Inside the Storm

Once the weather forecasters announce a major storm, the flurry of activity begins. We hunt for groceries to buy, salt to sprinkle, and gas to fill our vehicles. Afterwards we race home to wait for the flakes to accumulate. Once we’re forced to suspend normal activities—the magic begins. It’s those special times that wouldn’t occur unless usual circumstance push us to do the thing we wouldn’t normally have the time or energy to do. Things like this:

                                     https://youtu.be/1HIm4OyKefE  

What’s done in the storm can be done in the sun, and the unusual can be our norm. Let’s break the technology habit. Put down the phone, the tablet, and the computer. Take time off from the bustle of your regular schedule. Studies say we’re more productive when we pause to reenergize and rejuvenate ourselves. The condition you’re in when you reach your destination makes all the difference.          

What steps will you take to enjoy your journey?

Limitless?

Regardless of what happened in 2015, it’s history. Time for a clean start. Reflect on what you  want in the new year and develop a plan to get it. Looking for higher grades? Be discipline by studying harder, and finding a tutor, or a study group. Want a raise? Put in the hours, get along with co-workers, and suggest cost-cutting ideas. Craving contentment? Live a balanced life with healthy eating, regular exercise, appropriate sleep, and add in time for family, friends, and spiritual rejuvenation. 

     

 It’s a new year. Try new foods, hobbies, classes, sports, and vacation spots. Expand your horizons and be open to fresh possibilities. Be daring. Maybe not this level of daring:

                                         https://youtu.be/vUK2BaRp29s

Pretty interesting! It’s fine to try new experiences, but what makes some people chose unusual paths? I often wonder what drives the skydivers, the cliff-jumpers, and the shark swimmers. We all draw mental lines in the sand that we won’t cross. When presented with a new experience, what factors make it a no-go for you?   

Your Perfect Spot

Nothing raises spirits like a brief retreat from the everyday routine. A few weeks ago, I retreated to the beautiful Bahamas. We stayed at Atlantis, an amazing hotel where activities and fun were within a ten minute shuttle ride down the road. The proximity of restaurants, music, wonderful beaches with sparkling turquoise water, aquariums, snorkeling, and a water park made it feel like we had stepped into paradise. The trip still feels like a dream, and that's probably because our short stay left me no time to get nitpicky.

Once we find “paradise,” it’s interesting how soon we find fault with it. Before long, we’re ready for the next perfect place. Have you discovered the paradise? Maybe this is what you’re looking for:     

                                          http://youtu.be/peSpUDMcGR8 

Daily routines bore us. Paradise is good for two weeks and then we’re in the Bahamas muttering about too many sunny days. Some people believe a utopian society is impossible, but we can still aspire to it. What's paradise look like for you?  

I Wanna See You Be Great

Footsteps rumbled overhead at all hours of the day. Back and forth, back and forth. It sounded like the World Cup games up there. At the end of the week we saw a member of the family who stayed in the unit above us moving a stroller and toddler equipment from our vacation resort. Maybe a future Olympian trained above our heads all week. I suspect other vacationers have experienced the overhead rumbling of a young athlete honing his or her skills. Let’s see what it takes to be great: 

                                       http://youtu.be/BIqVvRh_cEY

He practices for four hours every day. Now that’s commitment! As a youngster, Jashaun set big goals and he’s working to achieve them. He could spend his time doing other things, but he’s sacrificing for greatness.  What will you sacrifice to be great?