9/11 - Heal The World

I sat for several hours, trying to type something that would be good enough to express my feelings around the 9/11 remembrance. After hours of typing pages of content, only to 'select all' and then hit, 'delete', it finally dawned on me - there will never be any words that will be good enough to really express the pain, the sadness, the hope, the strength, and the faith that 9/11 represents.

When I watch the stories on all of the children who lost their parents... the spouses who lost their soul mates... the friends who lost their confidants... I search for some sense of 'why' or 'goodness' out of the horrific events. And, while I wish I had an uplifting answer that made some sort of sense of all of the malicious and hateful actions that took place on the day of 9/11 , I usually come up short for the right words. Perhaps you have felt the same way... saddened by the events... wishing you could somehow help to make peace in the world... feeling as if the issues may be far bigger than anything you alone can change or tackle.

As I was reflecting on these thoughts, I heard a song, sang by Kid Rock, called, "Care". It dawned on me that this was exactly the answer I had been seeking. Some of the words are as follows:
I can't stop the war
Shelter homeless, feed the poor
Can't walk on water
I can't save your sons and daughters
I can't change the world and make things fair
The least that I can do,
The least that I can do
The least that I can do is Care.

The truth is that it is our individual actions that will change the world. It isn't some act of Congress. It isn't some balanced budget. It isn't some treaty that is signed. It is the actions of each one of us, starting at an individual level, that will change the energy in the world. I think we wait for our government to save us, or someone higher up to make a good decision to lead us out of the place we are in... but the answer is, it starts with us.

By caring about others... by taking the time to listen... by taking the time to learn about someone else's beliefs, and their culture... by holding the door for a stranger... by smiling to someone on the street... by helping someone without asking for acknowledgement... by creating positive energy in our own space... we will then eventually be able to change the world around us.

Because when you care about someone else, it in turn, usually inspires them to care about someone else in the world, and then they pass it forward... a domino effect happens, and the world because a little more loving... a little more forgiving... and a little more happy.

This concept will never bring back the 3000+ people who lost their lives senselessly during the events of 9/11. This concept will not make the acts of 9/11 right. This concept doesn't make the pain and the hurt of the past any less devastational. But, what this concept does is change the future of our world. By putting a little more positive energy in the world one person at a time, we can shift the pain and hate in the world little by little. It won't happen overnight but eventually, this shift could move mountains and perhaps allow us to understand each other better, and live with less hate and negative energy.

So, I challenge you, in remembrance of 9/11 - to take the time today to sit and listen to someone... hold the door for someone... smile at stranger. You can start to change the energy of the world by making choices to put your positive energy out there. Live with gratitude, speak with kindness, act with a sense of caring and live your life with the intention to leave this world a better place than you entered it. It all starts with you. We can heal the world by starting with one small act of kindness. We can heal the world by caring about each other. We can heal the world.

So what are you waiting for? There's a door that you could be holding for someone right now.

Politics, Chuck Norris and Cody's Wish

It is a day after mid-term elections in the US. I am not writing to share my viewpoints on politics - I am writing to share my hope for the future.

It seems that the majority of people running for office this year focused their campaigns on taking out expensive ads that made their opponent(s) look bad, not on the content of their own character or what they will do to better the world. I had to spend a great deal of time researching the candidates and their history and beliefs in order for me to make my decisions.

As I was researching each candidate, I found myself hoping to find people who had the strength to stand up to a challenge, and despite knowing they wouldn't always be popular, fight for the things that would help us to move forward. (Not an easy job, for sure!) I didn't want to elect those who saw blame in issues, but moreso, those who saw the opportunity in improving them. As I thought about this, I was reminded of a column written by Chuck Norris this summer. Let me tell you why this column has such significant meaning to me.

(Bear with me through this unusual transition)

I am a wish granter for Make A Wish (which means I volunteer time to work with/grant the wishes of Wish Kids. A few years ago, as I met one of my wish children, I immediately fell in awe of his soul. Cody, who had muscular dystrophy, sped over to me in his wheelchair, nearly knocking me over, telling me how excited he was for my arrival. He was smiling from ear-to-ear. He gave me a hug and had the energy of 10 children in one little body.

I spent hours with his family that day and knew that Cody was a very special 9 year old. Whenever I tried to talk about his illness, he said, 'I'm ok, I worry about my mom, not me'. And then he would turn and play with his siblings, as if he hadn't missed a beat. When it finally got to the point in the visit where I asked Cody what his wish was, he pointed to the cowboy hat he had on, his collection of Walker Texas Ranger DVDs and in his best 'Chuck Norris' voice, said, 'I want to meet Chuck Norris'. I smiled as he talked non-stop about his admiration of Chuck and how great it would be to meet him. When I asked, 'Why Chuck?' He responded, 'Because he can overcome anything!'.

Typically we ask children to have a second option, if their first wish isn't able to be granted (especially with a celebrity wish). He said, "I don't have one."

Two and half years later, after multiple check-ins where I asked if he still wanted to wait for Chuck, we received the phone call that Chuck was honored by his request and invited Cody down to his ranch for a day. Unfortunatley, in that two and a half years, Cody's body had severly weakened. He could no longer give me a hug when I walked in the door, and his high energy had decreased to quiet conversation and jokes. But, despite his drastically different outward appearance, his inner being hadn't changed a bit. His kindness, he love for his mother, his attitude in life -all intact and strong. Maybe even stronger than before.

A week later, Cody went to Chuck's ranch to spend a day with him. Chuck and his wife, Gena, could not have been more gracious and giving. While I wasn't along for the wish, I later watched a video that the Norris family had made for Cody. Everytime I watch it, I am filled with tears. Cody, while he couldn't outwardly show his excitement due to his weakness, was filled with absolute joy on that day. He forgot he was sick for a moment and met one of his greatest heros. One of the details I was most worried about was the fact that Cody had asked if he could ride horses with Chuck. At this point, he was so weak, we didn't think it would be possible. But, Chuck hoisted Cody up on a horse with him and wrapped his arms around him as they walked around his ranch on horseback. To see an angel smiling was to see the look on Cody's face when Chuck held him and they rode. While it was painful for him, it was the time of his life. After horseback riding, whenever they walked to a different part of the ranch, Chuck carried Cody.

When Cody arrived home, he was too weak to give hugs anymore on his own. When he wanted to hug me, his mother had to place his arms around me. While in this 'hug', I asked him what the best part of his wish was... he explained. 'My hero carried me when I wan't strong enough to go it alone.' (If you are a spiritual person, this will have double-meaning to you, as it does me).

So how does this relate back to politics?

I have spoken to groups all over the country about various wishes I have granted... In August, I was in Cleveland talking to a corporation about Make A Wish and shared Cody's wish. While I was waiting to speak, I was placed in the same office as the CEO for the Make A Wish Foundation in the area. She and I talked briefly and I told her which story I would be sharing. She said, 'isn't Cody the boy who passed away a month ago.' While it is tradition for a wish granter to learn of a passing, I had not been told and immediately felt a lump in my throat. She mentioned that Chuck had written a nice column about Cody shortly after his passing. A minute before going on stage to present, I read Chuck's column and was filled with tears (not exactly how I wanted to make my entrance!!)

While I do not write this to promote one political belief or another, I do write this to echo Chuck's comments on Cody in the column. He mentions how we need more leaders in office that demonstrate the same character as Cody. He goes on to describe their friendship and Cody's amazing ability to love the world, despite his crippling disease.

Sometimes we get so caught up in this busy and complicated world, that we forget the importance of getting back to basics, being honest, being thoughtful, and starting to change the world, by caring about the world. Caring about others, and believing that we can become what we want to be. Cody was an incredibly strong young man, who never complained about the cards he drew in life, he just wanted to embrace the blessings he had. He didn't blame anyone or anything for his challenges. He just accepted them and moved forward.

If you'd like to read what Chuck had to say about Cody, you can find his column by clicking here.

We need more 'Codys' in the world - in leadership, in friendship, and in life. I hope you will think of this story the next time you decide who you choose to follow as a leader, and how you decide to get through life's challenges. It's about moving forward and finding opportunity, not blame.

...and while Cody shared that Chuck was his hero, my guess is that Cody is also Chuck's.

Want to help raise money to fund a wish like Cody's? Julie started her own fundraising effort for wishes called, 'Julie's Wish'- to check it out, please click here.

Get In Your Zone

Life is all memory, except for the one present moment that goes by you so quickly you hardly catch it going. - Tennessee Williams

She walked into my yoga/pilates class in tears. She silently placed a mat down, sat on it, and had her phone out next to her. She checked that it was on vibrate (but still on) and checked several more times before the class started - as if she was hopeful to see someone had called.

I walked up to the stage and asked my typical 'starting off questions'. 'What was the pulse of the class? Was it a good day? Was it a bad day? Why did people come to class? Strength? Confidence? Energy? De-stress? How did people want to feel when they left? Energized? Happy? Powerful?'

I had my eye on her, to see how she would respond. She sat unresponsive. I knew her mind was somewhere else.

I then told the class that I needed each person to be willing to let go of whatever was on their mind and choose to be present in the moment of what we were doing. I said, 'if you just go through the motions, you'll just have a mediocre workout, but if you think about connecting your movement, with your breath, with your thoughts, with your goals, then you will find yourself present.' I glanced at her one more time and she was checking her phone.

We began class and I can always tell those who have been able to let go of their 'outside of the studio stress' and allow themselves to be inwardly focused on themselves for the hour. I call this, 'getting into their zone'. I always know without doubt, that they leave feeling better than they came. I know when they walk out of the studio, they will be able to deal with whatever comes their way, better, with more patience and strength.

*Back to class* Halfway through class I looked over during a difficult transition where we end up in a reverse triangle and our heads are low to the ground. When in this pose, she was looking at her phone.

I brought us out of this sequence and paused in a prayer position for a moment and said, 'I know that when we are going through a difficult time, it is painful to let go of the outside chatter. If someone has left us, something didn't work out, something failed miserably - whatever it is - there is nothing you can do except get your heart in the right place to handle it. This is a choice you make right here, right now. You can choose to hold onto that and feel miserable and go through the motions of this class, and then go through the motions of life when you leave. Or, you can chose right now to honor your body, how amazing it is, think about the next step you take and be aware of the breath coming into your body. You can chose to be at your best right now - no one is stopping you but you. If you let some outside distraction stop you, then that distraction has won.'

We went back into our vinyasa flow and I looked over. At first I thought she was packing up to leave, but I quickly learned she was putting her phone away into a bag and walked it over to the side of the room. She came back and finished class with one of the best 'present moments' I have ever witnessed.

After class she came up to me and told me her story. She was going through a breakup with the 'love of her life'. She had been lethargic for days and could not bring herself to want to do anything but cry (been there, done that!) She said she had tried going to the gym 3 other times but would leave in tears, unable to finish her workout because she was so upset. She said she wasn't sure if she could make it through tonight, but when I said, 'if you let that outside distraction stop you from being present, then it has won...' it all made sense to her. While she didn't like how she was feeling, it was because she missed the past and longed for the future with her boyfriend. She didn't enjoy the present of being right here, right now.

Later that week, I received an email from her. She said that she practiced being present at work, as well as out to dinner with her friends. She focused on being into each conversation, being her best, and enjoying the moment. She said she finally figured out how to let go of what she couldn't control, by focusing on being present with who she was right at this moment. Amazingly enough... the moment she had this realization, he called.

Now it's up to her to determine what to do with this next moment. I am confident that she has all the tools that she needs to make the right decision for her. Afterall, those are the tools you learn when focusing on being present and honoring yourself.

I know I have found myself in this place before. When something is out of your control that you want desperately - perhaps a love - a job - a friend, it can be overwhelming and creates a lot of anxiety and stress. I have found if I can bring myself to be present in the moment and reflect inwardly on taking care of me - then I can overcome whatever heartbreak or disappointment I have faced. It is easier said than done, that is for sure. But, I recommend finding a good yoga class or unconditional friend as a starter...

Here's to this moment. May you 'get in your zone' and be fully aware of how fabulous you really are...

"Each today, well-lived, makes yesterday a dream of happiness and each tomorrow a vision of hope. Look, therefore, to this one day, for it and it alone is life." - Sanskrit poem

"You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment." - Henry David Thoreau

"Life brings simple pleasures to us every day. It is up to us to make them wonderful memories." -- Cathy Allen

What Happens When You Get What You Want...

"As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live".

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Each week, I never know what I am going to write about. I wait for the message to show up, through a conversation I had with a friend, an experience I saw first-hand or some other form of inspiration that shows up on my doorstep. If there is ever a week that goes by that I don't post something, it is because I didn't feel any special message I felt authentic about sharing. I won't write just to write - I have to feel like there is something I am inspired to let the world know about and hope that there is someone, somewhere, that needed those words at that very moment.

This week, my message comes from the most unsuspecting conversation. I had my high school reunion this week and a group of us met on Sunday (most were still sleeping off the previous two days of reunion celebrating) and played a round of golf. The group had great chemistry, and seemed to laugh more than play.

Throughout the day, we would all swap carts so we could talk to those who we hadn't spent time with yet. Each time we did, I seemed to learn something interesting or inspiring from each person. One person helped me improve my golf game and talked about a new project he is taking on through his business; one talked about 'how to know when you are in the right relationship'; one talked of a recent heart break but a positive mindset; another talked about his time in the middle east fighting for our country; another talked about her goals for 2009. I felt like the theme 'everyone has a story' rang true. Every single person had an interesting story to tell. When I got to the next cartmate, I simply said, 'so tell me about you'. His response is what I choose to write about today.

He started off by saying he had to loose everything, to get what he wanted. Puzzled, I asked him to explain. He mentioned that he used to have a great job, great life, everything was.... great... but he really wanted to meet the right girl. He prayed and asked for God to bring her into his life. Ironically, God did. My friend met the most amazing girl whom he fell in love with immediately. His prayer had been answered.

While one prayer was answered, the other areas of his life that had been so great, crumbled slightly. He lost his job, he moved in with his dad to help him for a while... life as he knew it changed dramatically. I paused and then reacted by telling him how sorry I was to hear this.

But, his response was what left me in awe.

He said, 'don't be sorry, my prayer was answered. I got what I wanted. I asked for God to bring me the love of my life and He has. This other stuff is just stuff. I am rebuilding my life now and slowly but surely, all of the pieces are coming together. But most importantly, I got what I asked for... The rest will just fall in place.'

I was so inspired by his attitude. He knew exactly what he wanted and despite losing other things in his life, he was grateful that God had answered his prayer and he knew it would all work out. He had his priorities in order, he trusted himself and he knew he would be ok. He focused on what he had in his life vs. what he didn't have...

How many times have we had a wonderful opportunity to seize, but we spend so much time staring at what we wish we had or what we lost, that we miss out on what is right in front of us? I've had this trip me up many times.

You have to know what you want, what you are ok with not having and trust yourself that knowing these things will get you through the good and tough times.

I challenge you this week, to focus on what you want, understand what you can live without, and then trust yourself to move forward with these priorities. There are few times in life when all pins line up in a row for us, but if we can be clear on the ones that matter the most , we will know how to stay grateful and positive, even when going through a difficult time.

And my friend... he's getting ready to move to Europe to be with the love of his life. Not too bad of an outcome, I'd say.

Don't be afraid to ask for what you want. Just be ready for it when it comes!

Bounce Like The Pros

Have you ever had anyone say something to you that bothered you so much, you let it ruin the rest of your day? Or maybe even the rest of your week? Perhaps your boss told you that your work wasn't up to par, or your significant other told you that they didn't like something you did?

Have you ever failed (and failed big) at something and then never bothered to try it again, simply because the threat of failing again wasn't worth the risk?

Have you ever 'put yourself out there' and decided to tell someone how you feel about them - only to have their response be less than you had hoped for - so you ran away - never to put yourself out there again?

If you have answered 'yes' to any of these things, then I congratulate you - on being a normal human being. I also have a challenge for you to consider.

When I look at successful people - one of the greatest underlying qualities that they possess is the person's ability to keep moving forward, despite the pitfalls in their way. A few well-known examples include: Colonol Sanders & Michael Jordan. Did you know the Colonel was turned down exactly 1000 times prior to being financially backed for Kentucky Fried Chicken? And, did you realize Michael was cut from his high school freshman basketball team? Despite their pitfalls, they overcame the past and moved forward into their amazing future.

Another great example of this is in the game of golf. I am intrigued by this game because of its inconsistency. What I mean by this is that the game of golf doesn't hand you the same outline on any given day - golf throws a new hurdle at the player each time he/she steps on the course. The world's best players, and I mean BEST players, can play a 4 under on a course one day and the very next day, shoot 7 over on that same course. It isn't that their skillset is any less amazing than the day before... It is a part of the game. There are a million and one variables in golf - the wind, the temperature, the grass, the dew, the club choice, the sun, how a golfer feels that day, their mental focus, their level of fatigue, etc. All play roles in the outcome of a day on the course. Some weeks the pros do well, others, they get cut. When a player gets cut on day 2 of a tournament, how do they return back to the line up the next week, ready to finish on top of the leaderboard? Or, on one hole, a player may birdie it (complete the hole in 1 less shot than expected), and then next, double bogey (complete the hole in 2 shots more than expected). How does he/she keep from letting that 'bad shot' ruin the rest of their game?

It takes incredible skill to be able to let go of that bad shot and set up for the next good shot. But, that is what separates the good from the great. Have you ever watched Tiger Woods after he has a bad shot? Very rarely will he have two in a row. He doesn't dwell on the shot he missed, he focuses on the shot he is about to take. Have you ever seen Paul Casey or Camilo Villegas play? Paul stays calm no matter what his last shot looked like - he focuses on where he is right now and what he needs to do. He appears in a 'zone' and is not distracted. And Camilo... no matter what the last hole looked like for him- when he approaches the next one, he looks at every possibility on the field, his mind runs a million miles a minute. He gets low to the ground, he looks high up at the trees. He looks way down to the end of the hole, almost as if he is imagining the pathway the ball will take... He takes in everything around him and focuses on being his best at that moment.

I am not sure of their secret to letting go of a 'bad shot' and focusing in on the shot at hand, but I do know it is how they have learned to be so successful at their sport. (amongst just being really good at golf as well!) (and trust me when I say I don't know their secret - when I am out on the golf course, I try to have that "Tiger Woods'" focus, but I turn into Happy Gilmore halfway through the course).

So I challenge you this week to let go of a 'bad shot' you have had, at work, with a significant other, with a goal you fell short on, and seize up your next opportunity, taking in all that is around you. Decide how you will play that next opportunity. Bounce back.

We tend to place rocks in our way in the form of past failures, fear and the choice to hold onto something that we don't need anymore. We hold onto our mistakes and allow ourselves to focus on the fear that comes with them. As Russell Simmons explains in his book, 'Do You', 'if you want to make a commitment to never quitting, one of the first steps is to simply get out of your own way.'

So - take a shot. Take another. Keep taking those shots, over and over again.

And, by all means, let go of the 'previous shots' that you don't need, the fear of a mistake, the hurt of a failure... Decide that this shot, right here, right now, this is the one that matters.
In doing this, you'll get out of your own way, so the ball can land on the fairway. Or better yet, on the green!

Here's to your next shot.

Following Your Path

"True teachers use themselves as bridges over which they invite their students to cross; then, having facilitated their crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create bridges of their own."-Nikos Kazantzakis

Sometimes I find myself asking, 'how do I know what the 'right' next step is in my life? How do I know which decision to make?'

Many people, whom I think make very good decisions in their lives, use their 'heart' as their brain. They base their next steps on instinct and feeling. Conversely, I also know a lot of people who make successful decisions on the other end of the spectrum - they scientifically analyze data and details and make decisions based on logic.

I don't believe there is one better way to make a decision - each of us have our own ways of finding what's right for ourselves. I do think, however, that there are a few things that each of us can do in order to feel confident and clear on the decisions that we need to make in order to keep ourselves 'on course'.

1.) Find Your Authentic Path

Make decisions in your life based on being you. If you notice that someone you respect tends to make decisions based on x,y or z, do not feel you need to do those same things. Some times I look at my colleagues and successful fitness role models and I see what they did to get where they are and I wonder if I should be doing 'that' too. I've tried to follow the path of others to create my own, and in my experience - that just doesn't work. You must find your own path, designed by your authentic self. Sure, you can pick up bits and pieces from the leadership and decision-making patterns of others who 'have arrived', but you must not let go of your own spirit and way. You are perfect in your own sense and when you are authentically you - you create the path you were meant to walk down. Soon, you'll find others want to know your secret and will try to walk your path too. They will learn, too, that they need to develop their own authentic path. (see #3)

2.) Find A Teacher

One of the most powerful opportunities we have in our lives is to develop relationships. While we must be authentic in our own decisions, we all need a little guidance and support. There will be times we fall, fail, misstep, can't hear our own inner voice or are afraid of what that inner voice is telling us. I believe we all have 1-2 teachers in our lives that 'show us the way'. These are people who we have found an undefinable connection with that aren't afraid to show us 'their secrets to success' and help us to come into our own. These are powerful, life-changing teachers who help us to embrace our authentic selves and make the most of every blessing in our lives. While this 'teacher' is an incredible gift in our lives, some of us are afraid to find our own teacher. We are stubborn, think we can do it on our own, or again, afraid of what that teacher may show us. If that is you, I especially challenge you to break out of that wave of thought and be open to allowing your teacher to come into your life. When we are open to receiving, the teacher appears.

3.) Be A Teacher

Just as we seek our teacher for guidance and support, we also have the gift to be the same for someone else. Just as you are open to receiving your teacher and his/her words, know that someone is seeking the same from you. When you notice someone coming to you who has the same dreams and passion, be open to being a teacher for that person. It just may be one of the most rewarding decisions you make... and, don't be afraid to share, 'your secrets'. Remember, we must all find our own path - so even if you show someone else how you 'did it', they must take your way as a lesson, but carve out their own. You never know - you may learn more from your student than you ever imagined.

I challenge you (and me!) this week, to be clear on who your authentic self is. What is ok and not ok in your life? What do you truly believe and want? What makes you authentically different from the crowd? (Celebrate that!) What makes you come fully alive?

Then, spend some time thinking about the 'teacher' who you have in your life and how much of an impact he/she has made in your world. Are you letting him/her in as much as you can? He/she is there in your life for a reason. Let your teacher be a guide for you.

Finally, consider if you are currently serving in the role as 'teacher' to someone else. If not - can you be? Is there someone waiting in the wings for your outreached hand?

And, after all of this thought - I challenge you to 'be open' to seeing your authentic self(and loving it!), letting your teacher in, and being that teacher to someone else. And then, enjoy the journey. You're right on track.

"A great teacher never strives to explain her vision; she simply invites you to stand beside her and see for yourself."-The Rev. R. Inman

*This blog was inspired by a recent conversation I had with an amazing friend of mine, during a night of stories and observations.

How To Never Fail

Would you like the secret to never failing? What if you could learn how to never make a mistake, never take the wrong turn, never say the wrong thing? If there was a way you could guarantee to always have a smooth and easy path, would you want to know?

Well, then I have the answers for you. There are two ways to achieve the above. You may chose one, or the other.

1.) In the words of one of my fitness industry friends & mentor, Kimberly Spreen, 'Do Nothing'. That's right. 'Do Nothing'. In order to never make a mistake, say a wrong word, or turn the wrong way, you must simply never speak, act or do anything. How can you possibly make a mistake if you aren't doing anything? Ok, ok - the point is that there is no way we can ever live where we don't occasionally say something we wish we wouldn't have, or turn right when the directions said straight. These things are just a part of our journey and how we learn.

2.) The true way we can make sure we are always confident with how we speak, act and live is to change how we view the situation. Instead of seeing it as a mistake or failure, see it as a stepping stone to greater understanding of yourself, your journey and your life. Here are some examples of people who thought they were off course at the time, and then realized there was a greater reason why:

• Consider the people who were running late for work at the World Trade Center on 9/11.
• Think about the person who developed the 'Post It'. He discovered the concept after trying to make a new form of glue. The glue didn't work, but the post-it note has now made him a millionaire.
• Imagine 'finding love' when panicking over turning the 'wrong way'. A friend of mine got lost and was late for an appointment and had to stop to ask for directions when she met the man who became her husband.

I've heard leaders say time and again, 'My greatest mistake turned into my greatest success'. Instead of seeing your mistakes, missteps and rough times as failures, I challenge you this week to choose to see them as windows to new adventures, learnings and experiences. Keep your mindset positive and open. Try not to be stuck on what you thought you wanted to do, be or say, but be open to what comes into your life.

'The Last Lecture' author, Randy Pausch, said in his speech, 'Experience is what we get when we don't get what we want.' That experience is typically more valuable than what we had hoped for in our original quest.

'There is something good in all seeming failures. You are not to see that now. Time will reveal it. Be Patient.' -Sri Swami Satchidananda

Here's to your road ahead - may it be positively bumpy, may it have turns you didn't expect and may you end up at a castle far greater than you ever dreamed of...