On a typical “bluebird” winter day on Arizona’s highest mountain, expert skiers like Lynda Fleischer greet the crystal clear bluest-of-blue sky with a huge smile to the heavens after a night of fresh-fallen snow. “This is where I belong,” she said. “The mountain is part of who I am. It makes me who … [Read more...] about Living in Gratitude at Altitudes
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Navigating with Purpose
Lava Falls Rapid is white-water fierce. It is, by far, the most famous and daunting rapid on the mighty Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. It comes up after a nice calm stretch of laid-back, almost complacent, floating. Most wouldn’t even notice the distant spray and subtle splashing up ahead. But … [Read more...] about Navigating with Purpose
Five Pounds to Perfect
Do you ever hear yourself starting sentences with, “If only,” or “When I,” or “After I?” They sound like this: “If only I had a doctoral degree, I could get the job I really want,” or “After I make my first million, I can travel to exotic lands,” or “When I lose five pounds, I’ll reward myself with … [Read more...] about Five Pounds to Perfect
Hissing is Never a Good Sound
I once had dinner with a rattlesnake. It was an uninvited guest, but nonetheless, it showed up at suppertime while I was grilling. I did what any courageous Arizonan should do who doesn’t have a long-handled shovel or a pair of snake tongs. I called the fire department – which I’ve heard is the No. … [Read more...] about Hissing is Never a Good Sound
We are Better When We Move
Turns out the Sundance Kid had it right. “I’m better when I move,” he explained, during a job interview to be a payroll guard, when asked if could shoot. And the truth is, so are we. Except now there’s a whole lot of research backing Sundance up, much like Butch Cassidy’s Hole in the Wall Gang … [Read more...] about We are Better When We Move
Reflecting the Glow of a Lucky Starfish
There’s a popular story told by many a motivational speaker that describes a person walking along a beach who was picking up starfish on the shore and tossing them back into the ocean. An observer told the starfish thrower that his efforts were basically pointless because there were so many starfish … [Read more...] about Reflecting the Glow of a Lucky Starfish
Mental Toughness Finds a Way Out of the Jungle
If Maui were a woman, she would look like Amanda Eller. At a lean 5-foot-7 and donning a long, breezy, tangerine-colored dress, Amanda seemed to float, not walk, down the main street of Makawao. Her delicate golden leaf earrings dangled and shimmered against her long smooth, shiny, dark brown hair. … [Read more...] about Mental Toughness Finds a Way Out of the Jungle
Be Camera Ready, Like James Bond
The thing about Opportunity is she doesn’t necessarily arrive after you’ve lost five pounds, gotten out of your sweatpants, whitened your teeth and brushed your hair. Opportunity is quite stubborn about being on her own schedule. She’s kind of a brat that way. She shows up when she feels like it, … [Read more...] about Be Camera Ready, Like James Bond
Resiliency in Action: Keeping Calm, Saving Lives
Resiliency is the ability to stand strong through a storm, not buckle beneath the weight of adversity, problem-solve under pressure, remain calm even as others may not and, I would add, maintain integrity through challenging and shifting circumstances. The most admirable examples of resiliency I’ve … [Read more...] about Resiliency in Action: Keeping Calm, Saving Lives
Invest in Yourself: Practice Your Craft, Buy the Dress
A few years ago, I called up a friend I’d known since grade school and asked her if she would go shopping with me. As the mother-of-the-groom, I needed a dress that would not embarrass my son and would fit with the colors and style of his large, formal wedding. Turns out, my friend, Claire, needed a … [Read more...] about Invest in Yourself: Practice Your Craft, Buy the Dress
