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FREE FALLING

11/2/2018

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 I fell down.
I am not sure how, but my entire body fell to the ground.
My knees took a hard hit followed by the rest of my body as it stretched out on the dirty concrete sliding (less than gracefully) until I put my hands out to stop myself. My suitcase and purse fell over next to me. Lying on my belly, arms reaching forward and my legs behind in a childlike Slip-n-Slide position.
I was confused and stunned.

There were no signs of a hole or bump, nothing that I slipped on. I just fell down. One minute I was thanking the shuttle driver, handing him a tip, pushing my suitcase and the next minute I was flat on the dirty concrete.  I felt like a fish that had just been taken out of the safety of its pond and thrown floundering on the shore. 

I quickly got up, told the shuttle driver I was fine and moved toward the curbside check in. Every step I took was slow and precise. After dropping my suitcase off I found the first rest room in the airport to see if my knees were intact under my jeans and wash the dirt off my red sore hands. Minor scratches were all my body incurred, but my ego and confidence were silently damaged.

I sat on the plane during my flight reliving what happened. How it happened and why it happened. I didn’t have the answers, but I knew I felt vulnerable. 
​

I am grateful that I wasn’t really hurt. I know a broken wrist is common when you put your hands out to stop a fall. The way my knees hit I could have damaged them. I could have hit my head.
My scuffed knees and sore hands will heal and my confidence and ego will recover.

We have all fallen in many different ways. Falls happen in life. Most happen when we least expect it. We don’t see it coming. We aren’t prepared. The best we can do is slide through it as gracefully as possible, pick ourselves up, wash our hands and keep going.  This is how we learn.  It is in the falling, failing and floundering that we move forward.  
            ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie’s Life Lesson:
        
 
“When you fall down in life, pick                          yourself up, wash your hands
                     and keep going.”
             ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Pennie Heart to Heart
FREE FALLING
YOUR TURN...         
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to understand that we all fall in life- in may areas, work, relationships, personal expectations.... it is how we get up, shake it off and move forward that counts. 
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below.  And please feel free to email me  at:
 PennieHunt@gmail.com. 
                                         Thank you!  
                   ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

​                                   All Rights Reserved
                 Copyright © 2013-2018 Pennie Hunt
         This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward and share this post.  Please keep the entire message intact, including  contact, logo, and copyright information.
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LIFE VEST

9/7/2018

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This is a "Pennies From The Past" that I wrote in 2013.  On September 13, 2018 I will  have been in the water 11 years... and still I wear my life vest. 
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LIFE VEST

I was forced in the water 5 years, 8 months and 5 days ago.
She was pushed recently. 

I met her last month.  Immediately, I saw the ache in her eyes as we spoke; the hurt that hides behind the everyday chit chat and smiles.  I know too well how to recognize the look of buried pain that is in the eyes of every grieving parent.

We shared photographs.  We all carry one.  Some are wrinkled and worn and some are sealed in protective covers to keep them safe.  I noticed the care she took when I handed her the picture of my son, J.T. and the loving way she brushed her fingers over it.  I silently thanked her for that.  I did the same with her photograph. 

We parents with angel children understand that the love we send them does not stop just because they are not physically here with us. 

Our stories are different, and yet the same.  The love we feel for our children.  The pain we feel without them.  The memories, the "did-that's”, the "wish-we-could's," the missing and the wanting all roll into one similar pond of pain.

I am further in the water than she is.  The hot and cold of it, the swirling and splashing is a continual dance of how we maneuver without drowning.  The trick is to do it with the grace and balance required to keep our heads above water -and breathing--always breathing.

At times I have fought the water current and at times I have floundered reaching for a life vest. The life vest has become one I wear secretly like bullet proof protection under my clothes with the hope that nothing this painful will ever penetrate my heart again. 

I continue forward.  I see others in the distance, with well-worn life vests, who have maneuvered the water much longer than I have.  I feel comfort in knowing they are leaving a trail to follow.

I turn to see the ones behind me as they wade in, stumbling and unsure if they will survive the voyage.  I reach my hand back to steady them as the waves hit, listen to them as they cry and help them position their life vests.

After 5 years, 8 months and 5 days I have learned to swim a little better. But, I will always wear my life vest. 
             ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie's Life Lesson:
           “Sometimes we need a life vest    

             and  sometimes we can be
             a life vest for others.”

            ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

YOUR TURN...         
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to reach out to others going through a difficult experience-- one that you have lived through!  
​
​
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below .
 And please feel free to email me  at:
 PennieHunt@gmail.com. 
                                                Thank you!  ​
                ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~           

​                                   All Rights Reserved
                 Copyright © 2013-2018 Pennie Hunt
         This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post.  Please keep the entire message intact, including  contact, logo, and copyright information.
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Q-TIP IT!

8/11/2018

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Q-Tip It!

Years ago when my husband and I were dating I learned a powerful lesson.



He would occasionally say something like,
      “I need a couple of days.” 

Of course I immediately took this personally and thought something was wrong.  I would call him and stop by his house to see if he was okay, after all I must have said or done something to upset him.

 He would assure me I hadn't and that it didn't have anything to do with me or “us.” 

I soon realized he was right.  It didn't have anything to do with me.  We just have different ways of recharging.
He needs downtime.
He needs a quiet respite to rest, relax and regenerate.

For me, when I need recharging I feed on the energy of being with people.  Talking, laughing and companionship regenerates me, so of course when he would tell me he needed time to himself I felt pushed away.
I took it personally. 

How many times in life do we take things personally and the reality is that it has nothing to do with us?  Whenever a stressful situation occurs many of us default immediately to the negative.  We blame ourselves.

Let’s look at it differently.

Let go of the immediate assumption and realize it isn't always about us…it could always be something else that causes someone to be cranky, in a hurry or snap at us.  

Here is a trick to help with this self-inflicted internalization of stress.  Q-tip it!  Yes, Q-tip it!
        Quit Taking It Personally!

As a reminder, take a couple of Q-Tips and tape them to your computer, your bathroom mirror, or your car visor.  Look at them often and when something happens in life that sets off your internal blame game, remember to Q-Tip it! 

The lesson I learned from my (now) husband all those years ago has saved me from many hours of needless worry.
It isn't always about me.
And guess what, now we recharge using what works for both of us.  We recharge together, laughing, talking and in the quiet space of each other’s companionship.  
                   ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie’s Life Lesson:
       “When the stress of life sets off your  
         internal blame game, Q-tip it!
             Quit Taking It personally!”

            ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

YOUR TURN...         
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to think about why things upset you... are you taking it personally when it has nothing to do with you?  

Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below .
 And please feel free to email me  at:
 PennieHunt@gmail.com. 
                                        Thank you!  

                ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~           
​                                   All Rights Reserved
                 Copyright © 2013-2018 Pennie Hunt
         This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post.  Please keep the entire message intact, including  contact, logo, and copyright information.
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IMPORTANT ENOUGH

8/3/2018

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    IMPORTANT    
       ENOUGH


I didn’t feel quite right when I woke up, but I had a “To Do” list that was heavier than the increased throbbing of my head. 

I hustled through my shower and scurried my two dogs to the groomer. I met a friend for a quick breakfast and then my plan included grocery shopping, blog writing, cleaning out a closet… the list went on. 

My husband would be returning from a trip just in time to make our dinner reservations.  It was a busy day. 

But none of that happened. 
My stomach immediately began swirling after breakfast and my body quickly began a downward spiral. 
I am not one to get sick. 
I NEVER get sick. 

Well, more accurately, I NEVER allow myself the time to be sick.  Typically I push through days like this ignoring the discomfort of a headache or a cold.  Rarely do I ever admit that I don’t feel well.

I decided I would go back home and lay down for an hour and then I would be fine and right back into my list. 
I called my husband and told him my plan.  He said,
     “Why put an hour limit on it…
      just go back to bed until you feel better.”

 

It was a head game for a while with that voice telling me,
     you don’t feel that bad,
     you have things to do,
     people depending on you..
     get up ….GET UP!


The concept of actually allowing myself time to heal was foreign to me, but as the hour turned into two and my body was continuing into a dark circle of ugliness I conceded. 

I was going to do it this time. 
I was going to sink into the safety of my bed allowing my body to heal instead of pushing it as if it wasn’t important enough to take care of..as if "I" wasn’t important enough to take care of.

My husband called and said he was coming home early to pick up the dogs, cancel the dinner reservation and take care of everything.  The urge to argue was muffled by my meek, “ok.”
I needed help.

My head sunk further into the comfort of my pillow and my body deepened into the cocoon of my bed.  I allowed myself to rest.
  
After 7 hours I attempted hot tea, a piece of toast and juice. 
Then it was back to my bed for 12 hours. 

As the sun came up on day two I moved to the couch.  The concept of being vertical was not yet in my body’s plan. 

Although I encourage others to practice self-care, sometimes I am not very good at it myself. After 48 hours of blurred memories are behind me one concept became very clear.   
It is ok to ask for help. 
It is ok to be sick. 
It is ok to allow your body time to rest, restore and heal.
I am important enough to be taken care of.             ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~                                       Pennie Life Lesson: 
 “Listen to your body.  Allow yourself time to rest, restore and heal.”

           ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~  ​

My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to be kind to yourself.  Take care of yourself.  Allow yourself time to heal. 

YOUR TURN - Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below.  And please feel free to email me  at:
                PennieHunt@gmail.com. 
                          Thank you!  
                ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~           
​                                   All Rights Reserved
                 Copyright © 2013-2018 Pennie Hunt
         This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post.  Please keep the entire message intact, including  contact, logo, and copyright information.
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RISK FOR LOVE

2/16/2018

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RISK FOR LOVE

My husband has been called a Stand-Up-Guy. 

He is grand in stature, grand in his life accomplishments, grand in his thinking and quietly grand in his giving.

He has a saying,
     “If you’re going to risk, risk for love.” 

We have many opportunities in life to risk- the stock market, gambling, new business ventures.   But let’s look at the times we risk for love.  

When you tell a potential life partner that you love them or ask them to marry you there is a chance for rejection.

We risk life as we know it when we bring a child into the world.  And once they are here we would risk anything to help them and keep them safe.

If you tell a friend you love them there is a risk of shocking them, being uncomfortable or being told you are odd.  People are not used to this kind of verbal affection. 

We risk our emotions when we adopt a pet knowing they will reach in, imprint our hearts and then leave us long before we are ready to see them go.  

When loving ourselves we are critical and question whether we are good enough or deserving of self-care and self-love.  

Even when doing acts of loving kindness there is the risk of being misunderstood or having your motives judged.  

When you love there is risk.
Love anyway.
Love loud.
Love  bold.
Love in every moment.
Love with all the breath you have in your soul.
Love until it trembles your very reason for living. 

My husband is a Stand-Up-Guy.  He lives his life in a conservative understated way.  He believes in researching, weighing all options and knowing the odds.

He rarely takes chances; however at a time when we thought our relationship was over he took the risk.  He made the phone call.  He began the conversation which led to our happy marriage.
He believes in risking for love. 
                         ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie's Life Lesson -
    “If you’re going to risk, risk for love!"
             ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Pennie Heart to Heart
 RISK FOR LOVE 

 YOUR TURN...         
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to fill yourself with love and if you are going to risk for anything - make it for love!  
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below .  And please feel free to email me  at:
 PennieHunt@gmail.com. 
                              Thank you! 

​​​   ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
​                                   All Rights Reserved
                 Copyright © 2013-2018 Pennie Hunt
         This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post.  Please keep the entire message intact, including  contact, logo, and copyright information.
 If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission  please email: Penniehunt@gmail.com
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ARE YOU SATISFIED?

2/2/2018

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ARE YOU SATISFIED?
 
The server began clearing the dishes from our table and said,

     “Would you like to order dessert or are                you satisfied?”
This comment made me push back from the table and sit up straight.  It wasn’t uncommon to be asked if you would like dessert after a restaurant meal.  I’m used to hearing,
   “Would you like dessert?”
   “Did you save room for dessert?”
   “Can I tempt you with a sweet treat?”

And so many other ways I’ve been asked that question.
But…
It was the way she asked it that caused me to pause. Am I satisfied?  I had to rethink my plan.  Many times when I go out for a nice dinner I automatically order dessert. 

Sometimes I am completely stuffed by the time I have made my way through an appetizer, salad, the main meal….and of course, dessert is part of the ritual of dining out.  Being satisfied with what I had consumed so far had never played into the mindless response of ordering dessert.
I always want dessert!

The way she asked the question forced me to differentiate my want from my need; my contentment from my greed; my hunger from my desire.

The truth was I was full.  My hunger had been (by definition) satisfied.  The way she posed the question humbled me.  I had just enjoyed a lovely meal.  The quality and quantity was more than many people in our world have to eat in a day. I was embarrassed to ask for more. 
 
This experience happened years ago, and yet, I have never forgotten that server.  I have never forgotten the question.  I have never forgotten the lesson.

How many times in life do we automatically want more?  We want a nicer car, a bigger home, a larger paycheck.  We want more attention, more friends, more love, and more happiness.  When did we become so unfulfilled with where we are? Why have we learned this behavior of never being content with what we have? 

Satisfaction comes from knowing when our belly is full, our thirst is quenched, and our life needs are met. The reality is, we can only drive one car at a time.  We can only occupy one home at a time.  And, no matter how much money we have, we can only eat one burger at a time. Satisfaction comes from knowing when enough is enough.   
            ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie’s Life Lesson:
“Be satisfied with where you are right now, with what you have right now, with the breath you are taking right now. Satisfaction comes from knowing when enough is enough.”
​             ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

Pennie Heart to Heart
ARE YOU SATISFIED?

YOUR TURN...         
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to look at your life and realize when enough is enough. 
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below.  And please feel free to email me  at:

                PennieHunt@gmail.com. 
                          Thank you!  
                ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
​                                   All Rights Reserved
                 Copyright © 2013-2018 Pennie Hunt
         This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post.  Please keep the entire message intact, including  contact, logo, and copyright information.
 If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission  please email: Penniehunt@gmail.com
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PUT DOWN YOUR MENTAL RED PEN!

1/21/2018

2 Comments

 
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PUT DOWN YOUR 
MENTAL RED PEN!

Do you remember in school when your assignments were returned to you after the teacher made corrections with a red pen?

Those red check marks, circles and comments cut right to your heart as if a neon sign was flashing “FAILURE!” 

Could this be where we learned the concept of judging?

We have been conditioned to point out what is unacceptable, wrong or incomplete.

We all have a mental red pen that constantly searches and rates everything within our focus.

We judge others on their clothes, income, status and even the behavior of their children.
We judge restaurants by how good the food is, how clean the floor is and how immediate the service is.
We judge the weather by the temperature, the wind speed and the humidity. 

And the mental red pen does double duty when we judge ourselves.  The number on the scale is too high; there are too many gray hairs; accomplishments are not grand enough; on and on and on.  

What if we stepped back from the mental red pen?  
Stop the check marks, circles and comments and adopt the phrase,

           “Isn't that interesting?” 

The next time you see a girl with blue hair, tattoos and piercings or want to thrash yourself for the two pounds you gained on vacation, step back, take a breath and say, 

            “Isn't that interesting?”

This is not saying you condone everything you see and every action you or others make.

It is just the calm acknowledgement of observation.
Not good.  Not bad. Not negative. Not hateful.  

The phrase, “Isn't that interesting?” may become a buffer between you and confrontation.  It may become a kinder frame for self-talk instead of the negative chatter we are used to hearing.  It may become a new perspective into non-judgment of others.  

The mental red pen can become the means for feedbackand not failure.  

Can you live one day without judging yourself or others?  Try it.

You will notice just how often you do engage that mental red pen of acceptability or failure.

After you complete one day, try for two, then three.  You may just step back from this exercise and say, 
            “Isn't that interesting?”
              ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie’s Life Lesson:

        "Put down your mental red pen.
        Instead of judging yourself and  
        others say,

              “Isn't that interesting.” 
               ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Pennie Heart to Heart
PUT DOWN YOUR MENTAL RED PEN

YOUR TURN...         
My intent in sharing this with you is to help all of us see our own mental red pen and to try an alternative to judging-- try observing.

​Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below.  And please feel free to email me  at:
                PennieHunt@gmail.com. 
                          Thank you!  
                ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
​                                   All Rights Reserved
                 Copyright © 2013-2018 Pennie Hunt
         This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post.  Please keep the entire message intact, including  contact, logo, and copyright information.
 If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission  please email: Penniehunt@gmail.com
2 Comments

THE SPACE BETWEEN

10/27/2017

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      THE SPACE         
      BETWEEN

Have you ever thought about the space between?

The space between the thought and
​ saying it.  
The space between the idea and doing it. 
The space between the ring of a phone and saying hello.
The space between the moment of opportunity and the miss.

The space between is that sacred second of decision? That instant when you make a decision to do something – or not.

Hawaii has a phenomenon known as the Green Flash.  It is a blink-of-the-eye blaze of intense emerald green that occurs in the second that the sunsets on the horizon of the ocean.  The mystical space between day and night.
​
The Green Flash is just that – a flash that lasts a second, or maybe two.  It isn’t visible with every sunset and because of the quickness of its presence it is easy to miss.

We are given “the space between”  many times in our days and our lives.  When missed, we feel regret, remorse and sorrow.  We fear we will never have the chance again to say the words, implement the idea, pick up the phone or grasp the opportunity. 

The space between often times is not something we can predict or create again.  We don’t always get a do over, but we can hone our sense of understanding of the Green Flashes in our lives.
 Never allow closed eyes to stop you from seeing them and never allow fear to keep you from taking action.

Use the space between.
Use your sacred second to take a breath and…
Put your thoughts into words and say them out loud.
Take your idea from your mind to reality.
Answer the call.
Recognize the opportunity and jump when you see the opening.

Don’t blink in that split second when the sun sets.  Open your eyes and be ready for yourGreen Flash.
                    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 
Pennie’s Life Lesson:
​
 “Never allow closed eyes to stop you from seeing opportunities and never allow fear to keep you from taking action.”

​                 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~       

Pennie Heart to Heart
​Why I wrote:
THE SPACE BETWEEN

My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to watch for your sacred seconds of decision - don't miss a Green Flash in your life! 
YOUR TURN - 
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below.  And please feel free to email me  at:

                PennieHunt@gmail.com. 
                          Thank you!  
                ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
​                                   All Rights Reserved
                 Copyright © 2013-2017 Pennie Hunt
         This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post.  Please keep the entire message intact, including  contact, logo, and copyright information.
 If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission  please email: Penniehunt@gmail.com
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TURN ON YOUR BLIND SPOT MONITOR

10/6/2017

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TURN ON YOUR BLIND SPOT MONITOR

My car has a feature called the Blind Spot Monitor. 

When turned on, this life-saving invention warns you when a vehicle is detected in your blind spot.  You know, that spot to your side and just over your shoulder that you can’t see.   When a vehicle is detected a warning light flashes in the side mirror to indicate a potentially hazardous lane change.  The light stays on until the vehicle in the blind spot is safely ahead or behind you leaving you free to change lanes.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we all had a Blind Spot Monitor?  Think about all of the things we don’t see that are hidden in our personal blind spots. You know, that spot to your side and just over your shoulder that you can’t see; OR choose not to. This spot is probably overflowing with items in three categories: actions or failures to act, tolerations and grace.

Actions or failures to act.
When was the last time you did something, even unintentionally, that caused direct or indirect pain?  This is the cause and effect syndrome.  Examples of this include: not following through on promises, telling small untruths, or arriving late to an appointment or event.  Hidden in our personal blind spot is the hurt we cause others by our broken promises, untruths, and undependability.  All of these type of actions that we either take or don’t take fall into this first category.

Tolerations. 
Yes, I may have just created a new word.  Definition ala Pennie:
   Tol-er-a-tions: the people, places,     
   circumstances or things that cause us
   to participate in the act of tolerating. 

This could very well put us on the opposite side of the scale from the first category.  We permit people to take advantage of us by breaking promises or telling lies.   We tolerate laziness, sloppy work products, and misbehavior by ourselves and others by pushing it into our blind spot and telling ourselves it isn’t a big deal.  We ignore our own health, fitness and happiness. All of these tolerations fit nicely into our blind spot.

Grace. 
This may be the saddest and most important category of all. The idea that so much love, laughter and goodness in life slips into our blind spot where we don’t appreciate them.  They become wasted grace.  Close your eyes and feel hugs from your partner, the laughter of a child, the smile from a stranger, the smell of morning coffee and the wag of your dog’s tail. Yes, I said feel because I want to intentionally stir the emotion these examples of love and grace create.  How many times does grace go unnoticed in a day and huddle in our blind spot?

Now imagine with me what life would be like if we turned on our personal Blind Spot Monitor.  It would flash a beacon in our mind to indicate a potential hazard and guide us into the lane of safety.  When we came close to not following through on a promise the beacon would spark to warn us to change course.  When we tolerated our slipping health or unhappiness the beacon would remind us that loving ourselves is a priority.  And most importantly with every act of grace we encountered the loving light would spotlight the event so we wouldn’t miss it.

Yes, I believe we all have the capacity of this personal life-saving feature.  We all have a Blind Spot Monitor. We just need to turn it on and watch for the flashing beacon.
 
              ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie's Life Lesson:
​ “Turn on your personal Blind Spot Monitor to enjoy all of life through  open eyes.”
                 ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

Pennie Heart to Heart
The reason I wrote:​​
TURN ON YOUR
​BLIND SPOT MONITOR

​My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to be aware of all that goes on in your life...little and big.  Do not allow your blind spot to cheat you out of the wonderful moments of grace that surround you.  Turn ON your blind spot monitor!

YOUR TURN - 
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below.  And please feel free to email me  at:

                PennieHunt@gmail.com. 
                          Thank you!  
                ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
​                                   All Rights Reserved
                 Copyright © 2013-2017 Pennie Hunt
         This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post.  Please keep the entire message intact, including  contact, logo, and copyright information.
 If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission  please email: Penniehunt@gmail.com
0 Comments

PEACE FEELS LIKE...

10/1/2017

2 Comments

 
Picture
PEACE FEELS LIKE…

​My grandson drew a picture with a caption that read,

 “Peace Feels Like Sitting in a Warm Chair.”

At six years old he understands his
Place of Peace.

It is a place where he feels safe, loved, centered and warm.  His Place of Peace is in the safety of a chair with the sun warming his heart and looking into the magical wonders of the ocean.

It reminded me of my meditation chair.
It is growing old and tattered and as with the wisdom of age, has become softer, safer and stronger.  It has held me for years of long hours of meditations, journaling and prayers.

The spirit of these practices layer into every aging wrinkle of the chair’s fabric.  I feel a sacred sense of love and kindness every morning as I sink into its safe arms… settling into my Place of Peace.

What does Peace feel like to you?
Where do you feel safe, loved, centered and warm?
How often do you visit this sacred space to warm your heart and center your soul?

For me, I agree with the wisdom of a six year old, -
“Peace Feels Like Sitting in a Warm Chair.”
              ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 
Pennie’s Life Lesson:
​  
“Find your Place of Peace.  Visit it often.” 

               ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Picture
PEACE FEELS LIKE

Pennie Heart to Heart
The reason I wrote:​​
PEACE FEELS LIKE

I shared this with you  to encourage you think about what PEACE feels like to you.
Tell me where your Place of Peace is!


YOUR TURN -
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below.  And please feel free to email me  at:

                PennieHunt@gmail.com. 
                          Thank you!  
                ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
​                                   All Rights Reserved
                 Copyright © 2013-2017 Pennie Hunt
         This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post.  Please keep the entire message intact, including  contact, logo, and copyright information.
 If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission  please email: Penniehunt@gmail.com
2 Comments

THE ROAD TO TRANQUILITY

9/23/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
On the way to my home I turn a sharp corner.  
I say sharp because if I didn’t make the turn I would drive right into a barricade.  The special thing about the corner is the sign above the barricade.  It says, 
               “Tranquility” 
with an arrow pointing toward my home.  

Every time I drive by the sign and make the turn I take a deep breath in agreement.  My home is a place of safety, peace and, yes, tranquility.

For years I have called my home the, “House of Zen.” 
From the moment I enter I am greeted with the serenity of water trickling over slate stones in my waterfall. There is no television on the main floor of my home and only the sound of serene music mixes with the water.  The views from my windows are of nature in its glory.  In every corner are items that bring me joy and comfort. 
My home is my sanctuary.

How does your home create tranquility for you?
When you walk through the threshold do you feel safe? What do you need to do to create calmness and serenity?

You would be surprised as to how the littlest things can make a huge difference.  
Think of your senses.... What you see, hear, smell, touch and taste in your home spurs feelings.  Music, candles, water, fire, flowers, texture..... these are things that can change the entire feel of a home and create a place of tranquility.

Isn’t this the way we should feel as we are entering our private space?

As I turn the corner this in-my-face visual reminds me to leave all my worries, concerns and negative experiences at the corner.
When I turn onto that road to tranquility I am at peace.
I am at home.
                  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie's Life Lesson:
       “Home is your space for safety,
               peace and tranquility.”

                    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ​

Pennie Heart to Heart
The reason I wrote:​​
THE ROAD TO TRANQUILITY

My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to create a space of calm in your home... a place for you to feel safe and loved. 

YOUR TURN - Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below.  And please feel free to email me  at:
                PennieHunt@gmail.com. 
                          Thank you!  
                ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
​                                   All Rights Reserved
                 Copyright © 2013-2017 Pennie Hunt
         This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post.  Please keep the entire message intact, including  contact, logo, and copyright information.
 If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission  please email: Penniehunt@gmail.com
0 Comments

TEN YEARS

9/9/2017

7 Comments

 
Picture
TEN YEARS 

​Sitting in my car I look up at the apartment in front of me. 
Top floor.
Center window.
Looking for answers, memories, for him.

It’s been ten years.
Ten years since my son lived there.
Ten years since he tickled me with his beard and gave me one of his giant bear hugs.
Ten years since I have heard his guitar and his voice.
Ten years since I walked past the yellow caution tape and through the door in search of a “feeling” of him.
Ten years since I packed his things into boxes.
Ten years since grief and pain invaded my body.
It’s been ten years since I wrote my son’s obituary.
 
My son was pure magic. 
He was funny, talented, caring and kind. 
He turned heads with his infatuating energy and turned hearts with his never ending love.

He died in that apartment. 
He was an addict.
 
I felt desperately alone.
Addiction is a circle of shame – for the addict and the family. 
His very inner circle of family and friends knew.
Only MY very inner circle of family and friends knew.
 
His addiction was kept private. 
No one knew he smoked pot for the first time when he was 12.
No one knew the first rehab was when he was 16.
No one knew he became addicted to an anti-anxiety drug a doctor prescribed for him.
No one knew he went to rehab the second time.
No one knew he began using prescription drugs again after having his wisdom teeth pulled and prescribed pain medication.
No one knew he went to rehab the third time.
No one knew how hard he tried to get better.
No one knew the cycle, the rollercoaster, the nightmare.

No one knew his pain or mine.
No one knew what caused his death.

The rumors, the gossip, the questions only made waiting for the autopsy more difficult.
It didn’t make sense to me, but I wanted to believe it when I read:
     CAUSE OF DEATH- Bronchopneumonia. 

I locked the rest of the report in my home safe and in the safety of my heart.  I didn’t want to say out loud that there was Methadone in his system within the normal toxic range, but it was also in the therapeutic range for treatment. 
I didn’t want to see the small amount of Diazepam (Valium) in his system.  Both prescribed to him.

I have learned that toxicology reports are only accurate if done swiftly.  If there is a delay the results are skewed.  In these cases the cause is almost always reported as- Bronchopneumonia.  My son’s autopsy was not conducted until four days after he passed. 

For most of these years I have only spoken about the details with very select people, in private settings of safety.

After ten years, it is time for me to stand in the truth.
My son was an addict.
Addiction and drugs killed him. 
 
The image of an addict as someone found lying in an alley with a needle in their arm needs to be redefined.  
Addicts are our brothers, our sisters, our parents, our best friends and our children.  They are on every level of economic status and emotional strength.  They collide with addiction in an infinite number of ways. 
 
I’ve spoken to rehab groups.
I’ve met with parents of addicts. 
I’ve held the hands of others who have lost children. 
I have quietly watched the reports of more and more dying.  More and more families struggling.  More and more people criticized, shamed and shunned for suffering from addiction.  

The struggle is real.
My son was not alone. 
His story is the story of so many others. 

We need to talk about it.  We need to build a better network of ‘immediate’ treatment and support.  We need to celebrate success and recovery in the same way we celebrate winning a battle with cancer… knowing that recurrence is possible, but support and hope never fades.

This epidemic needs to stop!
No one should have to hide behind shame and stigma when they desperately need help.

No sister should have to tattoo her brother’s memory on her wrist.
No brother should have to lose his best friend.
No Mom should have to write her child’s obituary.
No parent should have to close another casket.
 
I look up at the apartment in front of me.  Top floor.
Center window.  
Looking for answers, memories, for him.

I think of a conversation I had with my oldest son after the funeral.  
     “Mom, what will we do when it’s been
       ten years and we forget him?”

My answer was the same that day as it is today,
     “Oh, honey, ten years is a long, long
      time, but we will never forget him!”

 
​   ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~
Pennie’s Life Lesson:
“No matter how long it takes to stand in your truth, step past the fear and stand in the light.” 

​         ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~

LINKS TO SPREAD AWARENESS AND HELP 

Please visit and share this link to Celebrating Lost Loved Ones.  A map to build awareness and  celebrate the magical lives lost to this epidemic:
​ http://arcg.is/2dduJah
Picture

In memory of my J.T. 1985-2007
 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Pennie Heart to Heart
The reason I wrote:​ TEN YEARS

            ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
My intent in sharing this with you is to speak your truth - especially if it can help others!  


YOUR TURN - Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below.  And please feel free to email me  at:
                PennieHunt@gmail.com. 
                          Thank you!  
                ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
​                                   All Rights Reserved
                 Copyright © 2013-2017 Pennie Hunt
         This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post.  Please keep the entire message intact, including  contact, logo, and copyright information.
 If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission  please email: Penniehunt@gmail.com
7 Comments

LET THEM DANCE

7/21/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
     LET THEM               DANCE

She is a four year old, blonde, blue eyed student of life.  

The evening sunset was long gone and dinner had settled in our bellies.  Just as most of us sat down to relax, she jumped in the middle of the room to demonstrate the dance moves she was learning in ballet class.  She kicked off her worn pink western boots and transformed from a chatty whirlwind of activity into a seriously composed tiny dancer.  

Her voice whispered,
     “Tap, point, tap, point,” 
as she awkwardly rotated through her toe points and pirouettes.  

After several methodical demonstrations of her talent, the group began clapping.  Her irritation was obvious when she loudly stated,
       “No!  I am still doing it!”  

The clapping hushed immediately as the understanding was clear  -- she was not done yet!

How often in life do we interrupt someone else’s dance? 
We are so rushed, busy and preoccupied that we don’t notice their dance or take the time to let the moment unfold.

When we see a fellow soul loving life, enjoying the moment and singing their heart song, we should hold the space of delight with them.  We should let it last for them (and for ourselves) as long as it can.  We should stretch it into as much absolute pleasure as possible.  

She may be a four year old learning her way, but for that space in time she was a teacher of life.  The lesson was clear; the meaning was firm. We need to recognize another’s dance whatever form it takes and celebrate it as much as we do our own.  Allow it to last until the music of their heart stops and the dance is complete.
Don’t interrupt.  Let them dance.
                 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie’s Life Lesson:
     “Every soul has a dance to dance.
             Celebrate everyone’s heart dance.” 

                 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

YOUR TURN...         
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to applaud everyone's dance.  Let them dance for as long as they want.  Be in the moment of JOY with them!  
Let them dance! 
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below .  And please feel free to email me  at:
 PennieHunt@gmail.com. 
                                                Thank you!  
                   ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
           
                                               All Rights Reserved
                                                      Copyright © 2013-2017 Pennie Hunt
                                       This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
                                                             Feel free to forward this post.
                                       Please keep the entire message intact, including
                                            contact, logo, and copyright information.
                 If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission       
                                                 please email: Penniehunt@gmail.com

​Pennie Heart to Heart - 
Why I wrote LET THEM DANCE

0 Comments

PERCEPTION of PERFECTION

7/14/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
PERCEPTION of PERFECTION

Recently it was pointed out to me that I am not 28 anymore. This message came in two ways.  One from my body as I bent over during a Yoga pose and thought to myself,

      “Whose knees are those?”

Later as I was questioning out loud how my knees have changed, a friend pointed out that my age number no longer begins with a "2."  

When did that happen?  For that matter, how did I rush through 3 and 4?  My friend’s point was, why would I expect to have 28 year old knees when I wasn’t 28 anymore and that I should stop being critical and accept myself and body for the beauty it holds, even if my number now begins with a "5." 

Whoa! That set off some major pondering in my head.  Accept myself?  Accept myself?

The first thing I had to do was contemplate what my perception of me at this age and space in my life should be.  What was I willing to accept? 

I will admit to being someone who over the years has had a difficult time with the perception of perfection.  I have been the over achiever who wanted to be perfect.

The perfect wife.
The perfect daughter.
The perfect mom.
The perfect friend.
All my life I have held a perception of what my perfect weight should be, what I should and shouldn't eat, how much I should work out, what I should be doing for others… the list could go on and on.   

Take a minute and visualize the Perception of Perfectionyou hold for yourself. 

Do you have it?  If you are like me it is an over exaggerated, unattainable Perception of Perfection fueled by our own self talk and the world we live in.  The media tells us minute-by-minute how we should look, dress and feel. We buy into this and continually believe we are not good enough.
           (Read Good Enough -click here!)

          
  Is this realistic?

My pondering has brought me to a place of honesty with myself.   My new mantra is this:
 Pennie’s Perception of Perfection= Honesty, Health and Happiness.

I may not be the same size I was and have the stamina I had at 28, but I look and feel pretty good.  I am healthy and I love my life.  And guess what?  My age number does start with "5" and those are my knees.

Now take out your paper and pen and write your ownPerception of Perfection that fits you. 
             ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~  
Pennie's Life Lesson:
 “Our personal Perception of Perfection should be based in Honesty, Health and Happiness.”

              ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
YOUR TURN...         
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to love the age you are, the body you have and the joy life brings during all times of your life! 
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below.  And please feel free to email me  at:
 PennieHunt@gmail.com. 
                                  Thank you!  
                    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
           
                                               All Rights Reserved
                                                      Copyright © 2013-2017 Pennie Hunt
                                       This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
                                                             Feel free to forward this post.
                                       Please keep the entire message intact, including
                                            contact, logo, and copyright information.
                 If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission       
                                                 please email: Penniehunt@gmail.com

Pennie Heart to Heart -
Why I wrote Perception of Perfection

0 Comments

WHO IS YOUR BACKSEAT DRIVER?

7/1/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
WHO IS YOUR BACKSEAT DRIVER?

Are you letting stories that you repeat over and over again define who you are?  Do you allow them to drive your life?  If you don’t know what I mean read:
WHO IS CHAUFFEURING YOUR LIFE?

Maybe you have your stories under control but have another problem… other PEOPLE who want to (or you allow to) chauffeur your life.  You know, that back seat driver that is always telling you where your life should go at every turn.  As you read that did someone immediately come to mind?  Did you see their face and hear their voice? If so, you know what I am talking about.

Humans need human contact to survive.  People need people.  We need time. We need touch.  We need connection.

What we don’t need is to feel like we are powerless or controlled.  We don’t need to feel like our emotions and happiness are totally dependent on pleasing someone else.  We don’t need to feel like our actions are being controlled by the demands of another person.

I do have a caveat here -- I am not talking about a mutually loving relationship where there is reciprocity of respect, kindness and love.  It is healthy when we give of our self and do acts of love and kindness for others and in return receive feelings of love and self-satisfaction.

I am talking about the sponges that soak up all of our good intentions and acts of kindness without returning any level of thoughtfulness.  Oh, occasionally they may throw a sweet gesture your way, but for the most part, they hold an expectation that you will always be there, always support them and always give, give, give.

We believe the control is created by the other person, but the reality is – WE create the situation by giving away our control.  We allow the back seat driver to steer our life and control our actions.  Let me say that again- WE create the situation by giving away our control.

By doing this we give away our happiness. We cheapen our value by letting others push our buttons. We feel tied like a puppet with no way to cut the strings.  And yet, we are the only ones who can.

It is even possible that the other person is not aware of this situation, but it has been going on for so long that it has become a habit that holds no consequences or responsibility on their side.  After all, they are in the cushy seat, the comfortable place, the receiving end.

We must create boundaries. 
Boundaries around what we will or won’t do. 
Boundaries around our self-inflicted guilt when we believe we are responsible for the other person. 
Boundaries around our hearts as a protection from the invisible force of expectation we feel from the other person. 
And boundaries around our minds that have been trained to create the illusion of obligation to this person.

Isn’t it time to put the brakes on?
If you are always giving family members or friends money to get them back on their feet, but never see them grow up and take control of their own life --Stop writing checks expecting this to change.

If someone is always late, wait an appropriate 10-15 minutes and then leave- they obviously feel their time is more important than yours. Don’t cheapen your value.

If you are the one who tries to make everything perfect for others in hopes of making them happy, but it is never enough-- it probably never will be enough and they will probably never be happy…and while doing this neither will you.

If you are under obligation to continually take care of or give to a person, evaluate if the obligation is real or is it just your perception that you “owe” someone your time and talent.  Evaluate the situation for codependency.  Are you getting something from being a martyr?  Even if you feel like you are being used and taken advantage of, have you become dependent on being needed?

If you are continually trying to stop giving your resources of time, finances, energy and control of your emotions and life to someone else, but only break free for short periods of time. Then you slip back into the old pattern again of one-way giving.  Chart how long you have been doing this pattern. Where has it gotten you?

If you are following a life path because someone told you it was the road you should take, but you hate the scenery, you feel lost, or you know in your heart it isn’t the way you should be going, it is never too late to stop, make a U-turn and let your soul’s GPS recalculate to guide you on YOUR path.  There isn’t time to be controlled by a backseat driver. Be your own navigator on this road of life.
Take control of your own steering wheel.
                  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie’s Life Lesson:
    “Take control of your own thoughts,
                      time and talent. 
         Don’t allow a back seat driver to
​                     steer your life.”
                    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

​
YOUR TURN...         
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to think about who is controlling your emotions and actions.  Shouldn't YOU be in control???


Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below .  And please feel free to email me  at:
 PennieHunt@gmail.com.
 
                                                Thank you!  ​
                    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
           
                                               All Rights Reserved
                                                      Copyright © 2013-2017 Pennie Hunt
                                       This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
                                                             Feel free to forward this post.
                                       Please keep the entire message intact, including
                                            contact, logo, and copyright information.
                 If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission       
                                                 please email: Penniehunt@gmail.com
0 Comments

WHO IS CHAUFFEURING YOUR LIFE?

6/22/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
WHO IS CHAUFFEURING YOUR LIFE? 

Our lives are driven by stories.
We travel the road yielding to them as they climb into the back seat.

We turn left, we turn right and choose the forks in the road that we hope will lead us to our happily ever after.
With every turn we pick them up.
A story here.
A story there. 

Some are interesting.  Some are scary.  Some are fun.  Some we want to lock in the trunk and forget. They all merge together to create the book of our life.

Occasionally we are jolted to completely stop at a red light and a story forces its way into the front seat with us. 

Some are powerful and push us out of our driver’s seat and  takes over as the chauffeur of our lives. The story becomes the theme that overshadows all the other stories and events that we experience.

The story becomes who we are.

Every turn we make is because of the story.

Every decision is because of the story.  

For you, this may be a happy chauffeur taking you to just the right places – school, a career, a life partner, children and success.  The chauffeur takes you on the drive you hoped for and the life story you dreamt of.  

Or, the story may be one of grief, desperation, loss, or despair.  The story is sad and takes over your life.  You no longer have control of the wheel.

The story has control and circles you as if you are stuck in a round-a-bout reliving the tragedy over and over.  You feel like you can’t put on the brakes or turn a different direction. 

We all have experienced stories of good and bad; happiness and sadness.  It is up to us to melt our stories into a collective balance for our life.  Don’t allow an event or tragedy to lock you into park or worse-- navigate you to a dark, dead end street. 

Decide who you want to chauffeur your life.  Take control of your stories.

Each one can be told from many perspectives.
Concentrate on the great stories and look for ways to see lessons and grace in your challenging ones.
Keep your steering wheel balanced and driving happily through your life. 

Who is chauffeuring your life?  
                ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

 Pennie’s Life Lesson:
       “Don’t allow one event or tragedy to                                  drive your life.
    Take control of your own steering wheel.”

             ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

YOUR TURN...         
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to think about the life stories you repeat over and over allowing them to define what your life is and  who you are.  Are they the stories you want to be in control of that?  Hmmmmm...


Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below .  And please feel free to email me  at:
 PennieHunt@gmail.com.
 
                                                Thank you!  ​
                    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
           
                                               All Rights Reserved
                                                      Copyright © 2013-2017 Pennie Hunt
                                       This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
                                                             Feel free to forward this post.
                                       Please keep the entire message intact, including
                                            contact, logo, and copyright information.
                 If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission       
                                                 please email: Penniehunt@gmail.com


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THIS KIND OF LOVE

5/6/2017

0 Comments

 
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         THIS
 KIND OF LOVE

Every bump in the road caused me to hold the door handle tighter as my contractions grew stronger.  A few short hours later my young 19-year-old self is syphoned into a whirlwind of new experiences.  A washcloth is put in my mouth to muffle my expressions of pain and my legs are strapped into stirrups. I hear,
       “The baby’s heartbeat is dropping,
         we have to move fast.”

Pushing, forceps, fear – these were not covered in the prenatal classes.  The cry of a tiny soul and the tears of his mother are ignored as he is swept away. 

My bed is wheeled to the hallway for a makeshift recovery room.  I watch every face as it passes and in a foggy drugged daze I wonder where he has been taken. 
Several hours later I hold the most beautiful gift I have ever been given.  I understand for the first time this kind of love. 
His name is Jeremiah.
~ ~ ~

Two years pass-- I wake up to a sharp pain.  Grabbing my swollen belly I stand as warm red fear flows down my leg. In a blink, I am on the maternity floor. 
There is no heart beat and yet my body contracts in the effort of labor.  I am alone in the sterile room as the tiny baby leaves my body. 
I squeeze the emergency button calling for help.  Stopping at the edge of my bed the doctor puts his arm around my shoulder and says,
     “Some ladies take this well and
       some have a hard time.”

I am numb… which would I be?

Twenty-four hours click by.  I walk by rooms where new moms are snuggling their babies.  I hear their newborn cries as I ride the elevator down, empty handed.
​I reach to pick up my beautiful toddler.  Someone stops me saying,
     ‘Be careful…
            it’s like you had a baby."                                                     

My heart bleeding, I swallow the words I want to shout – I DID HAVE A BABY – His name is Jake.
~ ~ ~

She is an angel.  Her round cherub face landing in my life through a sweet, simple birth.  The room glows with happiness.  The 9 month fear and worry about this pregnancy is now covered with everything soft and pink.  She fits in my arms as if she has always been there.  Together we are  happy and content.
It’s my 22nd birthday and I bring her home. Her name is Sarah.
~ ~ ~

Five years later football is on the television in the birthing room. The process is different from the first time. I’m an expert now, wanting to experience and remember every contraction, every moment of birth, as this will be my last.  His eyes twinkle with a warning of who he is… an impish let’s-get-this-party-started boy joins my life.  I hold him in fierce protection to keep him in this moment forever.  
His name is Jameson.
~ ~ ~

Motherhood arrived for me four times over eight years. In easy and difficult ways.

Jeremiah and Sarah are now grown with children of their own.  They are adults with successful resumes, education, and accomplishments.

Jameson hit the world ready to have fun and for a short 22 years brought love to all who knew him.  As a toddler, he played endlessly with his imaginary friend, “Jake.”  I believe the two were a prearranged team who now watch us from the magical space we all come from and will all return to.

Mothers are celebrated one day a year, but mothers celebrate day by day, moment by moment, breath by breath  We celebrate the moment we give birth and every moment we have with the special souls we call children. We cry at preschool graduations and cry when college diplomas are awarded.  We celebrate their success and accomplishments and hold pride for how their lives grew.  We hurt when they hurt and are painfully scarred if they pass before us.

The title of “Mother” and the gift of motherhood should not be taken lightly. Mothering is not a finite venture.  The love we feel for our children is one of powerful connection.  Whether they are with us for our lifetime or leave this life ahead of us, the love and connection is of equal strength.  We are bound to our children through magical golden cords that are not separated by age, by distance or by death. 
Mothers understand THIS kind of love.
            ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Pennie’s Life Lesson:
“Motherhood should be celebrated day by day, moment by moment, and breath by breath.”
             ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

YOUR TURN...         
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to think about your mom, what motherhood means and how you can celebrate Mother's Day every day! 


Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below .  And please feel free to email me  at:
 PennieHunt@gmail.com.
 
                                                Thank you!  ​
                    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
           
                                               All Rights Reserved
                                                      Copyright © 2013-2017 Pennie Hunt
                                       This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
                                                             Feel free to forward this post.
                                       Please keep the entire message intact, including
                                            contact, logo, and copyright information.
                 If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission       
                                                 please email: Penniehunt@gmail.com

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DON’T CONNECT THE DOTS! 

2/25/2017

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DON’T CONNECT THE DOTS! 

Have you ever experienced a meltdown…the kind where you find yourself in a messy puddle on the floor?


 I have a concept called, "Pennie’s DOT Theory", that states:

 “Any event that happens to us, around us, or concerns us is just one tiny DOT in the grand adventure of life. If we over-think one DOT it becomes magnified and joins with 
other DOTs to form a mass of stress that creates imbalance and unhappiness.”

 If we blow one DOT out of proportion it can consume us, make us irrational and ultimately we end up in that messy puddle.  The problem is we over think a little DOT allowing it to become a big DOT.

Remember this –  
         D--O--T-    
       DON’T  OVER THINK the DOT! 
 

It happened to me.

It began with a flu shot.
Well, the flu shot is not responsible for the entire meltdown but it is the DOT that began the snowball rolling. For three days after the shot I felt tired, drained and far from the perky, optimistic, personality I am known for. 

My fatigue turned into a colossal cold.  Another DOT.


I stopped working out, stopped meditating, stopped eating right…DOT… DOT… DOT! 

As the days continued my snowball began rolling faster. More stressful DOTs showed up.  The imbalance grew.  I broke dishes, forgot things and my blood pressure went up.  

As the DOTs continued to connect, overwhelm set in.  I began allowing the profanities of human emotions to marinate with the DOTs…. You know the ones… words like, jealousy, resentment, anger, insecurity, and ultimately the BIG four letter word      
            - FEAR! 

Then it happened.

It doesn't matter what the “IT” was… it was just another DOT, but the most dangerous kind for me…my feelings were hurt.  The snowball aimed right for that DOT rolling around in it until every dirty bit of it was connected to the DOT party forming in my head.  It was just the DOT to heat up the snowball enough for it to come to a full stop, a complete meltdown and a DOT EXPLOSION! 

The pity party wasn't pretty.

The meltdown was ugly.
The DOT explosion was epic causing a massive heart attack.  You see, when you over-think little DOTs they join with other DOTs in the same way blood cells stick together to block your arteries.  You don’t function well and it eventually leads to a heart attack.  

Thank goodness DOT heart attacks don’t send you to the hospital.  Yet, they have the power to do just as much damage.  Accumulating and over-thinking DOTs stifles your happiness.  Fear takes over attacking your heart and breaking down its protective covering until an explosive meltdown occurs. A crack is formed and your heart is scared in hidden ways.  

Finally, I stepped back from the dirty puddle I was sitting in and realized I had broken my own DOT rules.  By over thinking every little DOT I had given them the power to become huge in my mind.  I allowed them to connect one, by one, stripping me of my calm, my contentment and my happiness. They blinded me and I couldn't see around them.

I carried the huge DOT mass around like a collection of boulders in a backpack.  Only as I dropped the backpack did they tumble out before me and I could see the tiny pebbles each of them really were.
Just tiny DOTs in the grand adventure of life! 
                   ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

Pennie’s Life Lesson:

“Any event that happens to us, around us, or concerns us is just one tiny DOT in the grand adventure of life.
        Don’t Over-Think the DOTs!"


***Since we all learn from each other, I would love to have you share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below.  Thank you!***
                                                               All Rights Reserved
                                                      Copyright © 2013 Pennie Hunt
                                       This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
                                                             Feel free to forward this post.
                                       Please keep the entire message intact, including
                                            contact, logo, and copyright information.
                 If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission       
                                                 please email: Penniehunt@gmail.com

                                                                             Thank you!

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THREE ABILITIES THAT DETERMINE YOUR SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS

2/3/2017

1 Comment

 
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THREE ABILITIES THAT DETERMINE YOUR SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS
​

Are you searching for the secret to happiness?

Do you wonder why other people seem to be more successful than you—even if you believe that you work harder than they do? 

It comes down to three attributes. 
Here it is 1 – 2 – 3! 

1. The ability to accept and adapt to change.

2. The ability to believe you are Good  
     Enough to  love and be loved.

3. The ability to express gratitude.

Let me break these down for you.

I learned as a little girl growing up in a military family to make friends on the playground or stand alone.  I learned that I needed to accept the changes that occurred when my father received orders that moved us to a new community and that I needed to adapt to my new environment, make friends and enjoy the new normal.

This has served me well through career changes, divorce and grief.  While others live in the Who-Moved-My-Cheese stagnation unable to accept that their life has changed and unable to adapt to the new adventures ahead of them, successful, happy people hone the ability to accept and adapt.  You may not always like the event that spurred the change, but cultivate the ability to bloom in the space you find yourself – no matter what!

We are bombarded with the message that we are Not Good Enough!  We all protect that space inside where we believe we are not thin enough, smart enough, rich enough…the list goes on and on.  The newest guilt inducers verified by the over 300,000 self-help books on the market are that we are not happy enough, healthy enough or holy enough.

Here’s the thing – WE ARE ALL GOOD ENOUGH!!  Just by the pure biological chance that we were created proves this –it is no accident!  We were all meant to be here! I can tell you this all day, but YOU must do the work on this one.  YOU have to believe right down to your inner core that YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH!

It doesn't matter what trauma you had as a child or what wrongs you have committed, you must come to a place of knowing that you are Good Enough to love and be loved.  If you don’t believe it no one else will believe it of you.  Relationships, love, happiness and success will avoid you—after all you are sending off the vibe that you aren't Good Enough and don’t deserve it!

Lastly, you must express gratitude.  You will never receive more if you are not grateful for what you have.  If all you have is a pair of shoes and a burger to eat, be grateful for that! Be grateful for every step, every breath, and every moment you are given and for all that your life is filled with.

Don’t just say, “Thank you,”  feel gratitude with every cell of your body.  Tell others why you are thankful for them.  Write thank you notes, make phone calls, journal, pray, sing, dance – whatever moves you to a loving place, do it!

You cannot hold on to a negative like hurt, anger or fear when you are filled with gratitude.  Practice the ability to express gratitude until it becomes your DNA. 
                ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Pennie's Life Lesson:
“To be happy and successful cultivate these three attributes:
The Ability to accept and adapt to change; The Ability to believe you are Good Enough to love and be loved;
The Ability to express gratitude.”
                                            ~ Pennie Hunt 


                   ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~
 My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to practice these three attributes until they become part of your daily living! Monitor how this positively affects your life! 

YOUR TURN - Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below.  And please feel free to email me  at:
                   PennieHunt@gmail.com. 
                            Thank you!  
                ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

                                    All Rights Reserved
                      Copyright © 2013-2017 Pennie Hunt
            This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
                           Feel free to forward this post.
             Please keep the entire message intact, including
                   contact, logo, and copyright information.
       If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint              permission please email: Penniehunt@gmail.com

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WHAT I LEARNED IN A DARK MOVIE THEATER

1/28/2017

2 Comments

 
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WHAT I LEARNED IN A DARK MOVIE THEATER

I bought one ticket.
I bought the large popcorn and drink combo.
I sat in the last row.  Middle seat.
I had never done this before.

There is something about seeing movies in a theater.  The big screen mesmerizes me.  The sound swallows me.  The popcorn tastes like it could be the last gourmet meal of my life – to me it’s that good. I love going to a movie theater, but I had never in my life gone alone.

There was a movie I wanted to see. The timing wasn’t right, no one wanted to see it with me, so I thought I would have to wait until it was out as a rental.

The movie chased around in my thoughts.  It was about someone who had lost a child.  Of course that is what drew me to it.  The common thread.  The curiosity.  I wondered if the movie would portray my thoughts and feelings.  I wondered if I would learn something I didn’t know about grief. 
It followed me around pulling my heart along, not allowing me to push it away.  I couldn’t shake the feeling that I needed to see the movie.

Driving an hour to the shopping area, my whole body smiled.  The entire day was mine. A day of “me” time.
After a little shopping and lunch at my favorite place, the movie flashed in my mind.  I quickly looked on my phone.  It was playing at a budget theater nearby and I had just enough time to make it there. 
But…I had never done this before -- gone to a movie alone. 
Is that weird?
Is it weird that I am kind of afraid to do this? Is it strange that this movie has such a grasp on me, constantly taking space in my thoughts?
My fear played ping pong with the movie. 
The movie won. 

The back row wasn’t bad.  It felt safe.  No one could see me – or the giant bucket of popcorn I balanced on my lap.  At 1:00 in the afternoon on a weekday there were 6 other people there to share my theater.  None of them came alone.  Except me.

I shut off my phone.  Two hours went quickly.  The movie was amazing. 
I cried.  I hurt.  At times I wanted to shout at the screen. There were moments I wanted to pray.
I understood why I needed to see the movie.  The message was for me.
I sat in my seat until the last credit rolled, the lights were bright and the workers came in to clean up any abandoned popcorn buckets.

A few things became very clear.
It was clear to me that I would not have received the message the movie brought to me if I hadn’t listened to my heart pushing me to see it.

It was clear to me that although going to a movie alone may seem like a silly fear to some, it was real to me.  Walking into that theater was empowering. 
It was clear I had missed opportunities in my life when I allowed fear to win.

It was clear to me that I did need to see the movie.  I needed to see it alone.  I needed to be able to cry alone.  I needed to absorb the meaning of the movie’s message --alone.

Life is magical how it manipulates us, bringing us messages we need to hear, putting us in places we need to be, pushing us to do things that we are afraid to do. 
All of it done with the intent of giving us clarity. 

And yes, I ate the entire bucket of popcorn….

Pennie’s Life Lesson:
“Listen when life is pulling, pushing and prodding you to do something that stirs fear.  Until you walk into it, you will never fully gain understanding, clarity and strength.”

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YOUR TURN...         
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to walk into your fear.  Don't allow it to keep you from the clarity it brings. 

Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below.  And please feel free to email me  at:
 PennieHunt@gmail.com. 
                                Thank you!  
                      ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 
                                    All Rights Reserved
                      Copyright © 2013-2017 Pennie Hunt
            This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
                           Feel free to forward this post.
             Please keep the entire message intact, including
                   contact, logo, and copyright information.
       If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint              permission please email: Penniehunt@gmail.com
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MEDITATION SAVED MY LIFE!

1/20/2017

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MEDITATION SAVED MY LIFE!

I began meditating over a decade ago during a very stressful time in my life.

I was certain my mind and body would explode from the pressure, as I tried to handle many highly emotional life situations. Desperation set in as I struggled to gain some essence of control in my world of chaos.

My first attempt at gaining relief from this tension was when I sat down, closed my eyes and  with the sound of rain falling in my headphones said to myself over and over and over again,

     "Clear my mind...

        clear my mind...

        clear my mind."

I didn't know what meditation was, nor did I realize that was what I was doing.   I just knew I needed peace in my mind, heart and soul

I lasted about five minutes, before I jumped up believing I had failed as my mind hadn't cleared at all.

Determined, I continued this routine daily and soon I became more and more successful.  Some days I could actually sit for the 5 minutes and my mind would clear.  The minutes turned to ten, then fifteen and at times I would sit for hours. 

Meditation saved my life.

I learned how to separate myself from the world outside of my body and control my emotions, thoughts and feelings.  I could handle the stress of all that was happening in a clean, clear and calm way.

After years of learning about the many various types of meditation, I have settled in to what works for me.

I believe you do not have to follow a certain meditation dogma or philosophy to receive an emotional and physical benefit.  The basic premise is to quiet your thoughts and allow calm, contentment and peace to fill the space of your mind and body. 

Now, whether I want to relax and release tension or concentrate on one thought, I turn to daily meditation as my life saving method.
               ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  
Pennie's Life Lesson:
           "Quiet your mind and allow calm,
          contentment and peace to fill you." 
                ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

YOUR TURN...         
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to find your own place of quiet, place of solitude, place of peace. 

Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below.  And please feel free to email me  at:
 PennieHunt@gmail.com. 
                                Thank you!  
                      ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 
                                    All Rights Reserved
                      Copyright © 2013-2017 Pennie Hunt
            This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
                           Feel free to forward this post.
             Please keep the entire message intact, including
                   contact, logo, and copyright information.
       If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint              permission please email: Penniehunt@gmail.com

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THE WALK

1/6/2017

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THE WALK

I began this year with a walk.
I had walked around this lake many times, but this time was different.
It was cold. The wind raw.
Not my typical walking weather. 
I bundle up in layers of protection and begin. 

A wind gust stings my face and I think of January of 2016 when my dog, Yogee, passed.  Like the wind, the memory stings my heart.  I draw my scarf tighter around my neck and dig deeper to pull warm memories of her around me.  Happy memories of her.

I turn a corner and remember March, when a new joy filled my heart. I named this fur child, Gracie.  I smile at the way she has added love, energy and, yes, Grace to my life.

A sequence of three planes fly over me.  I look at them remembering all of the flights I have been on, the trips I have taken, and the adventures I have enjoyed in life.

Couples walk by and I think of the paths I have walked.  Sometimes with a partner holding my hand keeping me stable, safe and secure.  Sometimes alone struggling to see the road ahead.  Equally teaching me and taking me to my next destination in life.

Cars rush by on one side of the lake and I feel the rush of my life.  How I have pushed through spaces in such a hurry to move on… missing the little things, the important things, the meaning of things.

I hear a squeal and turn to see children running across the frozen lake, their dog chasing them in a game of frozen slip and slide.  I reach for my heart fearing the thickness of the ice may not be strong enough to hold them.  Then I see myself, ice skates on racing across the ice, circling my brother as he ice fishes and my dog running close behind.  I feel the pain of the times I fell, laughed and bounced back up. 
When did I grow up?
When did I become afraid? 
When did I learn fear?  
When did I stop enjoying the game?

Halfway around the lake the bitter wind makes me want to turn back.  The distance ahead is shorter.  I’ve seen what is behind me.  My only choice is forward. 

And then I stop.
The sun is reflecting off the lake and shining in my eyes.  The frozen water dances like glitter and warms me.  I close my eyes and remember my times being at the ocean, watching the sun shimmer across the waves.  To me each sparkle from the reflection is a person who was here and gone….jumping and shouting at me,
“love this time, enjoy this life and even though you can’t see us we are still here!”
I feel them with me as I push forward.

Coming to the end of my circle I reach a bridge. Stepping on its wooden frame I see the bridges I have crossed when life gave me no other choice than to jump the gap below.  I see the bridges I have burned and the ones that have burned me. I am silently thankful for being brave enough to cross all of them.

Picture
Running down the slope of the last hill the walk goes faster, the memories flash quicker, time speeds by.  I think of things I have done that I wish I could undo.  Things I have said that I wish I could take back.  I think of things I have accomplished and people I have helped and my heart hopes that my honorable actions outweigh my wrong doings.

January 1st is no different than December 31st or any other day. Sunrise to sunrise the days blur. 
The years pass.
The walk continues.
It isn’t the turning of the calendar page – its memories that turn time. It’s how we loved and how we were loved. It’s the hearts that met ours to create the scenery in our journey.

Geese fly over sounding their horns of celebration.  Celebration of joy, of love, of life.

I began this year with a walk.
t was cold. The wind raw.
I bundle up in layers of protection and continue. 

Pennie’s Life Lesson:
“Be grateful for this walk you take through life.  Enjoy every fall, every bridge, and every step.”
 
              ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
YOUR TURN...         
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to experience this walk we take through life.  Be grateful for all the paths, the falls and the steps forward.
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below.  And please feel free to email me  at:
 PennieHunt@gmail.com. 
                                Thank you!  
                      ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 
                                    All Rights Reserved
                      Copyright © 2013-2017 Pennie Hunt
            This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
                           Feel free to forward this post.
             Please keep the entire message intact, including
                   contact, logo, and copyright information.
       If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint              permission please email: Penniehunt@gmail.com
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WHAT DO YOU DO?

10/15/2016

0 Comments

 
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       WHAT DO
        YOU DO?


We are all so tied to that question.  It is in the top three questions we ask when we meet someone new.
It is stamped on our business cards, on our income tax form and in our hearts. 

Executive Director, Counselor, Teacher, or Plumber – it doesn’t matter what you label it with- it probably isn’t accurate.
When I left my position as “Executive Director,” I struggled with a new label, a new title and a new identity.

It took me some time to transition, but after careful thought I came up with my new response. When I was asked that ever popular question, I began proudly stating,

      “I am a Speaker and an Author.”

That was followed with the question,

      “What do you speak and write about?”

I realized that calling myself a speaker and author was not an accurate description of what my life mission is.

I have stood in front of people all over the country speaking for years.
I have arranged words in creative ways beginning with writing my first story, “The Purple Easter Bunny,” in 2nd grade. 

But why do I do this? What impact does it have on others?

Now I answer that question in a totally different way.  A way that lays out my life mission in eleven words.

     “I Teach People How to
       Love Their Life –
       NO MATTER WHAT!” 

That gets right to the heart of it and begins a conversation that has depth and touches hearts.  Everyone wants to learn how to do this and immediately asks me for more information.
I do it through sharing my life stories, my life lessons and yes, of course, through speaking and writing.
But my mission in life is to help others Love Their Lives. That’s it…. Short, simple and to the point.

The labels and titles we stamp on our business cards are more of an importance booster for our egos.  They don’t really say who we are or what we do.

How can you say what you do in a way people understand?
How can you share your life mission in a way that touches hearts? 

An Executive Director – Leads people to fulfilling their goals.

A Counselor – Creates a space for others to learn about themselves.

A Teacher – Opens the minds of others to new experiences.

A Plumber – Is a Problem Solver

An Artists doesn’t just paint, sculpt or draw—they capture emotion in a way that activates emotion in others.

There are so many ways of saying what you do without the textbook titles we have been trained to respond with. The title is of little importance.  It is the reason you do it – the“why” of what you do that matters. 

The next time someone asks you, “What do you do?”  What will you say?
            ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Pennie’s Life Lesson:
“Say what you do in a way that touches hearts and states YOUR heart’s mission.” 
             ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


 YOUR TURN...         
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to think about what YOU do and how you express that to others.  


***Since we all learn from each other, I would love to have you share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below or on my  
FACEBOOK  page.
​ And please feel free to email me  at:
 PennieHunt@gmail.com. 
                                                Thank you!  
                   ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  
​
                                    All Rights Reserved
                 Copyright © 2013-2016 Pennie Hunt
         This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post.  Please keep the entire message intact, including  contact, logo, and copyright information.
 If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission  please email: Penniehunt@gmail.com

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THE BEAT OF MY HEART

10/7/2016

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Picture
       THE BEAT
    OF MY HEART

I watched the clock as I walked on the treadmill.
I had intentionally scheduled  the stress test appointment for  6 am, planning to drive the hour to my office and attend a 10 am meeting.

Suddenly I found myself laying on a hospital gurney with wires connected to a multitude of spots on my body and surrounded by a cardiology team.
One doctor repeatedly asked me how I felt.  I didn't feel bad until one of them said,
     “What your heart just did could be deadly
        and 
we want to take you upstairs.”

Confused by that comment and glancing at the clock once again I knew I needed to be finished soon or I would miss my meeting.
       “What is upstairs?” I asked.

The explanation came quickly,
     “The rhythm your heart just did can be
       caused by 
one of two things- you have
       blockages or
 your electrical firing system
       is not working 
correctly.”

Another voice jumped in with,
     “The only way we can rule out blockages is
       by
 doing a heart catheterization and we
       need to do it now!” 


I explained that I was an hour from home, I had come to the hospital alone and oh, by the way I had a 10 am meeting to get to. 

Once again the two doctors played tag team with their responses, telling me I needed to get my husband there and that there was little chance of them letting me leave the room with this type of deadly rhythm.  It was the third time I heard that word deadly that I asked them toplease stop saying it and that I indeed wanted to call my husband.

The group left me alone to make the call.  One cardiologist stood guard in the doorway watching me with a look of intense concern.  The minute I put the phone down the group returned.

The speed at which I found myself swept upstairs into a private room with two nurses monitoring me swirled my confusion even more. 
 
I laid there watching a different clock tick the minutes away until my husband would arrive.  Feverishly clicking away on my phone I sent emails to my staff as I typed meeting cancellations and directions for the day.  I sent texts to my children telling them the situation - at least what I knew.

Then, I noticed that both nurses were constantly monitoring me and the machinery I was connected to.  They never took their eyes off of me or left the room.
I knew this wasn’t good.

Finally I asked one of them
     “What happened to me?”
She placed one hand on my arm while keeping her eyes on the machine.
     “You experienced VTach - Ventricular
      Tachycardia.  
For most people who do
       that we have
 to bring them back with the
       paddles  -
 if we get them back. 
      You are very lucky.”


My phone slid out of my hand.
​

I vaguely remember the big screen which showed the dye running through my body and the doctor saying,
     “There it goes... that is beautiful...
        not one blockage.”


The rest of the day, the follow up appointments and the new heart monitor, that I learned to wear like an accessory to my daily wardrobe, is a blurred memory.

My new “Electric Guy,” as I call him, is the Cardiologist that keeps me, my heart’s electrical system and my crazy rhythm controlled to avoid the mysterious fainting, bouts of weakness and blood pressure drops like I had experienced over the years. 

While researching VTach, I learned a few things about exercise, staying hydrated and avoiding stairs. Then I came across the meaning of heart.  Scrolling through the many medical definitions of this magical organ that pumps blood, I stopped on this:

      Heart - noun \ˈhärt\: the central or
        innermost part
 of  something;
        thought of as the place
 where
       emotions are felt


This is it!
The heart is more than the organ that pushes blood through our bodies.  I believe it is the innermost part of us.  It is the place where emotions are created, felt and shared.
 
I believe that heart health goes much deeper than changing your diet, lowering salt intake and counting 10,000 steps per day.
I believe the heart has the power to push not only physical blood, but the lifeblood of love, kindness and joy through our bodies.

The care and health of our heart begins with feeling these emotions in order for the heart to pump them through our bodies and out into our lives.  We must learn to respect these emotions, nurture them and grow them into feelings that help our heart function to its highest capacity. 

Instead of worrying, I prefer to believe my heart has an eccentric rhythm... maybe not the same as everyone else’s, but it is unique and it is mine.

In addition to the list of heart healthy ideas we have all heard about, I support its emotional health by feeding it love, joy and kindness every chance I get!

I try not to watch the clock anymore and the most important meeting I have is one where I am kind to someone, love someone and through joy feed my innermost self- my heart, the place where emotions are felt.
                   ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
 Pennie’s Life Lesson:
 “The foundation for good heart health begins with expanding kindness, joy and love in the inner most self - our own heart.” 

                   ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~                           
YOUR TURN... 

My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to pay attention to the messages your heart sends you; the power it holds in "feeling" the true rhythm of your life. 

***Since we all learn from each other, I would love to have you share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below or on my  
FACEBOOK  page.
                   ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
                                    All Rights Reserved
                 Copyright © 2013-2016 Pennie Hunt
         This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post.  Please keep the entire message intact, including  contact, logo, and copyright information.
 If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission  please email: Penniehunt@gmail.com


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MAGNIFICENT MOMENT OF THE DAY 

9/24/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
​MAGNIFICENT MOMENT
OF THE DAY 


What was your golden moment of the day?

That moment when just for an instant life is quiet and the spectacular happens.
Can you think of one?

Magnificent Moments occur all the time -- right in front of us. They happen when we least expect it in soft miniature ways and grand glorious ways. They happen as bold aggressive attention grabbers and as mystical whispers.   

It may be the unexpected bonus at work; the call from a friend you haven’t heard from in months; or the crisp perfume of morning as you water your garden in the early hours of dawn. 

It may be the breath of a baby as they lay sleeping on your shoulder; the excitement of your dog’s greeting  when you walk in the door; or the sun as it ripples diamonds across the ocean.  

You see, Magnificent Moments are everywhere and given to everyone.  When we are children we live in the time and space of Magnificent Moments where everything seems magical.

As we age we are blinded by commitments and responsibilities.  We hurry through time and space tripping and stumbling right over the magic.  

Begin watching for your Magnificent Moment of the day.  Catch that one moment when magic moves you to a place of still; a place of awe; a place of wonder.

When spectacular happens stop to breathe it in.  Savor it and at the end of the day remember how delicious it tasted.  

When you are on the lookout you will begin to notice that you are surrounded by golden moments. 

The challenge will become choosing the one that is the most magnificent!
                  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Pennie’s Life Lesson:
          “Be aware of and grateful                  
                    for Magnificent Moments.”
                  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~                             
YOUR TURN...         
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to pay attention to the Magnificent Moments that happen in your life every day.... and experience the joy they bring you! 

Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below .
 And please feel free to email me  at:
 PennieHunt@gmail.com. 
                           Thank you!  
               ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

                                   All Rights Reserved
                 Copyright © 2013-2016 Pennie Hunt
         This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post.  Please keep the entire message intact, including  contact, logo, and copyright information.
 If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission  please email: Penniehunt@gmail.com

0 Comments
<<Previous

    Author

    There is a certain magic about where I live both physically and spiritually – on the crossroads of Spirit and Brave. 

    It seems appropriate that my writings be found under the sign that locates my life.  I wish for all of you the ability to live in your Spirit to experience a life filled with love and gratitude and be Brave in the learning of your life lessons. 

    Enjoy!
            Pennie


     

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PLEASE NOTE: This page does not provide medical or legal advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment or services to you or to any other individual. Through this site and links to other sites, Pennie Hunt provides general information for inspiration, encouragement and educational purposes only. The information provided in this site, or through links to other sites, is not a substitute for legal, medical, or professional care, and you should not use the information in place of a visit, call or the advice of your lawyer, physician or other healthcare provider.   

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