Tallulah! Get out the Butt Kicking Machine!

Pass the popcorn - It's showtime!!

Have you ever seen the woman running from the monster-bad guy-flooding waters-dinosaurs and always in high heels? If that isn't odd enough, she is always eaten-killed-drowned or disposed of in some tragic way or another. That's me!

These images of calamities are symbolic of my own bad health habits. These habits are threatening to destroy my goal of "aging gracefully." I have never minded getting older and believe aging is a blessing. I know because I almost died.

In the fall of 2016, I needed emergency surgery to repair my failing aorta. I've been told by medical professionals that my survival was a miracle. That statement is humbling and it challenges me to live with purpose. 

For whatever reason I was spared, I should prize my health as never before; but I haven't been able to push through the fatigue to get better. You see I view my energy as a bank deposit. I have this much energy, and I can either deposit it in a work account or in an exercise account. Since I must work, I have been putting all my energy in the business account and very little in the exercise account.

The effects of that decision have led me to a negative place. In the last 18 months, I have aged badly. And that aging has come in the form of high blood pressure, even more extra weight, fatigue and an overall feeling of despondency and discouragement. My legs hurt most of the time, I have almost no balance, and I don't want to do anything in addition to my heavy work load. But if I don't do something to change the trajectory of my life, I have very little to look forward to, and there is still so much I still want to do.

My doctors are quite brilliant, and they have done a great job keeping me alive, but I don't want to just be alive....I want adventure!!

This is where my grandmother Minnie would say, "Tallulah! (her occasional nickname for me when I annoyed her) it's time to get the butt-kicking machine out and fix this mess!"

But how?

I always say every miracle starts with a problem....

I think I have found the miracle I need, and I want to share it with you. My production won't involve too many monsters or floods, and I'm inviting you to grab some popcorn and come along for the show.

STAYED TUNED!!!

What I Believe

A dear friend of mine writes a column for the Salt Lake City Tribune and recently wrote the most thought provoking column I have read in a long time.  Ann Cannon is one of those writers that brings emotions you love to feel.  Find her column here.  She wrote about the concept of beliefs and the ongoing "This I Believe Project" (http://thisibelieve.org)  Ann inspired me to think about what I believe in....


I believe being surrounded by books is more comforting than macaroni and cheese

I believe the sound of my children laughing together is the best sound created.

I believe dogs are the best barometer of our worth, if your dog loves you then you are OK!

I believe hugs should be at least 9 seconds long and several times a day.

I believe older people have the best wisdom.

I believe a drum line at a football game could make you forget all your problems.

I believe good feelings from a sweet memory should be brought out and worn often.

I believe in learning, whether a formal education or simply living life, it equals the same.

I believe winning is wonderful, losing is educational, and having the right attitude about both is inspirational.

I believe Frankincense is a miracle essential oil.  Or maybe magical...whatever, it is amazing, and it works.

I believe the things you should never be without in the kitchen is a great olive oil, fresh herbs, onions, garlic and celery.  With that you can create anything.

I believe you should never make excuses for wanting to set your table with the "good stuff".  Your grandmother will be happy you did.

I believe knowing who "your people" are is important.  Know where your grandparents and great-grandparents are from and celebrate them!

I believe having a hobby and making time for it is imperative.

I believe lipstick and a strand of pearls help you feel pretty.

I believe prayer is the greatest power on earth.

I believe sitting by a fire in a comfortable chair, with a great book, watching it rain or snow is the essence of comfort.

I believe in having a favorite blanket and a favorite bathrobe.

I believe in the magical powers of a donut you bought while no one was looking.

I believe furniture finds you...

While I believe in the intelligence of order, keeping a few odd things does not clutter make.

I believe some books are holy and are filled with truth.  They make us better for having read them.

I believe God talks to us, and if we are willing to listen, our lives improve.

I believe we are all entitled to our own beliefs and deserve the respect of others as we follow the "dictates of our own conscience"

I believe making assumptions about what people are like will rob you of the potential of a great friend.

I believe the causal effect of forgiveness is intelligence.  Anger literally halts our progression and keeps us from finding the answers that are always there.

I believe in the power of words, be careful how you use them.

What are your beliefs?