Paddle, paddle, paddle

Paddle, paddle, paddle. Whatever you do, don’t stop paddling! That’s about all I remember hearing from our guide during my one and only whitewater rafting weekend. I think that was sometime in the mid to late 80’s.


When I look back over the last few years, It feels like that’s all I have been doing is paddling. Lately, I think I can almost hear him again in my head. I don’t think I’m going out on a limb here when I say that we are all getting busier and busier. What I have heard the most of lately is “I am overwhelmed”. Certainly for some, it’s the economy that drives them to work harder, longer, do more with less, etc. For others, well, the reason is probably less important than the results. Whatever the reason, I am afraid the results are the same; and certainly not healthy. Not healthy for bodies, minds, spirits, families, relationships or anything else that really matters to us. “They” keep giving us bad news about the economy. You know as well as I do that good things are still happening. But, good news doesn’t sell papers or advertising. To quote our friends in Brooklyn N.Y. I say Fugetaboutit and go about your business in the most positive manner possible. Sure the economy has taken a hit, but, it’s our spirits and our peace of mind that have been taking the beating.


So, that being said, I am not going to suggest you go to a gym, take a yoga class, start meditating, eat better, stop smoking or any of the other dozens of things that could actually lead to a healthier and more peaceful life. Today, I am simply going to suggest two things to you. Two very simple, free and fast (just the way us Americans like it) suggestions.


First, I am going to ask you to pause and think before you forward another negative email or pass on another negative story about anything to anyone. A little bit of encouragement and positive thinking goes a long way. Unfortunately, so does discouragement and negative thinking. And second, find two or three times a day to stop and breathe on purpose. Just for a minute, create a gap in your day, stop the chatter in your head and take a few breaths. If you must think about something, try to think/feel gratitude for family, friends, work, chocolate, hot water, whatever it is for which you are thankful.


If you’re one of the many that are feeling a bit overwhelmed these days try this:


God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.


If your way past a bit overwhelmed, try St. Francis:


Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen



If all else fails, use a lifeline and phone a friend. And oh yes, Happy Valentines day!


Peace