Behold the Turtle

September is my birthday month so as usual I find myself
in a philosophical and reflective mood. In keeping this month’s letter
simple I thought I’d pass along some quotes and ideas that I find
inspirational. I’ll also pass along a book suggestion to you; one that I
just finished reading that sets me up nicely for the coming year.

“He who would learn to fly one day must first learn
to stand and walk and run and climb and dance: one cannot fly into
flying.” –Frederich Nietzsche.  To me this sounds like an opportunity
to practice lots of joy in lots of different movements as we travel down
the road of life.

I wrote down these lifestyle behaviors as a focus
for my new year:

*remember my source. I believe with spiritual
awareness everything in life is improved.

*live the golden
rule. This is important in creating cooperative relationships.

*be good to the universe, take care of my earthly home.

*eat
my vegetables and consume only what I need.

*move and
exercise on a regular schedule. This makes a positive difference in my
life.

*live with purpose and challenge my fears. Expressing my purpose is
what life’s all about.

*be emotionally mature and
self-responsible. Let my light shine.

*give to life. Open to
life and share in a constructive way with others giving wisely of
myself.

*see the good and the possible. Every problem has a solution. In
all challenging circumstances, see opportunities for good, for learning
and for growth.

“Behold the turtle–He makes
progress only when he sticks his neck out.”–James Bryant Conant. Select
goals that make you reach, stretch you and pull you beyond what you
thought was possible.

“I get up every morning determined both to change
the world and have one hell of a good time. Sometimes, this makes
planning the day difficult.” E.B. White  Life without a sense of humor
would be intolerable for me. I love to laugh!

“People say that what we are seeking is a meaning
for life. I don’t think this is what we’re really seeking. I think what
we’re seeking is an experience of being alive.” –Joseph Campbell. Find
your “joyinmovement” that brings that aliveness out in you. We all know
it when we feel it!

The book I mentioned earlier is called “Thanks!” by
Robert Emmons. It’s about how gratitude can make you happier. It’s well
written, inspirational and very practical as well. It’s about how
gratitude as a posture you take towards life can benefit you. Let me
know what you think of it.

It’s been almost three years since I started writing
these monthly newsletters and I look forward to it each month. The
community of people who read them has grown so much and though we have
some things in common we are quite varied in our approaches to finding
joyinmovement. We have participants in just about every sport possible
reading these letters—no skydivers yet though! When I look back and
then push my refresh button for the coming year I am supremely grateful
for all the support, encouragement, ideas, and good cheer you all keep
sending my way. It’s great to be ALIVE and to be of service.

To all the Virgos out there, enjoy a great
birthday.

Have a healthy and playful month,

shelli