Olympic Gold in the Zen Den

advice & strategies divorce emotions & emotional inventory gratitude happiness laughter new beginnings turning 50

I am celebrating Olympic Gold here in the Zen Den!!!

Twenty five years ago I moved to California and in a blink twenty five years later, I am starting again—my way. In just the last two years I have experienced a move, a new job, the death of a parent and deciding to move forward on my divorce PLUS I became an empty nester all while facing my 50^th birthday. If I recounted all that has happened in the last five or ten years—you’d swear I was a reading straight from the pages of a great work of fiction. Too much drama for one person to endure!

Therefore, to celebrate the trials and tribulations of my last quarter century, I am awarding myself Gold medals in the categories of Mental Gymnastics and Emotional Track and Field. I have performed like a champion!

Hands down, this is the happiest time of my life. Why you ask? Because I learned that being happy begins with the intention of being happy; then you have to make happy happen. Make more happy, think less crappy. (I have not been drinking (much) today.)

I minimize, eliminate and avoid the things that don’t make me happy. Let me clarify, I don’t avoid responsibility. I live through uncomfortable moments and learn from them. I refuse to be victimized by my struggles. Where there is pain there is growth whether I am ready for it or not. I don’t grin and bear it but rather I grit my teeth and swear.

I also laugh at the weirdest moments. Like when I walked into the county jail to visit someone only to realize I was wearing my bright red 4^th of July tank top that said, in sequins no less, “I Love Freedom”. I didn’t plan this of course—I wouldn’t be that insensitive. There lies the funny.

I also thanked a quiet man who approached me in the grocery store yesterday to say, “Your aura is huge and warm and that of a healer. Standing next to you I feel just as good as when I am home cuddling with my eight cats.” I kid you not. It was a “bless your heart” moment –more sweet than creepy. I’ve decided that I may be a super hero in disguise and since the name Kittylicious is already taken, you can call me Madam Meow. Is this funny or is it just me??

Or the time I was standing in the library when a wiry four foot tall silver haired elder grabbed a book right out of my hands saying she had seen it first, she just needed time to walk across the room to pick take if off the shelf. One of the few times I found myself speechless! Had to laugh at that one…. I was bullied by a tiny granny!

The brain is pliable and can be rewired for positivity after just a few weeks of concerted effort. If you feel that you have nothing to celebrate, look again. You may be looking for miracles while missing out on everyday greatness.

Today I am grateful for and celebrate:

Warm sunshine, an afternoon nap, the hummingbirds dancing at the feeder…

Mom’s recovery, time with my best friend, visiting with my boys, a new friendship…

Delicious chilled strawberries and honey sweet plums…

A pristine gas station restroom….

Rain in August…..

I do not have enough time to enjoy all of the things I love which couldn’t be more opposite of how I felt five years ago. The “Life of Cara Olympic Series” has not concluded (I would be happy to have less drama thought!) but I am taking a moment to salute the journey of me. I encourage you to do the same. Not celebrate ME silly, but celebrate all that is uniquely YOU!

From the heart,

Cara

Olympic Gold in the Zen Den

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