Tag: selfcare

A GOOD PIECE OF WATER

June 19th, 2024
If you combine wine with dinner, you’ve got yourself a winner!

“That’s a good piece of water…” Honestly, who says that? Apparently, it’s a thing. But for me, life by the water isn’t just a catchy phrase—it’s my reality. So much so that I once lived on an island, surrounded by nothing but the big blue. My only connections to the world? A ferry and a plane. Talk about an exclusive address!

These days, I technically still live on an island, but now there’s a bridge. So, instead of waiting for the next boat like I’m in some maritime version of “Groundhog Day,” I can just drive off whenever I want. This setup is a perfect metaphor for life: How hard or easy, reachable or out-of-touch can life be? It’s all about where you park yourself.

For me, island life was all about protection. Maybe even from myself. I isolated for 12 years (yes, 12—might as well have been a sentence in Alcatraz). But I’m not going to beat myself up over it. Eventually, I had an epiphany: I was hiding out, and it was time to get brave again. So, I did what any courageous soul would do—I relocated.

I left my remote island, where I depended on a ferry or a plane like a character in a survival reality show, and moved to the south. Now, I’ve got a new kind of island, one that’s always connected to the mainland. No more waiting for a ferry captain to decide my fate! I’m grounded, but still surrounded by those gorgeous water views.

But here’s the deal: wherever you go, there you are. You can pick a new location a hundred times, but if you’re moving without understanding where you came from or why you left, or if you’re not carrying forward your learned experiences, you’re not really relocating. You’re just geographically shuffling.

Let’s talk present day. I’ve taken a step back for a little getaway—a brain reset, if you will. It’s always a good thing if you’re willing to be brutally honest during your reset. You can replay the past while you’re in the middle of it, but eventually, you need to pack that past away to thrive in the present and future.

Cut the loose ends. Make intentional decisions about what you want to pack in your bags as you move forward. Sure, bring the lessons and maybe a few experiences, but leave behind the past failures, hurts, deceptions, and especially the people who don’t have an interest in watching you thrive.

This new spot is all about balance—protection without isolation, connection without losing my love for the water. It’s a reminder that where you choose to set yourself up really defines your experience. And hey, if you can do it with a sense of humor and a love for a “good piece of water,” you’re doing pretty well.

Now, here’s a challenge for you, dear reader: Are you feeling stuck? Do you sense the need for a change of scenery? If you could move, what would you take with you? Who would you take with you? Are you truly happy where you are right now?

I get it—moving isn’t always feasible or easy. But think about it: you don’t have to literally pack up and go to move your life forward. Life is too short, and tomorrow is never promised. We’re never too old to take a leap of faith toward positive change, not just for ourselves but often for those we care about most.

Me? I’m a water mover. I flow, I ripple, I wave, and sometimes I’m as calm as can be. What about you? What do you want most? Water, mountains, plains, hills? Whatever it is, go ahead and make your move!
Roll with it. Failures and Face Plants.

January 23rd, 2024
In a world of pansies, be a catus.

The day began on a high note. I felt invigorated, overcoming major physical setbacks to lead one of my fitness classes—a promising start. Anticipating sharing the joy of myself imposed success with my person, I looked forward to diving into my significant responsibilities at my job, where I help those genuinely in need. The morning and day unfolded seamlessly until a sudden realization hit me—a noticeable silence, a ghosting. My person… Ah, yes, his day commenced with the unraveling of… his ghosts.

Navigating life’s challenges often calls for empathy, understanding, and a willingness to offer hall passes to those facing trials and tribulations. However, there comes a juncture where it’s crucial to discern when to blow the whistle and throw the yellow penalty flag. Determining this point involves assessing the impact of someone’s actions on themselves and others, the repeated nature of certain behaviors, and whether providing continuous allowances perpetuates a cycle of negative consequences. It’s a delicate balance—one that requires consideration of both compassion and accountability.

At what juncture, and at what cost to my own feelings, do I ponder the duration required for personal growth? I find myself baffled by my person’s apparent inability to truly see me and grasp the impact of their actions on my well-being. The overarching question that lingers is, when do I declare ‘enough’? How many instances of facing plant moments will it take for me to acknowledge that there’s a pressing issue at hand?

Failure… Whose responsibility is it? It seems the finger points to the recurring face plants—I find myself repeatedly planted on the ground. I am the one who advocates open dialogue, the candid conversationalist. Transparency is my forte; I harbor no secrets or lies. Imperfection is my admission, but authenticity—raw, honest, and true—is my essence.

When do I regain my balance and put an end to the consistent face-planting? The undeniable truth is that I hold the reins, the sole controller of this narrative. The looming question remains—when will I firmly take root and put an end to repeatedly smacking my face on the ground?

I’ve read a quote “It’s usually the stuff you want to do the least that changes your life the most.”

Failure, face planting, don’t seem to be working for me. Time to consider a face lift.

Tag: selfcare

A GOOD PIECE OF WATER

Roll with it. Failures and Face Plants.