Five Reasons to Get Your Walk On

This week I've been facing an injury that has side-lined me from running and my other cross-training activities of cycling, mountain biking or weight training.  I wish I could say it was a result of something fantastic and exciting, but it simply was waking up, getting out of bed, and finding myself immediately crumpled over with horrible shoulder and neck pain.  I'm 10 days in, now under chiropractic care, and slowly my body is beginning to find some healing and relief.

In the meantime, there has been no running.  Until my alignment and muscles start to cooperate, my activity has been reduced to walking and yoga stretches that I can do without pain.  Although I've been impatient and frustrated due to the injury, I must share that the walks and stretching has been rather good for me.  It has caused me to slow down, take careful note of my body and posture, and also be thankful for moving...period.

Concerned that I might lose some of my fitness if I was to lay off a couple of weeks, I've been researching the benefits of walking both in actual reading and discovery, but also anecdotally through what I've experienced during and after my walks.  In actuality, walking is extremely beneficial and, in fact, could be the best fit for people as a first option of exercise, or for others when some balance time is needed.  So, here is where I wanted to share this inspiration with all of you, with "five reasons to get your walk on."

1) Walking is the simplest activity out there.  All you need is a comfortable pair of shoes and clothes. No fancy gear or apparel is necessary, nor is there any special training needed.  It's something you already know how to do and can do it alone, with a buddy or with a group.

2) Walking provides numerous health benefits that include cardiovascular health.  According to the American Heart Association, walking just 30 minutes each day can reduce heart disease risk, lower blood pressure, lower blood sugar levels, reduce the risk of osteoporosis, breast and colon cancers, and help maintain healthy weight levels.  All of that, by getting out the door, creates a remarkable benefits list.

3) Walking can be an active form of meditation and contribute to overall mental well-being.  Choose a route that is near a park, trail or other natural setting to get the optimal benefits.  Leave the headphones and cellphones at home, and concentrate on the sound of your steps, the swinging of your arms, and your breathing.  Buddhist monks have practiced meditative walking for centuries and the benefits of the mindfulness of your surroundings lead to both a relaxed state and reduce stress. Isn't that something we all could use?

4)  And speaking of mental well-being, walking is known not only to clear your mind, but certainly boost your mood.  Studies have shown that walking, and the endorphins released in the bloodstream while doing so, can be as effective as certain antidepressants in cases of mild to moderate depression. Who wouldn't rather take a walk and experience these benefits rather than have to take a pill?  It's certainly worth a try to boost your mood and feel better.

5) Walking can easily become a social event and a great way to connect with people in the community.  Just by being outdoors and in the neighborhood, or on the trails with hikers, there is a camaraderie with passersby and others sharing in your activity.  There are also numerous gadgets out there now, such as the Fitbit, Garmin or other pedometer-like technologies that have a social media aspect to them.  By joining an online group or "friending" others with similar devices, it is easy to share your activity, progress and support one another.  And, lastly, there are numerous walks and events held throughout the year in every community that benefit wonderful charitable organizations and causes.  By participating in these events, you not only connect with others in your community, but it's an easy and meaningful way to support causes important to you.

After experiencing may of these benefits myself, I've consciously decided to incorporate more walking into my exercise routine.  I hope it inspires you to do the same and "get your walk on."  

Music Notes

There are an odd bedfellow of things that provided for my blogging inspiration this week: watching a new web series, cleaning a stairwell closet, and attending a high school concert.  One might wonder what these three things have in common, or how they might inspire a subject, but I found such clarity and inspiration in none other than the woven thread of music.

The web series mentioned above is the new Amazon Prime series entitled "Mozart in the Jungle." It is set in New York City, following the paths of a young female oboist trying to make it in the big City, and the politics of the New York Symphony after the hiring of a new lead conductor, or Maestro.  It is fresh, touching, funny, and should be said, raunchy at times, but it is also extremely rich as another true character, the music, emerges.  The viewer gets glimpses of symphonic movements, the hard work and life of a musician, and what music does and means to people.  I must also disclose that my daughter, Courtnee, worked on this show as a production assistant, so I have been vested in watching and catching the details.

After watching a few episodes earlier in the week, I had concluded that I needed to do something productive with my time, and made the decision, begrudgingly, to clean the stairwell closet.  As I dug through old coats, bowling balls, numerous DVDs and sports equipment, and made piles in the living room of things to keep, donate or trash, I found that the biggest group of items we had stored were musical instruments.  Twelve in all, which included three flutes, four saxophones, two trumpets, a clarinet, a coronet, and an autoharp.  I noted, in disbelief, that it did not include the banjo, guitar, two ukuleles or the piano that live throughout the house as well.  With all six of us in the family playing instruments at some point in our lives, this is what we've accumulated.  Looking at the multitude of cases, it brought back memories and a twinge of desire to play something--anything--again.

Along with these events, this week was the gathering of the All Northern Honor Band for the Sacramento Region.  It is a week-long event whereby elementary, middle school and high school students audition for an opportunity to practice, work with a regional group and high-level guest conductor, and perform separately at a concert for family, friends and community.  Our daughter, Jade, was invited to play as first chair baritone saxophone, requiring hours of driving and practice over the course of the week for her, her fellow musicians, and their parents.  The result, however, was phenomenal.  The level of music and performance the kids offered was beyond expectation, and it was a true pleasure to listen to the talent and symphonic music emanating from the stage.

As I sat in my padded theater seat in the audience, both listening and letting my mind drift with the melodies, I was reminded how important music is to our lives.  Whether you play, listen, dance or sing, music surrounds us.  It not only entertains us, it accompanies us while we drive, shop, dine, and work-out.  I believe it moves us and is vital to our well-being as an individual and society.  What would happen if there were no music?

So, this week's inspirational thought is this: If you have had a desire to learn to play an instrument, why wait?  If you have had thoughts of picking up your old one, I say get it out, dust it off, and go to it.  And, if you simply can bring music to the forefront of your consciousness, do so.  The growth, joy and achievement of learning and playing something new may open up ideas and creativity you never knew existed.  Rock on.

New Year and New Inspiration

2015 Tournament of Roses Parade

I've recently returned from a quick trip to Pasadena where my husband and I had the rare opportunity to attend the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl on New Year's Day thanks to a good friend and generous client.  Over the years, I've watched the Tournament of Roses Parade on television, along with millions of other folk, listening to the commentators discuss the construction of large, slow-moving floats, built with floral varieties I cannot pronounce, along with other natural materials used such as sticks, leaves and grains.  It was beautiful, yes, and interesting, but not something that necessarily kept my undivided attention for two hours while I attempted to make breakfast in my PJs on New Years Day.

This year was different.  From the moment we arrived at the grandstand, we felt welcome. Pure joy emanated from the ushers and volunteers in white coats to the other attendees wishing each other a "Happy New Year" and waiting anxiously for the start.  As we found our seats, we discovered we would be viewing the parade, sandwiched between the HGTV's broadcast booth with "Property Brothers"Jonathan and Drew Scott, and the NBC booth with on-camera talents Al Roker and Hoda Kotb.   It was colder than usual for Southern California, but the complimentary hot chocolate and warm energy from the crowd kept us in good spirits.

But, for all of these wonderful details, that isn't what drew me in or why I wanted to share my experience.  It was the theme of this year's parade and event that hit home for me and this blog -"Inspiring Stories."  Segmented into chapters, the floats, high school bands, and other groups entered were representative of five inspirational themes:

-Courage and Honor
-Heritage and Vision
-Community Spirit and Relationships
-Perseverance and Hope
-Imagination and Joy

Concepts ranged from Farmers Insurance "Dreaming Big" and Sierra Madre's "I Think I Can" to the Rotary's "Changing Lives through Clean Water" and the Shriners "A Million Stories of Hope and Healing."  There were breast cancer survivors, NCAA athletes who had overcome odds, Men and Women who serve in our military, Donate Life organ donors, celebration of gardening and life, and so many others to name.  The 2015 Rose Queen, Madison Triplett, was also truly inspiring as a beautiful 17-year-old girl active in school and leadership, hoping to attend college and aspiring to develop a non-profit organization educating minorities on financial literacy.

In the words of the 2015 Tournament of Roses President, Richard Chinen, as quoted in the official program, "I knew that I wanted the theme to be about ordinary people who do extraordinary things as a result of their effort."  He added "I asked myself: What would be positive, uplifting and representative of who we are?"

I couldn't think of a better way to start the new year, than to share this experience and this story with all of you, in that this has been the purpose and reason for this blog.  It truly is about ordinary people who through little steps or big ideas, have extraordinary impacts.  Each of you do it and/or experience it every day, and there should be a simple but meaningful venue, in addition to a magical parade, to share those stories.

So, it's a new year, and I'm more inspired than ever to re-commit and re-connect with all of you through "Together We Inspire" and to do great things this year. What's your inspiring story? Perhaps we can write it together.

One Year

One year ago today, in the beautiful fall foothills of Northern California, I married my match.  He is full of kindness, generosity, and humor, mixed with a light-hearted approach to life and dedication to family and friends.  We work hard together, often play hard together, and he has inspired me to not always take the most direct or easiest path.  He has taught me to explore, be flexible, and pay a little more attention to the details, all of which has led me to experience some amazing life moments.  So, to my husband, life partner and true love, Happy Anniversary and thank you.  You inspire me every day, and I look forward to the many years and adventures that lie ahead.  I love you.

True Fun in the Run

I am a runner.  Yesterday, like so many weekend mornings over the years, I laced up my shoes, pinned on a bib number, gathered all of my seemingly necessary runner accessories and found myself at the starting line of a local 10k race.  If any of you have participated in these events, you know that there is a clear formula for success.  Parking spot, minus timing of the port-a-potty lines, plus clothing layer decisions, divided by previous training schedule, does equal overall enjoyment.

On this day, my running partner and partner in life, my husband, found ourselves late getting out the door.  To our surprise, there were many more participants than we anticipated, so immediately we realized we had missed the good parking opportunity.  Additionally, we hadn't picked up our race packets previously, as we usually try to do, so we did the "I'll park the car and you check us in" method.  This clearly isn't the stress-free way to do it, but the registration volunteers were cheery and helpful and in no time at all I was juggling our goody bags, new shirt, numbers and the allotted safety pins.

As I waited in a clearing scanning the crowd, it became obvious that one should not underestimate the ratio of bathroom facilities to participants on race day.  Any good race coordinator will know that you need twice as many as you think, and that it's best to space them in groups around the course.  Otherwise, you will have a complex maze of waiting lines, matched by confused and anxious runners, trying to find the end of the line while calculating how long it will take prior to the race start.  I quickly understood, we were going to cut it close to race time.

As the race director called everyone to the starting line, and the crush of red shirts packed themselves together roughly by marked mile-times, it struck me again how fabulous these runners, run/walkers, and walkers are.  The enthusiasm, chatter and cheers as the start horn blared was invigorating, and the wave of people led by the fast and serious, followed by the costumed and strollers, made their way onto the course.

For the next 6.2 miles, we ran our way both on-road and off-road, through a trail system that was scattered with newly fallen leaves and lined with cheering volunteers.  We were greeted by posters, high-fives, waving pom pons and shouts of encouragement at various points along the path, and, as usual, the runners themselves were supportive and helpful to one another as we all found our way toward the finish line.

Experiences like these are inspiring and fulfilling to me in so many ways.  The general sense of joining a community event while exercising is certainly inspiring.  But, it is the deeper and small things that I believe motivate me most of all.  It is the numerous young volunteers that chose to get up early on their Saturday and hand-out hundreds of water cups to passers-by.  It is the neighborhood families that walked to the corner with coffee cups in hand to cheer on strangers stampeding through their streets.  It is the local band that played their hearts out for an audience that hears them for a mere minute while passing.  And, of course, it is the mix of elite runners, weekend warriors and first-time beginners who while all clad in running shoes are one group, for one purpose, supporting a good cause.  It truly is aptly named a fun run.  I've found I'm certainly not the fastest, and find myself feeling accomplished and happy nonetheless. I would encourage anyone to try it at least once.  Run, walk or volunteer, just get out there and do it.  You just might find some true fun and inspiration in the run.

Sister Love

Today is my sister's birthday.  Two years younger than me, and full of sass and spirit, she has inspired me throughout our lives in so many ways.  Growing up, she was my side-kick in work and play.  We would create ridiculous games during our chores to make the tasks more interesting.  There was play for hours outside climbing trees, riding bikes or searching for things by the irrigation ditch behind our house.  She was my camping companion, Barbie bestie, and horse-riding buddy while atop Geisha and Misty. We also fought fiercely, which many of our friends and family can attest.  But regardless, that passion and protectiveness could turn quickly to any outside force that threatened one or the other.

I'm proud of my sister.  She has accomplished so many things for which I admire her.  Marrying her high-school sweetheart, they are soon to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary.  And although they started out with nothing, they have successfully built themselves a good life raising two beautiful girls in a welcoming home, always keeping friends and family at the forefront.  I've watched her grow over the years as a sought-after dental assistant because of her work ethic, loyalty, talent and genuine connection with her patients.

But what I find most inspiring is her strength and determination in her own personal goals.  From the time she was young until this day, her will and decision to do something insures she will do it.  Her most recent accomplishments surround her desire for a healthy life, and now include starting her own Advocare business, running half-marathons, learning to cycle, and inspiring clients and friends alike.

I find that birthdays are a good time to reflect on the life you've had thus far, and look to the exciting things that lie ahead.  It's a day to celebrate yourself, the day you entered this world and made it a better place. It's a time that all of those around you can show their love and appreciation for you through song, cake, cards, and messages.  So, for me, this day is about celebrating my sister.  I'm so happy I've been blessed to take my life's journey with her.  I love you, Tina, and here's to a very Happy Birthday and our remaining life ahead.

Education, Motivation and Graduation

Now that early June is upon us, we find ourselves in the midst of the celebratory graduation season.  Who hasn't caught themselves pomp and circumstancing along with high school and college students as they stroll down the aisle with decorated caps and tassels swaying?  We've all clapped and photographed wildly, at some point, the all-important kindergarten or middle school children as they participated in their respective promotion ceremonies.  It is a joyous time to celebrate education, accomplishments and moving on to the next level of life.  There is a sense of sadness at something coming to a close mixed sweetly with the new beginnings of adventure and dreams.  It's the primary time that the words "nothing is impossible" emanates from every microphone across the country.

In attending some of these graduations, events and parties recently, I've been reflecting on my own journey through all levels of school.  Growing up in a small town in Nevada, I have nothing but fond memories of elementary school, junior high and high school.  I was extremely fortunate to have had many caring teachers and staff who nurtured us throughout, providing for a safe and fun environment for learning and growing.  We were challenged academically, but there was also a balance of life lessons and responsibility that we adhered to.  When our senior class of 70-plus were cheered by a full gymnasium, we knew life would take us in different directions and on separate paths.  Some of my classmates went into the military.  Others onto colleges, universities and vocational schools.  And, others opted to move straight into the work-force becoming entrepreneurs, mothers, fathers and professionals.  Whatever their way, it's been 29 years since that time and it is hard to believe so much time has passed.

My personal story took me from high school graduate directly to my Freshman year at a university.  I had been a high achiever, type-A student, who fretted over every grade, test score, scholarship application and extra-curricular activity I could.  But then, married at a young age of 19 and having my first daughter at 20, my higher education goals had to be put on hold.  I continued to learn through my jobs in a medical laboratory and as a legal assistant, which gave me a solid foundation, but I always desired to return to school for my bachelors degree.

This brings me to the motivation part of this story.  Although I had always been self-motivated in many ways, at the age of 26, there were mounting fears of cost, my age, time management, and rusty study skills that kept me from returning to finish my degree.  I often had conversations with myself on whether I had what it took in both energy and commitment to juggle family, work and school to get it done.  We all have a moment, what some call an "aha moment" where one may read, hear, or determine something that provides clarity and promotes action.  My moment came during an out-of-town visit with my friend Ellen.

Ellen had always inspired me in various ways during our personal conversations and her professional abilities as a software and IT specialist, but this particular day, remains with me.  We were sitting by the pool, at a small, random motel in Northern California, watching our kids play and swim while we caught up on life's events.  As we shared our stories, wishes and future dreams, she asked me if I had any regrets.  I did.  The fact that I hadn't finished my college education always saddened and frustrated me.  As she asked what I thought had been holding me back, I rattled off my long list of reasons, ending with the statement that because I had waited, I'd be thirty or thirty-one by the time I graduated.  That's when she paused, looked me straight in the eye, and asked "how old will you be if you don't go?"  It is the one question and my silent answer that served as my motivation.  And, often it creeps into my life to remind me that there is no time like the present, no reason to wait, if one wants to do something.

I did go back.  I did finish, graduating Summa Cum Laude from California State University Sacramento and have had a wonderful life and career since.  It was one of the best things I could have done for myself and my girls.  Life is about learning, yes, and it is also about inspiring oneself and others.  You never know what a positive impact you may have on others just by listening, questioning, or motivating by example. Don't be afraid to learn, move on to something new, or take on what seems an unsurmountable challenge, as it really comes down to three basic steps to achieve those dreams...
education, motivation and graduation.