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#HeardOnPeloton: “I make suggestions, you make decisions.”

Many of you know I’m a huge fan of the Peloton bike. It has been the single greatest resource to get me up and moving. The coaches provide me the encouragement I need to maintain continuity and leave every ride better. Last week, this little inspirational “nugget” stopped me in my tracks, and I promptly added it to my notes on my phone. It was destined to be a blog post.

Anyone else find this statement to be profound? The Peloton instructors offer so much more than the physical challenges on the bike. They bring narratives that remind us we star in the show of our life. God knows that we have too many voices shouting (figuratively) to us at what seems like the majority of our days. We also have these quiet nudges that seem to be the most useful. I like to think of these as God prodding me in one direction or another. Others point to the psychology of human behavior; I suspect both are contributors.

Richard H Thaler’s book, “Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness,” is actually sitting in my read/re-read stack right this minute. The book has mixed reviews but offers value in pointing to the small and subtle pushes that help guide our choices.

For consideration today: How do we identify and think through these? Are they a call to something greater, or perhaps only a distraction?

Ultimately, I believe most of us, stoics and simple minded humans alike, are trying to optimize life. Who doesn’t want to take these suggestions and end up with something for ourselves and our family? The remarkable nature of the human mind and spirit gives us more latitude here than we likely need. It would be easy to have one or two choices, but freedom is a gift that is also a challenge. In my assessment, we simply have to realize the power of the choices we make. We have to go into each day, each meeting, each activity we start or stop… all of it, with a pre-decision. I’ve written about the concept before, but ultimately the thought, which was coined by Mark Batterson (@markbatterson), revolves around what we decide a head of time. “I am going to push myself today. I am going to have an easy ride. I am going to enter this conversation with a heart full of love. I am going to make a healthy choice for my food intake today.” You get the point. We have a world of options that we take in… we listen for the nudges, and then we decide.

Today, I am making a decision to live out my best life. To go forth slowly while praying earnestly for discernment and wisdom. To consider the nudges, but to be aware that not everything or everyone is in my best interest. I am going to surround myself with wise counsel and people who bring out the best in me. How about you?

Cheering you all on! Have an incredible week and enjoy every hour of these beautiful fall days.

Life: Gear changes, adapting and new rhythms…

What a wonderful read. Tunde Oyeneyin was a new instructor at Peloton right around the start of the pandemic. I have my favorite for sure, but Tunde is a nice change up and her bold presence resonates when I need a bit more than a push. I didn’t know her story, but I certainly knew that her youthful spirit brought a bit of spice and that she’s definitely a fire starter & thought provoker. She released her first book, ‘Speak,’ recently. It is sooo good! Trust me, it’s an easy read that offers something universally impactful on every page. And if you don’t really care about all of that, the book just down right looks great. The cover is FANTASTIC! I’d definitely recommend you add it to your summer lake, beach, mountain… or backyard reading list.

Now, let’s dive a bit into the quote above. Tunde happens to be talking about the unexpected deaths of her brother and mom & dad in this context. Throughout the book, she also covers her life experience in education, race and culture, adjusting to new cities, relationships, health/weight challenges, and career changes… effortlessly moving from one very real topic to the next.

The quote above is just flat out the truth. We face all manner of “gear” changes. (My memory of gears is getting my bell bottom jeans caught in them and finding myself with skinned knees. Anyone else?) We often find ourselves having to work through the challenge… questioning whether or not the bike is going to self correct, or if we are the ones who need to make an adjustment. All being real possibilities, including getting stuck and falling face down… or the alternative, pushing through and watching the bike adjust and power through.

I happen to like the idea of “rhythms.” I find myself trying to find the new one in each chapter and season of my life. With fits and starts, I always pray that I will find myself locking in and adapting. Somehow, I always have… I suppose we are all naturally resilient in that way. It’s definitely not at all always easy to find, but there truly is not many better feelings to me than the wind in my hair as the bicycle finds the natural stride of the terrain… movement is indeed medicine. Here’s to a season of honoring where we find ourselves and rocking it to the crazy beautiful rhythm of life.

‘Tis the Season… Energy rising, building momentum and a “should” detox.

Who is so thankful for Spring? It somehow seems magical when the weather is “just perfect” or at least “near perfect” and you can put on your tennis shoes and get a walk in… You can almost feel the momentum of your energy building. The impact of getting outside and taking in nature is so important to our overall health and wellness that when the conditions make that possible, we should take the hint and get moving.

As many of you know, I am a Peloton fan, and specifically that of Robin Arzon. I find her to be just what I need with a balance of motivation, real talk and a bit more than a gentle push… all in the spirit of helping us achieve whatever is best for us. That’s important because she readily acknowledges that all levels and all seasons of life are represented in her virtual classes, and often encourages modification. Somehow I think it is really important that all of us know that in life – whether it’s in fitness, food, mental wellness, spiritual, financial…or “name a segment of life” – modification is important. Sure, I know personally that I need pushed out of my comfort zone, but overall, if I am going to sustain pretty much anything, I need to fully be able to “modify” without feeling bad, weak, or anything that’s not supportive (or else… I’ll just stop… anyone else?).

In a class I took last week, Robin shared that she was going on a “should detox.” How awesome is that? Simply, replace “should” with “can!” As in, replace “I should have had a salad, but the pasta on the menu is what they are known for, so I really just had to…” with “I can have the pasta, but it’s not in alignment with where I want to be right now in my physical health, so I am going to choose the salad.” Okay, so that was too easy, but you get the point.

Who wants to see their ENERGY RISE even higher this Spring? I am at the front of the line. Along with the beautiful Spring days and the endless opportunities we have to step into our power through healthy decisions… for example, the “should detox,”… we have all we need to get moving and inspire ourselves and each other to action. I’d love to hear your tips… I know my friend Michelle would say “play Pickle Ball as much as possible,” and Anaxis would say, “increase your water.” I could go on! It’s energizing to share ideas on a topic that brings us so much good. Perhaps this week, our goal could be to start our conversations by asking for others to share their tips. In doing so, we can literally raise the ENERGY and VIBRATION of the environment around us!

Have an incredible week my friends!

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Let’s have some urgency over our lives

What does that mean to you? The comment has stuck with me since I heard it.

Robin Arzon is an outstanding Peloton instructor, but more than anything, she is a motivator through and through. A year or so ago I did a series on the blog called #HeardOnPeloton… almost all courtesy of her passion and ability to share it with enough power to get your attention. We all need more people like Robin surrounding us. People who speak LIFE, STRENGTH and ENCOURAGEMENT. Anyone else agree?

As we step into the year ahead, we have an open canvas available for us to create and curate beautifully. One really great step is to ask God what He has for us in this season… Asking ourselves, what is my season declaration? How do I claim this BOLDLY? Run toward – not stroll leisurely, to use Eugene Peterson’s words.

“…I want you to get out there and walk-better yet, run! On the road God called you to travel. I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline-not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each in acts of love.”

Ephesians, 4:1-2-Message version

My declaration/”word” of the year is IMAGINE. As in design, build, create… I am claiming this for so many reasons, but primarily, I want to advance good in this world. I have found that in order to do this, I need to stay positioned in prayer and surrounded by people that throw around kindness and their brilliance around like confetti. How about you? As we go into week two of 2022, I am praying for each of you and believe in our collective power to make this year the very best year!

Simple Thoughts Sunday: BYOS

Let’s keep the conversation this year on what brings us to our best selves. Bringing forward an agenda of wholeness resonates with me. The world delivers up some interesting distractions for all of us that can so easily take us off the course we planned or hoped for. (Hello, crazy week one in America.) If we are going to achieve our “life plan” if you will, then it is up to us to cultivate just that.

That’s where today’s “Simple Thoughts Sunday” comes in. “Bring your own sunshine and swagger.” (Another shout out to Peloton’s Robin Arzon.) Her point: Sometimes we just have to BRING IT. My experience would prove that we have to BRING IT most of the time.

This old saying comes to mind: “If it is to be… it’s up to me.” Regardless of where it came from (lord knows I can’t remember), it’s spot on. We have to remember that energy begets energy, kindness; kindness, positivity; positivity, discipline; discipline… To me, no matter what, bringing my full self is the most important intention and action I can take. Getting the sleep, to have the focus in the morning, eating nutrient rich food to nourish my body, reading to fuel my mind and spur on creativity, etc. Every detail adds up to ensuring this is not only possible, but it’s probable. Literally setting yourself up for success.

Several years ago when I became focused on a more healthy physical lifestyle I came across this idea of “automation” of our habits to ensure success. That’s been a game changer. Here’s a great article that will give you more depth on the ideas, and of course, if you haven’t read James Clear’s book, “Atomic Habits,” that is a really important read. I just checked and it’s now only $11.98 on Amazon. That will be the best money you’ve spent in years, I assure you! (If you don’t take the time to open the article or get the book, here’s one example of automating… use smaller plates to reduce caloric intake… That’s it… It’s that easy!)

Life it short. Life is amazing and it is in our court to achieve our hopes. Let’s BRING IT this week… full sunshine… full swagger…!

Search for where the light comes in

Happy Sunday! As I talk about often, Robin Arzon (@robinnyc), is the Peloton instructor I use the most. She is flat-out inspiring. On her Thanksgiving ride, she talked about this thought of “noticing or searching for where the light comes in.” It was profound. Here’s the line of thought:

The light has come in this year when…

My friend Joann had me over to her back patio for a surprising weekday breakfast with her warm spirit and incredible coffee, and gorgeous backyard that she has cultivated with her loving hands.

The pure joy of my sons when graduating from college this spring and a special ray of light when we had a modified “Aggie Ring ‘COVID’ at-home ceremonial ring dunking!” (If you are familiar with Texas A&M, this will make total sense.)

My son and his beautiful wife getting married in the most perfect backyard wedding this summer in Michigan. The fun dance Sam and I did is a forever memory and watching her mother and her grandfather dance was charming.

Watching the chickens and ducks and turkeys fly out of their coup in the morning light each day… the energy they express shouts “let’s do this!” So refreshing.

The endless stories of hope and resilience surrounding us. When I simply walk the halls at our clinics, I witness love in action as our patients are cared for so well. The intention of the team in preparing for each patient visit is extraordinary.

Watching our country unify around the Black Lives Matter movement. Witnessing our country seemingly truly trying to understand the depth of the issues and begin to course correct.

Watching online as my friends Gary and Trisha battled cancer as a team. He showed everyone what it looks like to truly stand by your partner and shine in the midst of a lot of pain.

Seeing online that my dear friend Kathy is truly embracing life and full joy as her and her husband enjoy early retirement, whether traveling across the country in their RV, or enjoying campground weekends with family, she shines a light on life.

The simplicity of being at home versus traveling so much for work this year.

My friends, the light comes in each day if only we will look and call it out in gratitude. This is the perfect time of year to soak in all that God has delivered. As the light peaks in each day, we can feel confident that his presence surrounds us and that his true delight is in bringing us joy overflowing.

*I don’t know about you, but even typing this out – thinking through the top-of-mind scenarios – made me crave documenting a lot more. It may be fun this week to spend some time with this exercise… Let me know if you do! Ann Voskamp did 1,000 of these in her book 1,000 gifts… I think with some time that could be terrific goal.

47 Days: A plan to finish the year strong

47 Days. That’s the magic number until the page turns again. This one into a year of great expectation –– 2021. But a lot can happen in 47 days to make this one count even more so we should be alert. Each and every day is a gift, as we have learned this year.

During one of my Peloton bike rides this week, Alex Toussaint –– who I think is a flat-out amazing instructor due to his outrageous ability to encourage –– cited the phrase in the photo above…

My thought: Let’s find it… (rhythm, groove and pace). Let’s find it today and let’s recommit to it everyday… Let’s countdown the next 47 days by listening to every bit of uplifting music and reading and watching only what positions us for positive and forward momentum. Let’s focus our last thoughts and actions each day with a focus toward building the energy all around us.

This post is for Sunday and as I often like to do as a grounding exercise, I turn to the scripture for guidance and seeking wisdom or discernment. Throughout the last few weeks, the recurring message is two-fold. The first is on the need to serve those in need. To turn any attention from my own personal challenges and those the world imposes, to the real needs that literally surround me. “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,” (Matthew 25:35)

Let’s expand that … “For I was sad, For I was anxious, for I was overwhelmed…” You get the idea. These words are a call for us to look up and to see that no matter if it’s a smile, a kind word, physical help or sharing our resources…there is a need at every corner, and we are just the people to do that.

The second message has been the initial focus of this blog… the need for us all to SHIFT into all that is good and plentiful and brings gratitude. The scripture, “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- If anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things.” Philippians 4:8) We have 47 days remaining… let’s finish strong, let’s finish with locked arms toward building community and shining light in every dark corner that we approach.

Sending my love and prayers.

(Mom update: She remains under Hospice care at a local nursing home. She is holding her own and we honor each day and trust in knowing that God will carry forward the perfect plan. Your love and prayers have been what has and continues to hold us all up through this season. We are blessed beyond. Thank you.)

What legacy do you need to honor today?

What is the definition of legacy? According to the dictionary, a legacy is a gift that is handed down, endowed or conveyed from one person to another. My father gave me the gift of his work ethic and my mother the gift of humor. (One of my favorite experiences with her has been over the past few years, just laughing together. That came later in life, and I mention it because I want people to know it’s never too late to be given a new gift, memory, or profound experience. In other words, your parents or others may not have “bestowed” or even have been able to do so when you were a child, yet the legacy is tremendous whenever we receive it.)

My grandparents endowed their spiritual beliefs and a strong value system, of which me and generations after me will be so thankful. My uncle, gentleness and grace. My sister has given me unconditional love and support no matter what. And my brother, pure happiness with his simultaneously strong and fun spirit.

I can think of teachers who conveyed pure kindness and deep empathy and friends that have given me joy in the face of life’s difficulties. Heck, I can even think of authors and speakers, that have used their gifts to inspire me and spur me on toward growth. All of these and more have strengthened me by sharing their gifts.

I share these to get your minds to stir up those in your life that have impacted you. Those who have made you better and stronger and helped create your story. Legacy is not always from someone who is no longer with us… We can and should in fact take time to honor those who are still present. To acknowledge their impact, express our gratitude and reinforce their purpose. When I was preparing this, I found some insights on writing down your legacy and why you may want to do so …

  1. Embrace how much you have learned from life.
  2. Offer a gift of your learning, experience and values to others.
  3. Tell someone how much they have meant to you and give a blessing.
  4. Recognize what’s most important as you navigate the road ahead

This idea of “Whose legacy do you need to honor” today came from the epic @robinnyc, my favorite Peloton instructor. I hope you will take time to honor someone today who has or is making an impact on your life. Spreading joy is oh so important and today seems like the absolute perfect time to do just that.

Wants versus needs

Throwing it back to another one of my #HeardOnPeloton posts from last summer. This feels really important right now. With July just days away, many of us are trying to figure out how to safely sneak in a vacation, a road trip, or anything that gives us time to decompress before the next school year. And we’re doing all of this in the face of so much unknown and anxiety.

Now more than ever, we need to look inward and really get in sync with what our minds and bodies are saying they need –– not just want.

Take care of yourself, friends. Cheering you on!