The Go-Getters

The Law of Mindfulness Chapter 13

2009-11-10T18:57:00.003-07:00

For those of us who were fortunate enough to make it to the annual GGG in Breckenridge this summer already had a quick (and I mean quick) crash course on mindfulness and mindfulness meditation.
Mindfulness (and mindfulness meditation) was introduced to me by my mother several years back and has been a huge underpinning of my current state of sanity (though at times it may be in question for those who know me well) ever since. You can find mindfulness to be useful in so many situations in everyday life.
Life goes too fast, we are expected to do a zillion things a day, and not only do them all, but to do them all at once.
Laundry, work, phone calls, pick up the kids, pack a lunch, where are my keys, why did I just spill my coffee on my clothes on the way out of the door, OMG I'm out of gas and the meeting is 30 miles away in 22 minutes. . . I kid you not...this was my morning just today. I survived by looking in my rear view mirror and seeing the little smiles on the faces of my boys. My main reason in life, my driving purpose in life to find meaning in the moment- NOW- TODAY.
Does all of this sound familiar? Do you ever find yourself asleep by 11pm and then awake at 1am going over your to-do list. The list that can not be tended to until 9am when everything opens? It's impossible, but you actually go step by step through all that you have to do the next day as if this will help you tomorrow. It does not help, it only stresses you out and makes you tired tomorrow which in turn will make you grumpy. Chances are if you are grumpy then you'll miss all the wonderful things that happen all the time.
Greg Anderson writes in his chapter, "Mindfulness means finding the incredible in the commonplace." He teaches us in his chapter that the Law of Mindfulness asks us to discipline and train our minds to let go of worries or desires, returning to these concerns when the actual moment has come to do something about them. This I feel is the key to being "mindful", which in turn actually helps us to become less stressed in our everyday lives.

I was late today for my meeting, I enjoyed the drive this morning despite the pressure. I dropped my kids off to school, I showed up to the meeting with coffee stains on my shirt and a smile. It all went well! Imagine that!, imagine I could have done it differently and it might have just ruined my present moment. These moments are mine- I don't know how many moments I will have left and I certainly plan to enjoy all the ones I have to the fullest. I hope you will try too.

A poem about present moment living...perhaps.

2009-11-05T17:26:00.005-07:00

I didn't write this with this week's wellness law in mind. It's just what is on my mind and after reading it back to myself, it made me think of this week's law. Either way, it's what is going on in my world, this moment.

We Are Not Undone

We are the brave
With the sun on our faces
Dangerously hopeful
And hopelessly alive.

Strange mysteries occur
And we stand tall and free
Breathing in deep
We reach and we strive.

We make our way
Terribly hopeful
And hopefully awake
Eyes up to the sun.

Seasons come and always go
We wrap ourselves in change
Moving, then pausing
To feel we are not undone.

The "great" non-negotiable Law of Present Moment Living

2009-11-01T14:38:00.003-07:00

"This instant is all there is. Live it!"

Embrace the idea "that life is filled with unlimited potential".

Most of us will have the attitude that, "That's the way things have been done in the past. That's how we'll do them in the future."

But sometimes we just have to make our own mistakes. Along the way we learn new things, experience new things that we never would have experienced if we just did everything the old way, or by letting the past always give us our present.

The future can also pollute the now. That's the "what if" factor. There probably isn't a day or night that goes by that I don't have some "what if's". What if I can't do this, or what if someone thinks that I can't. What if it snows December 18 (47 days from now), and I cannot get to the airport in time for my flight to Rome? Living a life built on maybes is a "certain ticket to despair", or at least some Unisom.

Bottom line, "if you're taking part in activities and entertaining thoughts that do not support life, that make you wallow in misery and indulge in negative thinking, then, no matter what you may claim to the contrary, you are polluting the moment."

"If you are immersed in life-enhancing activities and enjoying them with positive enthusiasm, then you are living in the moment."

Don't put off your life if you are alone, or think you haven't enough money (the best things in life are free, they say). Or in the author's case, because you have cancer. He says we all tend to put life on hold until we resolve some problem. This is a big mistake. Start living now!

And in the words of Doris Day.... "Que sera sera."

"This instant is all there is. Live it!"

OH and that picture above.... making gravy for Thanksgiving a couple years back.... the gravy turned out great. They were definitely having an enthusiastic moment!

Sick now, but not for long!

2009-10-20T15:54:00.006-06:00

I woke up in the middle of the night last night and realized that what I thought was allergies is actually a nasty nasty cold. So far, I've heard from 4 people today who also had this same dumb cold in the last week or two (someone in CA, in AZ, in NC, and here in Denver).

I understand there is no cure for a cold... fine. But, I don't want to feel like this for 7-10 days! If you have a cold too, or if you don't want to catch what is definitely going around, click the links below to read up on some great information on how to prevent and treat the symptoms:

Wholeliving.com - what to do when you're sick

Wholeliving.com - 10 best cold and flu fighters

AND, Elderberry is very helpful in fighting the flu. There was a bottle of Elderberry concentrate in your GGG bags. Check this out:

Wholeliving.com - Elderberry

Here's to your health!

Love,

Casey

Wellness Week Ten: The Law of Human Dignity

2009-10-19T20:53:00.002-06:00

"When you give me respect and I give you respect, we will both be better for it."

So far, many of these wellness laws have referred to our own personal, individual wellness. We have been learning ways to treat ourselves differently with the goal of leading healthier lives. Law Ten, the Law of Human Dignity, includes not only our individual selves, but the people around us too.

"The active daily awareness of the dignity of the person, the constant awareness of the worth and value of every person regardless of race, color, age, gender, or economic situation, this awareness of high value and supreme worth is fundamental to individual and social wellness."

In other words, love and respect know no bounds. When you let love and respect run rampant, wellness runs rampant too. Here on our blog, we are very supportive of each other. We want to see each other happy and healthy..lifted up. Sure, we could find a bit of wellness on our own. But, by doing it together and celebrating each other's dignity, the wellness we experience is multiplied infinitely.

"The Law says we value individuals: we want to know who they are, what they can do, where their hearts are; we want to know about their life journeys, their hopes and dreams, and the compassion that lies in their souls....The Law of Human Dignity carries with it a mandate: to stop our pettiness and quit putting each other in little boxes that diminish the dignity and potential of all."

I know we do the above as Go-Getters, here on this blog. Let's practice this in our daily lives too. Again, love and respect know no bounds, so let's not only respect certain people in certain little boxes. Color outside the lines. Spread it out everywhere. Perhaps at first, we'll need to practice it deliberately. But, before long, it will be a way of life and we will all thrive because of it. Your wellness is my wellness is everyone's wellness.

Happy Go-Getting!

Love,

Casey

"Esteem them. Praise them. Treat them with Human Dignity!"

Fra Fra Sound

2009-10-19T15:55:00.004-06:00

We went to the Fra Fra show last night at Nighttown, a small jazz/dinner club here in the Cleveland area. These guys were incredible. I think you all will enjoy them.

www.frafrasound.com

fra fra sound - myspace page

The Law of Human Dignity

2009-10-19T10:39:00.002-06:00

Hello folks,
Got lots to say about this one. Stay tuned. I will post tonight.

Love,
Casey

Wellness Series Week 12 The Law of Developmental Motivation

2009-10-14T06:48:00.002-06:00

Okay, sorry I'm late. It's not that I'm not motivated. In fact, at our retreat I even handed out papers on goal setting and motivation. Let's face it, I'm the girl who reads endlessly about how to finally have the LIFE YOU ALWAYS WANTED!!

But according to Greg Anderson, I'm probably trying to satisfy my needs through "deficiency motivation", a term coined by Dr. Wayne Dyer. In other words, I am trying to motivate myself from the standpoint of "what is wrong with me". And they're right, there is a bit of that thinking going on in my head. I do fall into the trap of thinking that my life is deficient in some way, and that if I could only have this, then I would have that, or if I had that, then I'd be happy. Bad mindset, says Greg. There will always be something missing if I think that way. I'll just attract more lack.

Only unsatisfied needs motivate, he says. But it is much better to regard myself as complete right NOW, and to not include the concept of "lack" in my life (this is where the movie "The Secret" takes its main idea--not that I subscribe to that theory) or else what is deficient in my life will expand (and I sure don't want that). The mantra for me to remember is: "I am complete but not finished."

And so, instead, I should seek the development of my life's potential. Anderson sites three elements to for me to achieve that. I need: 1)Knowledge, or the "what to do"/"why to do it", 2) Skill, the "how to do it" (for example, establishing a new way of thinking), and 3) Desire, or the "want to do it", the element that is needed to bring knowledge and skill into reality. Anderson claims that the wrong "want to do it" is what holds most of us back from wellness. Being motivated by our deficiencies, rather than by having a brand new vision of ourselves, as whole, complete, fully alive beings RIGHT NOW, is what keeps us miserable. We must have goals that have deep meaning, ones that can truly fulfill us.

So, I won't strive to have a fancy car, for it will just sit in my driveway while I conjure up a new desire. I won't save for a big house (or go in debt buying one!) just to impress my friends. I don't need those things to be complete--none of us do! We are already complete and whole! Instead, we all need to go out and fulfill the dreams that enhance who we truly are, and start living our lives to the fullest.

Wellness Series Week 11 - The Law of Win/Win

2009-10-11T20:58:00.006-06:00

Okay, I have one small (teeny tiny, really) confession to make. I never got around to buying or reading the book. Go ahead, repossess my Go-Getter Goody Bag RIGHT NOW!

I tried to find as much online info about this chapter as possible and what kept coming up was this:

"The Law of Win/Win says, let's not do it your way or my way; let's do it the best way."

...and this:

"For Win/Win to work it must be founded on strong personal character... Trust is the essence of Win/Win."

I know there was a bit of chuckling going on, myself included, when I pulled this law out of the hat. Those of you who know me well know that I like to win. Period. I like to be the best and I EXPECT to be the best at everything I do no matter what it is. It doesn't matter if it's something I've never done before or something I've done a hundred times before. "Second place is the first loser" was a motto I grew up with (mostly unspoken but present nonetheless). Talk about a lot of pressure! Anyway, I know this law has nothing to do with my childhood baggage or my irrational obsession with winning, I'm just stalling and trying to distract you from the fact that I didn't read the chapter...

Those two simple quotes which Google so graciously provided have really struck a chord with me. In addition to being insanely competitive I'm also a bit of a control freak - just a bit. It's very easy for me to fall into the "It's my way or the highway" or "My way is the only way" mentality. As I've gotten older I've tried to become more open-minded and more receptive to the idea that there is more than one way to go about things. Whether it's business or personal affairs, I've learned to let go, to delegate, to recognize that the perspective of someone else has value and what they have to offer is something important... and sometimes, that "someone else" may even have a better way than my way. Opening myself up like that has exposed me to new ways of thinking, new ways of learning, new ways of doing things. Sounds pretty Win/Win to me!

I really am going to try to come up with something more substantial to write about this law but for now this will have to do.

The Law of Emotional Choice

2009-10-08T07:45:00.002-06:00

Hi Friends!
I hope each and every one of you are doing great! This week's law is "The Law of Emotional Choice" - and it was something that really hit home to me. Anderson says right up front that this law is one of the top in our lives. He basically says that we are going to have all sorts of feelings throughout our existence - positive and negative. That part I knew already. ;o) He then goes on to say that we play a role in controlling our own emotions...wow. I have a really hard time with stress...I tend to let it take over & sort-of blind me from whatever else is going on. This lets me understand a little better that I will feel stress (no doubt), but its up to me not to let it take over and overwhelm my well-being. I like this quote on page 74:

"We are controlled by our emotions at the same time that our emotions are under our control"

Anderson says that it all works together. Its about taking personal responsibility for our moods. From what I've seen in my life, letting anger (of myself or other people), fear (of not pleasing my family), or stress (over every little detail) lets my weaknesses show a little too much for comfort. One of the last bits of information Anderson shares in this chapter is: "constantly exercising the Law of Emotional Choice builds an inner strength that is unshakable."

I want that...its my choice to make it happen.

Take a hike!

2009-10-06T19:45:00.005-06:00

It's fall now and the leaves are changing, the air is crisp, and the temptation to start bulking up for winter starts to set in. No need to pack on extra pounds to stay warm this winter. Fight the urge! Make yourself a warm healthy bowl of soup and then...take a hike! Go for a nice fall walk and enjoy the scenery. Here are some great reasons to go walking, thanks to http://www.realage.com/:

Get in Step
Why Walking Could Save Your Life
By RealAge

"Walking saved my life." So say many walking enthusiasts who picked up the habit and as a result either reduced their risk of disease, lost weight, beat depression, or enjoyed countless other major health rewards.

Although you may not be surprised to know that walking is considered a superior health habit, it might surprise you to learn just how much research has confirmed the far-reaching and diverse health benefits that regular walkers experience.

Some doctors and scientists even believe that walking regularly can reverse illness and aging, making the simple act of walking quite possibly the most underrated prescription for good health.
Read on to discover the long list of health wishes that walking can fulfill for you.

I wish I had more energy.
A short, brisk walk has both a calming and an energizing effect, according to research. And walking may help you feel more alert and well-rested because of its ability to improve the quality of your sleep. Walking at a moderate pace later in the day can help encourage deep, restful sleep. Finally, the mood boost you experience from walking may further enhance your energy levels.
Walk toward a good night's sleep. In a study, people who walked more than six blocks per day reduced their sleep problems by one third. Walking at a brisk pace cut their sleep problems in half.

I wish I could think more clearly.
Need to sort out some things in your head? Few activities help improve your perspective as quickly as a brisk walk, which will boost circulation in all parts of the body, including your brain.
Some research has also shown that walking is associated with less cognitive decline and a reduced risk of dementia later in life.
In addition to improving cognitive function, walking regularly can help you handle stressful situations and help you remain in control of your emotions, which clears the path for straight thinking.

I wish I could protect myself from my parents' diseases.
Your genetics determine only a small part of your health profile. Research shows it's how you live your life that really counts, and walking regularly can prevent and improve many serious chronic diseases.
Here is a short list of ways that walking can reduce the impacts of disease. Moderately intense activities such as walking can:
Reduce cardiovascular disease by as much as 30%–50
Decrease osteoarthritis pain and improve stability, endurance, and agility
Reduce the risk of colon cancer and possibly breast cancer
Protect against diabetes in high-risk people and lower blood glucose and improve insulin action in diabetics
Lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attack

I wish I could lose weight.
Although you might think that losing weight is the only way to enjoy an improved health profile, the truth is that regular walkers may not have to worry quite as much about what the scale says. Studies show that thin, sedentary people may have more markers of heart disease risk than overweight people who exercise regularly.
Nonetheless, losing weight is a great way to improve your health profile, and walking can help you accomplish this goal. Walking will increase the number of calories you burn each day and can boost your muscle mass, which in turn helps your body burn more calories throughout the day, not just while you are exercising.

I wish I felt happier in general.
Protecting and nurturing your mental health is an important part of overall wellness, and studies show that walking regularly has the ability to lower your stress levels. Also, studies show that aerobic exercise such as walking may bring long-term benefits to your mental disposition by warding off both depression and anxiety.

Steps Toward Better Health
No other prescription for your health is as free and easy as walking. It can even equal more vigorous forms of exercise in terms of its ability to improve your health profile. And it's easier on your body, especially your joints, than activities such as running. Do you know of any medicine that has greater benefits for your health and well being?
Don't think you have the time to walk? Just take a short walk in the morning and another at lunch or after work. Physical activity can be accumulated over the course of a day rather than all in one session, and it doesn't have to result in weight loss to have health benefits.
So start where you are, and gradually increase the amount of time you spend walking. You'll be granting yourself some very key health wishes in the process.

Race for the Cure - Denver!

2009-10-02T09:35:00.002-06:00

I am participating in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Denver this weekend. I'd love to have you all with me in spirit! There are a couple ways to do that:

1. Donate money.

2. Give me the name of someone who has experienced the fight against breast cancer and I will wear their name(s) during the race.

3. Send good healthy vibes to my racing team (PBS&J) and to all those who have been touched by breast cancer.

Thank you to those who have donated so far! (Robin and Sam...thanks!!!)

If you would like to donate money, you will find my fundraising page here:

Casey's Page - Race for the Cure!

The race is on Sunday. I have signs that I can pin to my shirt where I can put names of people who have won this fight against breast cancer, those who are still fighting, and those who passed away because breast cancer. If you know somebody and would like me to pin their name to my shirt for the race, please let me know!!!

Thanks for all your support! I am so grateful.

Love,

Casey

The Law of Stress-Hardiness

2009-10-01T18:39:00.002-06:00

OK, I have stress. You have stress. If we are alive, we have stress. Stress sucks, but actually, Greg Anderson says it's a good thing....

Here's why. Stress gives us important warning signals, feedback on how we are conducting our lives. We all know the signs of stress, he spends about 4 paragraphs on that.... headaches, sleep difficulties, etc. Then there are the responses to that stress... the over eating, smoking, drinking and being bitchy (my words). He says it adds up to an inability to think clearly, make decisions, lack of sense of humor... bitchy again.

So, we all recognize this stuff. Can we do anything about it? Let's hear it. All together now.

YES, we can!

The 2 things we can do 1) change the perception of the problem and 2) change the perception of yourself. I remember my family saying, "don't sweat the small stuff", and "don't get your panties in a wad". Anderson says, "Arguably, you could manage your toxic stress by just one change in perception. But increasing personal power and decreasing problem power is the essence of stress-hardiness. That's the simple truth of this law."

Stress hardy characteristics are control, challenge, and commitment. That control, by the way, is not our control over all the circumstances in our lives, but control over our responses to them. That's important. (Control freaks can be bitches.... that's from me, not Greg Anderson. Are you seeing a pattern here?)

Don't go the non resistant, "I quit", route either. Take control. Get a second opinion if you are in the doctor's office. Make a budget and stick to it. Make a reasonable schedule for your time. Say "no" once in awhile. Do something nice for you. Stop and smell the roses. We make our own luck, and in this life, you only get to go around one time. You might as well enjoy it! The people around you will appreciate it too.

Thoughts and Hugs

2009-10-01T10:36:00.003-06:00

Hi fellow GG's, I am writing to let everyone know that Shannon S. and her family are dealing with the loss of Guinness. As most of you know Shannon has been posting regularly on her blog about Guinness and his journey through cancer. Many GG's helped support her through these past several months. Last night Shannon and her family had to make a very hard decision- to say goodbye to him.
I'm attaching the link to the pirate pub blog.
Send Shannon and her family warm thoughts and big hugs.
Thanks
Adrienne
http://thepiratepup.blogspot.com/

This Week's Wellness Law...

2009-09-30T10:54:00.002-06:00

is up for grabs!
Michelle is up to her eyeballs in deadlines, projects, 12 hour office days, and she just got back from being out of town. She needs our help! The law is STRESS HARDINESS...how appropriate for Michelle, right? I think she is setting a great example by saying "no" and asking for our help. We can't be all things to all people all the time.

Anybody wanna jump in on this one???

Thanks!
Happy Go-Getting,
Casey

Women for Women International

2009-09-24T13:40:00.005-06:00

Last Saturday I ran a race in Morrison, CO. It was the Race for Congo Women. The runners' donations and efforts were given to and in the spirit of helping women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It was a very meaningful experience for me. It wasn't about getting in a nice 10K race in the foothills of beautiful Colorado. It was about women (and men) running their hearts out and showing support for women living in terrible conditions. Did you know that they use the same word for "thing" as they do for "woman" in the Congo? Women are raped, rejected, and abused all the while trying to raise multiple children (those that survive) with very little or no money. Could any of us imagine a life like that? Day after day after day...

My mother (Robin) has posted about the group in the past. She is sponsoring a "sister" in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and now I am too. Her name is Ombeni M'Muderhwa and she is 27 and has 6 living children (1 of her children died). And she has 1 other adult living in her home for whom she is responsible. And she is now one of my sisters. She will receive monetary support through my sponsorship of her and we will also be able to write letters to each other. If you are able and willing, you may do the same for other women in the Congo.

Click here to go to the website for more information and/or to sign up for a "Race for Congo Women" in your area.

Also, I just received this email notice:

Media Alert

Who: Zainab Salbi

What: The TODAY Show

When: Friday, September 25, 2009

Women for Women International founder and CEO Zainab Salbi will speak to NBC's Ann Curry on The TODAY Show during the 9 am ET hour about her travels to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the state of women, and how the work of Women for Women International is helping women to heal from the culture of rape and violence that has invaded the country.Also, during the 8 am ET hour, supporters and organizers of our Run for Congo Women New York will be on the Plaza with Al Roker to raise awareness for the upcoming runs and the plight of women in the DRC.

Thanks for reading! Please say a little prayer and send some love to the women of the Congo.

Love,
Casey

Winter Weather - How do we stay healthy?

2009-09-24T09:15:00.002-06:00

Shannon's wellness chapter about minimal medical invasiveness, the incredible response to this subject, and the snowy weather in Colorado lately got me thinking about the following:

With the winter season on the horizon, what measures do we take to stay healthy? Based on what Greg Anderson says and on your personal beliefs, do we get flu shots? Do we take more vitamins? Is it about doing more...or less? What is the best path of prevention? There is a lot of talk about the H1N1 virus...what do we do (if anything) about that? Should we be on red alert about it? Or does the fear of becoming sick lead to worse ailments? What are your thoughts about the flu shot? What are your thoughts on staying healthy when autumn becomes winter?

Please feel free to comment here or put up a brand new post if you have lots of information to share. If you know of a good website on this subject, for example, tell us about it in a post to be sure it doesn't get lost in the comments. I'm interested to read what you all have to share!

Happy healthy go-getting!
Love,
Casey

Dr. Oz

2009-09-22T20:15:00.003-06:00

Dr. Oz has his own show now and I kinda like it!!

He is an MD who also spends a lot of time talking about a healthy LIFESTYLE. I think this might go along with our topic this week. Check out his website here: Dr. OZ

And, be sure to check out the "Real Age" test. There is a link that takes you to the test on Dr. Oz's homepage under "Oz Essentials." Or, click here: What is your real age?

I took the test and it was so interesting to see which factors play a role in determining our lifespan and how healthy we really are!

Happy Go-Getting!
Casey

Four hours later . . . Week 6 The Law of Minimal Medical Invasiveness

2009-09-20T13:15:00.008-06:00

So here we go. This is something that has always been big in the way I strive to conduct myself, whether it is for me personally, or for a family member, whether it is my children, or other family members (even the furry ones). I was thrilled when I drew this one out of the magic hat in Colorado.

My first ever conscious foray into the concept of minimal medical invasiveness was when I first found out I was pregnant with Mia (our first) back in 1999. At the time I was working for the natural history museum, and one of the curators at the time, also a friend of Brett's and mine, was married to a woman who was a midwife (not an at home midwife, but a bona fide staff member and head of the Midwifery Department at the Cleveland Clinic). I had talked to her at length about her profession before even becoming pregnant, and I was thoroughly intrigued by the approach.

Later, when I did become pregnant, I sought her out. Unfortunately, due to insurance stipulations and mandates (that's another heated topic for another day, though it does have a lot to do with the whole concept of medicine and the way things are conducted here in the United States), I was not able to seek support care from the Cleveland Clinic's midwife staff at the time (things have changed somewhat since then). I did however find out that my husband's employer, who has it's own medical center on staff, also included a midwife. I attended one of her meetings, and fell in love with her philosophy. She stressed, first and foremost that "pregnancy is NOT an illness" and should not be managed medically from that stand point. I went on to have both my daughters with her as my primary care specialist, backed by a OB/GYN should any issues arise. The only time I had contact with a regular doctor was once when I had abnormal bleeding, and when I arrived in the delivery room for Jaina, who was coming so fast an on call doctor started to take over until my midwife arrived. The difference between the two worlds was staggering. I won't go into the details, as it could take all day and I'm not sure I'd be able to keep your attention long enough as this post is sure to become epic.

So. Those experiences taught me to question the necessity of medical procedures, and the importance of reading and educating one's self so that you can make informed decisions about one's own care. As Greg Anderson writes in this chapter: "Who is the most important person on your medical team? . . . Understand this clearly: the most important person . . . is you. Your health is at stake. You are the central character. You are in charge." I think this is a very powerful statement.

Now...flash forward to the present. I am now faced with a family member (who is actually a canine), Guinness, who has just gone through surgery to remove a leg that was ravaged by bone cancer. We elected to do this because to not meant him facing a very rapid and inconceivably painful end. That was a no brainer decision. From there we were faced with either no further treatment, vs. chemotherapy vs./or in combination with natural remedies.

Anderson also states in this chapter "One of your most important challenges is to ensure that your medical treatment is as minimally invasive as possible while still being appropriate." The past several months have been a series of hard choices I have been faced with, so this statement really hit home with me. Each decision I have had to make involved me weighing the benefits of treatment vs. how it made him feel here and now in the present, and how much time the treatment could possibly buy him. It's one thing to make choices for yourself, but to make them for a creature that can't verbalize what they are feeling and wanting and needing is another ball game entirely. Thanks to an amazing support team of doctors, specialists, family and friends I have been lucky enough to find guidance, become educated about the illness Guinness has, and make choices that I hope to be the best choices I can make for him. I feel like it's like walking a tight rope, shift a little too much in this direction and you will fall, shift a little that way and you're balanced just right.

Last night I had a discussion with Dominique (in person I am so happy to say!) about Guinness and the whole concept of making difficult choices in the medical arena. From her own personal experiences, she gave me this analogy: not unlike the concept of gambling, making medical decisions has a lot to do with risk assessment. You weigh your odds, what the probable outcome could be, and weigh that against your choices. Hopefully the choice you make pays off. Sometimes you lose, and have to deal with it, but you hope most of the time you make the right choice. This hit home with me because, as I've been learning, even though medicine is a "science" I'm learning it is just as much an art. There are no absolutes, and it's not black and white. Every patient, every illness, every doctor and every suggested treatment is different, so you must risk assess at every turn.

Finally, Anderson says that he encourages us "to see yourself as the manager of a baseball team...your wellness team" which he includes doctors, specialists, technicians, family and friends. I have had the pleasure of discovering that sometimes you seek out your support group (family, friends and doctors) and other times you just sort of fall into finding them. Sarah, I'm talking about you! (side note: Sarah and I met through a mutual friend while playing a game based on Survivor, and when I first met her she had gone through the same thing with her dog, Indy, as I would later go through with Guinness...to say we bonded immediately is an understatement!) I am also talking about all of you wonderful Go Getters that even before I actually met you and became friends, you were strong supporters of Guinness. And undoubtedly I'm talking about family and the rest of my friends as well. I just have to say again to all of you . . . thank you again from the bottom of my heart and the tips of my toes (sorry if they're stinky) for all the love and support through Guinness' ordeal, it's truly what's kept me going.

So....now that I have stood up here on a soap box and chatted everyone's ears off (yawn, sorry, coffee anyone?) . . .

what does Minimal Medical Invasiveness mean to you?

What experiences have you had with the medical world, and what are your thoughts. Do you take it upon yourselves to question and research treatments offered and suggested to you? Do you prefer to let someone else take the reigns? Do you ever read up on illnesses you have been diagnosed on the internet and find yourself in even more of a mess because of the sometimes unmonitored posting and un-verified info that can scare the pants out of you (I was guilty of that when I was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse years ago...ask my mom, I did a little too much reading and ended up in a panic attack thanks to the Merck Manual that I will never open again because every illness ends with the disclaimer "may result in death"!) In short, what is your approach?

Week 6 The Law of Minimal Medical Invasiveness

2009-09-20T10:58:00.002-06:00

Place holder post so you know it's coming! The fact that I drew this topic out of a hat is pretty amazing because over the past 4 and a half months or so I have not been pondering this, but living it. With the situation we're in with Guinness, I have much to say and look forward to a discussion about it.

I'm currently working up what I want to say...so check back in a few!

Earth Angels

2009-09-18T07:09:00.003-06:00

This happened two weeks ago and I've been debating about posting it here, because it's a little long. I decided to post it, because it was a really awesome reminder about how important human connections can be. It happened after an oncology follow-up at UCSF, so that's the place I'm talking about in the post and "Blind Henry" and "Legless Annalee" are characters in Gary Jules' song "Horses." The lyric goes something like, "Blind Henry said to the Legless Annalee, "Honey, I can reach the pedals, but you're going to have to steer."

Yesterday I had a doctor's appointment in the City and after I was done, I sat in the lobby to type an email. It's a nice lobby in the middle of a really big crazy place and it felt good just to sit down with my only real pressure being that it costs $2.00 per 20 minutes to park in the garage across the street.

As I thumb typed the email, this older gentleman asked me for the time, but in the goofy fashion of Jerry Lewis. I wasn't amused, but I politely gave him the time and went back to my email. I could tell he wanted to talk, but I was just a little talked out at the moment. He went away and I finished my email.

For some reason, I didn't feel like getting up. It was really nice not having to rush back to work or have my cell phone ringing. I was able to just sit and watch people. I was trying to diagnose what brought the people to the hospital, but most of them you couldn't tell from the outside. I just settled for the fact that everyone who comes into this place has some kind of battle going on or they love someone so much that is fighting the battle that it becomes their fight, too. Life is crazy, but my point is I didn't feel like getting up just yet.

The older man came back with coffee and leaned down close to my ear and said, "Do you believe in angels?" I thought he was giving me a twisted pick up line and in my head I was saying "ah-hell-to-the-no" (I'm part gansta in my mind.) So out loud I said, "yes, I do."

As he sat next to me, he said in his thick Boston accent, "I never believed in 'em until just now. I'm legally blind and I should have been holding the handrails, I almost fell head over heels down the stairs, but the lady on my right, a stranger, grabbed my arm and saved me. I didn't even get to thank her."

I said, "You could've had a totally different day."

We talked for almost two hours while he waited for his ride. I really liked talking to a blind man. In fact, when we started talking I wondered if it was how the legless Annalee felt when she met blind Henry had we been in a bar. He said that the thing he missed most from not having his sight was the crossword puzzles, but he has a friend he drinks coffee with in the morning at McDonald's, who will write the Jumbles for him really big. He's good at the Jumbles.

He told me he came to California in 1994 by Amtrak. He said, "I had this friend Jim......"

He told me about what he used to eat back home when he was a child. You knew it was Saturday, because you eat hot dogs and beans. Wednesday was pasta. Friday was fish. Sunday was meat and Monday was leftovers.

We talked about old movies and their stars. Rita Hayworth, Elizabeth Taylor, Clark Gable, Marilyn Monroe and the tragic deaths of all three stars of "Rebel without a Cause."

His Mom died when she was 38 of a perforated ulcer. He said, "people don't really die from those these days. She could still be around if it happened today." I thought about all the people who are just casualties of time.

He said he has a friend named Vince. He said that I would never believe that Vince is 86 years old. Vince loves to dance. He said that Vince loves to tell him about all the women he dances with and he told me "I asked him one time if his wife don't mind." and Vince said, "She don't pay it no mind. She knows I come home to her."

I looked at David's face. He was clean shaven, which is impressive as he is legally blind, but he had an untamed tuft of thick hair originating in his nostrils. But he was nice to look at sideways and he made me laugh true laughs, not the kind you laugh to be polite. When we weren't talking, he sipped his coffee and we were ok with the silence.

He told me he had gotten a bit of bad news today, but he wasn't going to let it get him down. The doctor said his bladder cancer had come back. He asked me to read his biopsy report to him, which I did and I explained what it said. I worked in a clinical lab for three years when I worked in LA. I picked up a few things, one of those things being how to read a biopsy. Essentially, the second specimen indicated carcinoma and they needed more tests. He said, "That's pretty much what the doctor told me." I wished I could've told him something different. He said he had already had 3 surgeries and BCG treatments. He told me his options and we agreed that they all sounded less than fun. He said he had to have a PET scan and asked me if I knew what it was. I told him it was "a walk in the park" (I had just had one in March) and he looked relieved. I explained it to him and he thanked me.

I asked him if he lived alone and he said yes. He had a 75 year old lady friend, Virginia, that looks in on him from time to time, but "she's so damn busy with her alpacas." She has 50 alpacas and he helps her when he can. He told her "to get rid of those damn things and get a real life, but she's good people."

I finally decided I should go, because the cell phone was going to start up again and his ride was due in 20 minutes and I had end of work day Bay Bridge traffic in my immediate future. I wrote my name and phone number in very large print and gave it to him. I told him to call me if he had any questions or if he has another surgery. I would come and visit. Nobody should have to do these things by themselves. He thanked me because I made his day easier. I told him he shouldn't thank me, because the feeling was mutual and I enjoyed talking to him and I told him he was charming. Yesterday, there were angels everywhere. David just happened to be mine.

Law of Nutritional Frugality

2009-09-15T20:23:00.003-06:00

Hi fellow Go-Getters! This law has been something I've strived to do for the past few years, but have slipped away into non-motivational land after a week or so (if that!). I like how Anderson begins the chapter by telling a story of an Italian nobleman who succeeded his life expectancy by triple, just by eating a "spare diet of fruits and vegetables." That's amazing! Then it goes on to say that this man was active, clear thinking and creative until the end. That's where it hit me the hardest...living until I'm the age of 103 does not really appeal to me...being clear-thinking and creative until the end is what I hope for.

After that opening story, I was expecting all the "good stuff" to be cut-out of my meals if I wanted to follow with this program. Here is the core message: eat a variety of unprocessed foods, in moderate amounts, during at least 3 meals, including breakfast and an afternoon snack, while drinking 8 glasses of water and taking a vitamin. This concept was not new to me...I was thinking, "How is this different from anything I've heard before?" Anderson goes on to say that the biggest change is in our thinking.

Now here's my favorite quote from this chapter: "If we change our thinking about eating, we'll change our life" - (I may write that on my bathroom mirror).

This Law has detailed some specific guidelines: (which I really like because if I made my own guidelines I'd be in trouble!)
- Eat a plant! Like fresh fruits and vegetables
- Eat breads and pastas made from whole grain
- Look to grains and legumes for protein; try brown rice with any type of bean
- Strictly limit chicken and turkey. Eliminate red meats (P.S. I just have to get this off my chest: my husband loves his new grill; he made chicken for dinner last night and steak tonight...I'm having a hard time with this law this week). Eating it I remembered what Anderson said: Flesh is hard to digest and has been linked to diseases...made me a little woozy actually thinking I was eating "flesh" and filling my body with diseases. Gross! And now I have gas!
- Use low-fat or non-fat dairy products
- Use canola or olive oils for cooking
- Use fat and sugar-reduced products
- Limit caffeine, alcohol, & salt products
- Drink 8 (8 oz) glasses of pure water daily (I need to get re-acquainted with my water bottle)
- Eat under 2,000 calories a day
- Take a multivitamin-mineral supplement each day.

All this is familiar, the trick for me is going to be to actually put it into action. I need to learn how to say "NO" to things I know aren't good for me (and to be honest, I don't really enjoy in the long run). I need to make the effort to pay attention to the nutritional needs of my body more. OK, I said it! I'm accountable to all of y'all now! :o)

With eating, less really does mean more.

Law of Physical Activity

2009-09-11T07:29:00.001-06:00

Better late than never to try to work on a law. . .
So I'm going to go to the gym today. Beckett still isn't in school yet! It's so hard to work and swap B with babysitters and go to the gym. However today he's going to a friend's house and I'm going to the gym.
I'm happy to know I may be back in the game. . .
Wish me luck.

Wellness Week 4 - The Law of Physical Activity

2009-09-06T21:28:00.008-06:00

I just finished reading the chapter on physical activity, and was a bit surprised at how tame it was. Trust me, the irony of getting this topic amongst all you runners and yoga-ers was not lost on me. I know this might be weird to say, but sometimes it's difficult to get motivated to make exercise a regular part of your life when you're around people training for triathlons, marathons, or sports. I understand some find this inspiring, but I often find it discouraging ... I feel like it shines a spotlight on how far away I am from being where I think I should be.

But there can be a big difference between exercising for the sake of wellness and exercising for the sake of training. I know a lot of people are motivated to exercise to achieve a specific goal - that sense of progress and accomplishment combined with a deadline or competition can really light the fire under someone. Not me, though; not right now - for whatever reason that feels like a set-up, and I'm a big-time saboteur.

That's why I like the idea of physical activity for wellness. Taking the simple step of incorporating something active into your life everyday: twenty minutes, or as Anderson says, 1/72 of your day. I like the approach that exercise is something that will make this day - today - better. I will feel energized, rested, strong, accomplished, active, clear-headed ... today. That's what this law of wellness is about ... if it leads to a marathon, so be it. But for me, there's a lot of power in thinking about it as a way to live in the present, and to make this day a better day.

What I've Been Doing This Week in the Spirit of Unity

2009-09-04T13:37:00.003-06:00

1. Physical Health: I have gone jogging and walking a bit this week. I pushed myself the other day and did 5 miles at about a 9min pace more or less. I couldn't have done it without my new friend Emily (yes, another Emily)! She is a wonderful runner and kept me inspired to finish the entire 5 miles and that pace. Thank you Emily!

I also got for myself customized orthodics for my shoes to help with my hips and spine and my overall alignment. This is in hopes of reducing joint and back pain due to misalignment. I took responsibility for my pain and am doing something about it!

2. Mental Health: As many of you know, I get anxiety...oftentimes because I am worrying about being good enough and doing the "right" thing. Adrienne helped me with that this week. She explained to me that when we say no to something or someone that may be draining us, we are often saying yes to ourselves...and that is very important. The right thing for someone else isn't necessarily the right thing for me. I can reduce anxiety by setting these boundaries without all the guilt because I am honoring myself and my mental health! Thank you Adrienne!

3. Spiritual Health: I am finding this through Acceptance. Accepting others and their need to do what is best for them, Accepting myself just as I am, Accepting that I cannot control everything...

My "post-it" note that I created at the beginning of the year (remember those New Year's Commitments Post-It's??) says, "LET GO." This continues to come into play. By letting go I begin to Accept and by Accepting myself, others, and the world I begin to feel a part of the whole and my spirit therefore feels whole. Oh what a feeling!!!

Paying attention to all three of these parts of my life this week hasn't been easy, I admit. Yet, when I feel myself in touch with all three, I do feel well. I feel balanced. Progress not perfection...and I am making progress.

Thank you again, Dominique, for this week's law. It's been a good week! :-)

Love,
Casey