weight? Why do you want to leave a job or pursue that dream?" (Why do you climb?)

Something that this author talks about that I really agree with her on is the SEED of all change. I have been looking for something larger than myself. I have been searching for new inspiration.
Lately, I am in need of change. I have been in a funk. A stupid funk. It's just dumb.

"The first step towards any positive sustained change is to take care of yourself...your health. It is the SEED of all change. Sleep, Eating well, Exercising and Drinking water. When you feel healthy, in your body, you get out of your head. Your self esteem rises, your power returns, you are moving these emotions through your body, you feel strong. Change happens through the body, the heart...not in the head."

I remember how good I felt a few years ago, when I made a lifestyle change. I'm not sure how I've gotten off the path. The bushwhacking has already started though. I'll find my way back soon enough. :)

Five awesome quotes to go with this blog:

"The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off." - Gloria Steinem

"Hidden in any misfortune is good fortune." - Tao Te Ching

"The single most important decision any of us ever have to make is whether to believe we live in a friendly universe." - Albert Einstein

"Be patient towards all that is unsolved within your heart, and try to love the questions themselves." - Rainer Maria Rilke

"When you argue with reality, you lose, but only 100% of the time." - Byron Katie