thefouramigosblog

What would you do if you lost all your possessions?

Would I cry? Maybe a bit.

Would I be sad? Maybe a bit.

Would it devastate me? Probably not!

Possessions are just that! Possessions!

People are more important. Relationships are more important. So maybe I would be sad for a little while over irreplaceable items. However, as long as I have the people I love and care about in my life, I have everything that I need.

What details of your life could you pay more attention to?

I’ve worked on a lot of things about me over the years. From living in the moment to mindfulness to eating healthy and keeping my mind challenged, I’ve been pretty good.

But pausing when agitated still is problematic. Sometimes I think I am really doing well with this and then I get one more problem phone call and I’m screaming. Occasionally just in my head but sometimes at the person on the other end.

So how do I work on this? I symbolically draw a finger across my mouth – meaning zipper it.

I smile and reframe whatever the person says to make sure I understand them. I quietly walk away. I ask a question. I take deep breaths. Yes, I focus on the breath and do a brief meditation.

So now all I need is to put this into action. Not scream. Not bang doors.

Breathe!!

What’s your #1 priority tomorrow?

Every day my number one priority is to do things that maintain my peace and kindness.

I meditate. I read a daily devotion. I pray. I thank my higher power for my life.

And then I head out to face the day, but not until imbibing with a requisite number of coffees.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

I loved my Dad. He had a wealth of wisdom and he passed along some sage advice to his kids.

One of his best sayings was Don’t sweat the small stuff. And yes he said this long before that little book was published.

Not sweating the small stuff helps me get through easy and trying times. He was ravaged by cancer, hooked up to a bladder bag, a colostomy bag, and a portal. Yet he would still say don’t sweat the small stuff.

I remember asking him if this wasn’t big stuff, what is? His response was it’s all small stuff.

My father went out fighting. Living life to the fullest. And as his favorite vocalist, Frank Sinatra, sang, he did it “My way.”

What would your life be like without music?

Music is everywhere. When we think of music, we think of singing, instruments, bands, and orchestras.

But what about birds? The musical chirping that may wake us in the morning. Or the pitter-patter of rain as it falls from the skies.

Music is the melodious sounds of bees working their magic in the hives.

Music is the subtle splashes of waves ebbing and flowing in the tide.

Music is the cooing sounds a baby makeslearning it has a voice.

Music is the sounds all around us and without it we have silence. Stark. Lonely. Sad.

How often do you walk or run?

I walk – I don’t run. Running isn’t good for the knees. It’s a pounding on your body. So I walk. Sometimes I stroll. Sometimes I power walk.

I have an Apple watch that tracks my steps. I try to walk 10k in a day. But that’s not always possible.

Some days I have 20k. That’s a lot for me.

It’s good to walk. Its good to keep moving. It keeps you younger than your years. It also helps with mental attitude as well.

So take a walk today!

What’s your favorite word?

I love this word. Without hope there is nothing.

What are you doing this evening?

Tuesday. September 10th. My brother-in-law turns 80. We will go out to dinner to celebrate!

Describe your ideal week.

Every day starts slow and easy. There is no pressure to do anything except be.

I drink my coffee, read a daily reflection, and sit quietly in meditation.

I go to the beach a mere 5 miles from home and sit beneath an umbrella taking in the sounds and smells of the sea.

I frolic in the surf, jumping small waves and occasionally riding one to shore.

I eat granola, yogurt, and fruit for lunch or a seaside lunch.

I meet up with friends for coffee and a chat.

I spend time with my husband planning our next great adventure.

We watch the sunset in beautiful vibrant shades of orange and pink.

Every day is different with some elements the same.

Most of all I am present in the now!