Lynn

One objective of starting Together We Inspire was to post stories of people who have made an impact on our lives, or have left such an impression, that we are compelled to share.  Although I've been blessed to have a long list of those who have positively impacted me in some way, it was a most recent exchange that I find myself blogging about today.

As so often occurs in our alley-way, behind our midtown office, drifters and those who would be considered homeless find their way to our parking lot and back-building space.  It is known as a coveted piece of property due to its location and sparse protection from the elements for overnight stays.  As business owners, we have found it difficult over the years balancing the empathy we feel for the unfortunate in this position with the concern for the safety and care of our employees, clients and property.  Most people we have encountered are there for a night or two and then move on, leaving various items and remnants behind.

A broom is what was left behind by Lynn.  I know her name after our late evening talk on a cold, clear night.  She was wrapped in layers of worn blankets and weathered coats.  I had just brought her an offering of herbal tea and three shortbread cookies from our holiday tin.  We were experiencing freezing temperatures in fact, and I couldn't imagine as I gathered my laptop and handbag to head home, the exercise of bedding down for the night on a cement slab surrounded by every belonging I owned. But there she was, thanking me profusely for the warm beverage and apologizing for the inconvenience she may have caused over the last two weeks of her stay.

I don't know for certain what drew me to her that night, but the thought of being a woman, alone on the streets, at night, motivated me to know more.  From our brief conversation, I learned she was fifty-five years old, had lost her husband a few years prior, and had heart issues of her own.  And, although she received social security checks, she had been evicted from her rental recently due to a few mistakes on her part and coming up financially short each month.  She was honest, matter-of-fact, and reminded me bluntly how fragile things can be.

Lynn also shared that she had owned her own business at one time, has four grandchildren, and was overwhelmingly grateful for all we had done, which was nothing more than letting her stay at night and providing hot coffees and a resource list.

Since that night, I have yet to see Lynn again.  All that remains is a lonely broom, one that she used each evening to clear away the leaves and debris to make her bed, and to sweep away any evidence of her being there each morning.  I'm hopeful she found a warm place to stay, that her pending application for housing was approved, and that she reunited with friends and family.

Her determination, strength and resolve was nothing short of inspiring, but it was her graciousness and thankfulness under the most dire of circumstances that will stay with me.  For so many times we find ourselves in situations or life events that can be overwhelming or disheartening, but Lynn and all that she represented can serve as a dose of encouragement and grace we all need to keep on hand and move on.

Art in the City

Having just returned from an amazing whirlwind trip to the Big Apple, the electric city that holds so many wonders, I've been overflowing with far more ideas than can be stuffed in the suitcase of my mind.

Sharing a rare and special extended weekend with my two adult daughters and my mom, we were fortunate enough to experience a small sampling of the art one can find in New York City.  First, was a Broadway play "No Man's Land" masterfully performed by Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen, followed by a trip to the Modern Museum of Art where we strolled among the works of Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet and Warhol.  And, all throughout our Manhattan ventures, we found ourselves somewhere amid the spectrum of Times Square electronic boards and the intricate architecture of the 1800's.

But, the hustle and bustle of the City also served as a backplate of calm as we took time to reveal with one another life as it was being played out on our own personal stages.  The simple essence of eating and laughing our way through the sky-lined streets was the true reason one takes trips like this.  I believe that taking the time to stop, reflect and experience something new on any scale with those close to you can enhance and enrich you as much as any painting or photograph.

Art is discovered in all of our lives through relationships, characters, complexities and simplicities.  It doesn't matter where you find yourself sharing memories or contemplating new ideas, it just matters that you take time to do it.   Because whether you find yourself in Central Park or your city park, at a Broadway theater or a high school musical, it is truly the art of spending time with family or close friends in these creative environments that can move and inspire one most of all.





 

Doing It Yourself

Along with the recent holiday season, there was an unfortunate discovery that we had also been gifted a leaking toilet.  After some investigative work on the part of my husband, Bob, it seemed there had been some water damage to the upstairs bathroom floor.  To what extent was yet to be revealed, but it was clear something had to be done quickly.
Because of the holiday hangover happening in our bank account, and being the resourceful, "can-do" people that we are, my husband and I agreed that this was a job we could tackle together.  We had survived and mastered home improvement projects in the past, so surely with the weekend and extra day we had off for New Years Day, we could do this.
My primary advice after this most recent experience?  Once you've projected the hours required to finish the job--double it. Planned trips to the home improvement/hardware store--double it.  Estimated costs--double it.
But don't let these observations deter you from the HGTV project of your dreams.  There are so many tools and resources available to assist you with any project you wish.  From free in-store classes, YouTube tutorials, and expert advice from neighbors and friends, there is no shortage of moral support.  Just understand going in, like so many worthwhile things in life, that nothing will be easy.  Your body will ache from the lifting, kneeling, stretching and hammering (insert other active verbs here).  Problem-solving, communication skills and, yes, 7th grade math will undoubtedly also come into play.
So, if you can ride out the seesaw of the emotions that will rise and fall with the setbacks and successes of any project, know that you can bask in the afterglow of your handy-person accomplishments.  It is an active way to learn something new and bond with your partner, friend, spouse or yourself.

The results of home improvement, self-improvement, happiness and satisfaction once the job is complete?  Double it.

Your Exercise Purpose

Exercise, it's near the top on most everyone's new resolution list.  Gym memberships soar, sporting goods are purchased, and the determined promises of walking, cycling, downward-dogging and stair-stepping one's way to fitness are made.  But most experience, soon enough, that life and all its schedules such as work, school, family and the draw of the latest Netflix offering, cause abandonment of the exercise euphoria before it's found or felt.

I'd like to offer a new perspective before starting your new plan--find your exercise purpose.  I must first disclaim that I am a runner, but it hasn't been without long exercise dry spells over the years.  I ran track and field in high school, a bit in college, but after retiring with nagging knee troubles, found myself with two young girls, a job and parent volunteer title.  Regular exercise wasn't part of the routine.  I would start, stop, start and stop again, and couldn't quite make the full commitment, even though both my mind and body were screaming that I needed it.

Then, things dramatically changed one day as I found myself, alongside my sister, getting lectured by a cardiologist about genetics, blood tests and hereditary conditions.  Stunned, sad, angry and a bit numb, I found my purpose in the midst of medical terminology and scare tactics.  I was determined that the best chance and opportunity I had to stay healthy and stave off any possible threat, was to integrate exercise into my life regularly.  I'm happy to say as of today, both my sister and I are feeling and doing well, and I'm a true believer in the positive effects of keeping one's body in motion.

When I started exercising again, I could not complete a run to my neighborhood corner less than a half mile from my front door, followed by a gingerly walk home.  But one step at a time, keeping hold to my purpose, I've since trained for and run four half marathons as well as numerous 5k and 10k fun runs.  I also regularly enjoy mountain biking, kayaking and any other activity that keeps me moving.  

You may not have such a frightening experience to find your purpose, but I argue that it needs to be discovered through an honest conversation with yourself.
If you want to lose weight, why?
If you want better health, why?
If you want to run a 5k, why?
Are you doing it for yourself or others, such as your family?  Why?

Once you find the true purpose to why you have resolved to exercise, it helps on those days when you don't want to get out of bed, when the last thing you want to do is lace up the shoes, and when everything hurts.  You'll need to revisit your purpose often on this exercise journey.  It will get you out the door each day, the rewards will be greater, and by doing so you may just inspire those around you to join in and find their purpose of their own.

As a passionate believer in new beginnings and the New Year, I thought this a perfect time to start something I've been wanting to do for a long time. So here I am, a beginning blogger, with a plan conceived to push and move me out of my comfort zone, hold me accountable to do more and reach further, and to build a community to help others do the same.  Because whether goals are big or small, we all need a little encouragement and motivation throughout our lives, and together we can inspire each other in this beautiful new year and life ahead.