It has been several weeks since I have posted.  That is because my life has suddenly changed. In my last post I mentioned that my husband was having outpatient surgery.  He has been sick for a long time and although this surgery was minor nothing he did was taken lightly by either him or his doctors.  The surgery went well but Greg's heart could not withstand the trauma.  He passed away the following morning.  This has been a very difficult time and I know it will be for a long time to come.  Since Greg was diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension eight years ago we had a lot of time to talk about what was important for us in life.  He taught me a lot throughout our 47 years together and I just thought I would share some of the things that were are important to us and will be important to me in the future.

Gratitude played a large part of being able to deal with living with a chronic illness.  Every day we talked about what we were grateful for.  It kept us positive and looking forward.  It was usually the small things that we were so grateful to have experienced but we didn't forget those fun trips either.  It might be the nurse who took an extra minute to make sure Greg was ok or the memory of a wonderful Christmas.  We were so grateful for the soccer games on Saturday mornings and the fact that although walking was very difficult we could still take a motorcycle trip together. We loved our home and were so glad we found it twenty years ago.  We had no idea when we took a wrong turn one day that we would find a home that would fit our needs so perfectly both in the present and the future.  Our home continues to take care of me now and brings me great comfort.  For that I am very grateful.

Being glad that we did the things that we did when we could, brought great comfort. We tried, as best we could, not to wait for some day but to live in the present.  There were times in our early and middle years when the money was just not there to take trips or vacations but we made wonderful memories with our son and his friends at the lake and camping.  We realized that although vacations and trips were wonderful and we enjoyed them, we had just as much fun right at home.  

Creativity was always part of Greg's life.  It brought him great pleasure all throughout his life but even when he was his sickest being able to go to the basement and work with wood brought him great joy. When his dream of building a real boat was cut short he began to build beautiful models. Each boat was different and each one became more intricate and challenging to build. Greg always reminded all of us that it was ok to make a mistake when creating something or trying something new. If we messed up something in the basement, he loved it because then he could help us figure out a way to solve the problem. It was that flexibility and problem solving part of him that made him never give up on figuring out how to do something especially if someone told him that it couldn't be done.  

Being in nature was always a big part of our lives. I love the ocean and Greg loved camping and being in the woods.  We shared many moments enjoying both.  It was the quiet times looking at a weed or taking a picture of a butterfly on a flower that made time stand still.  

There are many other life lessons that I have learned that I could share but I think for tonight that is enough.  I wasn't sure how I would begin blogging again but I knew I would miss the connection and friendships that I have made if I stopped writing.  I want to thank everyone who has sent me notes or messages recently.  It seems like everyone knew just when a Facebook message or email would be just what I needed to smile again.  I keep telling everyone how amazing it is to have such wonderful friends all over the world and it is all because of blogging.  

I hope that everyone has a wonderful week and will take time to stop and notice all of the Special Moments In Time that happen to all of us.  All we have to do is be present and notice them!  They truly can make a difference in your life.
                                                                                                   Ginny


                   When you share your dreams and talent with the world, magic happens.  Let the magic begin.

I want to thank everyone who wished me well last week on my teleconference.  The visualization worked.  There were no technical problems and the discussion was great.  We are going to meet again on the 21st to continue the discussion.  Self-care is a topic which I feel is so important  not only for me but for all of us.  I have a million ideas running through my head right now about starting a group where everyone can share their self-care ideas etc. and be there for each other through the good and not-so-good times.  I'd provide the topic and some activities each time we meet but as we all know you never know where a good discussion can lead.  If this sounds like something you might be interested in being a part of, just let me know.

As I said before last week's teleconference really well.  And then on Wednesday life took over again and I lost focus on taking care of myself and forgot to eat.  Anyone who knows me knows that this is really unusual.  I am a stress eater so normally during a really hectic or stressful time I will eat more not less.  Rather than being upset by this I asked myself the question, "What can I learn from this?"  And as usual the universe sent me the answer through lots of different ways.  No matter what I looked at or listened to the word focus was always there.  This is again going to be a busy week for my husband.  Doctor's visits, outpatient surgery, and then whatever he needs to recuperate quickly and easily.  It would be easy to forget to eat again or to take care of myself.  So I need to focus on not only what my husband needs but what I can easily do for myself as well. This morning I did some simple chair yoga in front of a window that looks out over the beautiful trees in our backyard.  Later today I am going to plan some healthy meals that will be ready when we get back from the hospital.  I am going to order a new book to take with me so I have something to read in all of the waiting rooms this week and paper and pencil to write down the ideas that may come into my head as I wait.  None of these are new or different ideas but without focusing ahead of time on what I need this week they may not have gotten done.  

This morning I have used three of the strategies I share with my coaching clients on a regular basis.  Asking yourself a small question opens up your mind to all types of possibilities whether for painting a picture, writing a book, or getting through a difficult week.  Listening for the answer and being open to it can change the direction you are going for the better. And focusing on what you are doing or what you need at this time, can make life not only simpler but easier.  

I hope that you have a week filled with special moments.  Remember to focus on what you need and what you want so that when those special moments appear (and they will) you will not only notice them but truly take the time to enjoy them.

         When you share your dreams and your talent with the world, magic happens.  Let the magic begin!

If you are interested in being part of a group that shares self-care ideas and tips, let me know.  As I said this idea is in the very beginning stages and I would love your thoughts and input.  I do know it will be free, ongoing, and in a format so that we can talk and get to know one another.  Please contact me at [email protected] if you are interested.