poems – Peace and Fitness

From Our Table (and Home) to Yours…

Along with all the food and drink, along with family and friends, along with the infamous Publix “lilgrims” sits this poem on our Thanksgiving table…though I posted it last year, it is always worth a read. In fact, when we take it off the table, we just move it somewhere else in the house because every day there is so much to be thankful for. Though Derek and Jolene will be having a Californian Thanksgiving and Kyle and Nicole will be having a Jensen Beach Thanksgiving, we are thankful they are with loved ones and wish them all a wonderful holiday…and are thankful for the family and friends we will have at our home today. Did most of the baking yesterday, (chocolate chip cookie dough truffles, peanut butter banana bread, pumpkin oatmeal raisin sugar cookies, and a cornbread to go into the stuffing) so now it is time to clean the turkey (yes, we always grill a big one along with a couple of oven cooked Tofurkey — it is, after all, all about choice and aren’t we always lucky to have a choice?) and get it going, and start prepping all the other sides. Wherever you are, who ever you share this day with, I wish you more than enough…Not sure who authored this poem, but it sure says it all….much love and gratitude, today and every day!

Be thankful that you don’t already have
everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be
to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don’t know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,
Because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge,
Because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes,
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you’re tired and weary,
Because it means you’ve made an effort.

It’s easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those
who are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.

Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they will become your blessings.

A Haiku, for You…

Want to lose some weight?

Want to look and feel so great?

Fill up on veggies!

So low in calories, yet so high in nutritional density and fiber, veggies are your best ally not only with regard to shrinking your waistline, but more importantly in fueling your body with vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants and everything good, under the sun (literally). In many cases, veggies have that “negative calorie” effect because it takes calories to process so much fiber, causing the body to burn more calories than it takes in. While the negative calorie idea is highly disputed, and it may not actually be a negative, it’s often a “wash”. Beware the more starchy veggies, like white potatoes and corn, if you are trying to lose weight. With SO many different choices and so many different ways to mix em up and prepare them, everyone can find their favorites. Grilled, roasted, simply steamed or right out of the bag…or even better the ground…love (or learn to love) your veggies, because I promise they will love you back!

A New Dawn

This morning, I offer my deepest sympathy to Judy A.

On this very sad and challenging day, I would like to share with you a poem that was given to me by my sister when we lost our mom. I keep it beside my bed and it reminds me that we carry our loved ones with us, eternally. They are not only in our hearts but in all that we see as beautiful. In all the gifts from mother nature, Barbara will be right there with you and her loved ones on earth. Please give your granddaughter a hug from me and know that my thoughts are with you. I hope this native American prayer brings you, and all of you who have lost loved ones, just a little comfort.

Native American Prayer

I give you this one thought to keep –
I am with you still – I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am the sweet uplifting rush,
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft starts that shine at night.
Do not think of me as gone –
I am with you still in each new dawn.

I have the information for the service (this afternoon) and also the address to send cards to. Please let me know if you need either as I refrain from sharing too much personal information (especially about others!) on the net. Though I will be unable to attend the memorial service, my thoughts will be with Judy and her family. I will be at the gym this morning for my regularly scheduled class. In going through your day, remember that we often don’t know the pain those around us are feeling. Let’s try to be extra kind and patient with our fellow human beings. We are all connected.