Dog Days of Summer

I think that the "Dog Days of Summer" can often get as daunting as the "Dead of Winter." It's been so hot here! But as I looked at my calender, I realized that summer vacation is almost over. My husband will be going back to work soon, and my oldest daughter will begin her first full year of school as a kindergartner. (The thought of her starting school makes me want to cry, but that of course is a whole other blog entry...I'll tell you about that later.)

Anyway, today I wanted to remind you to rev up your summer just in the nick of time. If you've been like me, you've been trying to catch up on all those little things that you've been putting off. (Yes, I'm still doing my spring cleaning!) However, I realized the other day that if you don't schedule fun into your planner or add playing onto your to do list, you just might never get it done. I think it's all too easy to let the routines of life get to you without making some great plans happen.

An example of this is that we've been telling our daughters that we were going to go somewhere fun all summer. And after my recent discovery, that the summer is almost over, I realized that if we didn't get a plan we would easily put it off till it was too late.

So, make a plan, make a commitment and make it to have fun! Enjoy these sweltering days of summer because all too soon, you'll be staring out the window at the snow and wondering where the days went.

Oh and by the way...we now have a little get away planned with our girls. It's on my planner and we are scheduled to have tons of fun!!!

Want to see what I saw?

Here are some more pictures from my walk this past weekend. Thought you might enjoy the beautiful scenery.

39 Miles Checked Off My TO DO List!

Yes, I did it... all 39 miles! I know it has taken me a week to send out the details of my walk, but frankly, I needed some time to recuperate and just soak it all in. I still can't possibly put into words exactly what the experience was for me, but let me just say, it was absolutely amazing and I would highly recommend it. Yes I was exhausted, yes I ended up with blisters and yes, it was cold sleeping in a tent. But standing there with over 1,500 walkers and experiencing the power of what a group of people could do, made an impact on me that I won't soon forget. It felt so good to be a part of something bigger then life. As I stood or walked next to survivors as well as those who had received the "every three minutes" ribbons it made me realize how blessed I was. And it restored my faith in mankind. From the minute I walked into Event Eve to the second I walked away from the closing ceremony, I was on the verge of tears. It was a very emotional weekend. The scenery was beautiful, the weather was great and the volunteers that helped us were wonderful. I was proud of my personal accomplishment as well as knowing I had done something to change the world in one small way. Thanks again to all of you who donated and helped me get there. I have vowed to do it again...and my husband was even so moved that he wants to do it too! I hope that by following me through this journey, it has motivated you to step out of your box as well. Envision your ideal life, set the goals you need to reach to get to that ideal and then take action to get yourself there. It is possible, you can do it!

Peace, Blessings and Health to You All!

Michelle

The End is Near...

Well it's finally here. I am leaving for the walk tomorrow morning. I'm a little nervous but mostly excited! I know I've said I'm doing this walk for my mom, but it's not just for her. I am sincere when I say that I am doing it for all of you too. I hope that by reading my blog and keeping up with me, you've gotten inspired to do something to better your lives as well. Whether it be exercising, eating healthier, getting that yearly physical you've been putting off for the last several years, or just being more aware, I hope I have inspired you to make change happen in your life. I have taken this journey because it was something that was in my heart. I was scared to attempt it because I thought I'd never raise the money, and now I have not only raised my required amount but exceeded even my own expectations. I wasn't sure if I could get the training in and now I feel like I am in great shape. And most of all, I didn't know how people would perceive what I was doing and the response has been overwhelmingly supportive. So, I just wanted everyone to know that when I'm out there walking, I will not only be thinking of my mom, my step-mom, my husband's aunt, and all the others I know who have lost their battle with cancer, but I will be thinking about all of you who have supported me and still have a wonderful life to live. Please take care of yourselves, and may God bless you in all that you do!

What is your Vision?

There are only ten days left before my walk. Yes I am going to walk 39 miles in two days to raise money to fight cancer. It is something I have always wanted to do and after many years of letting excuses and fear get in my way, I'm doing it!

So today, I'm writing to you about visualizing your ideals and making them happen. All too often, we let self doubt talk us out of being who we are fully capable of being. There are always excuses for why it can't happen or reasons for why it won't work. But what about the ways it is possible? It is said that, "That which you focus on expands." So what are you looking at? Is the self doubt clouding your vision for who you want to be or what you want to do? Clear it out! Decide what your vision is and focus on it. Often the hardest parts of going for your dreams is making the actual commitment. So today, think about one thing you've always wanted to do. And then after you've visualized yourself doing it, make the commitment to really do it. Say, "Yes!" today. That's step one...more to come later.

Father's Day

Hope all of you had the chance to celebrate Father's Day with your loved ones. I was able to spend some time with my dad all weekend. It was really nice to see him. The saying on the front of the card I gave him was very powerful, so I wanted to share it with all of you. It read, "A man who walks with confidence and strength creates a pathway for others." My dad has been a huge example to me of how to live with strength, courage and integrity. And I know that I want to be that example to all those I meet. So as my journey here progresses, I hope you will continue to follow me as I will try to continue to walk a path that you can travel on with me. Here's to the journey...one step at a time.

Welcome Faithful Blog Readers

I want to send out a big welcome to my faithful blog readers from my Avon Walk site. I recently released the information about this blog to everyone who has been reading my other blog at www.avonwalk.org. This, unlike the walk which will soon come to an end, is an ongoing journey of life and the betterment of life. So I hope you enjoy it as much as you enjoyed reading the other blog.

Peace and Health to You All!