Appreciating life's lessons...

It is so very true people come and go from our lives through the years. There are those who make a big impact on our lives and those who only make a small one. The question is do you know what kind of impact you make on others life.
I have met a lot of people, some have passed through and others have stayed. I treasure all who have come and gone as well as those who have stayed around. Some taught me what I needed to learn from them and moved on to others who needed those lessons too. Those who have stayed are still teaching me the things I need to learn.
I have often wondered what kind of impact I make on those who come into my life while they are a part of my life. I do try to make a positive impact but since we are always our own worst critics I am sometimes doubtful. I make sure no matter how bad my day is going to smile at those who pass me or speak if they speak to me. Kindness is sometimes the only way you impact someone's life.
To those who are still apart of my life, I want you to know how much I appreciate your presence in my life. It isn't always easy to remember to tell those in our lives how much they mean to us but it is always the right thing to do. Take a moment and make sure you tell them because as the saying goes, yesterday is the past, tomorrow isn't promised, but today is a gift and it is the only thing we are guaranteed. Always be kind, it is healthy for you and for those around you.

Making real changes...

I spent most of the day yesterday working on things for my business and my books. I also watched a youtube interview of a friend who I consider part of my family now. I realized I had not turned the tv on at all. Normally I have the tv on for background noise but yesterday I was so focused on other things going on around the house I didn't even miss the noise from the tv. Even though it was only one day I now know I can focus without the need for the background noise.
I also did my first day of my 30-day health change choice. I am eating healthier and more frequently rather than just three times a day. I am also drinking more water and because of the water drinking, I have learned some of my headaches are happening because I haven't had enough water. I do still have caffeine because I love my tea. I also still indulge in sweets. The one thing I have figured out, I can still be healthy and still enjoy some of my guilty pleasures.
I am also taking the time I need for me when I need it and not apologizing for taking it. For my own mental health I have to take the time. I know what makes me happy so I take the time and do it. What I choose for the time I'm taking can vary. It is an awesome feeling to just let go of the everyday stress and let my mind go blank for a little while.
I am taking toddler steps, cause baby steps are just too small, and I am determined to make these changes stick. I just have to keep my mental state going in the right direction so these healthy changes permanent.
Even if you choose to change only one thing, make that change and stick to it. Be a happier and healthier you. When I say healthier I am not just referring to your physical health.

Seeing the silver lining...

As most of you know it has been a rough couple of years for me. I have shared my journey thus far, of losing the eyesight in my left eye. You have traveled with me on the ups, downs, twists, and turns this roller coaster has taken. The multiples of injections I endured, the laser procedures (which left permanent scars, only I can see), the cataract surgery and then glaucoma (which I still have flare-ups on occasions). I have always accepted what was and what would come. For the most part, I have tried to stay positive and see the silver lining. I have stopped the injections as I had previously said I was going to do because they were inherently causing more damage than they were actually helping. My life has changed in the manner of what I am physically able to do has become limited. Now when I say physically able I do not mean my vision prevents me from lifting, walking, talking, etc...I simply mean things I took for granted I miss, driving at night, being able to see in the dark, you know the simple things. However, I am grateful for the fact I can still see using glasses. I am still able to (with limitations, of course) be creative, write, read, watch movies, basically still live my life.
The one thing I wanted to do was get my pilots license so I could share in the world of flight with my husband. I truly thought I would only get to share in that world as a passenger, but he found a way for me to share in a different way and still be part of the world of flight. I have shared some videos and pictures as I took my want for flight and made it a reality. I did not allow my lack of sight to stop me from taking full advantage of learning how to have my own wings. Does my lack of sight make it more dangerous, no, because I know to follow what my body is telling me and to listen to my inner voice and be mindful of making the choice to stay on the ground and wish I was in the sky then to take a risk and be in the sky wishing I had stayed on the ground.
Everyone has a bucket list, even if they don't call it a bucket list, of things they want to do or accomplish in this one life we are given. With my story, I am showing you, even if you have something which limits your abilities don't give up, make it happen. There are always ways to make what you want to happen even if you don't see it, there is someone else out there doing it a different way which just may be the way you need it. If something is worth wanting and having, then it is worth the fight and the search to make it happen. Do what is going to make you happen in this life and help you live your life and not just let it pass you by as you watch.
Take that bull by the horns! Find the silver lining! Don't be the wall flower, be the rain which makes it grow!

Learn before you do...

Some people say education is overrated. Then you have those who think they can teach themselves better. I have to admit there are some things you can teach yourself but then there are things you shouldn't try to teach yourself for your own safety. Paramotoring is one of those things you should not try to teach yourself. There are so many details you can't learn by watching a youtube video to learn. I learned so much during my eight days at Skyfield Flightworks. There is so much more to learning paramotoring than knowing how to get off the ground and return to it. The knowledge I gained from the years of experience, numerous flights, and training of my instructors is something you can not get from watching a video. This wonderful way of experiencing the sky is amazing and so freeing. However, without the proper education, just like flying a plane, it can be dangerous. Without the education of how to handle things which can happen unexpectedly or happen because you think you know it all will leave you making the wrong choice in a very serious situation. Just as with people who represent themselves is a lawyer who has a client who is a fool. So don't be a fool and go to school!
                         Learn the skill and keep the sport safe for all!

                   

 

Wishing I was in the sky...

 
I spent eight days learning to run into the sky and fly with the birds feeling the air against my face and to see the wide, wide world around me. I stepped outside my comfort zone and learned so much about myself. There truly is nothing to stop you as long as you are open to the experience. As you all know I am 80% blind in one eye, well to answer some questions I am sure are popping into your minds. Yes, depth perception is an issue for me on a daily bases, but because I had such amazing instructors my blindness was not a disability and I was able to not only fly, I was able to land without fear I was going to crash. I am so grateful to my husband for bringing this adventure into our lives and making it a full family affair. I look forward to the many adventures of flying together, feeling the wind, seeing the amazing world below us, and sharing it with our family (at least three of them for now). Looking to the sky is so different these days cause all I can think is, "I wish I were flying right now!" Don't let any limitation you think you might have stop you from going for what you want, nothing can stop you except your doubt, so don't let it!! Step outside your comfort zone and reach for your own sky!

Vacation recovery...

I am sure most everyone knows you always need a vacation from your vacation. Time to decompress, and get back to your regular routines. Most of the time we are on vacation right up to the last moment we can because we either only have so much time for vacation or we just push it to the limits.
I however for the first time have the time to actually recover from my vacation. I didn't take the first day to just relax like I thought I would, I jumped right in trying to get myself back into a positive routine in cleaning the house, doing the laundry, cleaning the carpets, cleaning the kitchen, and spending time with my dogs. Of course, spending time with my dogs should be relaxing but it was more getting them back on their routine.
Today I took the day off, I still did the things I couldn't take off from doing, and have spent the day catching up on my recorded shows. I did get up and do my thirty-minute walk like I had planned to do to make up for not doing it last night. I have decided I am taking the steps to be healthier and get my physical strength back on track so I can enjoy more time in the sky.