Heart Choices: 2016-09-04 -->

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What I Learned this Summer



As I move forward in my life, I've discovered that it's good to reflect on the previous season. I always want to be learning and growing no matter how old I am. After all, I'm a committed life long learner.

This was my first summer off work in a long time. And I had plans to rest, refresh and write. In the midst of this time, I had two trips out of town planned.

So here are a few of the lessons I learned.

1. I love and appreciate my iPhone. I have wonderful, kind and generous friends. I've been using a flip phone since the early 2000's. My friend Laurie gave me her old iPhone since she received a new one as a gift from her husband. And another good friend Theresa added me to her family plan. So my new phone is affordable! Best of all, I'm able to call my 87 year old dad in Florida twice a day;  in the morning and the evening. It used to cost me as I had very limited minutes. But now, there's no reason to not be able to keep in touch. I appreciate my friends who helped this happen.

2. I am learning to value and appreciate loved ones. My Aunt Ruth and Uncle Bob sent me a plane ticket to visit them for a few days this summer in southern California. It was a great way to start my summer vacation. My aunt is a fabulous cook and always makes some of my favorite Norwegian dishes. I also had the opportunity to get to know my cousins and their families better. My aunt shared old photos and memories with me. About a week after returning to Phoenix, I received a phone call telling me that my uncle was having a heart attack and was rushed to the Emergency Department. He subsequently underwent bypass surgery and is home and doing well. Praise the Lord! But this also taught me that we never know when things like this happen. So appreciate the time we have together in the now.

3. I still need to keep a routine and schedule during the summer. Yes, it was a more relaxed time and I could sleep in if I wanted. But I discovered that I didn't always do my exercise since I figured I had the whole day to do it. Often it never got done. I'd learned in the past that the way that works best for me is to commit to my morning schedule. After all, I lost 20 pounds in six months and I hoped to keep it off.  Unfortunately, that didn't happen and I gained back about 10 pounds. Lesson learned ...I hope.

4. I love cooler weather and walks on the beach. My good friends Terri and Steve invited me to visit them in Carmel, California. As I left triple digit heat, I felt so refreshed by fresh air and temperatures in the 50's during my stay. Every morning I'd walk for almost 90 minutes along the beach. Although I love Phoenix, I really dislike summers in Phoenix. It may be a dry heat but triple digits is HOT no matter what. So I love to feel the cool breeze in Carmel.

5. I love to learn about history. One of my favorite authors has been Robert Michener.  Historical fiction teaches me and at the same time is entertaining. However, my aunt introduced me to a few of Bill O'Reilly's books. I was a bit hesitant at first but after reading Killing Kennedy, I continued on with Killing Reagan. I enjoyed both and learned much. During my stay in southern California, my aunt and I visited the Reagan Library.

I put together a short video of some of my favorite scenes from this summer. I hope you enjoy.


I encourage you to make the choice to take time to reflect on the seasons of your life. What lessons have you learned?

Blessings and love,


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