A close friend of mine, who was highly respected in the yoga community and greatly admired by each person he came in contact with, lived his life to serve others, to embrace and accept all people and cultures and to live and love.
Sean O'Shea lost his life in 2006 but lives on through the work he did in mind/body healing and the people he touched. He was infectously happy and warm and kind. When asked what inspired him, he shared this creed that was passed down from his Grandfather. He kept it on his wall and referred to it daily as a script for life. I share this in hope that each of us can incorporate goodness and kindness and optimism this holiday season and beyond.
OPTIMIST'S CREED
Promise Yourself...
To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
Thanksgiving day in my house was one of warmth, generosity, love and noise. I am the third of ten children so pretty much every day was loud and filled with activity but my parents always made holidays stand out for us. Mom always woke up around 5 am to put the very large turkey in the oven, stuffed of course. Every year she made turkey and stuffing, fresh baked rolls, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes with marshmallows all from scratch. She always baked several pies for enjoyment after a few hours of basketball at the local church with cousins. I remember waiting to eat impatiently as we all shared the things that we were grateful for. Special memories with people and foods I love. As you gather with family and friends this week to create lasting memories and savor the traditions of old and new, remember to give thanks. Thanks for things simple like the health we enjoy so freely. For our able and willing bodies. Our sharp and active minds. We often take for granted the fact that our heart beats continuously and strongly nourishing our body. We often forget the complexities of these functions until we lose them.This year I celebrate health, I celebrate my abilities and my strengths. This year I am appreciative of the health of the people I love and that they also have capable and mobile bodies. I am so glad that I chose a profession where I share the gift of health. Where I make a difference in all aspects of people's lives. Each day that you wake and are not sick or injured or experiencing pain, give thanks. Then exercise to invigorate, to celebrate and to appreciate all that you have. Happy Thanksgiving!
I am over-the-moon excited about Fitness Connect and how it will simplify our business. My head is spinning with ideas of how to utilize the tool for Stroller Strides LLC and for my professional resume. Fitness Managers should be jumping up and down with joy with the resources to manage team and promote their clubs. Fitness Professionals must be ecstatic with the search and marketing options Fitness Connect brings. I couldn't be happier with IDEA's tool for industry professionals and look forward to weaving it through our business as it applies.
