New blogs from CROSSROADS on The Courage Community

New blogs from CROSSROADS on The Courage Community http://community.couragecommunity.org/service/getFeed.kickAction?quantity=25 New blogs from CROSSROADS on The Courage Community Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:22:15 GMT Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:22:15 GMT webmaster@couragecommunity.org (GinoM) webmaster@couragecommunity.org (GinoM) KickApps Feed Builder 2010-02-08T20:22:15Z 7 http://community.couragecommunity.org/service/searchEverything.kickAction?as=31351&sortType=recent 0 A Sunset Philosphy http://community.couragecommunity.org/_A-Sunset-Philosphy/BLOG/1822887/31351.html  Admittedly, I'm a control freak!  My daddy sent me this beautiful photo which he took as the sun set in Anna Maria Island where my parents live.Attached to the phenomenal picture of the awe-inspring sunset was this important message:A Sunset Philosophy(adopted from Dr. Carl Rogers) "I have come to think that one of the most satisfying experiences I know and also one of the most growth promoting experiences for the other person is just fully appreciate this individual in the same way I appreciate a sunset. People are just as wonderful sunsets if I can just let them be. In fact, perhaps the reason we can truly appreciate a sunset is that we cannot control it. When I look at a sunset as I did the other evening, I don't find myself saying, 'Soften the orange a little on the right hand corner, and put on a bit more purple along the base, and use a little more pink in the cloud color.' I don't do that. I don't try to control the sunset. I watch it with all as it unfolds. I like myself best when I can experience my staff member, my son, my daughter, in the same way, appreciating the unfolding of a life... A person who is loved appreciatively, not possessively, blooms, and develops his own unique self. The person who loves non-possessively is himself enriched."  Admittedly, I'm a control freak!  My daddy sent me this beautiful photo which he took as the sun set in Anna Maria Island where my parents live.Attached to the phenomenal picture of the awe-inspring sunset was this important message:A Sunset Philosophy(adopted from Dr. Carl Rogers) "I have come to think that one of the most satisfying experiences I know and also one of the most growth promoting experiences for the other person is just fully appreciate this individual in the same way I appreciate a sunset. People are just as wonderful sunsets if I can just let them be. In fact, perhaps the reason we can truly appreciate a sunset is that we cannot control it. When I look at a sunset as I did the other evening, I don't find myself saying, 'Soften the orange a little on the right hand corner, and put on a bit more purple along the base, and use a little more pink in the cloud color.' I don't do that. I don't try to control the sunset. I watch it with all as it unfolds. I like myself best when I can experience my staff member, my son, my daughter, in the same way, appreciating the unfolding of a life... A person who is loved appreciatively, not possessively, blooms, and develops his own unique self. The person who loves non-possessively is himself enriched." Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:22:15 GMT http://community.couragecommunity.org/_A-Sunset-Philosphy/BLOG/1822887/31351.html CROSSROADS 2010-02-08T20:22:15Z Crossroads Reflections The Courage Community  Admittedly, I'm a control freak!  My daddy sent me this beautiful photo which he took as the sun set in Anna Maria Island where my parents live.Attached to the phenomenal picture of the awe-inspring sunset was this important message:A Sunset Philosophy(adopted from Dr. Carl Rogers) "I have come to think that one of the most satisfying experiences I know and also one of the most growth promoting experiences for the other person is just fully appreciate this individual in the same way I appreciate a sunset. People are just as wonderful sunsets if I can just let them be. In fact, perhaps the reason we can truly appreciate a sunset is that we cannot control it. When I look at a sunset as I did the other evening, I don't find myself saying, 'Soften the orange a little on the right hand corner, and put on a bit more purple along the base, and use a little more pink in the cloud color.' I don't do that. I don't try to control the sunset. I watch it with all as it unfolds. I like myself best when I can experience my staff member, my son, my daughter, in the same way, appreciating the unfolding of a life... A person who is loved appreciatively, not possessively, blooms, and develops his own unique self. The person who loves non-possessively is himself enriched." a sunset philosophy, carlana, control, crossroads, reflections, stone nonadult false A Sunset Philosphy text blog a sunset philosophy,carlana,control,crossroads,reflections,stone 452 0 0.0 http://community.couragecommunity.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=7523045&as=31351 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31351/icons/defaultMember_31351_portrait160X120.jpg false 0 Crossroads / Reflections 0 1822887 7523045 Platinum 11770 WHAT'S PARALYZING YOU? http://community.couragecommunity.org/_WHATS-PARALYZING-YOU/BLOG/1822855/31351.html Terrible things can happen at anytime. To any one of us.Sometimes we can see them coming, and other times they can hit us like a line drive and shatter everything we know in one seemingly endless moment.The journey back from tragedy is not always easy or pain-free. Adversities are challenges. We can allow them to consume us or we can use them as tools to become better human beings.I might have lost the use of my legs, the most critical element of my identity (during that phase of my life;) however, I found something much stronger and more everlasting.Essentially, my paralysis has put me in the unique position to see how alike we all are. I've learned along the way that paralysis comes in many forms. A divorce, the loss of a job or losing a loved one - these things can leave us feeling emotionally paralyzed.I believe our mutual struggles help us gain strength and insight from one another.Through sharing our challenges, my hope is for us to realize a chance to grow together. Terrible things can happen at anytime. To any one of us.Sometimes we can see them coming, and other times they can hit us like a line drive and shatter everything we know in one seemingly endless moment.The journey back from tragedy is not always easy or pain-free. Adversities are challenges. We can allow them to consume us or we can use them as tools to become better human beings.I might have lost the use of my legs, the most critical element of my identity (during that phase of my life;) however, I found something much stronger and more everlasting.Essentially, my paralysis has put me in the unique position to see how alike we all are. I've learned along the way that paralysis comes in many forms. A divorce, the loss of a job or losing a loved one - these things can leave us feeling emotionally paralyzed.I believe our mutual struggles help us gain strength and insight from one another.Through sharing our challenges, my hope is for us to realize a chance to grow together. Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:02:02 GMT http://community.couragecommunity.org/_WHATS-PARALYZING-YOU/BLOG/1822855/31351.html CROSSROADS 2010-02-08T20:02:02Z Crossroads Reflections The Courage Community Terrible things can happen at anytime. To any one of us.Sometimes we can see them coming, and other times they can hit us like a line drive and shatter everything we know in one seemingly endless moment.The journey back from tragedy is not always easy or pain-free. Adversities are challenges. We can allow them to consume us or we can use them as tools to become better human beings.I might have lost the use of my legs, the most critical element of my identity (during that phase of my life;) however, I found something much stronger and more everlasting.Essentially, my paralysis has put me in the unique position to see how alike we all are. I've learned along the way that paralysis comes in many forms. A divorce, the loss of a job or losing a loved one - these things can leave us feeling emotionally paralyzed.I believe our mutual struggles help us gain strength and insight from one another.Through sharing our challenges, my hope is for us to realize a chance to grow together. carlana, crossroads, paralyzing, reflections, stone, what's paralyzing you nonadult false WHAT'S PARALYZING YOU? text blog carlana,crossroads,paralyzing,reflections,stone,what's paralyzing you 308 0 0.0 http://community.couragecommunity.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=7523045&as=31351 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31351/icons/defaultMember_31351_portrait160X120.jpg false 0 Crossroads / Reflections 0 1822855 7523045 Platinum 11770 Denial... Ain't Just a River in Egypt http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Denial-Aint-Just-a-River-in-Egypt/BLOG/1822846/31351.html When you're in denial, there's nothing more annoying than someone wanting you to talk about things like feelings and fears. I've learned (still am) that when I'm in denial, Fear Dominates! Following most traumatic occurences in my life, I tend to run from reality and masterfully devise the perfect escape route. A hide-out. Kinda like the treehouse i remember as a kid. I would retreat to that treehouse in a desperate attempt to protect myself from the evil that lurked all around me. For me, Denial had become a matter of self-preservation, in addition to my overwhelming desire, my need to protect my family from more pain. More hurt. As far as I was concerned, the task that lay before me while daunting at times, was still something I could handle... alone. I mean, c'mon. I was a gymnast. I was strong. I was a survivor. I just wanted to spare everyone I loved from any more pain. I mean, I can handle it. I just couldn't stand seeing how much pain this whole thing was causing them.  However, in retrospect, I realize that by doing so, I created the proverbial situation of no one wanting to address the elephant in the room. I've learned over the years, that at some point, in order to make it through - in order to Evolve - we must acknowledge the beast! When you're in denial, there's nothing more annoying than someone wanting you to talk about things like feelings and fears. I've learned (still am) that when I'm in denial, Fear Dominates! Following most traumatic occurences in my life, I tend to run from reality and masterfully devise the perfect escape route. A hide-out. Kinda like the treehouse i remember as a kid. I would retreat to that treehouse in a desperate attempt to protect myself from the evil that lurked all around me. For me, Denial had become a matter of self-preservation, in addition to my overwhelming desire, my need to protect my family from more pain. More hurt. As far as I was concerned, the task that lay before me while daunting at times, was still something I could handle... alone. I mean, c'mon. I was a gymnast. I was strong. I was a survivor. I just wanted to spare everyone I loved from any more pain. I mean, I can handle it. I just couldn't stand seeing how much pain this whole thing was causing them.  However, in retrospect, I realize that by doing so, I created the proverbial situation of no one wanting to address the elephant in the room. I've learned over the years, that at some point, in order to make it through - in order to Evolve - we must acknowledge the beast! Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:56:38 GMT http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Denial-Aint-Just-a-River-in-Egypt/BLOG/1822846/31351.html CROSSROADS 2010-02-08T19:56:38Z Crossroads Reflections The Courage Community When you're in denial, there's nothing more annoying than someone wanting you to talk about things like feelings and fears. I've learned (still am) that when I'm in denial, Fear Dominates! Following most traumatic occurences in my life, I tend to run from reality and masterfully devise the perfect escape route. A hide-out. Kinda like the treehouse i remember as a kid. I would retreat to that treehouse in a desperate attempt to protect myself from the evil that lurked all around me. For me, Denial had become a matter of self-preservation, in addition to my overwhelming desire, my need to protect my family from more pain. More hurt. As far as I was concerned, the task that lay before me while daunting at times, was still something I could handle... alone. I mean, c'mon. I was a gymnast. I was strong. I was a survivor. I just wanted to spare everyone I loved from any more pain. I mean, I can handle it. I just couldn't stand seeing how much pain this whole thing was causing them.  However, in retrospect, I realize that by doing so, I created the proverbial situation of no one wanting to address the elephant in the room. I've learned over the years, that at some point, in order to make it through - in order to Evolve - we must acknowledge the beast! ain't just a river in egypt, carlana, crossroads, denial, elephant in the room, reflections, stone nonadult false Denial... Ain't Just a River in Egypt text blog ain't just a river in egypt,carlana,crossroads,denial,elephant in the room,reflections,stone 331 0 0.0 http://community.couragecommunity.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=7523045&as=31351 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31351/icons/defaultMember_31351_portrait160X120.jpg false 0 Crossroads / Reflections 0 1822846 7523045 Platinum 11770 CONFRONTING THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM http://community.couragecommunity.org/_CONFRONTING-THE-ELEPHANT-IN-THE-ROOM/BLOG/1822833/31351.html Well, let’s see, I’ve been sitting here for 23 years now. So yeah, I think it’s safe to say that it’s pretty permanent. I’ve learned to bathe and clothe myself. I use a wheelchair but I can still drive a car, however I prefer riding my Harley. I can’t walk, but I can fly…  Whether it’s been a reporter interviewing me for my first solo flight as a paraplegic, or someone I meet on the street or in a grocery store or night club - Each and every time I go out, I hear the same questions asked. My responses, at times, may sound “rehearsed” or “polished,” or not genuine enough – probably because I’ve answered them close to a million times.  So, let’s address the proverbial elephant in the room…  Here are some of those questions I get …  HOW WERE YOU INJURED? IS THIS PERMANENT?WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP LIKE WITH THE OTHER PEOPLE WHO WERE IN THE CAR THAT NIGHT? DID Y’ALL EVER TALK ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED?HAVE YOU FORGIVEN THE PERSON DRIVING THE CAR? HOW DO YOU THINK THE DRIVER FEELS? HAVE YOU EVER FOUND YOURSELF IN DENIAL?WHAT ABOUT FEELINGS OF GUILT? DO YOU EVER HAVE DAYS WHEN YOU FEEL SORRY FOR YOURSELF?DID YOU EVER CONSIDER KILLING YOURSELF?WHAT’S THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU’VE FACED BEING IN A WHEELCHAIR?DO YOU EVER GET JEALOUS OF PEOPLE WHO CAN WALK?CAN YOU STILL HAVE SEX?ARE YOU STILL ABLE TO HAVE CHILDREN?  From time to time, I'll be posting some VERY candid responses to these questions (not necessarily in order) No holds-barred honesty.Here, you’ll see me raw and real. You’ll see me for who I truly am. Rules here are… there aren’t any… not when it comes to asking questions. So, fire away. Ask anything you want. If I’m not ready to answer it, I’ll let ya know. And hopefully you’ll feel safe enough to show yourself and share your own unique story and your struggles.  Because we are not alone.  Well, let’s see, I’ve been sitting here for 23 years now. So yeah, I think it’s safe to say that it’s pretty permanent. I’ve learned to bathe and clothe myself. I use a wheelchair but I can still drive a car, however I prefer riding my Harley. I can’t walk, but I can fly…  Whether it’s been a reporter interviewing me for my first solo flight as a paraplegic, or someone I meet on the street or in a grocery store or night club - Each and every time I go out, I hear the same questions asked. My responses, at times, may sound “rehearsed” or “polished,” or not genuine enough – probably because I’ve answered them close to a million times.  So, let’s address the proverbial elephant in the room…  Here are some of those questions I get …  HOW WERE YOU INJURED? IS THIS PERMANENT?WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP LIKE WITH THE OTHER PEOPLE WHO WERE IN THE CAR THAT NIGHT? DID Y’ALL EVER TALK ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED?HAVE YOU FORGIVEN THE PERSON DRIVING THE CAR? HOW DO YOU THINK THE DRIVER FEELS? HAVE YOU EVER FOUND YOURSELF IN DENIAL?WHAT ABOUT FEELINGS OF GUILT? DO YOU EVER HAVE DAYS WHEN YOU FEEL SORRY FOR YOURSELF?DID YOU EVER CONSIDER KILLING YOURSELF?WHAT’S THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU’VE FACED BEING IN A WHEELCHAIR?DO YOU EVER GET JEALOUS OF PEOPLE WHO CAN WALK?CAN YOU STILL HAVE SEX?ARE YOU STILL ABLE TO HAVE CHILDREN?  From time to time, I'll be posting some VERY candid responses to these questions (not necessarily in order) No holds-barred honesty.Here, you’ll see me raw and real. You’ll see me for who I truly am. Rules here are… there aren’t any… not when it comes to asking questions. So, fire away. Ask anything you want. If I’m not ready to answer it, I’ll let ya know. And hopefully you’ll feel safe enough to show yourself and share your own unique story and your struggles.  Because we are not alone.  Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:50:55 GMT http://community.couragecommunity.org/_CONFRONTING-THE-ELEPHANT-IN-THE-ROOM/BLOG/1822833/31351.html CROSSROADS 2010-02-08T19:50:55Z Crossroads Reflections The Courage Community Well, let’s see, I’ve been sitting here for 23 years now. So yeah, I think it’s safe to say that it’s pretty permanent. I’ve learned to bathe and clothe myself. I use a wheelchair but I can still drive a car, however I prefer riding my Harley. I can’t walk, but I can fly…  Whether it’s been a reporter interviewing me for my first solo flight as a paraplegic, or someone I meet on the street or in a grocery store or night club - Each and every time I go out, I hear the same questions asked. My responses, at times, may sound “rehearsed” or “polished,” or not genuine enough – probably because I’ve answered them close to a million times.  So, let’s address the proverbial elephant in the room…  Here are some of those questions I get …  HOW WERE YOU INJURED? IS THIS PERMANENT?WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP LIKE WITH THE OTHER PEOPLE WHO WERE IN THE CAR THAT NIGHT? DID Y’ALL EVER TALK ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED?HAVE YOU FORGIVEN THE PERSON DRIVING THE CAR? HOW DO YOU THINK THE DRIVER FEELS? HAVE YOU EVER FOUND YOURSELF IN DENIAL?WHAT ABOUT FEELINGS OF GUILT? DO YOU EVER HAVE DAYS WHEN YOU FEEL SORRY FOR YOURSELF?DID YOU EVER CONSIDER KILLING YOURSELF?WHAT’S THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU’VE FACED BEING IN A WHEELCHAIR?DO YOU EVER GET JEALOUS OF PEOPLE WHO CAN WALK?CAN YOU STILL HAVE SEX?ARE YOU STILL ABLE TO HAVE CHILDREN?  From time to time, I'll be posting some VERY candid responses to these questions (not necessarily in order) No holds-barred honesty.Here, you’ll see me raw and real. You’ll see me for who I truly am. Rules here are… there aren’t any… not when it comes to asking questions. So, fire away. Ask anything you want. If I’m not ready to answer it, I’ll let ya know. And hopefully you’ll feel safe enough to show yourself and share your own unique story and your struggles.  Because we are not alone.  carlana stone, crossroads, elephant in the room, interact, questions, reflections nonadult false CONFRONTING THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM text blog carlana stone,crossroads,elephant in the room,interact,questions,reflections 358 0 0.0 http://community.couragecommunity.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=7523045&as=31351 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31351/icons/defaultMember_31351_portrait160X120.jpg false 0 Crossroads / Reflections 0 1822833 7523045 Platinum 11770 Pin Pricks http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Pin-Pricks/BLOG/1822811/31351.html Okay.  As promised, I'm addressing that big bad elephant in the room. DO I EVER HAVE DAYS WHEN YOU FEEL SORRY FOR YOURSELF?THEN...I remember being in physical therapy - and the first "assessment" - I remember being pricked with sharp pins in my legs. I watched as the doctor inserted the sharp pin into my leg, however as i looked on, I felt nothing. My legs were as numb as my emotions. I outright refused to accept what was happening to me. To me! What have I done to deserve this? Well, I rationalized, I made the choice, I paid the price. Suddenly, i felt my world crumbing all around me. "Will I ever be 'normal' again?" I was panicked. But not one living soul was the wiser to my crafty ability to conceal the pain - the Fear -that was stewing inside of me. And to add insult to injury, following the "pin-prick" test, they measured me for my new wheelchair. Again, I grew distressed and this time, angry... which in my mind, is just another form that Fear takes on. "Why did they think I needed my own chair? Obviously, they don't understand who they were dealing with. This is just temporary" I thought. But somewhere, submerged in my subconscious, I knew. They knew. This isn't just "temporary." Everywhere I looked were signs of deep-rooted change. My legs were thinning. My ass, once solid as a rock, was beginning to lose its form. These images of the ever-changing landscape of my body raced through my mind - the things so central to my being...my identity. I was literally coming apart and there was nothing in the world I could do to stop it. The unbearable was quickly becoming the new normal. Okay.  As promised, I'm addressing that big bad elephant in the room. DO I EVER HAVE DAYS WHEN YOU FEEL SORRY FOR YOURSELF?THEN...I remember being in physical therapy - and the first "assessment" - I remember being pricked with sharp pins in my legs. I watched as the doctor inserted the sharp pin into my leg, however as i looked on, I felt nothing. My legs were as numb as my emotions. I outright refused to accept what was happening to me. To me! What have I done to deserve this? Well, I rationalized, I made the choice, I paid the price. Suddenly, i felt my world crumbing all around me. "Will I ever be 'normal' again?" I was panicked. But not one living soul was the wiser to my crafty ability to conceal the pain - the Fear -that was stewing inside of me. And to add insult to injury, following the "pin-prick" test, they measured me for my new wheelchair. Again, I grew distressed and this time, angry... which in my mind, is just another form that Fear takes on. "Why did they think I needed my own chair? Obviously, they don't understand who they were dealing with. This is just temporary" I thought. But somewhere, submerged in my subconscious, I knew. They knew. This isn't just "temporary." Everywhere I looked were signs of deep-rooted change. My legs were thinning. My ass, once solid as a rock, was beginning to lose its form. These images of the ever-changing landscape of my body raced through my mind - the things so central to my being...my identity. I was literally coming apart and there was nothing in the world I could do to stop it. The unbearable was quickly becoming the new normal. Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:38:57 GMT http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Pin-Pricks/BLOG/1822811/31351.html CROSSROADS 2010-02-08T19:38:57Z Crossroads Reflections The Courage Community Okay.  As promised, I'm addressing that big bad elephant in the room. DO I EVER HAVE DAYS WHEN YOU FEEL SORRY FOR YOURSELF?THEN...I remember being in physical therapy - and the first "assessment" - I remember being pricked with sharp pins in my legs. I watched as the doctor inserted the sharp pin into my leg, however as i looked on, I felt nothing. My legs were as numb as my emotions. I outright refused to accept what was happening to me. To me! What have I done to deserve this? Well, I rationalized, I made the choice, I paid the price. Suddenly, i felt my world crumbing all around me. "Will I ever be 'normal' again?" I was panicked. But not one living soul was the wiser to my crafty ability to conceal the pain - the Fear -that was stewing inside of me. And to add insult to injury, following the "pin-prick" test, they measured me for my new wheelchair. Again, I grew distressed and this time, angry... which in my mind, is just another form that Fear takes on. "Why did they think I needed my own chair? Obviously, they don't understand who they were dealing with. This is just temporary" I thought. But somewhere, submerged in my subconscious, I knew. They knew. This isn't just "temporary." Everywhere I looked were signs of deep-rooted change. My legs were thinning. My ass, once solid as a rock, was beginning to lose its form. These images of the ever-changing landscape of my body raced through my mind - the things so central to my being...my identity. I was literally coming apart and there was nothing in the world I could do to stop it. The unbearable was quickly becoming the new normal. carlana, carlana stone, crossroads, elephant in the room, feeling sorry for myself, pin pricks, reflections, self-pity, stone nonadult false Pin Pricks text blog carlana,carlana stone,crossroads,elephant in the room,feeling sorry for myself,pin pricks,reflections,self-pity,stone 359 0 0.0 http://community.couragecommunity.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=7523045&as=31351 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31351/icons/defaultMember_31351_portrait160X120.jpg false 0 Crossroads / Reflections 0 1822811 7523045 Platinum 11770 Fortune Cookies http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Fortune-Cookies/BLOG/1822788/31351.html  Tonight, John and I had Chinese take-out. Orange Chicken? Scrumptious.Spicy Kung Pao. Any day of the week.Lo Mein. Yummy. While a tasty Chinese dinner satiates my palate, nothin beats that Fortune-telling delight to finish it off. I love fortune cookies. While I do notice whether the cookie's fresh and crunchy or old and chewy, it's pretty irrelevant to the fortune inside that predicts my fate. At times, I'll freely admit, I've found myself searching desperately for any sign of Hope. Yup... even a fortune cookie. Diggin into the now (almost) empty bag which enveloped the cartons containing the tasty Chinese dinner, I reach in to grab the fortune-telling cookie. There's no mistaking these cookies are predestined for their recipient. You know the rules. Whichever cookie is pointing toward any given person, that's the one that predicts our future. Mine read: "You will have full contentment by summer's end." I taped it to my computer. More often than not, I find myself latching onto something in the future as holding the promise of hope. But in my mind, I know how critical it is for me to stay in the present. In the moment. All I have is right now. If my mind is so fixated on what "tomorrow" might bring, what happens to today? What am I missing out on this very second? I've discovered that I miss all of the promising things that our Now has to offer. The longest stretch of highway, they say, is from the mind to the heart. I'm working on living in the Now.  Tonight, John and I had Chinese take-out. Orange Chicken? Scrumptious.Spicy Kung Pao. Any day of the week.Lo Mein. Yummy. While a tasty Chinese dinner satiates my palate, nothin beats that Fortune-telling delight to finish it off. I love fortune cookies. While I do notice whether the cookie's fresh and crunchy or old and chewy, it's pretty irrelevant to the fortune inside that predicts my fate. At times, I'll freely admit, I've found myself searching desperately for any sign of Hope. Yup... even a fortune cookie. Diggin into the now (almost) empty bag which enveloped the cartons containing the tasty Chinese dinner, I reach in to grab the fortune-telling cookie. There's no mistaking these cookies are predestined for their recipient. You know the rules. Whichever cookie is pointing toward any given person, that's the one that predicts our future. Mine read: "You will have full contentment by summer's end." I taped it to my computer. More often than not, I find myself latching onto something in the future as holding the promise of hope. But in my mind, I know how critical it is for me to stay in the present. In the moment. All I have is right now. If my mind is so fixated on what "tomorrow" might bring, what happens to today? What am I missing out on this very second? I've discovered that I miss all of the promising things that our Now has to offer. The longest stretch of highway, they say, is from the mind to the heart. I'm working on living in the Now. Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:23:51 GMT http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Fortune-Cookies/BLOG/1822788/31351.html CROSSROADS 2010-02-08T19:23:51Z Crossroads Reflections The Courage Community  Tonight, John and I had Chinese take-out. Orange Chicken? Scrumptious.Spicy Kung Pao. Any day of the week.Lo Mein. Yummy. While a tasty Chinese dinner satiates my palate, nothin beats that Fortune-telling delight to finish it off. I love fortune cookies. While I do notice whether the cookie's fresh and crunchy or old and chewy, it's pretty irrelevant to the fortune inside that predicts my fate. At times, I'll freely admit, I've found myself searching desperately for any sign of Hope. Yup... even a fortune cookie. Diggin into the now (almost) empty bag which enveloped the cartons containing the tasty Chinese dinner, I reach in to grab the fortune-telling cookie. There's no mistaking these cookies are predestined for their recipient. You know the rules. Whichever cookie is pointing toward any given person, that's the one that predicts our future. Mine read: "You will have full contentment by summer's end." I taped it to my computer. More often than not, I find myself latching onto something in the future as holding the promise of hope. But in my mind, I know how critical it is for me to stay in the present. In the moment. All I have is right now. If my mind is so fixated on what "tomorrow" might bring, what happens to today? What am I missing out on this very second? I've discovered that I miss all of the promising things that our Now has to offer. The longest stretch of highway, they say, is from the mind to the heart. I'm working on living in the Now. carlana, carlana stone, crossroads, fortune cookie, hope, now, reflections, stone nonadult false Fortune Cookies text blog carlana,carlana stone,crossroads,fortune cookie,hope,now,reflections,stone 287 0 0.0 http://community.couragecommunity.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=7523045&as=31351 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31351/icons/defaultMember_31351_portrait160X120.jpg false 0 Crossroads / Reflections 0 1822788 7523045 Platinum 11770 What's Paralyzing You? http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Whats-Paralyzing-You/BLOG/296653/31351.html WHAT'S PARALYZING YOU?Terrible things can happen at anytime. To any one of us.Sometimes we can see them coming, and other times they can hit us like a line drive and shatter everything we know in one seemingly endless moment.The journey back from tragedy is not always easy or pain-free. Adversities are challenges. We can allow them to consume us or we can use them as tools to become better human beings.I might have lost the use of my legs, the most critical element of my identity (during that phase of my life;) however, I found something much stronger and more everlasting.Essentially, my paralysis has put me in the unique position to see how alike we all are. I've learned along the way that paralysis comes in many forms. A divorce, the loss of a job or losing a loved one - these things can leave us feeling emotionally paralyzed.I believe our mutual struggles help us gain strength and insight from one another.Through sharing our challenges, my hope is for us to realize a chance to grow together. WHAT'S PARALYZING YOU?Terrible things can happen at anytime. To any one of us.Sometimes we can see them coming, and other times they can hit us like a line drive and shatter everything we know in one seemingly endless moment.The journey back from tragedy is not always easy or pain-free. Adversities are challenges. We can allow them to consume us or we can use them as tools to become better human beings.I might have lost the use of my legs, the most critical element of my identity (during that phase of my life;) however, I found something much stronger and more everlasting.Essentially, my paralysis has put me in the unique position to see how alike we all are. I've learned along the way that paralysis comes in many forms. A divorce, the loss of a job or losing a loved one - these things can leave us feeling emotionally paralyzed.I believe our mutual struggles help us gain strength and insight from one another.Through sharing our challenges, my hope is for us to realize a chance to grow together. Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:19:11 GMT http://community.couragecommunity.org/_Whats-Paralyzing-You/BLOG/296653/31351.html CROSSROADS 2009-06-01T16:19:11Z Crossroads The Courage Community WHAT'S PARALYZING YOU?Terrible things can happen at anytime. To any one of us.Sometimes we can see them coming, and other times they can hit us like a line drive and shatter everything we know in one seemingly endless moment.The journey back from tragedy is not always easy or pain-free. Adversities are challenges. We can allow them to consume us or we can use them as tools to become better human beings.I might have lost the use of my legs, the most critical element of my identity (during that phase of my life;) however, I found something much stronger and more everlasting.Essentially, my paralysis has put me in the unique position to see how alike we all are. I've learned along the way that paralysis comes in many forms. A divorce, the loss of a job or losing a loved one - these things can leave us feeling emotionally paralyzed.I believe our mutual struggles help us gain strength and insight from one another.Through sharing our challenges, my hope is for us to realize a chance to grow together. blog, carlana, crossroads, paralyzing, roll, roll with it, stone, whats paralyzing you nonadult false What's Paralyzing You? text blog blog,carlana,crossroads,paralyzing,roll,roll with it,stone,whats paralyzing you 360 2 5.0 http://community.couragecommunity.org/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=7523045&as=31351 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/31351/icons/defaultMember_31351_portrait160X120.jpg false 0 Crossroads 0 296653 7523045 Platinum 11770