Last April, I had an interesting experience at a store in Cocoa, Florida. The proprietor had me select a card from a deck - and the card had a picture of a stone called Moldavite. She told me I was soon to be going through a period of enormous change and tranformation. I thanked her for the assessment and went on my way.
Four days later I was layed off from my job.
And then - I went out and got a piece of moldavite....
Moldavite has been reported to help release all that is no longer needed for personal growth: old ideas: leftover emotional habits, whatever you know on a deep level needs to go. It helps a person to appreciate the gift that they have. People may find themselves finding more and more things to be unnecessary - like toxic relationships, anger, and irritations. One may find themselves being more authentic and honest with themselves and others.
The lesson however is not that one needs a stone, but sometimes one needs a wake-up call of some sort to begin to create a new and wonderful reality.
What a difference a year makes...
About Me
- Carol Fitzgerald Tyler
- I lost 103 pounds without surgery, and there was great rejoicing! However - over the last year and a half, life got in the way. Between serious bouts of fibromyalgia and debilitating migraines, I gained some weight, and found myself feeling dumpy, frumpy, and most definately in a slump. 2012 is over and the time has come to dump that frump slump, release the excess weight, change my attitude, and be and feel fabulous! This journey is about more than just weight loss. It is about facing and releasing all things that hold us back from living life to the fullest each and every day. Make the most of what you have, and live a "seize the moment" lifestyle. Join me on my journey, and dump your own slumps - whatever they may be. Welcome to Fabulous!
Friday, April 15, 2011
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Runneth Over?
This morning, I was feeling a bit adventurous so I decided to switch it up and have a hot cereal called Abundance instead of the usual plain sugar free oatmeal (woo hoo - big adventure). While it cooks in the microwave, I mindlessly fill up the creamer, sugar, and coffee cups – not because it is my job, but because it is the right thing to do.
Despite using the exact preparation process I have done a hundred times before, as I reach into the microwave, the Abundance cereal has overflowed the cup and is all over the microwave. I giggle and think even though the events of the past few days have been overwhelming to say the least, I am amazed that no matter what, I have so much abundance that my cup literally runneth over.
Coincidence?
In my humble opinion, coincidences are God’s way of remaining anonymous.
A sign?
I'm thinking yes...
Although I have come to know in my core that I am richly blessed with it already, I wonder what today will bring and how abundance may present itself to me. I also intend to be open to receiving it…(whatever it is).
Fast forward through the day:
May your cup of abundance, whether in cereal or blessing form, runneth over and may you be open to receiving it all and then some.
Carpe Diem...and so it is...
Despite using the exact preparation process I have done a hundred times before, as I reach into the microwave, the Abundance cereal has overflowed the cup and is all over the microwave. I giggle and think even though the events of the past few days have been overwhelming to say the least, I am amazed that no matter what, I have so much abundance that my cup literally runneth over.
Coincidence?
In my humble opinion, coincidences are God’s way of remaining anonymous.
A sign?
I'm thinking yes...
Although I have come to know in my core that I am richly blessed with it already, I wonder what today will bring and how abundance may present itself to me. I also intend to be open to receiving it…(whatever it is).
Fast forward through the day:
- Calls from old friends asking for support and advice - and I have the "right" words for them
- Conversations at work and I have the "right" words for them
- Some amazing opportunities present themselves, and I have the "right" words for them
May your cup of abundance, whether in cereal or blessing form, runneth over and may you be open to receiving it all and then some.
Carpe Diem...and so it is...
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
Sharing Intention...
I intend to pay a visit to the Oprah Show - as they are seeking guests who have lost more than one hundred pounds without surgery. Below is the entry I submitted. Please intend with me...I wish to inspire others to live a healthier life full of the possibilities of Carpe Diem...
My 101 pound weight loss has been a long journey, but finally a successful one. Beginning in 2001, I weighed 248 pounds. I found myself literally unable to move with severe joint pain and swelling, due to a recent diagnosis of fibromyalgia and possible rheumatoid arthritis. Quickly losing 50 pounds, I completed a half marathon six months later. Then I promptly returned to my previous high weight. Struggling throughout the years, I would lose ten pounds and gain back fifteen. No fad diets worked, and basically miserable, I quit trying.
In May 2006, after tripping in an intersection and not being able to be lifted by a strong friend and my own power, I decided my girth was epic, and enough was really enough. Shortly after that embarrassing moment, Dr. Oz appeared on the Oprah show, discussing the effects of white food and sugar on the body. His gentle but firm demeanor and his reasonable approach to a healthy lifestyle somehow touched me and motivated me to start again. I began with small changes, and those lead to the inclusion of whole wheat pasta, vegetables and fruits, and smaller portion sizes. I once again returned to exercise, but this time embraced it instead of thinking of it as a curse.
I now weigh 147 pounds. Despite ongoing and occasionally debilitating fibromyalgia, I lost weight and gained fitness the old fashioned way – don’t eat so much and move your body regularly. After being told I would not be able to walk much, I am currently a veteran of eight half marathons, three Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure events, and four marathons (three of which were completed in 71 days in late 2009). Not being a runner, I walk and go as quickly as possible with my mantra that I think I can. Every finish line I greet with joy and gratitude. I have sustained my weight loss for a year (give or take a few pounds) and am delighted to pay forward any inspiration to others who may need some assistance to move forward toward better health.
My 101 pound weight loss has been a long journey, but finally a successful one. Beginning in 2001, I weighed 248 pounds. I found myself literally unable to move with severe joint pain and swelling, due to a recent diagnosis of fibromyalgia and possible rheumatoid arthritis. Quickly losing 50 pounds, I completed a half marathon six months later. Then I promptly returned to my previous high weight. Struggling throughout the years, I would lose ten pounds and gain back fifteen. No fad diets worked, and basically miserable, I quit trying.
In May 2006, after tripping in an intersection and not being able to be lifted by a strong friend and my own power, I decided my girth was epic, and enough was really enough. Shortly after that embarrassing moment, Dr. Oz appeared on the Oprah show, discussing the effects of white food and sugar on the body. His gentle but firm demeanor and his reasonable approach to a healthy lifestyle somehow touched me and motivated me to start again. I began with small changes, and those lead to the inclusion of whole wheat pasta, vegetables and fruits, and smaller portion sizes. I once again returned to exercise, but this time embraced it instead of thinking of it as a curse.
I now weigh 147 pounds. Despite ongoing and occasionally debilitating fibromyalgia, I lost weight and gained fitness the old fashioned way – don’t eat so much and move your body regularly. After being told I would not be able to walk much, I am currently a veteran of eight half marathons, three Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure events, and four marathons (three of which were completed in 71 days in late 2009). Not being a runner, I walk and go as quickly as possible with my mantra that I think I can. Every finish line I greet with joy and gratitude. I have sustained my weight loss for a year (give or take a few pounds) and am delighted to pay forward any inspiration to others who may need some assistance to move forward toward better health.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Authenticity
Be authentic - always...
Pretending to be anything other than who you really are prevents you from reaching your personal potential.
In being yourself - you can accept and embody the miraculous circumstances and gifts that have come together to create YOU...
And then - well, imagine what can be...
Pretending to be anything other than who you really are prevents you from reaching your personal potential.
In being yourself - you can accept and embody the miraculous circumstances and gifts that have come together to create YOU...
And then - well, imagine what can be...
Friday, April 8, 2011
No Matter What
- Get Up
- Face It
- Feel It
- Deal with It
Know down to the last cell in your body that you can handle it all and then some...
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Now Is Really The Only Moment...
This is THE moment in which to live fully - because the next moment can bring more joy, or it can bring news that is unwelcome, and a battle that must be fought on all fronts.
Do the things you want to do and be with the people with whom you want to spend time. Anything else is not authentic, and when it comes down to it - a waste of the moments you have been given that you can never reclaim.
Unconditionally love fiercely those who are "your people". Guard them with your life and give them all you can give - no matter what.
Treasure it all - every every every moment, profound or simple, grand or "everyday". Waste not one thought on the negative or the trivial - because you just never know when it can all change.
And if it does change, regrets are not what you want to have, rather exceptional memories of all that was enjoyed in THE MOMENT...
Do the things you want to do and be with the people with whom you want to spend time. Anything else is not authentic, and when it comes down to it - a waste of the moments you have been given that you can never reclaim.
Unconditionally love fiercely those who are "your people". Guard them with your life and give them all you can give - no matter what.
Treasure it all - every every every moment, profound or simple, grand or "everyday". Waste not one thought on the negative or the trivial - because you just never know when it can all change.
And if it does change, regrets are not what you want to have, rather exceptional memories of all that was enjoyed in THE MOMENT...
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
Inspiration is Everywhere - Meredith's Story
As part of working with the American Cancer Society DetermiNation program, I have the opportunity to write articles about some of the runners and walkers that will be raising money and awareness in the Denver Rock N Roll Marathon and Half Marathon taking place in October 2011. This week, I had the good fortune to interview Meredith Meegan. She is dedicated to helping cure cancer to honor her mother, whose battle with a brain tumor ended sixteen years ago. Meredith has big plans - and has provided big inspiration. I'm honored to tell her story.
Meredith Meegan: Mother, Runner, and DetermiNation Warrior
By Carol Fitzgerald Tyler
Passion, determination and strength are words that describe Meredith Meegan. After talking with Meredith, her intense commitment to advocate for curing cancer is evident from the moment the conversation began. The loss of her mother to an aggressive brain tumor is the driving force behind her running and her charitable contributions.
Currently in rehabilitation for a tendonitis issue, Meredith is taking a break from running and is focusing on healing. Not running is challenging for her, as she typically averages between 35 and 40 miles a week. She is “trying to see the big picture” and believes that a course in physical therapy will make her even stronger than before. “Running is something that simply just clicks with my body and mind”, she says. Her family thinks she is somewhat “obsessed” and “insane”, however, she claims “it’s just what works for me. Running changes your mental make-up, you need more and more and more.”
Meredith’s running actually began when her mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor sixteen years ago. She started by going to the gym with her mother, who she describes as a positive well-minded individual. She began by running for two minutes, which was extremely difficult at the time. She stayed home for a year caring for her mother, and ran the entire time. Little by little she increased her time to thirty minutes. She also started participating in 5K’s and then worked up to longer distances.
Meredith describes her relationship with her mother as “amazing”. She can’t say enough about her, and said that there will never be anyone quite like her. She describes her mother’s absence as defining her as much as her presence ever did. As difficult as her loss was then, her mother is still a part of her daily thoughts, and like any other muscle, she works on the grief muscles. “The grief muscle keeps getting stronger. I know it will knock me down, but I can still get back up.” Sometimes she thinks that the grief mode has a purpose to continue and connect her with her mother, and that it is a fundamental part of who she is.
Meredith’s mother passed away at age 55, three months before her wedding. Meredith shopped for wedding and funeral flowers at the same time knowing that her mother’s passing was close. The toasts at her wedding were both congratulatory to her and her husband, but also had a eulogy quality for those who were unable to attend her mother’s funeral.
With strength and conviction, Meredith has moved to using her grief to work towards helping others in the fight against cancer. “When you lose someone that close to you, it’s like you lose a limb. But you must realize that even with that missing limb, you can still walk, you can still run. You find other ways to compensate for it. ”
With three children under the age of ten (6, 8, and 10), finding time for running and self-care isn’t always easy. Luckily, Meredith is a self-proclaimed morning person and is often the first one to enter the gym at 5:00 a.m. Taking care of the care giver is an important concept and her early morning trips to the treadmill provide time to run and mentally prepare for the day ahead.
A veteran of three full marathons and one half marathon, her first experience was the New York City Marathon in 2000. Participating for the Fred’s Team charity which benefits Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, she and her husband were fortunate enough to win the marathon entry lottery. During that marathon, Meredith was able to see her elderly grandmother as she raced near her apartment. Given the number of people who are spectators – it was a gift to be able to share a hug as she ran by. Meredith has also participated in the Chicago Marathon and the Phoenix Rock N Roll Marathon.
Even though Meredith has long been a major advocate for curing cancer, her involvement with the Denver ACS DetermiNation program happened by pure coincidence. She was leaving the gym a few months ago after what she describes as a “good and satisfying run”, and she saw Stacey Hicks at the DetermiNation table. After just a short time of talking over the program, she made the instant decision to “do this”. “I am a fairly impulsive person, and the program hit on my passion from the get go” she said. “I don’t just want to be involved but I want to be uber involved.” She will be participating in the full Denver marathon and is determined to work through her current course of physical therapy to do just that.
Meredith doesn’t see any barriers raising the funds for the program. When it comes to cancer and honoring her mother’s legacy, asking for contributions to help cure the disease is simple. Her friends and family have been more than generous and helpful in the past, particularly while raising approximately $2,500 for Fred’s Team at the New York City Marathon in 2000. She believes she will hit her goal of at least $1,250 and likely more as she embarks on her fundraising campaign for Denver in the next week or so.
When talking about her goals for the Denver DetermiNation program and for the marathon event, she would love to see the marathon grow in both the number of participants and in stature. Having the Denver Rock N Roll Full and Half marathons become a marquee event for Denver would be great for both the city and the program.
When describing why she is committed to the DetermiNation program, she said “the cause needs money and attention. Such empowerment, compassion, and energy occurs in those who have come together and have chosen to fight this battle. No two cancers are alike, there is something uniquely bonding about dealing with that”.
Meredith can’t wait to complete her physical therapy and get back to running. When asked what her goals are? She says, “to be a life- long runner and life- long warrior in the battle to end cancer in the world”. All of us at DetermiNation can’t wait to welcome Meredith. Her passionate drive to cure cancer goes hand in hand with her determination to cross the finish line at the Denver Marathon in October.
For questions on the American Cancer Society DetermiNation program – please contact:
Valerie Passerini
Endurance Event Manager - DetermiNation
American Cancer Society, Inc. - Great West Division
2255 South Oneida Street Denver, CO 80224
720.524.5410
Meredith Meegan: Mother, Runner, and DetermiNation Warrior
By Carol Fitzgerald Tyler
Passion, determination and strength are words that describe Meredith Meegan. After talking with Meredith, her intense commitment to advocate for curing cancer is evident from the moment the conversation began. The loss of her mother to an aggressive brain tumor is the driving force behind her running and her charitable contributions.
Currently in rehabilitation for a tendonitis issue, Meredith is taking a break from running and is focusing on healing. Not running is challenging for her, as she typically averages between 35 and 40 miles a week. She is “trying to see the big picture” and believes that a course in physical therapy will make her even stronger than before. “Running is something that simply just clicks with my body and mind”, she says. Her family thinks she is somewhat “obsessed” and “insane”, however, she claims “it’s just what works for me. Running changes your mental make-up, you need more and more and more.”
Meredith’s running actually began when her mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor sixteen years ago. She started by going to the gym with her mother, who she describes as a positive well-minded individual. She began by running for two minutes, which was extremely difficult at the time. She stayed home for a year caring for her mother, and ran the entire time. Little by little she increased her time to thirty minutes. She also started participating in 5K’s and then worked up to longer distances.
Meredith describes her relationship with her mother as “amazing”. She can’t say enough about her, and said that there will never be anyone quite like her. She describes her mother’s absence as defining her as much as her presence ever did. As difficult as her loss was then, her mother is still a part of her daily thoughts, and like any other muscle, she works on the grief muscles. “The grief muscle keeps getting stronger. I know it will knock me down, but I can still get back up.” Sometimes she thinks that the grief mode has a purpose to continue and connect her with her mother, and that it is a fundamental part of who she is.
Meredith’s mother passed away at age 55, three months before her wedding. Meredith shopped for wedding and funeral flowers at the same time knowing that her mother’s passing was close. The toasts at her wedding were both congratulatory to her and her husband, but also had a eulogy quality for those who were unable to attend her mother’s funeral.
With strength and conviction, Meredith has moved to using her grief to work towards helping others in the fight against cancer. “When you lose someone that close to you, it’s like you lose a limb. But you must realize that even with that missing limb, you can still walk, you can still run. You find other ways to compensate for it. ”
With three children under the age of ten (6, 8, and 10), finding time for running and self-care isn’t always easy. Luckily, Meredith is a self-proclaimed morning person and is often the first one to enter the gym at 5:00 a.m. Taking care of the care giver is an important concept and her early morning trips to the treadmill provide time to run and mentally prepare for the day ahead.
A veteran of three full marathons and one half marathon, her first experience was the New York City Marathon in 2000. Participating for the Fred’s Team charity which benefits Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, she and her husband were fortunate enough to win the marathon entry lottery. During that marathon, Meredith was able to see her elderly grandmother as she raced near her apartment. Given the number of people who are spectators – it was a gift to be able to share a hug as she ran by. Meredith has also participated in the Chicago Marathon and the Phoenix Rock N Roll Marathon.
Even though Meredith has long been a major advocate for curing cancer, her involvement with the Denver ACS DetermiNation program happened by pure coincidence. She was leaving the gym a few months ago after what she describes as a “good and satisfying run”, and she saw Stacey Hicks at the DetermiNation table. After just a short time of talking over the program, she made the instant decision to “do this”. “I am a fairly impulsive person, and the program hit on my passion from the get go” she said. “I don’t just want to be involved but I want to be uber involved.” She will be participating in the full Denver marathon and is determined to work through her current course of physical therapy to do just that.
Meredith doesn’t see any barriers raising the funds for the program. When it comes to cancer and honoring her mother’s legacy, asking for contributions to help cure the disease is simple. Her friends and family have been more than generous and helpful in the past, particularly while raising approximately $2,500 for Fred’s Team at the New York City Marathon in 2000. She believes she will hit her goal of at least $1,250 and likely more as she embarks on her fundraising campaign for Denver in the next week or so.
When talking about her goals for the Denver DetermiNation program and for the marathon event, she would love to see the marathon grow in both the number of participants and in stature. Having the Denver Rock N Roll Full and Half marathons become a marquee event for Denver would be great for both the city and the program.
When describing why she is committed to the DetermiNation program, she said “the cause needs money and attention. Such empowerment, compassion, and energy occurs in those who have come together and have chosen to fight this battle. No two cancers are alike, there is something uniquely bonding about dealing with that”.
Meredith can’t wait to complete her physical therapy and get back to running. When asked what her goals are? She says, “to be a life- long runner and life- long warrior in the battle to end cancer in the world”. All of us at DetermiNation can’t wait to welcome Meredith. Her passionate drive to cure cancer goes hand in hand with her determination to cross the finish line at the Denver Marathon in October.
For questions on the American Cancer Society DetermiNation program – please contact:
Valerie Passerini
Endurance Event Manager - DetermiNation
American Cancer Society, Inc. - Great West Division
2255 South Oneida Street Denver, CO 80224
720.524.5410
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Plans - Big or Small - Make 'Em!
I have been doing a lot of strategic planning in the last several weeks. In addition to a project on which I am working, I have been "planning" for other events in 2011, including half and full marathons, a variety of trips, and some other milestones. Ok - I have been calling it "planning", but truth be told - it's been more of a mild dither back and forth.
To make big things happen, make big plans. Big plans mean that big and great things are forthcoming. Make time to do great things.
No doubts, no listening to the nay sayers (ignore them, perhaps they will go away...). Make your plans, put them out there, and go for it.
I'm not one to dither or to be bored for long, so HUGE plans, here I come...And once decided, I always swing for the fences.
- Do I have time?
- Do I have inclination?
- Will the stars align?
- Will tickets be available?
- What will the weather be in June?
- But...
- What if...
- Blah blah blah...
To make big things happen, make big plans. Big plans mean that big and great things are forthcoming. Make time to do great things.
No doubts, no listening to the nay sayers (ignore them, perhaps they will go away...). Make your plans, put them out there, and go for it.
I'm not one to dither or to be bored for long, so HUGE plans, here I come...And once decided, I always swing for the fences.
Carpe Diem, and so it is...
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