Motivation Monday - Live in the Flow

There are a great many teachers who have made a positive impact on my life and I know at least a couple of them will be featured on my blog at some point.  I have decided to start with one who I recently had coffee with: Mr. Ryerson

In high school I was heavily involved in the school newspaper, which was originally a club.  My participation in this club was my first introduction into many things including: pagemaker, staying really late after school, and a different kind of teacher.  Little did I know when I walked into room 124 of my high school that afternoon to see what the “journalism club” was all about that I would be meeting a teacher who would be a great influence on my life.

Mr. Ryerson taught English and was the moderator of the journalism club.  He was not (and is not) your typically teacher.  With his laid back personality and good sense of humor, he was easily likable and approachable.  Mr. Ryerson takes an interest in the lives of his students and while it is his job to impart wisdom on his pupils, he does more than teach from a book.  He tells stories of his hippie days and shares Buddhist ideologies.  He understands tradition but is always looking for a way to improve it or tweak it just the slightest bit so that it does not become too old or out of date.

During my 4 years of high school I spent many, many hours with Mr. Ryerson discussing layouts, articles, deadlines, photography, software, budgets and the like.  But we also spent times discussing politics, religion, art, history and probably a million other subjects.  Mr. Ryerson like to talk, but he also likes to listen. 

Although he would sometimes be rattled with too much to do (especially when there were looming printing deadlines) there was something about him that was always grounded.  He seemed to prepare for the future without worrying about it so much.  I never really understood this until about 2 weeks ago when I met with him for coffee.

I met up with an old journalism buddy of mine and the two of us met Mr. Ryerson for coffee.  We sat in Peet’s Coffee shop for awhile and after catching up with the day to day stuff our conversation drifted to more serious subjects including economic reform, gay marriage, and the catholic church teachings.  Among all this serious talk, Mr. Ryerson mentioned having gone to meditation sessions where he learned a very important lesson: live in the flow. 

He elaborated that while of course it is often important to make some preparation for the future, it is even more important to live in the here and now.  If we keep saying “everything with get better when …” or “as soon as I meet someone life will change” or “I wish such-and-such day would come” then we are missing out on what we have right now, right this very minute.  We need to enjoy what we have when we have it because we will certainly miss it when it is gone. 

Personally, I spent way too much time in law school living in the future, thinking “when this class is done it will all be better” or “I just need to make it through finals” or “I can’t wait until graduation.”  Now I am really, really wishing I had not said those things, and had realized how wonderful my life was right that very second instead of thinking about what my life would be like when …

So here I am, more than 8 years out of high school and I am taught another wonderful lesson by one of my favorite teachers.  Live in the flow.  Do not try to stop time and do not try to hurry it up.  Enjoy the time you have right now.

It takes gumption to live in the flow!

Pluots and Nectaplums

I went to the fruit market with my mom and a friend this morning, something I have not done in quite a long time.  I had gone to this particular fruit market a couple of times before, but not since high school.  There were two rows lined with vendors of every sort.  There was a coffee stand and a place selling all sorts of breads and pastries on the far end.  There were places selling nuts, empanadas, cheese, and organic salad dressings.  There were beautiful flowers being sold everywhere and even a stand selling really cute handmade bags.  And of course, there were tons and tons of fruit and vegetable places.

I passed by stand after stand and tasted a few things … grapes, strawberries, raspberries, nectarines and the like.  There were also things I had never seen or heard of before!  I decided to try a couple of new things.  First I tried a nectaplum (nectarine crossed with a plum).  The fruit had a great flavor and was just slightly softer than a firm nectarine.  It was about the size of a softball with a red skin.  They were pretty good so we bought 2.  Then I tried a “dapple dandy” pluot (plum crossed with an apricot) and it was absolutely delicious!  It has a dark reddish-purple skin and is the size of a medium apple.  We bought 4 and I have already eaten 2 of them today!  I will definitely be buying more “dapple dandy” pluots in the near future.  

2 Delicious "Dapple Dandy" Pluots! 

Trying new fruit (especially hybrid fruit) takes gumption!

 

Write on Wednesday - Take a Walk

This week’s exercise was a bit more detailed than normal.  It included taking a walk, writing to evoke the emotion of the walk, and then editing the piece to really make sure the emotion came through.  I did not have time this week to take a nice relaxing walk as I had wanted to do, but I did take a walk.  I hope you enjoy the experience that was my walk.

Write On Wednesdays Exercise 11 - Take a Walk: "Come back home and write what you encountered. Try to write so that your sentences feel the way the walking felt." Let's toss the 5 minute sprint aside this week and instead take a lingering stroll through our exercise. Participants are encouraged to write a first draft (the point being to get it out on the page), then to go through and edit their piece before posting. We're aiming to get from one place to another, taking the reader with us - economically, gracefully, elegantly. 

Perhaps start with the usual stream of consciousness exercise if you are having trouble getting started. But then stop and take a look. Edit your sentences and try to get them "feeling" the way your walk felt.

Click, click, click, click, click, click, click … my simple black heels made a terribly loud sound as I walked down the near empty street.  I was running unusually late, but still within the appropriate time to arrive at the event.  But I just hate being late, even by a few minutes.  It was unavoidable though.  There was no way I was paying $10 to park for 2 hours.  I was left with no choice but to circle until I found a spot on the street. 

I stopped at the corner waiting for the light to change.  The little orange hand stayed steady as the seconds ticked by.  Finally the little white walking man appeared telling me it was ok to cross.  I stole a glance at my blackberry as I stepped off the curb.  Click, click, click, click, click, click … It should only take another 2-3 minutes to get to the hotel. 

The sun is setting and the street lights are flickering on as I turn the corner.  I can see the hotel now.  Just a few more steps and I will be there.  Click, click, click, click, click, click …

I inhale the warm night air as I reach for the ornate door handle.  The door swings easily for its size.  Clack, clack, clack, clack, clack, clack … my heels make an even more obtrusive sound hitting the tile, the noise echoing in the otherwise quiet lobby.  Oh thank god, there is a sign and I don’t have to ask anyone where to go. 

Clack, clack, clack, clack, clack, clack … my heels continue beating the floor like a drum as I walk out of the lobby.  I spot the room on the right, just a short distance ahead.  My blackberry buzzes as if protesting the death grip applied to it by my hand.  No time to check the message now.  I slip the phone into my purse so I won’t be tempted to sneak a peek during the presentation.  I try to slip into the room of people but tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap … thanks to the wood floor my heels give me away.

When I first saw the challenge this week I was not overly thrilled.  I thought it would be difficult and I felt uninspired.  But, I think taking a walk from my everyday life, as opposed to trying to take a walk for the sole purpose of writing about it made the exercise more enjoyable. 

Taking on ordinary moment in your life and finding something inspiring in it takes gumption!

Less is More

Back in April I wrote several posts about starting my fitness journey, but I have held back from filling my blog with purely fitness related posts (although fitness has been in the forefront of my mind).  My blog is not solely about fitness so I did not want to concentrate so much on it, but, I figured it was time for a bit of an update. 

I encourage you to go back and read the original April posts about the start of my journey (especially if you have not already), but I will also recap for you here.  In March I joined a gym by my house.  I completed a fitness test, and as a result of the test, I pulled money out of savings and bought sessions with a trainer (not just any trainer, but the most amazing trainer in the world!) and started training in April.  I also started seeing a nutritionist occasionally since the proper nutrition is just as important as the exercising … one really is not effective without the other.

Since April, I have worked extremely hard to lose weight and tone up.  I started with twice a week training sessions (the first of which I spent half the time on the floor because I was so out of shape … embarrassing!) and a half hour of cardio seven days a week.  Slowly the cardio increased to 45 mins and then to an hour.  At first I was doing intervals on the elliptical and I was losing, but it was slow going.  Then my trainer switched me over to the treadmill where I did a 5 incline at a 3.5 speed, and this jump started the weight loss.  Then, in June, we made another switch – instead of going once a day for 1 hour of cardio, I increased to going twice a day (morning and night) for 45 mins.  This again jump started the weight loss.  In July, I switched from the treadmill to the PRECOR machine and I increased my training days from 2 to 3. 

I have always worked toward what I wanted in life (high school, college, law school, friendships, jobs, etc) but I have never really truly focused on myself.  This has changed.  I make time for the gym everyday (except Sunday which is my rest day) and at the moment I make time to go to the gym TWICE a day because that is giving me the results I want.  I have changed my eating habits so that I eat smaller meals more frequently and I eat the right stuff now.  I have made some major changes, but that is exactly what needed to happen.

It has been a quite a journey, and there is a long way to go still, but I am proud to say that in less than 5 months I have lost 51 pounds!! 

Here are some pictures you can compare.  The first on is from a cruise I took at the end of March, just after I joined the gym and before I started really training and doing the nutrition.  The second one if from a bachelorette party I went to at the end of July (I have lost an additional 9 pounds since that picture was taken, but it is the most recent one I have.)

March 2011

 July 2011

 

Sticking with a fitness plan takes gumption!!

Motivation Monday - OUTREACH

I had been working on a piece to post today when a little bit of motivation found its way into my email box this afternoon.  So, instead of posting my originally planned piece, I decided that I should share something different today.  But don’t worry … the planned piece will appear soon! 

I recently went to a networking event and was fortunate enough to meet a new friend.  This new friend of mine has a couple of her own businesses that she is getting started.  She is a go-getter who is determined to succeed.  My new friend sent me an email today with a message from John Maxwell, a motivation speaker. 

The video message was about the word “OUTREACH” – a simple word with a big impact. 

I encourage you to watch the VIDEO because the original is always better than the paraphrasing, but I will still paraphrase for you what the message was. 

Basically, there are 2 kinds of people in life, those who reach out and those who expect others to reach out to them.  Those who are waiting for something to happen will continually be disappointed, but if you reach out you begin to shape your life.  The ending message was this: “Take control of your life, take control of your agenda, take control of your dreams, and reach out.  You will begin to see good things happen to you.”

 

By the way, if you you like getting a little daily motivation, go to the John Maxwell website (just click his name to the left) and subscribe to "A Minute with Maxwell."  A one minute video message will be emailed to you daily.

So, reach out ... it takes gumption!

Write on Wednesday - Piqued!

This week’s WoW prompt provided me with a chance to develop some of the story lines that I have started.  The prompt (as you can see below) involves using the word “piqued.”  Instead of doing just one piece, I decided to do three pieces – one piece for each of the definition. 

Write On Wednesdays Exercise 10 - A Gift of Serendipity... Take Felicity's Word ofthe Week. Write it at the top of your page. Set your timer for 5 minutes. Write the first words that come into your head after the Word of the Week. Stop writing when the buzzer rings. 

Felicity's Word of the Week is...

Piqued:
A state of vexation caused by a perceived slight or indignity; a feeling of wounded pride.tr.v. piqued, piqu·ing, piques

1. To cause to feel resentment or indignation.
2. To provoke; arouse: The portrait piqued her curiosity.
3. To pride (oneself): He piqued himself on his stylish attire.

PIQUED: TO CAUSE TO FEEL RESENTMENT OR INDIGNATION  

The first words that came out of the partner’s mouth piqued her.  What did he mean she didn’t have gumption?  She was the most driven person she knew.  If there was something Emory wanted to do she did it, if there was something Emory wanted she got it, but only because she put an excessive amount of effort and an endless amount of time. 

Contrary to popular opinion things did not come easily to Emory.  Her classmates only saw her grades, not the daily 6-9 hour study sessions in the library.  Her bosses only saw her immaculate finished product, not the nights she spent sitting at her kitchen table writing, rewriting, and proofing.  Her friends only saw the cards and presents she made them, not the days it took her to conceive the idea and the weeks it took to execute it. 

The partner was still talking but Emory had lost him after “gumption.”  That had to be the worst of it right?  What could be worse than telling her the one thing that cut deep to her core?  But the next words did more than just pique her, they infuriated her. 

PIQUED: TO PROVOKE; AROUSE

Sam anxiously tapped her pen against the top of her desk.  She bit down on her lower lip as she gripped her blackberry and punched in the numbers she knew all too well.  It had been a couple days since Sam had received that unforgettable voicemail.  Despite her aversion to Joe’s voice she had replayed it countless times.  She could deny it all she wanted, but voicemail had piqued her interest. 

Sam knew the instant she heard his voice that she would have to call Joe back, but she had been actively avoiding just that.  Why did he have to call her?  Why now when things were finally starting to go right for her?  

Sam closed her eyes as she hit the green button on her blackberry and raised it to her ear. 

It rang once. 

It rang twice. 

Maybe it will just go to voicemail Sam thought as she heard the ringing a third time.  Then there was the unmistakable click of a person picking up on the other end. 

PIQUED: TO PRIDE (ONESELF)

Jamie had always piqued herself in maintaining composure in situations where other people turned into puddles on the floor.  She just had a special knack for keeping her emotions in check, but she was about to lose it.

“Are you serious?” she repeated a little more forcefully this time.  Drew reached out for her hand and Jamie snatched it off the table before he could touch her.  “We have known each other forever Drew, and now just because you are seeing some girl we can’t even be friends anymore?” 

“Jane is not just some girl Jamie.  Things are very serious between us and she is not comfortable with the relationship you and I have.  You and I will always be friends, I just can’t spend so much time with you.  Jane thinks we do too much together, especially without her.  I mean all the baseball games, restaurant tours, cooking events.  She just feels like a third wheel in our relationship which is not how she should feel.  She is my girlfriend, maybe more in the future.”

“So we can be friends that don’t talk and never see each other.  That sounds like a blast!”  Jamie seethed.  “Why didn’t I think of that?!”

“Jamie, come on.  I need to focus on my relationship with Jane.  She is special and I want to give it the best shot I can,” Drew pleaded. 

“Oh she is something special alright.  So has she given you special permission to come out with me tonight?  Should I call her next week and get her ok to wish you a happy birthday?  What about Christmas cards?  Should I send them to her office so she can screen them before you see them?”  Jamie questioned as she wadded up her napkin and placed it on the table.

“Jamie, you are being ridiculous.”

“I’m being ridiculous?  Are you serious?  Have you listened at all to what you told me tonight?  You know what, just forget it.”  Jamie was so angry she was practically shaking as she stood to leave.  Jamie took a couple steps toward the door but whipped around suddenly to face Drew again.  She knew she should not say anything.  She knew saying it would make it worse.  But she just could not help herself. 

This exercise was enjoyable, but like so many of the others, definitely a bit challenging.  The first piece relates to the piece I wrote for WoW – Think with Character.  The second piece is a continuation of the very first WoW exercises I did, WoW – Write the Music.  The third piece is from the WoW – Status Anxiety exercise and I was finally able to give those characters names!  I am not entirely sure where I want the second and third pieces to go.  I have a few ideas, but nothing has seemed to click yet.  Maybe a future WoW exercise will help me out with that. 

It takes gumption to pick up stories after several weeks and try to further develop the story lines! 

Trying Gravity

This past Sunday I had the opportunity to go to dinner with a friend of mine from college.  We had not seen each other in a couple years and were both excited to catch up.  We emailed back and forth several times trying to figure out the details. 

Eventually we came to a date and a time, but we were still looking for a location.  I am typically not an adventurous eater, either when it comes to trying new places or trying new dishes at familiar places.  Thus, I recommended going to a chain restaurant, PF Changs.  However, my friend came up with a different suggestion.  She had heard good things about a new restaurant just off University Ave. in Palo Alto called Gravity.  I am so grateful that she made this suggestion.

When we arrived at the restaurant on Sunday evening it was empty – we were literally the only people in the entire restaurant.  The host seated us and the waiter followed behind tell us about the specials and take our drink orders.  Having not seen each other in so long, my friend and I were focused more on catching up and less on looking at the menu.  Eventually we both decided to try different Flights (wine samples essentially).  She chose the white wine flight while I went with the sparkling wine flight.  We both agreed that the first sample in each of our flights was the best.  For dinner my friend had the special which was fish with muscles while I had the bistro burger.  Mine was delicious and my friend was happy with hers as well.  We skipped dessert this time around, but might be tempted next time.   

By the time we left the restaurant it was lively and full of people.  I am very glad that my friend suggested that we try something new. 

It takes gumption to try new restaurants!

Write on Wednesday - Think with Character

This week’s Write on Wednesday prompt is at its core a character analysis.  It is interesting but also difficult, especially since in at least a few of my entries I have failed to name the characters.  When I start writing and cannot come up with a name quickly I often just put in the corresponding pronoun (he or she) so that I can just move on with the story.  I always tell myself that I will go back and add a name when I am done, but by the time I have finished I typically cannot find a name that matches up to the character.  Since this is an ongoing problem, I am going to challenge myself to name a character and then develop his/her story so as not to find myself with tons of nameless characters.

But, names or no names, the writing must go on, and who knows, maybe in developing one of my nameless characters, I will uncover an appropriate name.  Here is this week’s prompt:

Write On Wednesdays Exercise 9 - Think with Character. Choose a character from your writing posts. You can still do this exercise if you are new to WoW - select a character from another piece of your writing or simply work through the exercise from scratch.   Now, think about the character in regards to their: gender, age, occupation, physical appearance and mood at this moment. Is your character in the city, the country, inside or outside? Do they live in rich or poor surroundings? Alone or with others? Answer all, some or one of these questions. Now, set your timer for 5 minutes and write the first words about your character that come into your head. Stop when the buzzer rings. This may be one week where you feel you need to throw the timer and take your time. Do whatever works for you. You may also like to consider: Complexion, Style of dress, Hair colour/style, Speaking voice and likely vocabulary, Strengths/Weaknesses, Mannerisms

During law school Emory had been so enamored with how her life as a lawyer would be that she often forgot to live in the moment.  She was always looking forward to the next big thing.  She could not wait for school holidays and vacations.  She would count days until graduation, excited about what was ahead.  She must have wished a million times for days, weeks, semesters to be over so that the next one could start.  Now standing in front of the mirror Emory had only one wish – she wished to take back all those previous wishes. 

As Emory removed her makeup, washed her face, and brushed her teeth, she looked in the mirror just as she had every night as long as she could remember.  Her ocean blue eyes stared back at her but there was something missing in them, that formerly ever-present sparkle was gone.  The face starting back at her was practically that of a stranger. 

At just twenty-five years old Emory had accomplished a great deal, but that did not matter to her.  Her 26^th birthday loomed just a few days ahead and her life was not anywhere close to where it was supposed to be.  Just a year ago she was living in Southern California, in her own apartment.  Her schedule was full of things to do, both personal and professional.  Weekends were filled with showers, birthday parties, dinners with friends and the like.  During the week she put in at least 20 hours of work at the law firm where she clerked, gave tours at the law school, planned and attended networking and academic events, and spent countless hours researching, reading, and writing for her 6 classes and law review.  Her days were overwhelmingly full and she loved it. 

“Why did I wish it away?” Emory muttered as she placed her toothbrush back in its holder and wiped her hands on the small green towel hanging next to the sink.  She grabbed a rubberband out of the second drawer and scrutinized her face.  The laugh lines she had grown to love had been replaced by worry lines.  Her once glowing skin was now almost transparent since the constant San Francisco fog hid her beloved sun.  The somewhat golden tresses adorning her head also had seen better days, days where she had religiously kept hair appointments to ensure that the color and style remained near perfection. 

Emory swept her hair into a loose ponytail.  She turned her head first to the left, then to the right.  She leaned in close to the mirror and then pulled back.  She ran a delicate finger over the dark circles under her eyes and her gaze fell to her small pink lips.  She wondered how long she had been wearing that terrible frown. 

Emory knew intimately the events leading up to this very moment, but until now she had not realized how they had changed her.  The vibrant person she once was had slipped away leaving just a shell, a whisper of the person she had once been. 

I think bits of Emory have appeared in previous posts, even unintentionally.  She is a character I want to develop more fully when time permits.  BTW for those who are wondering, this piece definitely took more than 5 minutes. :)

Developing and exploring characters takes gumption!