182.2 Back In Familiar Territory

At least I am back in familiar territory and life is beginning to return to some sort of normal routine. I met Jennifer for breakfast as we usually try to do on Wednesdays so that piece is back in place after 3 weeks of missing it. She's a great friend and knows how to help me become grounded and looking forward. Thanks, Jennifer.

I was talking to my chiropractor this morning about the challenges of food/weight gain when traveling. He then confessed he gained 12 pounds in one Thanksgiving Day celebration. He blamed it on the wine and salt. I've heard that one before! He may hold a record. I have yet to gain 12 pounds on a trip or during a holiday and am counting on that never happening.

So life looks good today, very good. Thanks to all who wrote notes of condolence regarding the loss of our friend. Your caring and reaching out has been greatly appreciated by Jeff and me.

174.6 You Never Know!

I forgot! I totally forgot about my blog today and now it's after 9 pm! This post may take the prize for being latest to go up. But it's been a crazy, good day. A lot is going on and to be honest, I've been working hard doing an internet course to fulfill my driving citation obligation! That sounds pretty fancy for having to go to traffic school for speeding! But now you can do it online which is more convenient than spending 5 hours in a hotel function room.

I've just come from a gathering of absolutely wonderful people who have become treasured friends. When we moved out here 5 years ago we thought we were going to be giving up a lot for some great weather and a chance for Jeff to play a lot of golf. What we didn't expect was the opportunity we've had to meet such caring, intellectual stimulating, and interesting, fun people that our lives are now filled with. I've said it before:). You never know!

173.2 Caring and Self-compassion

I subscribe to Jean Fain's blog on line. (www.jeanfain.com) She is a therapist who uses and teaches hypnosis in Cambridge, MA, among other professional activities. One of her main interests is weight loss. Yesterday her "An Encouraging Word" post included some thoughts on self-compassion. Here is some of what she wrote:

"The practice of self-compassion -- treating yourself like a good friend or loved one -- may be centuries-old news, but suddenly it's new again. Not only did Tara Parker-Pope's blog on the subject make headline news last week, it was the number-one most e-mailed New York Times article of the day." She goes on to say that "self-compassion is the missing ingredient in every diet and most other weight-loss plans."

She quotes Kristin Neff, author of Self-Compassion who writes, “Self-compassion is really conducive to motivation. With self-compassion, if you care about yourself, you do what’s healthy for you rather than what’s harmful to you.”

As I work at keeping these lost pounds from returning, I realize that I need to keep these thoughts in mind, on my mind, in my face so that I remember that it is caring about myself and for myself that this is all about.

176.6 Knowing...

My friend Barb from UCLA days called this morning. I hadn't talked to her for a couple of months. She said she had just read my post about being home alone and could tell I was lonesome. I reread that post and I never wrote that I was lonely, but Barb was right, I am lonely. We had a great, long chat, and she didn't know it when she called, but I did need a little spirit lift and she certainly provided it.

And then, when I got off the phone there was an email from Jeff who is still in Boston and a picture of me was attached. He likes to think I am the most beautiful person in the world. Did he know I needed a little boost, too?

I really believe that caring from the heart makes us do wonderful things. I wonder whose spirit I could touch with a call or email? If I listen to my spirit, I will know.