Plan B

What do you think of Plan B?
I was out for a run yesterday and it came to me that this plan just might be as good or better than the original plan!! You would have 4 of your girls here...just think of the fun we'd have!!!

And the timing of the Rider game is PERFECT!!

Life's not always perfect and it seems, sometimes, that just when we plan for something, it doesn't quite work out how we hope it will. But, Mom, you're the very best and creating an even better "Plan B" and no matter what the plan is over the next couple weeks,you've taught us so well to have hope and make the best of any situation.

Thank you for all of these little life lessons that you've inspired all of us to follow and learn from. I sure hope we can make this plan b work out....

Gwen and I are going to cross our fingers!!
love you both,
Crystal

An invisible string...

Hi Mom,
Thinking of you and Don this morning, sending you lots of wishes and good thoughts.
Gwen and I are so sad that you aren't able to make it out, but we'll be home soon for Christmas and I can hardly wait! Please tell Don that he's in all of our thoughts.

In the interim, it's good to know that even though we're not all in the same city, we're all connected to one another with an invisible string made of love, strength, hope and friendship that is stronger than anything.

More to come later today.

Later...
After working this morning and focusing on some projects that I need to finish, I'm taking a little break and then going for a long run in the sun. When I get back, I'm making soup with some vegi's that I bought from the vegi farm (out on Benvoulin Rd). The pumpkins there are HUGE!

We really wish you and Don were coming out next week to celebrate Thanksgiving, the Rider game and our wonderful family! Gwen and I are really sending Don the vibes today (and every day) and we hope he knows how much he's loved.
Mom, you are the greatest at looking at the bright side of things...and that's just what we're all to do, I guess. Look at the bright side...and rely on that invisible string when we need to.

I love you, Mom.
Missing you today.
Always here for you Mom and forever connected...
Love Crystal

2 Simple Instructions from the Hawaiian Surfer

The course this weekend was amazing!!!

Gwen and I made it home around mid-night lastnight after a long drive home.
We made the 6pm ferry which was awesome. We had a reservation for the 5pm but it was cancelled. Luckily they moved us to the 6pm ferry b/c there was a 2 sailing wait and we would not have gotten out until 10:00pm if we didn't have a reservation.

Then, once in Vancouver, we found or way, we got lost, we almost got to the USA border and then we finally got back on track...arriving home safe and sound, just a little tired.

It was a fantatic weekend! I don't even know where to start to tell you about it!

One of the siimplest yet most profound points the instructor mentioned has stuck with me. Two simple instructions that hear learned from a Hawaiian.

Number 1:
Remember who you are.
Number 2:
Step into your power.

Sounds easy...but is it really?

This is wisdom that you could have shared in exactly those words - simple and to the point. You certainly instilled these instructions in us, growing up.

Even with you as a parent, the most amazing Mom in the world, it's not easy to do these things though...at least not from my experience or what I see around me. Even in my business classes, my students think their greatest problem is finding the money. My response to that it, "If you really had everything else together, the money would find you." Then, in my classes we talk about the real things holding us back...like fear, bad timing, lack of skills, resources or confidence and other things like not knowing where to start or lacking the courage to know where to start and even the not so simple task of simply taking a leap of faith.

The course this weekend was totally enlightening in many ways and I can't wait to learn more. It's a blend of psychology and kinesiology (a fancy word for muscle testing and how the body responds to certain mental/emotional thoughts. Totally up my alley. I felt like I was right at home!

Anyway, more on that later.
For now, I've got to practise my guitar. Gwen was a star on her uki. She was going to teach me a few things but when I tried to tune my guitar with her uki tuner (and my lack of ability) it didn't work out very well and I had to take it in to the music store today to ask them to tune it. Suffice it to say that, right now, you'd want me to play with "earphones" like on the organ, if you could hear me!




:)
Love you, Mumsy!
Can't wait to see you!!!
Crystal

It's all about our thoughts...and beliefs!

This little poem is amazing...and life is, indeed, about our character, as the title suggests...but it's even more about our thoughts...
and
beliefs!




Gwen and I are at this amazing workshop this weekend in Victoria and it's all about our beliefs, thoughts, stuff inside our brain...and how that has a huge impact on EVERYTHING that happens in life!

There are a million quotes said about "thoughts" and "beliefs".

We become what we think about most of the time...

Thoughts are things...

Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it will achieve...

We won't see it...until we believe it.

It was an amazing day! So much learning, so much great information, and so much familiarity!

When I was about 20, I wanted to learn more about kinesiology, muscle testing, the power of the mind and how our beliefs influence our lives. Then I sort of lost touch with this inner calling and finished university, went on to move to Kelowna, etc. and time went by.

I always remembered my interest in muscle-testing, the power of unconscious thoughts and positive thinking and how "our perception is our reality"...but never focused on these things specifically.

Well, today was sort of like "coming home" for me. Even the facilitator and some of the other participants seemed oddly familiar. It was fascinating.

I knew I was meant to be here. It was as if I could finish the sentences of the facilitator. I knew what he was going to say before he finished saying it. I can often feel what someone is feeling or I can sometimes receive an awareness of other people's thoughts...not really reading their thoughts...just sort of intuitively being aware of what is going on. (Of course...there are other times when I'm so absorbed with myself that I have no clue what anyone around me is thinking or feeling!)

Regarding the intuitive moments I experience, I know I get this from you, Mom. Except that you have this gift in a much more powerful way than I do. (The not so intuitive moments...the self-absorbed times...we both know where I get that from! kidding!)

Anyway, it was an extraordinary day! I loved every moment! I'm here in bed, feeling so happy to be here! Gwen is out with Britta for the evening. I'm so excited for tomorrow!

I find it interesting that I'm finally here, studying what I was drawn to so many years ago. I believe in my heart that this is a piece of what I am called to do in my life's work. I did know this years ago, too, but I guess the timing wasn't right until now.

I have faith that everything unfolds in life as it's meant to. And my life seems to be unfolding in ways that I dreamed of, prayed about and wished for.

Thank you Mom - for encouraging me to dream!
Thank you God - for hearing every word in every prayer I've uttered!
And thank you universe - for all the stars (and 4-leaf clovers) I've wished upon!

I love you Mom.
Crystal

3 Little Things When Going On A Road Trip

Hi Mom,
Sorry I've been away...working in Penticton all week and now in Victoria with Gwen! Great to talk to you en route!! Love you. This is a photo of the sunset we saw from the car as we drove. It was a gorgeous drive. Gwen drove the entire way. She's amazing. I was so tired of driving after driving to/from Penticton all week. I sat in the passenger seat making snacks for her and we laughed and talked the whole way! Oh my God, we had fun. We left very early and had over an hour of time to relax and wait at the ferry terminal.

Living intentionally:
1. plan ahead: we made a reservation on the ferry so we could be first in line and get on the ferry with no worries. The 9pm sailing was the last one and we didn't want to miss it.
2. leave early: we left early and had lots of extra time in case of any problems on the road. There were no problems and the weather was perfect but it was nice to have some extra time and not worry about a thing.
3. leave the radio off: we didn't turn on the radio once. We just talked and laughed the whole way. 4 hours of sister visiting and fun. We both feel so blessed - for a bit of sister time; to live so close to one another and to come from such an amazing family.

love you,
will write tonight,
love Crystal

Going against the grain...

Mom,
I had a simple but totally totally awesome revelation today...and it reminded me of you.
This week, I'm driving to Penticton all week for work. I leave in the morning, heading against the much larger flow of traffic that is heading into town and I have a smooth, very un-crowded drive south. Then, on the way home, I head back to Kelowna at the end of the day, when everyone else is leaving Kelowna. It's a lovely drive...against the flow of traffic.

It made me think of life...and how it's often wiser to go against the grain, and behave in ways that are opposite of the rest of the masses.

For example, when everyone else is selling their houses...perhaps I should not be selling mine....but rather - buying theirs. It's a buyer's market right now, after all.

Or when everyone else is buying stocks for investments...maybe I should not be so quick to buy, right along with them, but sell instead.

Or, when someone is selling a run-down business that has seen better days...and nobody will even look in that direction or consider it's viability because the opportunity is disguised as a 'dump'...only to be revealed and discovered through vision and hard work! Yes...that's the time to jump in and seize the opportunity...like the hostel almost 12 years ago...when everyone else is running in the other direction. Thank God nobody wanted to buy it back then, leaving it for sale for almost a year before we came cross it. I can't believe no one saw the opportunity there, just underneath the surface.

In our family, we learned to go against the grain, not to blindly follow and that "opportunity is often disguised as hard work" and great things don't always come easy and they're not always shiny and new.

I think it's that way with a lot of things. The value in a building, any item and even in people might be hidden or concealed...and we just have to uncover it to see it...Polish it up, refinish the surface areas and then look at it shine. Or...with people...listen to them, pay attention to the details, validate their concerns rather than minimize them, show that we care...show just a little thoughtfulness...and then watch them shine.

Now that's amazing.

I know this is what happens...b/c people in my life = family, friends, loved ones, God...seem to be polishing me until I shine.

Mom, thank you for polishing us till we shine...by loving us, by showing us that opportunities are often concealed as hard work and by showing us to go against the grain and not just follow the masses.

love you,
Crystal

Finish strong.

When I was training for my first Ironman, back in 2001, my coach said, "Save a little energy so that you finish strong."

He went on to say that "how you feel at the end of your race...whether you're happy and full of energy....or tired, exhausted and beaten by the day...that will have a lasting impression on you forever...much more than what the finish clock says."

I was pretty scared, in that first race, unsure of what to expect or how the day would go. So I saved a lot of energy for the end. And feeling good, feeling happy, enjoying my family and friends who were all down to cheer...now that did have a huge impact on me. Feeling good gave me lots of opportunity to enjoy the day and enjoy the finish...and celebrate with everyone. It's always left a wonderful memory etched in my mind and spirit, when I think of the past.

Maybe I should have tried harder - in that race. And in everything in my life. I know I certainly do "save a little" just in case. I'm not sure I lay it all out on the table...or on the line...until now. Lately, it's felt great to give life all I've got...whether it's out in the jungle or other areas of my life. Not that I'm perfect...I'm certainly not. I could be a better friend, not drop so many balls (and I drop a fair few!), and be more focused and more organized and be more thoughful and follow through a bit more on things...and I could go on and on forever here...but I'm trying...trying to finish unfinished things on my long list as well as lay it all on the line a little more.

And...I'm going to give the last 3 months of this wonderful year of intentional living the best I've got...and finish strong. I can't believe the past 9 months have gone by so fast. I can hardly believe all that's happened over the past year...all the wonderful, terrific and amazing things, experiences and moments.

It's overwhelming to look back and see how far we've come!

Even still, I can say that I probably could have done more. Tried harder. Been more focused....

BUT...that's life. (And it feels good to just "tag that toe and let it go" when it comes to feeling guilty...

OH! LIghtbulb moment....living intentionally might be about living guilt-free... forgiving myself and letting myself off the hook a little for not being perfect...and just letting go of the past...

Wow! Wouln't that be amazing! Wouldn't that help people finish strong...I know it would certainly help me!

I'm here now...and I'm going to finish strong!

I love you Mom. Thank you for making it OK that I'm not perfect and that a race finish time or medal or even finishing doesn't mean anything to you...all that mattered to you was that I made it out of the swim alive and was happy...which was an example to me that it's OK to save a little so I finish strong and not get too wrapped up in running someone else's race (or trying to keep up to someone else's pace). All that matters is running my own race, at my own pace and doing the best I can in this moment.

And, truly, every day, I think we all do the best we can on that day - in that moment - and it's really pointless to say or think or feel, "Oh, I could have done better." Because...really...if we could have done better...we would have done better.

Tonight, I made a little island on the living room floor with a big blanket after I got home from teaching in Penticton. And then, I got a few books, a couple pillows, my laptop and the phone...and I stayed on the island reading, talking to Amelie on the phone for an hour, writing a few emails to friends and playing with Scotia.

I love being on the "island"... in touch and out of reach.

And a little island time is a great way to get back to my center so that I can finish strong.

I love you.
See you soon!
love Crystal

Give a little...take a little

Give a little...
On Saturday I gave a speech to some runners in a "learn to run" clinic at the Running Room on goal-setting and motivation. I feel so honoured to be asked to give a speech (whether I'm paid in cash or in 30% off coupons for new runners) because there's just something so humbling, for me, in that people want to hear what I have to say.

Who knew?

Most (if not all) of what I've learned has been through experience...and it's so true that most "experience" is either gained by trial and error or through making mistakes or by sheer luck (and I'm lucky to be pretty lucky).

In my speech, I told the group some of my trials and tribulations...and how I've learned quite a bit of how to do things right...by first, doing them wrong. Completely wrong!

I shared my experience of learning to run...and my first marathon...when I was on a training run with a friend (14 years ago) and it the 20 mile run, the last big run before the race, and I had 2 gatorade bottles that I was carrying...and I didn't want to carry them both...so I drank one whole bottle of gatorade before starting the run, so I wouldn't have to carry it. It seemed like good logic at the time, but about two hours in to the run, things started to go sideways...

I bonked.

The big sugar rush (of that entire gatorade bottle) wore off and I hit the wall completely.

With an hour still to go...I walked the last 5 miles home alone...vowing never to do that again.

I shared 5 key points in my talk...
1. Have a goal. For me, to be inspired, I've got to aspire towards something.
2. Know why you're running. (I shared the story of running 100km, raising $ for the women in Africa. It was a good story. It's hard to believe we ran 100km all in one day. We're just planning our 6th annual Great Big Run For Africa right now...and in the past 5 years, we've raised over $100,000...not bad for 4 girls-a couple meetings/year-each taking turns on what's become a relay run-and laughing in the RV all day!
3. Pay attention to the stories in you're head. I shared the example of how, for my entire life, I've thought I was not a good runner, even though I've done lots of running...and how one person can make such a positive influence when they help you change the story in your head... When Eric told me I was a good runner (He had to state specific examples of my running...and I still didn't really believe it...) but during the race, I told myself "I'm a good runner!" over and over and over...and...apparently...telling myself this new story seemed to make it come true.
4. Join a group. This one was self-explanitory...Simply put - we're better together. And we can go farther (in life and on a run) when surrounded by friends.
5. Find someone that believes in you. I ended with my story of Pete and how he did his best to teach me how to swim (in 3 weeks) for my first triathlon...and I went from there, barely finishing, to the Ironman within a year.

I think I've done about 30 of these speeches, on various topics, for the Running Room. I feel very blessed to meet such amazing people; some learing to run; some elite runners; some somewhere in between...but all totally inspiring b/c they are out there running even though there's a million things that they probably need to do before the day is done. I find the "learn to run" clinic the most inspiring b/c, for these people, running is a far-off dream and they found the courage to somehow show up and give it a try!

Very cool!


And I also took some time for me. Took some time to putter around the house. Took some time to garden for a couple hours. Took some time to play with Scotia. Took some time to look at holiday destinations. Took some time to read. And Relax. Laugh with friends. Listen to Gwen in one of her fabulous performing moments. And talk with friends about ideas, dreams, my career and holiday plans!!!

I think I'm getting my career/calling sorted out! Yes - miracles do happen! Thank GOD!

I went running - ran 2 hours a couple days ago! Felt fabulous! Then, today, I went and did exercises and stretching on the dock. It was gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous!

I feel so blessed!

It feels good to give a little...and take a little.

Love you, Mom.
Can't wait to see you!
Did the Rider's win?
love Crystal

Christmas is coming!!!!!

Christmas is just around the corner!!!
Here's a look at a few photos from years gone by.
I can hardly wait for this year's Christmas fun! Flights are booked!
can't wait to see you and Don!!!
You're amazing, Mom!
Love you,
Crystal
PS: Where on earth did you get this bunch?

Anticipation.

The anticipation of something is almost as good as the thing itself sometimes...

Like when you plan a holiday. I like to plan far in advance so that I can daydream, plan, think about and get excited about the holiday! It's sort of a let-down for me if a holiday is planned on the spur of the moment b/c then I don't get to plan or create/feel the anticipation over everything. And God knows I like to get excited about most anything.

I like to get my suitcase out. Start making a little pile of things to take. Research places to go and things to see. And relish in the thought of going on a holiday...even if it's months away.

I like the anticipation experienced with planning a holiday, going out for dinner or having friends over. Not that I don't love a surprise b/c I do...but then I get to make an "experience" out of it and do/add the little extra things I like to create.

Like you coming out to visit!!! Yay!!!!!!!! Or coming home early for Christmas! Thx for calling tonight Mom. I am booking my flight for Monday or Tuesday before xmas until the 26th. I'm looking forward to being your helper and the cutting/chopping queen! I'll talk to Gwen and we'll book flights asap!!

Here's a photo of Gwen's house decorated for their anniversary. I'm not sure if they had much time to anticipate and celebrate before their anniversary but I think they had a great evening out. You can't tell, but the tiki posters on the garage are actually quite big!


Right now I'm planning a few things that will give lots of opportunity for anticipation....a surfing holiday, some new work plans that are in the works and another ironman race next year (you didn't think that could possibly have been the last, I hope.) :)

Love you, Mom.
Thanks for your call!
It's so nice to talk with you!
You're really make everyone's day with just a few minutes with you.
See you soon,
Love Crystal

Real life can be so funny....

911 Phone Call that a 4 year old boy made...

Operator: 911 emergencies
Boy: Yeah, I need some help.
Operator: What’s the matter?
Boy: With my math.
Operator: With your mouth?
Boy: No with my math. I have to do it. Will you help me?
Operator: Sure. Where do you live?
Boy: No with my math.
Operator: Yeah, I know it. Where do you live though?
Boy: No, I want you to talk to me over the phone.
Operator: No, I can’t do that. I can send someone to help you.
Boy: Okay, um.
Operator: What kind of math do you have that you need help with?
Boy: I have take aways.
Operator: Oh you have to do the take aways.
Boy: Yeah
Operator: Alright, what’s the problem?
Boy: Um, you have to help me with my math.
Operator: Okay. Tell me what the math is.
Boy: Okay. 16 take away 8 is what?
Operator: You tell me. How much do you think it is?
Boy: I don’t know. 1?
Operator: No. How old are you?
Boy: I’m only 4.
Operator: 4!
Boy: Yeah.
Operator: Yeah. What’s another problem? That was a tough one.
Boy: Um, Oh here’s one. 5 take away 5?
Operator: 5 take away 5 and how much do you think that is?
Boy:5!
Woman: Johnny what do you think you are doing?!
Boy: The policeman is helping me with my math.
Woman: What did I tell you about going on the phone?
Operator: It’s the mother...
Boy: You said if I need help to call somebody.
Woman: I didn’t mean the police!

http://www.wimp.com/kidmath/


Oh My GOD...this is so funny, I can hardly stop from laughing. I've listened to this so many times, I think I can recite it entirely. It's hilarious! (Well...maybe not for the mother...but for the rest of the world, it's priceless!)

Real life can be so funny! And having the ability to laugh at real life, especially when things aren't sooooo funny, would be a real gift and a great way to maneuver through any situation.

Mom, I bet you could write a book on all the funny stories of your kids and grand-kids....
HEY...that's a great idea!!!!!!!!!!

Lets talk about it when you get here! I can't wait for you and Don to arrive!!!
Love you!!!!
Crystal

It's never too late...

It's never too late in the year to have a backyard party! All you need to do is string up some lights, get some blankets and build a little fire.

And add a little wine or Bailey's and hot chocolate and good friends.

It's also never too late to learn to play the guitar...or dance...or go back to school...or try something new.

It's never too late to say "I'm sorry" or try again for most things.

It's really never too late to change careers or create a new one.

It's never to late for anything!

It's never too late to get married...(Thanks Mom!) (And...um...no...don't get any ideas!)

And it's definitely never too late to celebrate a gorgeous day, like today, where there's not a cloud in the sky! The sunrise was absolutely stunning!


I'm sure it's never too late in the fall for one more trip to the beach.


Thank God it's also never too late to fix an old fridge! It gets fixed today! Hard to believe it's made in 2001. It looks almost new.










Mom, thanks for teaching me that it's never too late to try!
I love you!
Crystal
PS I miss you! When are you guys coming out!! I've got the suite ready for you and Don!!
PPS It's really never too late to make the bus in highschool with you watching out the kitchen window....or the garbage truck...if you run really fast and roll your garbage bin to the next block where the truck hasn't been yet!

Just start on SOMETHING!

"That's enough!"
Yes...that is just about enough! (I can hear you saying this Mom, in exactly your tone.)

No more missing my daily post to you, Mom. No more running around in circles. No more spinning my wheels stuck in one place.

While trying to be intentional and be in the present moment, I've got to just start on something!

I seem to be stuck in some sort of holding pattern right now. I think it's caused by my indecision and lack of clarity around my work and the direction I want to take in my career. I know I'm on the verge of something AMAZING but I'm not exactly sure what that is.

I've worked hard this past year and for several years. And there's been much of that time that I knew I was doing exactly what I was supposed to be doing...and now it feels like I've sort of outgrown where I've been but I'm not exactly sure what I'm supposed to be growing into.

Secretly, I think all the work in the jungle was somehow divinely created to give me reason to slow down and be in one place, focusing on something physical that needed my attention so that I didn't have to really think. (And I thank God that it doesn't seem to end...although this is the last of the jungle offerings for this year. I picked the last peaches a few days ago and the rhubarb too. :(


I know I'm exactly where I am supposed to be...in this house...surrounded by family and friends that I love and who love me...and creating space to allow the future to unfold.

But it's FRUSTRATING! It would be easy if I was content teaching my business programs...or facilitating workshops or...or...or...AND WHILE I LOVE ALL OF THOSE THINGS...I feel that I'm being called somewhere else...to something of much greater impact on a much larger scale (not that I'm to be moving/travelling so much...b/c I don't think that's the case...but I do feel that my level of influence or what ever it is that I'm to be doing next will have a far-reaching impact to/for others.

It's very exciting. But I am frustrated. Unsure. Sort of lost. Wishing someone would tell me what to do.

Yet...I know the answer will come from within and I just have to wait and be open to it and trust that even if I don't know where I'm going, there's a higher calling that is guiding me. And I do believe that.....I just wish I knew where we were going!

For now, I realize that I have to tie up a few loose ends. Start on SOMETHING! And remain open to the gorgeous sunrise tomorrow!

This was the sunrise this morning and it was a glorious moment...one that made me stand there in awe, mesmerized.

And even if it's cloudy tomorrow (the forecast is for rain), it can still be sunny in my world...if I just get started on something and not let myself get too frustrated by this process of growth.

Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.

At least I'm grateful that I'm growing a little...and not going through a stagnant change.

Mom, I love you. That's enough. No more spinning my wheels. I've got lots to get to before you get here. Most of which are activities that I think God has designed for me to experience "being" in while doing them.

Love you.
See you soon.
Crystal

Mom,
I heard a great line today when watching an educational video. It said;

"If children have interest, education happens."

It's not only true of children but adults, too.

The video also mentioned "the method of the grandmother", which was to have a person stand behind students and admire them and say "Great job. You're doing really well." (This is what you do for all your grandkids and kids! Thank you, by the way.)

So, anyway, the video talked about learning and how people (not just children) learn when they're interested in something and are self-directed (meaning they go and research the answer). It was very COOL!

It made me think of what I could be doing with my future...how I could make a difference somehow in my own way...and while I don't know exactly what my calling is, it's never too late to keep trying.

After all, Sister Madonna is almost 80 and doing Ironman races. You and Don got married at 70! (I loved when you said "There's still hope for you, honey. Look at me!" (in reference to getting married at 70) :) I know a lady who went to university at 65 and became a counsellor at 69.

You're right, Mom, there's lots of hope and time for all great things to happen...
This past year has been one extraordinary year...and the one coming will be even better.

I just saw a commercial that said, "Are you reaching your potential? Your calling is calling." (That's a bit ironic and sit here writing you and thinking about my calling. WEIRD!!

Anyway, I'm rambling...but I did do my 3 little things towards my goal yesterday and today, I'm gonna get there, too! Yay! Small steps. As Cindy says, "keep moving forward". Yesterday, I went out for a long run and found myself in the pouring rain, scrambling up a dirt embankment (looking for a shortcut), laughing to myself. It was a great adventure! Sort of like life.

Today, I had a few stumbling blocks though...the freezer (with all the frozen cherries and peaches in it) died today. I think it's the whole freezer and fridge, actually, but for now, I just care about the freezer's contents. I took as much as I could to the downstairs fridge and then went out to buy a little freezer. It's plugged in and cooling now...so I think your fruit will be OK. At least I hope so. I'll check into a new fridge tomorrow.

I love you, Mom.
Thank you for sharing the true essence of the method of the grandmother to all of us!
Crystal

"Doing" vs "Being"

The past few days, I was busy "doing"....but not "being".

Doing a lot of things...work for a few clients, a workshop for a local business, lots of stuff for the hostel, spending time in he backyard jungle, hosting a party with some friends, more errands for the hostel, etc.

But something was missing.

I wasn't "being" in the moment. I was just doing all of these things. Like checking things off a checklist. (Not very intentional, I know.) Somewhere in the last couple days, I forgot to just "be".

I have not been entirely cranky the past few days...but I've been a bit off the last day or so. For sure, yesterday, I was irritable b/c my neck's been sore, giving me headaches. Poor Poopy pants me! (It would be a good name for me right now. Not literally - but figuratively.)

Inside voice: Thank GOD I'm not injured or sick very often. I don't think I'd handle it very well. I'm so used to functioning at 90-100%. I admire and respect anyone who deals with being sick, disabled or injured SO MUCH!

So...I'm thinking...was I off yesterday b/c of my neck or what?
....am I needing something? Missing something? Hhhhmmmmm? I'm not sure, but it'll be something to think about.

I think what it really is...is that just forgot something...how good things really are!

‎"Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are." Marianne Williamson

In my workshop the other day, the group was amazing. One of the rare businesses and teams that have it right! They work so well together, honestly like eachother, have very low staff turnover and seem very motivated from the inside out! It was amazing to be a part of their group for a day.

In the workshop, I gave them each a copy of my "90 Day Challenge" and invited them to participate in a challenge for the next 90 days....
1. Pick 2 goals (large or small, work or personal in nature)
2. Every day - do 3 tiny little things towards achieving those goals

If we did that, that would be 3 little things per day x 3 months = 270 little tiny steps towards our goals and dreams! (And if we forget or don't get these things done, that's OK too...just move on to the next day with no hard feelings or guilt!)

So...I decided to take the challenge too!

My two goals are:
1. learn to play the guitar = at least 5 songs
2. focus on my fitness and health

It's going to be a fun 90 days...

Mom, I think I might have let my mouth get away on me...b/c I told the group that I'd come in and play the guitar for them at the end of the 90 days!

Uh Oh!

It's time to start being....AND doing! I'm totally excited b/c I said one of my goals out loud and said I would commit to something....I gave my word. There's no going back now!

Mom, I'm sorry I have not written much lately. It was a busy week. And I think I lost sight of myself the past few days, just busy doing and not being. (and not living intentionally). I'm sorry!

Simply taking time to write, think about you, slow down and just be feels like a bridge to living more intentionally.

Thank you, Mom.
Love you,
Crystal

PS

PS: Practising what I preach feels pretty good. A 40 minute run on the trail this mornning really does make for a great start to the day...and now...I really must get to work!

What are you called to do?

I've been thinking about this question for years. I ask myself this question often. I ask this question in all my programs and workshops. I encourage and push people to dig deep and figure out what they are called to do.

I know and feel that I'm on the right track, moving in the direction of what I am called to do...but I'm not there yet. Sometimes I feel like I am moving forward...sometimes...moving 2 steps backwards.

Sometimes I have felt that I'm doing exactly what I am called to do. And then a year later, I'm not satisfied with whatever that was anymore...and am craving a bit of a change or something different in my career. Perhaps that's just evolution or growth. Who would want to do the exact same thing for years on end without growing, changing or evolving...so I think it's great that I'm always wanting to get better and figure out where my spirit is being called.

I just know there is more out there for me in my career. I know I am not at my potential yet. (Thank God! Wouldn't it be sad to know that the best days of my career have already passed...and I'm not even 40!) I know that I've got more to give, more to share and more inspiring to do.

And to do that, I've just got to be present, listen to my intuition and use my head but follow my heart.

This year, I am grateful as I reflect on all these changes; all the simplifying in my life; all the slowing down and being still; all the 'getting real and honest with myself'; all the de-cluttering in my surroundings and in my soul; all the work; all the changes (the new house, slowing down and refocusing on my priorities, re-evaluation of my entire life to live more intentionally) are paying off, I think.

I feel so much more joyful and joy-filled, more inspired, more at peace and more calm and relaxed.

And yet again, I just need to focus now...focus on a just a few things at a time, not everything all at once, and show up every day to follow through on those few things.

I used to have a saying that I would tell my clients/participants in my groups;

"Become more than you were when you woke up this morning."

If we just show up and become a little more, every day, then...at the end of the month, year or decade...those tiny little steps taken every day to become just a tiny bit more...will have an exponential effect on our lives.

What this really says to me is to simply practise what I preach. Follow my own advice. Maybe even do my own "90 Day Challenge" workbook that I created. (Now, that's a novel idea!)

Mom, you always practise what you preach. It's probably time I did, too.

Thank you.
Love you,
Crystal

Just as I am.

The weather yesterday was a bit dreary. Sort of rainy. Cloudy. And cool.

A perfect day to make dinner and flapper pie for some friends.

You know when you want something to turn out "just right" and you plan, prepare and think it'll all go according to plan...but then, for some strange reason...it doesn't?

That's what happened.

And the moment the milk (for the flapper pie) started boiling over the pot all over the stove, I just knew it was going to be one of those moments that just don't go according to plan.

I think I uttered a few profanities (well...lets be honest...I know I did!) and trying to salvage the situation when flustered and nervous can only lead to bad things!

Bad = runny pies that don't quite set properly.

They still tasted good, mind you, but something went wrong...I'm not sure if I didn't boil the milk enough b/c I was nervous that it would burn, or if the oven wasn't hot enough....

Hhhhhmmmmmm......

Whatever the reason, things did not go according to my expectations or plan.

The funny thing, though, is that no one seemed to mind. They just laughed and after dinner, ate the pies like they were perfect...just as they were.

It made me think of myself.

We are all 'just the way we are' in many ways.

I realized, as I ate my runny piece of pie with a spoon lastnight, life is quite extraordinary if I simply surround myself with people who love me, just as I am...and who don't mind what my pie looks like...

Mom, this is just another little lesson that you taught us. To just be ourselves. Not to try too hard or apologize for what we are (or aren't) in life or be upset when things don't work out as planned. We just are who we are. And if we can just be that, it'll all work out!




Love you.
Crystal

Little road-blocks

This is a photo of driving in India last year...when it wasn't the rainy season. I can only imagine what the roads are like now, with all the flooding the area is experiencing.

The are having serious road blocks over there. In lots of areas, the roads are no longer even there and if they are, they are under water.

It makes the little roadblocks in my life seem so minor. Frivolous. Almost non-existent.

In other parts of the world, there are no solutions that will quickly fix the problems people are facing. For the road blocks in my life, there are easy solutions...

Focus. Discipline. Fun.

I need to focus on the things I want more of in my life. It is time to be disciplined. Talk is cheap! At the same time, things need to be fun if I'm going to follow through and remain focused and disciplined in certain areas!

I often wonder "Where does the time go?"

I have no idea....it just goes.

But if I can be a little more focused and disciplined...who knows what I could actually achieve! I'm still so grateful (and slightly in awe) of the Ironman race and how well I did, considering my lack of training. (Mom, you must have been praying a LOT!) It's not really anything to be too proud of (doing OK in spite of myself)! Imagine what I could accomplish if I actually trained and had a bit of focus and discipline!!

And really...how long do I have to listen to the voice in my head talk about playing the guitar, that 6-pack I want to have once in my life or writing my book?

(Better question...How long do you have to read about it?)

It's time...to move the roadblocks, to stop talking and start doing!

So...realizing that I'm not really being too good on my own, I'm joining up with your #10...Gwen and I are on a fitness kick! well, she's always on a fitness kick... We're going to check in with one another, work out, work hard and make it happen! This will help take care of one of my aspirations.

As for the guitar and my various projects...

It's time.

Little steps every day! Time's ticking and waits for no one...so I better start walking in the direction of where I want to go...instead of simply admiring the view!

Do I really want to just sit and admire the view or actually get where I want to go!?

Really - I don't know you to sit and admire the view too long....you're too busy with your head down, walking.

Thx for the little kick in the butt that writing this has given me.
Love you, Mom. Hi to Don!
Your #8.
PS GO RIDERS in the game tomorrow!!

Hi Mom,
I love you!!

There's a great country song called, "Today I'm gonna try and change the world" that describes how you change the world every day.
It's a good day to do just that...change the world...or at least, try make it a little better with my presence.
I love you!
Say hi to Don! Tell him that Gwen and I were sending him some good vibes lastnight as we hung out together.
love Crystal
PS More later today...I'm going for a run this morning while the sun is shining!
PPS Here's the lyrics to the song...it reminds me so much of you.


TODAY I'M GONNA TRY AND CHANGE THE WORLD
GONNA TAKE IT ONE DAY AT A TIME
I'VE MADE MY RESOLUTION
I'VE OPENED UP MY EYES
TODAY I'M GONNA TRY AND CHANGE THE WORLD

I'M GONNA SAY HELLO TO MY NEIGHBOR
GREET HIM WITH A SMILE
SHAKE THE HAND OF A STRANGER
SIT AND TALK FOR A WHILE
TELL SOMEONE I LOVE THEM
FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART
TODAY I'M GONNA TRY AND CHANGE THE WORLD

(REPEAT CHORUS)

GONNA MAKE SURE MY CHILDREN
KNOW THERES A RIGHT AND WRONG
I'LL NEVER TURN MY BACK
ON THOSE OF US WHO NEED SOMEONE
I'M GONNA TRY TO SEE MYSELF
THROUGH ANOTHERS EYES
TODAY IM GONNA TRY AND CHANGE THE WORLD

(REPEAT CHORUS)

TODAY I'M GONNA TRY AND CHANGE THE WORLD
TODAY I'M GONNA TRY AND CHANGE THE WORLD
NOT FOR ME, BUT FOR THOSE I'LL LEAVE BEHIND
I'VE MADE MY RESOLUTION
CHANGE IT ONE DAY AT TIME
TODAY I'M GONNA TRY AND CHANGE THE WORLD

(by Johnny Reid)

3 steps to happiness...

I got this print several weeks ago and when Kate and Garth were here, they put it up in the dining room. It's perfect!



Reading a magazine the other day, called "Ode", I came across an article that talked about fulfillment and happiness. It mentioned 3 little steps that I believe in...and that you live, Mom.

3 steps to happiness and fulfillment
1. Know yourself
2. Be yourself
3. Give yourself away.

How simple is that...and so true.

I still have so much to learn, like we all do, about knowing ourselves...and I think that's a process called "life". But I love the part about being yourself. In the article, written by a priest, it mentions a note the author got from a retired bishop that said, "Many will say 'be Christ-like for the sake of others'. I say to you, 'be yourself for Christ's sake."

(...and if you can imagine the Bishop sayng the "for Christ's sake!" part with a bit of expression and pizzazz...and maybe a little sarcasm...it's quite funny, don't you think?!)

Love that! I thought you'd like it too, Mom!

And the last part is so perfect and what I really have believed all my life...to discover my gifts and share them with the world...inspiring others to do the same.

Mom, I see your your wisdom shine through everywhere, whether it's the pages of a magazine or book or something you've said or done over the years.

You have so much common sense, simple wisdom that really does lead to happiness and fulfillment just by thinking of you and trying to live a little more along those lines.

I went through every single piece of clothing I own the other day and that, in itself, has made me feel so much better! Thank you!! Now I just have to get to the garage and hang a few more pictures and decide on paint colours for the house! Hopefully by the time you get here, much of the work will be done!! I'm holding out on the kitchen cupboards waiting for you though!!

Love you,
Crystal