southbeachannie

The Secret Art of Non Toxic Relationships book launch video

2020-12-14T11:19:00.001-05:00

Revisiting Past Publications....

2013-12-01T13:40:00.000-05:00

Read it at: http://issuu.com/duomagazineus/docs/laz

Read it at: http://issuu.com/duomagazineus/docs/gloria

Read it at: http://issuu.com/duomagazineus/docs/fall2008

Read it at: http://issuu.com/duomagazineus/docs/britto

Building Relationships

2013-09-14T16:28:00.000-04:00

I am a relationship person. What that means is that I get emotionally, intellectually and spiritually involved with other people. I listen to them and attempt to understand them or at least learn their patterns of thought.

Who I allow into my life is of the utmost importance to me. There are so very few things we really have control over. What, who and why you have in your life should be a conscious choice made with the best possible intent. As open as I am to experience, I don’t want to have unnecessary bad ones or more than my share of heartache.

Now if you know me well, you might be amazed at how conservative my attitude is. Sometimes I’m shocked at it as well. I open my heart much more readily than I open my life to people. Not everyone gets in. It is very personal and private. I like it that way.

In business, I only work with people I like and trust. Believe me, I’ve paid the price. I’ve lost opportunities, jobs and professional growth due to my views and opinions. I don’t and won’t play games or take cheap shots. There is something to be said for having standards and making a living with some dignity. Material wealth can never make up for a good night’s sleep.

Now, I have been a professional networker and business matchmaker in my past. Bringing people of similar minds and complimentary talents is hugely gratifying for me. You would never think I’m terribly shy. I am. Crowds tend to scare me and it takes every bit of courage in my being to talk to strangers. Somehow I’ve made a living out of talking to strangers and telling them what to do. How odd is that?

Once relationships are built there are no strangers. Connecting to that other being’s mind, thought or action makes everything familiar and safe. We all long for that connection so we don’t feel so isolated and alone. We build relationships so we can be stronger as individuals and help each other achieve greater heights impossible to reach alone.

Join me at the South Beach Seafood Festival!!

2013-09-08T13:53:00.001-04:00

South Beach Seafood Festival is being held the weekend after my birthday and I was fortunate enough to win tickets!

Follow this festival on FB and let them know I recommended you to do so...maybe I'll get a VIP upgrade and I'll write about it on my southbeachannie blog....Join me!!

Here's the link: https://www.facebook.com/SOBESeafoodFest

Thank you for helping me celebrate my birthday!!

Absurdist Times

2013-06-25T15:14:00.000-04:00

Today I saw a news video of a woman being beat to a pulp in front of her child by a burglar, Paula Dean is being called a racist, and a young man who leaked something most of us suspected is fleeing for his life as a national security threat. However, the Kardashians are doing fine and keeping some balance in their lives with a new baby named North.

I don’t understand anything anymore.

As a teacher, I guided my students in choosing their words. What Paula Dean uttered was strictly forbidden in my presence. It harms anyone who utters it. It demeans others and our minds. There are many words that have that power. Words are things and have an effect. We must be careful how we wield our weapons.

Paula was wrong.

Zimmerman is facing the fire for his actions. Is it any wonder? It is wrong to hurt children, much less kill them. What else needs to be said?

We are living in an angry society. What will we do with such rage?

Back in the mid-nineties I read how we are being monitored in Wired magazine. What’s new? If you want to talk about something personal, don’t do it on a cell phone, email, or blog. Really? Someone wrote about Big Brother a long time ago, smell the coffee….

I grow tired of people posing like they are supermodels on FB. What are you selling? I miss down to earth reality…If you don’t want people in your business, keep your mouth shut! Really, what are you selling?

Anthony Weiner might make a great mayor someday. What the hell was he thinking when he was online? There is no privacy and there are multitudes of opportunists. Who are these women who spoke up about Tiger and Weiner? Are they real or like the imaginary girlfriend that football player had?

There are too many rats in this cage…they are turning on each other!!

"Real" Health Insurance

2013-04-26T16:12:00.000-04:00

This morning, I went shopping and ended up getting an assortment of fresh fish, fruits and vegetables.

Of course, I added some Sub-lingual B-12, mouthwash, gentle enough for children shampoo and an assortment of nuts. As I was checking out, I thought of how this was my "real" health insurance. It has become a habit to go to where I have been informed by former distributors that the fish is fresh. Getting organic apples and celery has become a must due to pesticide issues. All natural supplements and gentle "greener" cleaners are increasingly important. It seems like everything that is in my cart and kitchen is an ode to health and clean living. Who would have thunk it?

However the oc·ca·sion·al Chili Cheese with Onions Hot Dog (CCO) at Arbetters in Westchester will always be an indulgence. Seeing how people age and develop dependencies on medications has opened my eyes to the importance of what we put into our bodies. Just listen to some of the side effects on any drug commercial on TV. This is getting serious! Not that I'm afraid of aging or the inevitable end of all living beings, but the journey can be a more pleasant one if we are cautious and caring with ourselves.

Sunday Morning Calalloo

2013-04-21T12:32:00.000-04:00

When I was nine years old, I read a Reader’s Digest quote stating that according to the Chinese, each time you try something new you add 78 days to your life. As the child I was, I believed I found the secret to living forever!!

So, here we go, try this…Calaloo:

Servings: 6

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

· 4 cups vegetable stock
· Red pepper flakes
· 6 cups collard greens or kale, chopped
· 4 cups okra, chopped
· Coconut Oil
· Coconut Milk

1. Combine all ingredients except coconut milk in a large pot. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer.

2. Simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until veggies are nice and soft.

3. Puree soup using an immersion blender (you could do this in a conventional blender but be careful not to burn yourself!).

4. Add coconut milk, stir to dissolve. Enjoy!

Redecorating? Try this site...

2013-04-18T19:18:00.002-04:00

Resuming a Vegetarian Lifestyle

2012-08-05T13:48:00.000-04:00

For about a week or so, I’ve resumed my vegetarian lifestyle from 20 years ago. It feels good! I was thinking about writing about it yesterday as I made delicious potato soup with celery, garlic, onions and malanga for creaminess. It was so wonderful, nutritious and comforting…no one eating it would miss meat at all.

After only experiencing life for one month, my little body rejected milk. My mother had to puree vegetables and fruit for me to consume. I grew strong and resilient to the woman I am today. However, I’ve always faced problems with diet.

Many times in my life my body has rejected meat. I either feel better reducing my animal protein intake or ultimately avoiding it completely. Somehow, it feels healthier and more comfortable for me.

My body has been going through a major healing experience. An injury has forced me to get chiropractic and massage therapy. I have also added a supplemental fruit and vegetable program to my daily intake. The mixture of these changes and my mental focus on being healthy has brought me back to my vegetarian life style.

It is amazing how every change catapults other changes ultimately allowing the true nature of balance and health surface.

In Memory of My Mother...

2012-06-18T08:39:00.000-04:00

Yolanda Rodriguez-Figueredo-Reyes

January 15, 1925-June 17, 2012

She was proud to have shared the same birthdate as Martin Luther King Jr. and would have enjoyed knowing that she left the same day Rodney King passed. Social activism and martyrs were high on her list as were the Kennedy clan. Much of my political and worldviews were influenced by her and the books she had me read. “Las Fuerzas Morales” was high on her list on how to live an upright life, never be a fake or hypocrite.

Mother’s style, intelligence, stubbornness, graceful graciousness and art of conversation were second to none. She knew about twenty ways to set a table and had fashion sense enviable of Diana Vreeland. She had close friends of all nationalities, races and genders. During law school, she befriended Fidel Castro and he wrote her a personal note when she requested her transcripts from New York during the sixties. It said, “Come and get it!”

Among her many interests, mother loved to paint miniature landscapes, arrange flowers, make gourmet meals, decorate, and write long elaborate letters in divine penmanship and go to the theatre. She loved artists and intellectuals as well as good music. One of the most important pieces of information you could ever share with her was what your interests were.

The last couple of months of her life were precious to me. I visited with her everyday to enjoy her views and conversation. The greatest nugget I can share reminds me of something Maya Angelou could have said. “Allow people to be who they are!” I plan to apply this advice generously and invite you to do the same.

Adieu, Grande Dame, Ma Mere!

Amazon Reviews....Check it out!

2012-04-01T12:59:00.000-04:00

What Do You See (Volume 1)
Price: $0.00
Availability: Auto-delivered wirelessly
196 used & new from $0.00

Get Something Started!, April 1, 2012
This review is from: What Do You See (Volume 1) (Kindle Edition)
Have you ever been in a situation with nothing to say? These pictures are a fun way to challenge minds of all ages about what they see. I think I'll be sharing this on plane rides with endless waiting periods!

Internet Marketing for Business Answers - Small Business Expert Interviews (Internet Marketing for B
by Jim F. Kukral
Edition: Mass Market Paperback
Availability: Currently unavailable
3 used & new from $15.47

Professionalism with Finesse, April 1, 2012
This review is from: Internet Marketing for Business Answers - Small Business Expert Interviews (Internet Marketing for B (Mass Market Paperback)
I met Jim nearly six years ago and have seen him grow professionally as an Internet Marketer and speaker. Now everyone can benefit from his experience and expertise with this book. Internet Marketing is a honed skill and not a hobby, if you are serious and want success, read this book!

Flowers With Wings (Butterfly Photographs Coffee Table Books for Kindle)
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196 used & new from $0.00

Butterflies Are Free...., April 1, 2012
This review is from: Flowers With Wings (Butterfly Photographs Coffee Table Books for Kindle) (Kindle Edition)
Flowers With Wings (Butterfly Photographs Coffee Table Books for Kindle) When I was a teenager, I used to draw butterflies all over my books and notebooks at school. I'd write "Butterflies are free!" everywhere as my anthem to free spirited living! This book embodies all those thoughts common in young girls who love both beauty and freedom. It is a perfect gift for all butterfly lovers with a touch of literature under each breathtaking image. Enjoy!

Facebook + Email = Success (ABCs Plus Basics for Websites)
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196 used & new from $0.00

Learn from Experience, March 31, 2012
This review is from: Facebook + Email = Success (ABCs Plus Basics for Websites) (Kindle Edition)
Too many people get lost in the technical aspects of email and FB marketing without the privilege of experience. Learn from success and stop reinventing the wheel! Also, enjoy the differences of opinion between Carney and O'Hare to balance your own approach. Find you own voice and approach to your marketing with some help from experts!

2012-03-31T12:50:00.001-04:00

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What Really Matters

2012-03-27T05:20:00.000-04:00

What really matters is to live loving your life. Find your passion and never lose sight of it. My parents used to tell me it is better to be a good shoemaker than a bad doctor. The world needs a good pair of shoes and a bad doctor can kill you.

Do you know what your passion is? Do some writing about it. Automatic writing is like liquid draino for the brain. Just take a few sheets of paper and start listing or describing what really turns you on intellectually, spiritually and emotionally...then the real trick is to find out how to monetize on it. Many people do though so why not you?

If you need to learn more about automatic writing, I recommend Julia Cameron's books, also learn from successful and admirable people like Sir Richard Branson's video below:

For me, I love nurturing people and creativity. Being a coach is a natural for me. I also have a great mind for business ideas and approaches. It comes from being a passionate consumer and people person. I love learning and sharing ideas and concepts. At the same time, I'm a little off center, so working for myself suits me very well.

Please continue these exercises and contact me if you need further guidance. Your attitude and outlook will be much improved after 12 weeks.

Dealing with Forgiveness

2012-02-20T23:04:00.000-05:00

This is a tough one! How do you deal with forgiveness? Do you kiss and make-up? Do you let it go, but always remember? Do you seemingly move on, but constantly remind others of their faults? Do you turn the other cheek?

Think of a time you were wronged and truly dissect what your reaction was. Then try these questions by Byron Katie from her Work:

1. Is it true?
2. Are you sure?
3. How do you react to that thought?
4. Who would you be without that thought?

These questions are very simple and powerful at the same time. Okay, so somebody wronged you. Are you sure it is true? Let's dig deeper...

FACT (according to you): Ana hurt your feelings.
ASK YOURSELF: Is it true?
Did Ana intentionally hurt you or did something Ana do or say produce a feeling inside of you?
Are you sure?
Did Ana want to inflict this pain to you?
Did her actions solely exist to produce your pain?
How do you react to that thought?
What did you do to Ana?
Did you try to hurt her in return so she could feel your pain?
Did you betray her for having hurt your feelings?
Who would you be without that thought?
What if Ana never intended to hurt you?
What if she was going through something totally unrelated to what you thought was happening?
What if your reaction was totally unnecessary and no harm was intended?

If you find you are having trouble with Forgiveness, I strongly recommend Byron Katie's book by that title. It is very likely that a lack of forgiveness in a person's life can produce illnesses and undesirable stress. What I am completely sure of is that not forgiving others is definitely more harmful to the person holding the grudge.

What do I REALLY want?

2011-11-20T13:24:00.000-05:00

Why do I always ask the tough questions? I guess I’m just wired that way…I like to ponder. This question in particular has been nagging me for weeks now...What do I really want? What? Really now.

The answer is quite simple. I want to be happy. Happiness entails freedom from worry, disenchantment, struggle or conflict. It is a sense of peace mostly within oneself. To achieve it, one must be harmonious with others, nature and true to one’s inner self. It fills the heart with satisfaction of doing the right thing, making good thought out decisions and living up to one’s ideals. Being happy is also quite vague.

I cannot be happy without having meaning. What I do or dedicate myself must have meaning. The lack of it makes me feel empty. However, choosing what might be meaningful is not always that easy. It takes more than contributing to society. It has to be fulfilling at some spiritual or emotional depth so that pleasure kicks in. Gee, I’m getting complicated now…is happiness possible?

Dealing with Fears

2011-10-16T23:29:00.000-04:00

According to Wikipedia: Fear is an emotional response to a threat. It is a basic survival mechanism occurring in response to a specific stimulus, such as pain or the threat of danger.

So let's ask the following questions:

Is there a real threat?
Will you survive?
Are you in danger?

Let's think about the economy and current challenges the world is facing.

Is there a real threat? As far as I can tell, there are still plenty of places to live and things to eat. Are basic needs really going to not be covered regardless of employment issues or bank statements?

Will you survive? Why not? This is not the end of the world, just a paradigm shift. Ride it out.

Are you in danger? Physical, mental, emotional dangers vary. This question takes a little more reflection. However, money comes and goes. Is the ego or identity you house with material things making you sick with worry? Is stuff really that important? What are you really going to lose if anything at all?

We are living in an era pregnant with fear. I feel it all started with 9-11 and the tragedy of the Twin Towers. To me, fear is almost un-American. We have always been known as a country of adventuresome, brazen and inventive people. Fear kills American ingenuity. If we succumb to fear, the bad-guys win. Whoever those bad guys are...if you find them in a dark alley, be sure to run fast. Otherwise, be brazen and live out loud! Unless your life is really in some danger or threat, fear is a useless emotion.

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!

2011-10-05T15:32:00.000-04:00

I think any explanation of what it means to be Hispanic is mostly weak. However, I think this video my friend Gema sent me does it beautifully. It is all encompassing, a mix, a rebellious spirit, a connection...

Enjoy!!

Lonely Hearts Online

2011-09-25T02:52:00.000-04:00

I’m no stranger to online chats, personals and dating sites. It was my oasis after my divorce in 2000 when I was clueless to what was out there. However, I am really worried about what has been happening in that cyber world of singles and mingles with all the wrong motives. It has and is destroying too many relationships and psyches. It definitely is taking a toll on my mind.

Infidelity is taking a new dimension online and it is really frightening. It ruined a high profile career this year in NY State. It has ruined multiple relationships I know of close friends of mine. It has also caused marriages out of these virtual unions that many times last longer than traditional courtship ones.

What disturbs me is that it isn’t real. I’ve had online friendships and met many people through social media, but the majority of these connections I’ve had throughout the years are based on fiction. There are also many extremely lonely people on these sites that have lost their ability to connect and relate to real people. The “safeness” of online romances is taking over dealing with real feelings and issues in daily life relationships. The fantasy of love and acceptance is virtual, not three-dimensional.

And yet, feelings are feelings. If you dream about a cyber friend/mate, then it is real in your brain. Except, it is a fantasy world. This is not reality and like an old movie I loved in the eighties called Brainstorm, it can really distort your life and views, perhaps even your values.

It has come to the point that I even use FB with caution. In reality, I don’t know most of my “friends” and have no idea who they are. It really freaks me out when I’m addressed directly by someone and I have no idea of who they are. It is different when people introduce themselves and give some sort of reference as to who, what and why they are addressing you. But out of the blue, writing as if they know you? Pretty freaky!

...then there are the emotional predators, but that will be another blog.

Freedom

2011-09-19T17:20:00.000-04:00

What is the meaning of Freedom? I hear Janice Joplin singing in my mind. I feel the defiance with which I have lived. I know the price of freedom and the addictive quality of having and keeping it. It is a wild streak within the Figueredo family...we are fiercely independent. It is not always the best trait to have.

On the other hand, it is wonderful to be free! I do what I want, when I want with whomever I want. It feels pretty damn good! I chose this too. When I was growing up and saw the life many of my peers had ahead of them, I ran. I flew down to Miami the day after I graduated from high school to avoid the marriage and children thing. Then the bohemian life set in and I haven't left it since. It has been a great ride! Sometimes my life has been irresponsible, sometimes lonely, but mostly adventurous and mainly happy. I am at peace with my decisions.

It is probably more of a burden on those around me who don't really understand why I won't show up when I don't feel like company. Sometimes I choose to spend weekends in solitude or vacation alone. Holidays are usually a nuisance for me and I prefer to hang with old friends than relatives most of the time. I pursue my projects and interests completely absorbed and unaware of how time passes. It makes me forgetful and sometimes unaware of other obligations.

I forgot to grow up. Many times I've stormed out of jobs, relationships and situations without looking back with the maturity level of a three year old. "I'm done!" I'd think and walk away without really knowing what the outcome would be and then of course the repercussions would come later.

Now is that freedom? Well, if you think of how some women live in oppressive societies then yes. Even some orthodox groups in our own country keep women from experiencing the joys of traveling or going out on adventures as I have. Women don't always get to truly discover who they are without being identified with a spouse, her parents or children.

I always think of the Billie Holiday song "Ain't Nobody's Business If I Do!" and "if I get the notion to jump into the ocean, ain't no body's business if I do..." I believe it is a true anthem of freedom.

Adjusting

2011-08-27T10:34:00.000-04:00

I've always thought of myself as maladjusted. Something just doesn't fit about me. It might be from my non-conformist family; being told I'm different; or just that I don't usually feel like I'm part of what "seems" to be happening around me.

It seems strange to be told I'm different when I've always felt the same. I have always been me, ever since I was born. There are things I find funny, amusing or interesting that hold my attention. Most other things slip through my mind as easily and swiftly as a summer breeze.

Then there is adjusting. Each time a new job, person, thing or object comes into my life there is some adjusting to do. They all take space you know. The real estate can exist in my living room, mind or office. It doesn't matter. It can even be how time is being invested, hopefully not spent. The ripple effect spreads through the sea of my thoughts and I won't ever be the same.

Isn't it lovely?

We are never the same after impacting a space, place or mind. Never!! The effect lingers and the imprint is cast. This is very personal.

If nothing else, I invite you to ponder whether you spend or invest your time.

Going Green!

2011-08-16T22:33:00.000-04:00

Have you considered going green with your business or even in your home and daily living? There are many options you may take to better your lifestyle, environment and budget by going green.

Here are some choices you can make:

*Energy conservation and efficiency
*Tax credits, rebates, and other financial incentives
*Learning how to buy Green products and services
*Clean Water and Conservation
*Recycling strategies
*Living toxic free at both home and work
*Energy-efficient lighting
*Air quality control
*Green your building or home

Get a head start on the Green movement and benefit at many levels. Let’s have a conversation on how going green can improve all the facets of your life and the planet as a whole.

Effort

2011-07-28T17:41:00.000-04:00

If I make an effort to achieve something...I'm probably not feeling it. There is something forced about effort. All good things in life should come effortlessly. Living with ease and grace is the opposite of effort; it is effortless. Although achieving the effortless grace and ease might come at a considerable amount of discipline and practicing beforehand.

Any relationship, friendship or partnership that requires effort leading to mental, emotional or intellectual exhaustion should be avoided. Life should be like a dance and your body should sway with the rhythms that present themselves while your feet follow the tempo. After a few moments of figuring it out, it should come naturally. It becomes second nature like breathing.

Life can be like a rollercoaster ride. Just imagine how wonderful it is when you can raise your arms in the air and trust the force of gravity while your hair whips wildly with the speed of the ride. It doesn't require any effort. It requires letting go and enjoying life as it comes.

Mortality

2011-07-23T22:25:00.000-04:00

The news of Amy Winehouse’s death struck me with a sense of grief I’ve been feeling a lot lately. I wonder if people realize how precious every moment of our lives is when they are living it. Each time you experience a real connection, shared moments of peace, joy, fear, elation, shared satisfaction, rage or repent in real time. Do most people ever feel how alive they are? Is fear overrunning our existence or just making us find more weapons of mass distraction in hyper-sensational activities?

I was wondering the other day, if expressing love and caring has become too passe. Is it too old fashioned or absurdist due to overuse? Does it mean anything after the up-tenth marriage or union to feel madly and hopelessly in love? Is the fear of FaceBook or dating sites destroying relationships going to completely obliterate old-fashioned courtship? Will Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony remain friends? Does anyone know how intense and profound Jenny McCarthy showing her inflated pregnant body means in a world where women rather are thought of as hot rather than accomplished?

In this failed economy, I’ve been asked to work from 8am to 6pm and then resume work in the evening and weekends to file reports of my activities. I’ve owned two businesses in my life and never worked that hard! How does anyone choose to work over living and experiencing life? Does each day only seem like a gift to a few of us? Even if you own all the profits and benefits to your own success, what does it buy you in the end?

As a child, I’d frighten myself trying to imagine death. I’d hold my breath and try to imagine an empty void of nothingness. The whole floating on a cloud with cherubs or burning in hell just didn’t convince me. I saw lifeless inanimate beings and felt the life source was out of them. It, the live force, was merely over.

Now, I think of a profound sleep and the pain of waking from it. Death must be something like that drifting into nothingness and never returning. It doesn’t scare me, but I still have a lot of living and experiencing to do. So, Death, if you are reading this, I’m not done yet. There is a lot more I need to see and do before I’m done on this plane of existence.

Back to Amy…Artists are sometimes so sensitive, so aware, that it is earth shattering to be them. Imagine if a song, a tune or combination of words can break your heart or take your breath away for an instant. What is that artist experiencing? It blows my mind to try to fathom it. I can only try to imagine that intensity.

Amy was an original, a great talent and true artist, but also a troubled soul. Honestly, because of her youth I didn’t take her breakup with her husband seriously. I didn’t see her addictions as something that would win over the beautiful soul I saw within her. I hoped as I do with Whitney Houston, that they would come back stronger and wiser with a real “forget” you attitude and show the world they could overcome hard challenges. I still hope for Whitney as I hope for Tiger and even that thrill-seeking New York politician exposing his sexual emptiness online.

We all have faults and weaknesses, and it is what makes us both human and lovable. It is wonderful to share space with a true friend or lover where you can just hang loose and be the real idiot no outsider will ever know. It is quite delicious. I prefer to stay home or visit people who I share this strange feeling with often. Life has taught me that the satisfaction of life is not external. Happiness is within us and meant to be shared. If we are lucky, we can express it to those wonderful people around us and feel completely connected and free.

I wish that for all of you reading this!

Happiness

2011-07-22T20:23:00.000-04:00

Happiness is the life force itself. The Chinese dragon is a depiction of that energy. It is wild and exciting filled with possibility. Like life itself it is unpredictable and can not be controlled or tempered. It is the surprise of the unexpected and the promise of the unknown.

Life is a one way ride that can be very enjoyable. One of the greatest joys in life is to wake up to a new day of adventure. If seeing life as an adventure is possible, then it is rarely mundane. To embrace each moment and breathe in elements of change is essential for happiness.

Personally, I am happy because I choose to be so. I love taking naps. Getting fresh air. Washing my face. Calling a friend. Lounging with good company. Deciding what beverage will quench my thirst. These are all pleasurable experiences for me that bring me joy. I like laughing out loud and embarrassing others or myself with our humanity. It is fun to be human. We are cute, funny and sometimes really awkward beings.

A sunny day with a cool breeze is happiness. It makes everything look a little sharper. Animals get frisky and people wear soft knits that usually make them look nice. The last few days have had that quality and the sun is at an angle that gives off golden light in the late afternoon. I love this time of year…

The ability to appreciate simple pleasures is happiness.

Risk Taking and Courage...

2011-07-20T12:40:00.000-04:00

"It takes courage to love," says Maya Angelou to Dave Chappelle on Iconoclasts for the Sundance Channel. Yes, I must agree. "You risk everything," she smiles with a knowing nod and my heart breaks.

A few years ago, I had a health scare where I feared to have begun my road towards heart disease. My blood pressure had become very much elevated and I was experiencing chest pains. The philosopher within me was seeing the metaphor of how many times my heart has been broken and how much I've subjected my feelings to. I've been rough on my emotions and lived quite intensely. Maybe the time had come to give my heart a little break and take some medication to ease the work it goes through.

After a series of tests, I discovered the old tick tock is doing just fine. My blood pressure is okay and my beat goes on splendidly. So much for my lapse into middle age, apparently my body isn't ready to age just yet. I'm getting a second chance to do better for myself and work on maintenance. Time for some gratitude and a health kick!!

How does this apply to risk taking and courage? Well, it hasn't killed me yet!!

As I look back on my life, I think I've lived somewhat recklessly. I've quit jobs at a whim. Kicked people out of my life for whatever reason I felt was important at the time. I've traveled across the country for the hell of it for an adventure. I pursued and met the most intriguing people because I just had to, traveled with them and collaborated on fascinating projects together.

What is the price of risk taking? Oh, I love my life. My choices have separated me from many dear people and also created a lot of loneliness when others don't understand why I must do what I do. I've lost many things along the way, but oh the wonderful insights and lessons I've earned. There are many battle scars on my warrior soul, but the journey into the unknown has been amazing.

In retrospect, I don't know if I've really had courage. Maybe the biggest element of my choices has been the fear of being miserable in complacent living. Settling for unhappiness is the most frightening thought that kills the human spirit. Heaven forbid!!

I have to be me…Pa’lante!!