Thinking About …

While waiting for my morning caffeine kick to nudge me toward my elliptical machine, I read Facebook status updates.  Two posts moved me so much I had to share.

First, a high school friend encouraged her network to rally for the United States …

Prayer Request—I have a prayer request. There’s a lady I’ve known forever. She’s very sick. On top of that, she’s being abused by those to whom she has given everything….. Lies about her abound, and seem to come from all sides. Just breaks my heart. Seems there’s nothing I can do alone but maybe, if we all join in and lift her up together, He can heal her. She’s well over 230 years old, but way too young to die. Her name is ‘America’… And I love her and have always been proud of her. Please take time to say a prayer for her – even if it is a short, simple prayer like, “Lord, please heal our land. Amen.” Thanks!

Next, a business owner and healthy eating advocate I had the pleasure of meeting two years ago, shared the following to help those healing from loss.

Also, I had this to say to my people …

You know who you are. I call you family, friend, neighbor, mentor, teacher, helper, advocate or inspiration. Some of you may not live nearby or know me personally. We may not visit, call, write or text often. Time together is often scarce. We’re all so busy. I understand that; and I’m sure you do, too. But, just in case. You should know. I think about you often and I love you. The part you play in my life means so much.

Finally, a childhood friend of mine who has been healing from some recent losses and who authors a blog called Tickling My Fancy recently wrote a phrase, which I have plagiarized without shame when I write e-mails to friends or family.

She says, “Hug your people!”

So, that’s my call to action for today and everyday. Don’t forget … Hug Your People!

Advertisement

Inspiration: Light My Fire

Ideas, words, sentences, action and imagery all come from a mix of sources. Whether I am creating for professional or personal accomplishment, influences inside my head connect with what I see, hear, read, watch, feel and experience.

What about you? As you may conclude — from the title of my post — music is a key motivator; especially today. Credit goes to the Doors and other artists who push me to take a few extra steps to imagine, dream, write, run, and dance.

Music inspires me because of the connection it can make with so many different people. Upon dropping my son at school this afternoon, I was listening to Journey, one of my all-time faves. Don’t Stop Believin’ and Wheel in the Sky transported me to summer memories. Instead of seeing a bleak, rainy winter scape, I saw blues mixing with greens, yellows, and reds. All of a sudden, I could see myself sailing the Great Lakes  with my dad, sister and mom in the late ’70s.

Where does music take you?

Thinking About Shorts Today

Wake-Up!

The buzzard went off at 6:30 am. Should I shower? An extra 10 minutes to snooze? I told myself to take the 10 and then do a 5-in-30 workout on the elliptical after everyone was out the door. But, I knew this workout would not happen. Unless it’s a Zumba morning or it is warm enough to bike the Clinton-Macomb Trail, I am not motivated to exercise in the morning. I showered.

Love is…

Nutella and Peanut Butter breakfast sandwiches served up with fresh strawberries. Nothing beats two angels waiting for the bus with happy tummies.

The Outside

I reached for my venti-sized coffee and opened my blinds. At first I saw gray. That was okay. Mornings are all about beginnings anyway. There is no telling how life will play out today and where I might end up before closing my eyes tonight.

About Writing

Read and subscribed to a couple more blogs about writing. There are so many with helpful resources, thoughts, inspiration, and communities of those experiencing what writers experience. Two  discoveries from this morning are Out of My Mind and She Writes.

Body Image

One of my friends from high school works for The Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy, and Action. She advocates for people with eating disorders in Washington D.C. To help address the growing issue of size-prejudice, she is promoting a book for children, Shapesville, which educates young people on shapes of people as well as diversity and tolerance. Another source that inspires positive talk about body image is Operation Beautiful.