How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. How do you Spring Clean? One task at a time.  While browsing the internet for a simple Spring-Cleaning Checklist, I discovered Abby Lawson’s Spring-Cleaning Checklist and Frequently Asked Questions. “What month should you start spring cleaning? Though you can start spring cleaning whenever it best fits your schedule, beginning on or around March 20th– the first day of spring– is a good rule of thumb. Most people complete their spring-cleaning tasks in March and April. How do I know how often I should be cleaning each area? There are some cleaning tasks that should be done daily, some that should be done weekly, others that can be done quarterly, and still other cleaning tasks that should be completed yearly. Do people still do spring cleaning? Absolutely! With more people working from home than ever, it is especially important to make sure that we have a clean, healthy environment in which to spend our time.”

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​In a time when we appear to be inexplicably divided, I believe we have more that unites us than divides us. We have reasons to be in agreement and in consideration to work together for the good of all, more than ever. 
At our core, we all want peace of mind. Not only in our homes and external relationships but in everyday dealings with life circumstances. Getting along with others begins with us. At the very least, considering a ‘response’ instead of a ‘reaction’ could establish a peaceful conversation and resolution.

We care about our health and the wellbeing of those who we care about. Who doesn’t want to feel good and be happy? We enjoy good jokes and love laughing out loud and hearing a feel-good story. Nothing spells happiness like a great romantic novel or movie or series with interesting and positive characters solving the age-old problems of cracking a crime or falling in love and rendering a happy ending. Call me old fashioned, but most still love a good ending. 

In February of this year, I attended Scottsdale Government 101. For 10 weeks, 40 participants were presented with numerous departments that organize building, maintaining and managing our city. The presenters ranged from City Council Members to the department heads of Tourism, Planning, Fire, Police, Water Resources, Zoning, Parks & Recreation, and Courts, including a tour of the Scottsdale Jail. The classes were informative and interesting and gave us an inside view of what it takes to run our city.  There was much I didn’t know. 

The classes were so thought-provoking and educational, I decided to register for the Scottsdale Citizens Police Academy. My friend Isabel, another perpetual student, and I are like moths to light, drawn to Wednesday evenings from 5 to 8 to discover the foundations of the Police Department. Each week the classes include presentations by 3 departments. For instance, Week 1 was our welcome by the officer who would remain with us during the entire duration. He presented the Body Camera Program followed by the Officer Training Unit. The Body Camera is now required as part of the officer’s uniform. Now I know.  

According to the Mayo Clinic Staff, the obvious benefits of walking are: Maintain a healthy weight and lose body fat; prevent or manage various conditions, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer and type 2 diabetes; improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones and muscles; improve muscle endurance, increase energy levels, improve mood, cognition, memory and sleep; recover balance and coordination; strengthen immune system and reduce stress and tension.

My thoughts on walking: There is knowing when to walk away just before saying something you will regret! I haven’t yet mastered this walk away before saying it, my timing is still off but getting better. 

In the 1960’s Dionne Warwick sang the hit song, "Walk on by". Part of falling in love includes the pain of failing at love. The song still brings back memories of the heart ache of love as a teenager. If we knew then what we know now, perhaps we would have "Walked on by" sooner. 
Walking the floor for those who enjoy worry walking. As if walking makes it easier. And according to the Mayo Clinic Staff, walking does reduce stress and tension…. walk away my friend. 
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Walk the Talk. it’s not easy to align our behavior while becoming who we want to be. It takes failing, regrouping, recovering, and learning to communicate who we are, walking the talk. Don’t stop walking and observe the talk.  

​While listening to an audio book, "The Secrets of Lovelace Academy" by Marie Benidict, I heard the following statement, “Understand well as I may, my comprehension can only be an infinitesimal fraction of all I want to understand.” 

In the research for longevity, one of the components of living a healthy long life is curiosity. Of course, there are other moving parts that factor in a healthy life, including environment, nutrition, movement and attitude. But not to be dismissed is a mind that is interested in living with eyes wide open to what is beyond what we see, and what we don’t yet see, or possibly imagine…..there is a there there?  Yes, there is! And so much more. What more can I understand in a world where I choose to see opportunities instead of uncertainty.... the beginning of a new era instead of the end of the good old days. 

Is my cup half full or half empty? 

Life is challenging. Why not lighten your load with some humor. And speaking of colonoscopies. . . prior test results and my insistent medical provider pressed me to schedule the dreaded procedure. Fortunately, my friends came to the rescue. My friend Bod came to keep me company at the end of his workday. He was famished and brought his dinner along. He asked if I minded if he ate and of course I said not at all. I watched him eat pork barbeque topped with avocado and I couldn’t imagine it was as tasty as my chicken or beef broth, water, apple juice and the MiraLAX I was about to start drinking.  Bob left and my friend Mary Beth came by at 6:30, ready to spend the night overnight bag in hand with breakfast treats and PJs, I was prepared at home with a new 500-piece Boardwalk Puzzle for us to dig into. 

​While attending a meditation workshop In my early thirties, a presenter emphatically proclaimed that getting too comfortable in life is risky. If you are excessively cozy, you are not reaching outside of yourself and growing your courage and confidence, which are necessary skills when discomfort comes along. Inevitably life will take an unanticipated turn, and discomfort will come along like un unexpected visitor.

Occasionally being uncomfortable does not have to be a terrible test. Starting a new project, learning a new skill on your computer or at the workplace, volunteering or participating in a class such as Scottsdale Government 101, can lead to growing. Not that I was uncomfortable in the class, but it certainly expanded my confidence in my community and knowledge of resources available to the residents. I now have a resource just in case an uncomfortable situation should occur.