Take Care of Your Body!

Hi Kick Back Friends,

I'm taking a bit of a break from posting. I am having my thyroid removed on Friday and will need a little time to rest and recover. Just so you know, a nodule was found on my thyroid during a routine physical examination. That led to an ultrasound which led to a biopsy, and suspicious cells were found. I was also told that my thyroid was not functioning properly, which is why I was feeling exhausted, cranky, and gaining weight. I thought it was part of passing the 50-year-old mark.

The good news is thyroid cancer has a high cure rate and I should be back to my energetic self again within two or three weeks post-surgery.

The kick back advice for you is to make routine physical examinations a priority. I am the first one to put them on the back burner. When my husband asked me when was the last time I had a physical, I couldn't remember. He insisted I make an appointment, which not only may have saved my life, but will make me feel so much better once my dysfunctional, diseased thyroid is out of my body and my medication is regulated. So, if you're not able to find the time to visit your doctor, try harder. You are the most important person in your world. It's time to take care. I'm glad I did!!!

I'll check in next week to let you know how I'm doing. Then...back to finding those kick back moments that make our world a little brighter.

Fondly,

Peggy     

The Fog Will Clear

Addiction is hard. One day we try a substance whether it be caffeine, junk food, alcohol, or cocaine. Maybe a week later we try it again. A few days later, again. Soon our body craves the substance and before too long it demands it. We're officially addicted.

 Simple things like a stroll through the park, reading at the beach, spending time with a friend no longer provide pleasure. A monster has taken control of our life. It numbs our senses. Sadness is anesthetized with the a bag of chips; happiness is delivered by a scotch on the rocks; bliss is contained in a chemical. More than 24 million US residents aged 12 or older are currently suffering from drug addiction, and that does not include compulsive eating.

According to the website www.rehabinfo.net, "One of the biggest mistakes made about addiction is the assumption that those who are struggling under its control are weak or somehow lacking in willpower and moral integrity. On the contrary, drug addiction is a deadly disease, one that changes the chemistry of the brain and is characterized by relapse and compulsivity. Drugs work by either over-stimulating the pleasure and reward system or by mimicking neurotransmitters in the brain and altering the body’s ability to effectively communicate between systems.

If you or a loved one is addicted to drugs, is it hopeless?

No.

There are over 13,000 drug rehabilitation facilities in the U.S. and families can provide support to loved ones as they go through recovery. There are many success stories and I'm going to share one with you. A friend's nephew, Kyle, just took a major step in his battle to break an addiction. He realized that he could experience joy without his drug. I was so moved when I read the words and saw the drawing that emerged from him at the moment he realized how wonderful life could be. I am honored to share this with you:

THE FOG WILL CLEAR

By: Kyle Kindlon

 

            The road of life has twists and turns ups and downs at the end is so real so pure. My life has been covered with a fog that I was unable to see the light through the thick wet smoke damp fog. As the fog clears it represents my mind state clearing making me able to have a slight view of life with the light shining through the fog showing me how real and pure it really is. Seeing a beautiful view of mountains as the bright sky has the sun rising over the mountains, reflecting off a clear blue body of water seems to make two suns as the cattails blow in the wind. All these different sights represent a feeling of love emotion passion excitement distress the care others have for me so deep so real is mesmerizing as staring into a fire for hours days wanting it to stay this way forever. My whole life I spent thinking this was all a fairytale but it’s real as my mind clears more and more I can see how real it all really is. Not ever wanting that dark fog to mask this again, that fog is the depressing darkness of death that taste of the first sight of light seeing there is more to life.

 

 Kyle has been drug free for more than thirty days!

For anyone struggling with an addiction, Heart of Life by John Mayer:

 



"I know the heart of life is good."

The Magic of a Signature Giveaway

One of my favorite characters from a novel is Mr. Jensen in A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. He doesn't have a big part, but his role has made a lasting impression on me. He was the janitor in protagonist Francie's school. He taught the students to be compassionate by his own actions and to exhibit good character, about “good citizenship and about a good world where everyone did the best he could for the common good of all” (p. 175). When he signs the student's autograph books, he does not briskly and sloppily make a mark, but he signs it with purpose and precision. This in itself is a lesson, that even the simplest things can be worthy of great care.

I've watched several artists sign their creations over the past few months. I've noticed that when they autograph their work, a sense of pride and reflection appears on their face—like their a piece of their soul is being scrolled on the page. When they hand their product over, most smile and express their gratitude because you've taken the time to appreciate their efforts. For me, it's like their work comes alive with a dash of the pen.

Garth Stien signing his novel,The Art of Racing in the Rain

Schenectady Public Library

 

As Pat Riley says, "Each Warrior wants to leave the mark of his will, his signature, on important acts he touches. This is not the voice of ego but of the human spirit, rising up and declaring that it has something to contribute to the solution of the hardest problems, no matter how vexing."

 

I think a signature is so special I'm offering a giveaway of signed art I've collected. Don't worry about me. I made sure to get two copies—one for you and one for me!

 

Here are the items I'm giving away to one lucky winner. Signed copies of:

 

The Art of Racing in the Rain a novel by Garth Stein

 

The Poe Shadow  a novel by Matthew Pearl

 

Under an Indigo Sky a CD by guitarist, Laurence Juber

 

The Adirondacks a book of photos by photographer, Carl Heilman

 

Tai Chi Cookies by baker, Linda Kinlon, at Bake for You (She'll sign the box!)

 

Head on over to my Facebook Page and click "like" on the giveaway post and your entered. Check back on May 6 to see if you're the lucky winner.  Facebook Address:  http://www.facebook.com/peggystrack  

 

Have a great week and make sure your signature reflects your true character!

 

 

 

 

             

 





  

Random Acts of Violence—The New Normal?

I've cheered at many marathons as my husband, Keith, crossed the finish line. The culmination of hundreds of training hours, nutritional eating, and sacrificing other activities to take the challenge of pushing his body to an ultimate physical level. Crossing the finish line represents keeping an individualized commitment that would be so easy to break because of sore hip joints, early morning jaunts after parties that went past midnight, running through wind, rain, and snow (It's true!) and a wife that sometimes says, "Do you really have to do that eighteen mile run this Saturday? I was hoping we could take a walk in the park?" (Yes, I am guilty). Those runners who finish a marathon keep going through all this and when the race day finally arrives it's time for triumph and celebration.

Tragically, two individuals turned the great Boston Marathon into a horror show on April 15. We all know the details and I'm not reiterating any of them. What I want to focus on is the quote by Fred Rogers that has been showing up all over Facebook and other social media sites:

The truth of Fred Roger's mother's words rang out loud and clear following the explosion in the Back Bay area of Boston. I'm giving myself five minutes to think of as many as I can. Here goes:

First Responders — Those individuals who ran toward the victims instead of away from the explosion—Here's to the helpers!

Police—Quick, smart, brave, action only begins to describe your heroism. Here's to the helpers!

Medical Personnel—You saved hundreds of lives and never missed a beat. Here's to the helpers!

FBI & Other Investigators—You scrutinized thousands of photos and videos until you identified the perpetrators. Here's to the helpers!

Boston Citizens—You stayed strong and partnered with the police in the expeditious capture of the two men responsible for crippling so many lives. I was amazed as I watched your city come together to solve this crime. Here's to the helpers!

People—There is no doubt in my mind that the outpouring of love and prayers traveling to Boston from around the world contributed to the spirit and healing of those involved with this tragedy. Here's to the helpers!

My five minutes is up, but the list of helpers continues in my mind. It is evident that there is so much more good in the world than bad, and the good must continue to stand together. As New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo says, "It's a terrible situation in Boston. And, unfortunately, ... one gets the sense that this is more reflective of the 'new normal,' if you will," he explained. "So much of society is changing so rapidly. We talk about a 'new normal' when it comes to climate change and adjusting to a change in the weather patterns. 'New normal' when it comes to public security in a post-9/11 world. Where these random acts of violence, which at one time were implausible, now seem all-too-frequent."

Random acts of violence—the new normal? As hard as it is for me to admit it, I have to agree with Governor Cuomo. Outside of the Boston incident this week, I watched parents of the Sandy Hill victims in Washington D.C. lobby for background checks before gun purchases. On my way to work, I saw Albany, NY police barricade a street with yellow tape because of a shooting where one man was killed. I received an e-mail from our home owner's association that reported three home break-ins in my quiet, "safe" neighborhood. I clicked onto AOL News and saw that there was another shooting where two were killed at a Colorado rally on April 21.

What do we do about this "new normal" of increasing violence?

Be a helper!

Be patient and cooperative with security checks in public places. Compromise some of your privacy  as increased surveillance is implemented at shopping centers, college campuses, sporting events and on and on. Boston proved pictures and videos do work in capturing the bad guys. Like the Boston citizens, let's be part of the solution. Don't be paranoid, but be aware when stepping out into the world. If someone or something looks suspicious, report it. Better safe than sorry. If the helpers band together and prove, no one gets away with anything, the "new normal" may eventually turn into peace and security.

My thoughts and love to all the victims of the Boston Marathon tragedy. May the helpers in your life be there for you as you grieve and recover. 
     

The Five Senses of Kayaking

The ice has melted on Saratoga Lake. For me, that means it's time to put away the skis and break out the kayak. I did exactly that this past Saturday with husband, Keith and friend, Dennis. Yes, it was chilly. Yes, we stayed close to shore just in case someone tipped their boat into the frigid water.

A little risky?

Probably, but there's something about being one of the season's first to launch a boat into the lake. It's adventurous and makes me feel like a pioneer. Not only that, I simply love kayaking. I don't think there's another sport that offers such an intimate encounter with a natural body of water without getting wet. With it comes a sense of calm and intrigue.

Peggy gets ready to kayak!

What do I get out of kayaking?

As with many outdoor activities, it correlates with a life journey. Paddling along a whispering stream or  bouncing on top of a rippling lake is fun at first, but with each stroke, the paddle becomes heavier. Soon, my shoulders pinch and a crick emerges on the back of my neck, but the body keeps moving. If I persevere, the joy I gain from the voyage overshadows these minor aches. The next time out, I'm that much stronger, can travel a little further, and take on a more challenging route.

Then there's the escape kayaking offers from the often daunting world we live in. According to Jan Sheehan, health and fitness journalist, "Finding solace can be as simple as replacing nerve-jangling stimuli with soothing sights, sounds, textures, aromas, and flavors." These soothing senses are abundant on a motorless boat ride. Here are a few examples:   

Sight: Pine tress, berry bushes, clouds, sky, geese, cattails, an endless trail of water or a bend in the route with something unknown waiting just around the corner.

Lows Lake, Northern Adirondacks, NY

Sound: The woosh of water as the paddle moves me along. Birds chirping and cooing in an unrehearsed symphony that is somehow perfectly orchestrated. Resting my paddle on the cockpit hoping to catch that all too rare sound of silence.

 Shhh! Just found myself some quiet.

Smell: That pure yet musty scent. The combination of fish and foliage; weather and fresh water; and an entire community that lives beneath the dark water and above the clouds.

Fish Creek, Saratoga Springs, NY 

Touch: The droplets of water that dribble on my skin when the paddle is lifted out of the water. The breeze that cools my skin. A branch or tree limb that brushes my back.

Lows Lake, Northern Adirondacks, NY

Taste: Plants, animals, water, and air stirred in a pot and inhaled. The taste of nature, revitalizing and calorie free.  

Lows Lake, Northern Adirondacks, NY

Then, of course, there's the sixth sense. That unexplained phenomenon so often found in nature, but not easily explained. Look into the clouds. What do you see?

A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA:

"Row row, row your boat gently down the stream. Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily. Life is but a dream."— Eliphalet Oram Lyte