Twists of Fate

Happy holidays everyone! Wow, I didn't realize it has been two weeks since my last post. It has been pretty hectic lately with Christmas and traveling. We had a great holiday and we are looking forward to a comparable New Year!

So, I had a great post started today on one of my favorite authors: Malcolm Gladwell (Tipping Point, Blink) and his new book, Outliers. You can visit his website by clicking here. I was beginning to explain how he can compile and analyze data from the most random souces and break it down into the most interesting observations. Did you know that there is actually a "magic" number that almost every successful person has hit in number of hours studying, practicing, researching, etc. to be accomplished at their passion? I had no idea! Guess what that number is? 10,000 hours. Yes, ten thousand. Yikes!

I was making a comparison between feeling the impact of the hours I have had to put into my new life vs. enjoying the "process" of self-development simultaneously. I actually had some good stuff for you, however, as I was about to publish my post, the doorbell rang.

Nick went to see who it was and to my amazement it was a very nice man who had read my story in the Dallas Morning News and felt compelled to meet us. He has a friend who shared my experience and he wanted his friend to meet us also. He had a letter for us to read that was very moving. After he left left, my mind got distracted and I couldn't remember what I wanted to write in the post!

How many times have we gone out of our way to extend our thoughts to a stranger? He was doing a very thoughtful thing for his friend but also doing something that impacted both Nick and I tremendously. Things are so unexpected sometimes! Malcolm Gladwell and the man at my door are all examples of how every day can be a new experience if we just open our minds with optimism!

Peace,
Jen

Keeping Your Eyes Peeled

I have always had an affinity for the "local" scene no matter where I am and participating in the real flavor of my surroundings.

I like to go to local restaurants, markets, lectures, coffee shops etc. and experience what makes a community thrive.

By Nick and I doing this as much as possible, we have developed a curiosity for things that make me take a moment to go "hmmm..". ;)

Yesterday I was at the gym and looked around to find that Nick and I were by far the youngest in the place. I kinda laughed and thought we missed the memo.

But, as I was pushing the weights really hard and thought this is my last one (my arms were buckling), I looked up to see an approximately 80-year-old guy with a big grin, sweat band, jogging suit and the attitude of a college athlete.

He was working out like a madman! Nick and I both had a "hmmm.." moment. The old man gave that extra boost and I (barely) finished a few more sets.

Then, I started thinking about how many times we look so hard to find inspiration or a way to grow or change things; I thought how simple that "find" can actually be. We all gotta stop looking so hard!

If you think about it and keep your eyes open, it really isn't that difficult. Driving no more than a few miles from my house to the gym, I just started my day by being positive and keeping "my eyes peeled". :)

There is never a certain age, disability, gender or occupation that should stop us from making the best of the time we have. If you're 80 and want to lift weights and run, go for it! Maybe you're a CEO of a corporation and want to resign to run your own coffee shop, go all in!

I really feel like we hold ourselves back too often because of what society may think. At the end of the day, society isn't giving you hugs at night, words of inspiration or self-worth. It comes from within and how we learn from our local community and surroundings.

This week, find a local bakery, adopt a family in need, or just high-five the next 80-year-old you see working out! Supporting others is a great feeling. I know on a personal level how much I cherish all the support I've been so blessed to have. Happy holidays and I will talk with everyone soon!

Love,
Jen

Thanks, Love & Marathons

Still eating? :) We had such a great Thanksgiving and even tried some new things for the Vegetarians in the family. I won't repeat what we thought of it but we washed it down with such great desserts that we just focused on the not-so-vegetarian items and made it through. Did someone say Tofurkey?

Our family seems to grow and grow every year. The older I get the more I see how things have come to be. We have always had "extras" at the table and that is one of the things I love about the holidays.

We have always been taught to extend family support to those who need it (family or not). So, our table can be the best for story telling, but, beware because they are most likely going to embarrass!

Being raised with the value of making others feel welcome—no matter what their story—has provided me the foundation in which I feel so blessed to emulate and to learn from. Through almost all of my daily challenges, I can't express how thankful I am to have a circle of support.

On a concluding note—not such a great picture—Skyline and I were being photographed by the wonderful Mr. Nicholas and I decided to share it with you. Sky was really the one being photographed, but being as though he is a service dog, he wouldn't get on the couch without me!

He has been the best companion and he is a king to the family, and friends too, once you successfully introduced yourself. He is a rock star in some places when he is carrying a sack for me, television remotes, newspapers, car keys, etc. People just love him. For everyone who helped with Skyline: I THANK YOU! He is such a special addition to our family.

Chicago Half-Marathon: If anyone is interested in making the end of their 2009 summer a time to remember, think about contributing to our humble team representing the P.L.A.Y. Foundation, or just being a sponsor in any way you feel comfortable.

We have formed a team to do the 5K. People will most likely doing both, so do not worry about choosing one or the other. It is September 13, 2009. It will be a memorable weekend! Hopefully the following night we could hit downtown Chicago for a beer! Feel free to e-mail me at jgriffin@playfoundation.net if you want to go with us. Since we have plenty of time before the deadline, I will remind everyone again soon.

Love,
Jen