Sunday April 26, 2020
Good morning friends! Sending you all happiness and love on this beautiful day! I am grateful to be here with each new sunrise. It is an honor to share my thoughts, stories and insight with you each Sunday morning. Please do all you can to maintain your good health; physically, mentally and spiritually. More than ever we need to be strong right now. We are nearly there.
So, where will you be tomorrow? I enjoy imagining myself like a quote from Rumi. “I want to sing like the birds, not worrying about who hears or what they think.” I am definitely looking forward to being free and travel wherever I want very soon. There is so much to learn, see and do. I’m setting goals, making my plan, getting ready and beginning to implement them as I go.
You are never too old to set new goals, dream new dreams or live a better life. I never thought I’d be writing a weekly blog, but here I am. I never imagined I’d be trapped by a pandemic either. Life goes on and we continue to move forward.
Clear direction of what I wanted to do or where I wanted to go in life was not my strong point while going to school. Fortunately, it all began to unfold after I graduated from college and things started to fall into place. Even after spending nearly 34 years in law enforcement, my life continues to reveal itself every day. After a long and successful career, yoga reappeared in my life after first being formally introduced in 2010. That reappearance changed my direction and set me on a new path, with new goals. Now, several years later, I am still dreaming new dreams, changing paths and living a vibrant life. Since retiring, it has been my dream to write a book. I have dabbled here and there with the idea. I’ve done research and even done some writing. Now, a simple conversation with my daughter has made this a top line project. I want to share my life story, taking it deeper into the depths of my career, struggles and successes. My book will provide a legacy for her and the world. It will include experiences and lessons throughout my life. There will be tales she can laugh at and situations to learn from, while learning more about me. I’ve never been afraid of sharing with her, but limited the amount of police activity. Now I want her to know and understand what my job was really all about.
There are many young people today who struggle with who they want to be or who they think they should be. Society, peers, friends, family and social media can create unnecessary burdens on our kids. Even parents may unintentionally place pressure on their children to over achieve or reach for dreams not their own. Our children struggle with how they’re seen by family and friends. Additional anxiety and stress can be created by academics, sports or what “perfect” career path to follow. Our children are bombarded with social media content. There are society twists on who you should be, how you should look, how you should act and what you should do.
As parents, it’s our responsibility to keep our kids grounded, safe and free to dream their own dreams. High school and college students think they need to have all the answers to life before graduation. During my life I have talked and interacted with many college students seeking answers and direction. I wish it was an easier process to know your path, but life isn’t always simple. Okay, life is a complex and ever changing ride. When it is great and running smoothly, it’s something to behold and cherish. With maturity comes the wisdom to learn how to navigate what life brings. Let’s ensure our kids are on the right path for them. Allow them to dream and set their goals. They will hopefully grow and learn along their path. Set their course early and provide the tools they need to help them navigate life. Now it’s time to focus on you.
My career with the LAPD included many mini careers with each new assignment. That may sound odd, as I was always a police officer, but that’s what was pretty amazing about my career. Different work details, assignments and promotions altered or changed my opportunities, career path and goals. I worked the streets in patrol, answered 991 calls for service at Communications, worked narcotics, was undercover in Vice, was assigned to SWAT, rode a horse, promoted to Sergeant, worked patrol, gangs, vice, tactics and firearms training. When I promoted to Lieutenant I became middle management. I was a patrol watch commander, in charge of Hollywood Vice and ended my career in charge of an auto and cargo theft unit. Each of these was a career within my career. All required learning and adjustments along the way. They challenged and increased my skill level at each step. Every day I grew and that made me a better person.
We always continue to learn and grow. Take the time to evaluate where you are and where you want to be. This is the perfect time to take full advantage of this. The pandemic has brought us into uncharted territory and rugged days. The virus has created challenging, difficult and sad times. Anxiety and stress brought on by the uncertainty of the situation are real. These combined forces cause harm to our mind and body. An important thing we can do as individuals to counter the negativity is smother ourselves with self-care and love. These are key ingredients to improving our health. When we improve our health it allows us better quality interaction with others. When we are safe and secure with ourselves, then we tend to treat others with the same love and kindness we want to be treated as individuals.
I want you to put away those thoughts of who you are and where you are in life at this very moment. Take time to focus on your future dreams. Now is the time to set new short and long term goals. Who you will be and where you will be tomorrow when the pandemic ends? What do you want to accomplish and how will you achieve your goals? Seize this moment and the opportunity to take control of your life and your future.
How often are we allowed time and solitude to reflect and rebuild ourselves. I know many of you may have children, work and are juggling many aspects of life at this very moment. Believe me, with the “stay at home” order, we still have plenty of time to sit in silence. You just have to make the choice to reflect in a quiet space. It is during these times that we allow ourselves to dream and consider the possibilities.
I was never one to believe in the power of the universe or what sitting in solace could provide. As I matured in years and wisdom, I have recognized the power in ourselves and the universe.
We are all part of the amazing and vast energy of the cosmos. The power is vibrant and real. We are complex beings, magnificent creations, with brains capable of incredible feats. If you take the time and allow yourself to dream, who knows what may be possible. We just need to allow ourselves the opportunity to tap into that part of our minds.
Whether you are creating a new you, redefining yourself or just building on your current talents, let’s get busy. Use your brain and energy to live your dreams. Don’t be afraid to put your talents to work to do amazing things. Imagine the possibilities. When you have thoughts and ideas in your mind, I want you to speak them out loud. Write them on paper. Set a goal. Make a plan. Create the image of who you want to be and where you want to go. I believe with hard work and dedication you can turn your dreams into reality. I know it’s possible, because I’ve done it. Remember, if you can imagine it, you can achieve. If you can dream it, you can live it. Life is ours. Where will you be tomorrow? Don’t wait!
Please tune in and join me again next Sunday for more! The healthy life puzzle is always in rotation. Let’s be healthy and strong mentally, physically and spiritually!
Thanks for your love and support! Embrace Life! Be sure to get outside and enjoy nature!
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