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The Test

Must be mid-terms. There are steps that separate men from boys. And I faced a tough week and did it with the best of grace and ease I could muster.

I learned lots.

One: Annie Lennox rocks it in "Smithereens," and we certainly experience life as islands at time, however we're joined under water. So it's critical that we never bomb each other, even when we appear to be enemies. From a distance we are all one.

Two: As Meryl says as Thatcher, our thoughts, words, actions, habits, character and destiny deserve tending. To remain viable, I believe we must be vigilant. Daily.

Three: We are all sick. Seriously. We wake up to a story we tell ourselves. We are nervous about ever letting it go. Some of us are shapeshifters, workaholics, some of us are doormats--perpetual victims with a really good story about how the world dumps on us. Some of us drink too much (thinking it's never really enough), and some of us sit in the dark and stare at a computer screen late into the night. We storm, soothe ourselves, and lo they say sugar is beyond just addictive (the way lab rats crave the sugar lick until they can no longer move.) We humans are vulnerable to behavior that erases our acknowledgement of the fact that life is rife with chaos. And by the way--extreme workouts: Insanity and triathalons...no carb diets--just the other side of the coin.

What's the other choice? I think it's acceptance and living life on life's terms. Finding balance--and mention balance and self-care to any successful professional in 2012 and they'll snicker under the breath even if they claim they have it. It's the biggest human challenge. Who wants to accept that the other party might win, that part of the planet is destined for destruction due to a warming trend reversible, natural or not? Who can accept the consequences of our past actions--a recession, for example, that balances our craving for more faster and unsustainably more?  Life is more exciting high: face it. And the challenge is to live moderately, and to find the joy in a life well lived, satisfied with our lot. What of hope and the American Way of making the impossible change?

There is an illusion of making impossible--I'm possible. It's lovely and for a time it may seem we bend reality, however, She loves herself too much and snaps back, reshaping herself. If we push too hard, she can be violent, even after a time of compliance.

A little blathery, yes, all that to say, be mindful of reality, shape yourself to her and be gentle with the pushing. The ride can oftentimes be more pleasant if we just ride. You may be surprised where life's gentle momentum takes you. Breathe and relax sometimes if you've been paddling what seems upstream.

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