Rolling...down...the...hill!

I just saw a photo of a beautiful grassy field in Ireland with kids rolling down it! That reminded me of this post-soccer roll down after my daughter's game! What a joy to be those kids! Such a simple place, no xbox games, texting or carpooling to events...just joy! I have fond memories of rolling down hills as a kid! I've decided that when this snow melts and there is a hill to roll down, I am going to do it!

Happiness is a great place that we are all in search of.

It's always available to us. Nothing needs to happen first for us to find happiness.

Yes, there are always things about us that are imperfect. Always things to be done around the house to check off the unending "to do" lists ... ok they're never complete are they?

Maybe it's time we just learn how to relax in this imperfect state and enjoy where we are?

What's good in the present moment? Here and now?

(Now if I can wholly integrate this into my day ... )

I have learned that every rose has thorns. We are going to feel discomfort. Discomfort is not fun that is for sure! However instead of constantly seeking a state where we are eternally joyful I think that all these challenges have a place for us. Sometimes it just sucks ('scuse me) to have these pain in the ... events. Big Time! But if we learn to accept them as a point that has been put there to learn from and go deeper ... well that makes it at least part of the journey. We then integrate these events and see them as "required" yet challenging.

Maybe this makes no sense to you ... lately there have been some very difficult times for people around us. I generally don't watch the news as it brings me down but lately I've seen some very inspirational stories coming out of tragic situations. Not that these situations should ever have happened, but to see individuals coming forth to be strong, brave and inspire others is true happiness and joy in my eyes.

Here's to being open to what's good in the present moment!
Cheers!
Krista

February 8th

One year ago today I went in. Never in a million years would I have suspected I would have brain surgery. Who Me? I think you have the wrong mri image?!

Well here I am one year ago still in shock that I had to have my head cut open. Not to be gross or anything as I have a tough time reading the operative report... (Don't worry I won't start relaying it now!) but it's still so weird for me some days to not think it's just a dream. I have had some great friends, family and healthy influences in the last year that have been so eye opening (no pun intended!) for me. I've learned so much that in a strange way I have to somehow believe those people who have told me that everything happens for a reason were right!

As far as the vision loss, it's taken awhile to actually just accept it and stop actively trying to find a cure (although there are some stem cell cases that have cured blindness - really). I am now researching the safest cars out there for us ... some great new options for safety that I'd never even pay attention to before...and one more... my hair grew back! Oh yeah, this time with bangs... life is good!

I am back to health coaching! I am having a ball with my latest venture of group sessions! I love helping them find their balance and providing nutritional advice! I am back into healthy experimenting with food in my house ...

To be continued. I plan on keeping this blog open even though I opened it a year ago as a way to put information out there on how I was doing after surgery. I may move the brain picts out of the way now .... One year later I am ready for the next phase!!

Enjoy your day! Even if it is miserable out! Do something fun! Make someone happy! Take a warm bath! Buy yourself some flowers to remind you that Spring is coming.

Be Well,
Krista

Limits...

Yes, here we are on February 1st celebrating the new month with the "biggest" storm that meteorologists have ever seen. Over half the country is being hit with snow, ice, freezing rain and wind! It is 3:28 pm and my kids are not only home but have been home with an early dismissal and their homework is done...yes really. Their swim practice has been canceled for tonight and I am actually making a great dinner of roasted veggies, chicken and salad - not the usual for a weeknight of carpooling, homework, wet towels and suits to pull out of swim bags, showers, clean up, pack up books, etc. So, why is it so weird? I think this season has been tough with all the interruptions with this snowy, icy, cold weather. The kids have not had a regular week of school since before Christmas. They are not happy with the words "snow day" anymore. Parents are tired of trying to work the alternative schedule into their work day.

For myself, I am posting pictures of summer, seriously thinking about decorating my house for "summer mode" and looking through catalogs with summer clothes with great excitement! But, that is something to look forward to. I hope people don't continue to complain and moan about it...it is sooo contagious! A downer attracts another downer and everyone is miserable! Ever notice how it is hard to disagree with someone who complains?! So, me being the eternal kick pessimism on it's ass is hoping more people can laugh at this and just go with the flow!

Summer will come back and boy will it be sweeeet! Start planning your summer weekends now!

Look at my guilty dog here - I just let her in as she was outside and I couldn't find her. She dug herself under our little steps to the patio where there is actual dirt ... she hid from me there! Got herself all dirty but I think she was craving Earth! "Enough of the snow!" she thought! Ok, maybe we will snow blow you a dirt path!

Be safe everyone!

A great quote posted by Dr. Wayne Dyer:
"There is one grand lie - that we are limited. The only limits we have are the limits we believe."

Winter ...

Here we are in January ... lots of snow, ice and today some rain as well. It seems like everyone has had it here in NJ with the gray skies and shoveling very heavy snow. Today the sun peeked out for a very short time and wow did it feel good! Makes me realize how lucky I am that the winters here aren't like this every single day ... just a majority of them lately. "Not another storm..." Here we go again tomorrow night.

Although the winter doldrums seem to be happening for many people (including me), I think it is a good time to really let ourselves be bored if we can. It is a time that we can go inside and start looking at what matters.

Our town is in mourning. The life of a sixteen year old was cut short yesterday. He fought bravely in his battle against leukemia. His family and friends stood by him. It is a heartbreaking loss to say the least. Another reminder to look at those in our lives with gratitude and love every single day. The positive words you speak go a long way. Your thoughts influence your actions. Your actions are passed on and good energy is shared and passed along, etc, etc. Life is short ... we know that...nothing new there but if you get the chance the great poet Rumi has written:

"The beauty of the heart
is the lasting beauty:
its lips give to drink
of the water of life."

That is all that matters. Listen to your heart...make time for yourself and those you love.
Namaste,
Krista

Transition Time...

I love this week! The week between the busiest holiday and the new year! The energy level of one week ago and the present has shifted from full on to a really nice chillax mode (well at least in my house)! No getting up for school, packing lunches or homework! At least for now.

And then the blizzard! Stopped us in our busy tracks of Christmas! It was awesome! As we are down to the last 2 days of 2010 I am amazed at how for the first time in my life I am really ready to say goodbye to a year. I never approach the new year with big resolutions or plans. But this year was different to say the least. At least for our family. The big flood of March left 21 inches of rain at Rentals Unlimited, the curve ball of the meningioma thrown at us and of course my little girls are growing up - texting, boys and clothes! It is time to let go of 2010 with gratitude and reflection.

Here are some words to help those going through challenging times (and really everyone):
"Authentic joy isn't an emotional state, but a state of being in which we accept all of life's offerings as required, especially challenging moments. Authentic joy knows that as happiness is a time of laughter, rest,and play... moments of seeming unhappiness are times for growth, introspection, and gaining strength for our journey."

Best Wishes for a Positive New Year!!!
Krista

Owww!

Well, not really owwww, I mean "ow!" I have been out of my regular routine of being active the last three weeks and I jumped in the last 36 hours. My body is screaming at me at the moment and I am shocked at how I feel!

I didn't run a triathlon like many of my friends did this weekend ... wanted to but wasn't quite ready to take that on yet ... still not sure of my biking skills with the vision thing ... and I didn't run a marathon like my friends who are training! I only did a great walk this morning with my poor dog who has been ignored the last month or so, took a yoga class and swam some laps. So to be this sore is not the norm for me. Why did I lose focus with my exercise? Well, I found reasons that put other things first! You know... the family, the responsibilities that come with being a parent, "summer mode," sleeping late, the heat, etc! I have to say, I finally feel fantastic even though I am so hurting today.

One of the books I'm reading hit this nail on the head.
"When we say "yes" when we mean "no," and "no" when we mean "yes," we are living for the acknowledgment and approval of others. Accordingly when we take our first step toward implementing any self-nurturing activity (could be activity, exercise, rest, meditation, etc), we may encounter a wall of resistance. Though the wall is invisible, it may seem impenetrable. However it isn't." - Michael Brown

I think this can be applied to so many parts of our lives! Listen to what your body needs today! Sometimes you need an inspiration like a friend to motivate you to do something for yourself ... sometimes you feel that wall of resistance and actually feel comfortable with it. You don't want to go take a walk, or do something you feel like you should be doing. Acknowledge that and try to move through it. What emotions have you been avoiding at the expense of being busy or trying to please others?

The best way out is through!! More on that another time ;)
Krista

August Already?!!

I could not believe it when I turned my phone on this morning it said August 1st! How did it get this late in the summer? Granted there is a full month left but I guess I have flashbacks to when I was a kid or a teacher and it meant the times of freedom and fun were winding down! Well this summer has been way too quick for most of us! I feel like the kids just got out of school and now we are back to school shopping! Yikes!

I know what is coming in September...schedules to the highest degree! Yep, so once I accepted that things are going to pick up in a big way ... not that summer swim team is not keeping us busy...I really have tried to just live each day to the fullest! Ok, if it means to pass out with a nap that is even better!! I hope you are all enjoying the season and all that comes with it ...

I have learned so much in the last 6 months. I have mixed emotions on this 6 month anniversary. On one hand I am wondering why my vision didn't return. I mean 6 months is pretty much the medical cut off for things like vision to return...why isn't it back? I have been working hard on trying to eat all the right foods, take the right supplements, and many other things I don't want to get into right now. But that is the way it is right now. I accept that and have tried to move forward with everything that it has taught me. I have cried so many tears (yes that eye still makes tears) and really don't understand how I managed to have a brain tumor. I still walk into walls, car doors, people (especially little kids who are short!) and don't know when someone is standing on my left hand side. So.... life goes on. Yes!! That's it. Life did go on and I am grateful beyond words that I can say that!

Gratitude....
May you all find it on your best days and those days that are horrible!

Here is a thank you to those people who have given me what I needed!!
http://www.appreciationmovie.com/

Lots of love,
Krista