A World in a Word

personal best

2011-04-03T20:45:00.000-07:00

100 freestyle

take your mark
beep...

nice dive
strong kick
extended arms
deep breathing

strength and grace
synchronicity

hand on the ledge
first in her heat
peering out for her time
breathing deep, straight faced

explosive smile
upon realizing
she raced a personal best

transience

2011-03-21T20:40:00.000-07:00

cherry blossoms
revered
during their
short spring visit

orange

2011-03-15T21:45:00.000-07:00

poppy flowers

I touch a petal
and look at my fingers
wondering if the fresh paint
of spring rubs off

effort

2011-03-13T15:10:00.000-07:00

At the swim meet
I am uplifted
by the way
the kids leap
into the water
and into life lessons

exerting
pushing
persevering

effort
paired with reflection
leads to accomplishment
in and out of the pool

breeze

2011-03-05T21:35:00.000-08:00

something about
a warm afternoon breeze
that lulls and contents me

gulp

2011-03-01T22:52:00.000-08:00

You know that feeling
you get in your throat
when you are
holding back your tears?

maddiejamesfoundation.org

gulp

distracted

2011-03-01T22:11:00.000-08:00

looking back on my day
a series of
distracted moments
pop up

tomorrow is a new day
to be present
with the girls

flux

2011-02-25T21:33:00.000-08:00

appreciating
the continual changes
and flowing of ideas

occurring simultaneously
around the world

an energy force

box

2011-02-21T21:50:00.000-08:00

We've all heard the saying
"think out of the box"

Yossi Ginsberg
has cemented this in my mind

To think out of the box
you need to live out of the box

break free of
the walls of
your home
your work space
your tv
your computer

whatever confines you

experience nature where
there are no boxes

celebration

2011-02-17T20:17:00.000-08:00

It's her 10th birthday
she squirms with excitement

double digits
don't mean double trouble

a thoughtful
strong
kind
smart
focused
expressive
young lady
emerges

the world
is a better place
because of you
Happy Birthday

best

2011-02-13T21:20:00.000-08:00

We all say
Do your best

the swim meet
provided opportunities
to swim
a personal best

and several times
they did!

the posture
of a swimmer
right after a personal best
is uplifting

turning point

2011-02-10T18:59:00.000-08:00

a moment in time
when you go one direction
instead of another

surround yourself with people
that encourage you to lean positive

but ultimately it's your move

meaningful

2011-02-09T21:54:00.000-08:00

authenticity
and purpose
make learning
deep and wide

The Hall of Heroes
was a place for all to shine

yearning

2011-02-08T21:30:00.000-08:00

Our dads have crossed over

Our journeys and experiences
have been different
but there is something
certain that we share

a tender,persistant longing

a yearning
that softens
with laughter and gratitude

intention

2011-02-07T22:30:00.000-08:00

It's not enough to avoid
drama and negativity

Flying under the radar
isn't solution oriented

I reflected and resisted the urge
to jump back into the drama

I chose to shine the light on what's right
and highlight strengths

These moments of intention
propel me on a path
towards lightness

niche

2011-02-06T21:40:00.000-08:00

the La Jolla Swim Club community

together because of a certain appeal
a calling some might say

They all peer out into the ocean
with a sense of awe
that strengthens
mile after mile

Spending time with this group
will leave you feeling

lifted up
encouraged
included
humbled
inspired

running

2011-02-05T21:12:00.000-08:00

throbbing heart beat
dripping sweat
breathing rhythmically
burning muscles

make me feel alive
and strong

hero

2011-02-04T20:20:00.000-08:00

She chose Lynne Cox
long distance open water swimmer
for her 2nd grade hero project.

We met her at Seal Beach
she leaned down and
pointed out toward the ocean
beaming with joy
sharing experiences

a hero who...

Dreams big
Sets goals
Trains hard
Trains hard
Achieves more than thought possible

open
generous
reflective
mentor
for swimming
and beyond

beliefs fuel enthusiasm
and enthusiasm evolves into passion

a pure delight
to be in Lynne's
passionate presence

explorers

2011-02-02T21:08:00.000-08:00

are dreamers that do

the compass pulls them
out of their comfort zones

discovering new territory
inside and out

pioneers

optimism

2011-02-01T13:21:00.000-08:00

People say, I'm sorry for your loss.
Expressing sincerity and empathy
for someone who is irreplaceable.

flashes of sad moments
of what will be missed and will not become

But with a broadened perspective
the ubiquitous saying
lost and found
evokes optimism

Find a symbol that embodies his presence
Find people who elevate story telling as a sacred celebration
Find others who will benefit from your experience and insight
Find peace knowing that he is and will always be a part of you

substantive

2011-01-31T22:37:00.000-08:00

more and more
I step away from
small talk

I am eager to engage
in substantive conversations
that fuel curiosity
strengthen connections
and lead to expansions

What's your proportion
of meaningful conversations?

Small talk shrinks happiness

bravery

2011-01-29T21:37:00.000-08:00

Do you have
Someone who believes in you?
Someone who cheers you on and propels you forward?
Someone who takes you by the hand and lowers your anxiety?
Someone who encourages you to dream and take risks?
Someone who makes you feel brave?

seeds of belief, encouragement and bravery
sprout long after the person is physically gone

interrupting

2011-01-27T22:18:00.000-08:00

listening for an opportunity
to hear your own voice
instead of listening
to the other person's ideas

listen fully
contribute
in a cyclical, responsive way

stop the eruptions
promote connections

process

2011-01-25T22:47:00.000-08:00

participation and collaboration
are central

ongoing, cyclical
planning, learning, reflecting
toward a goal

foggy, murky
disequilibrium
signify entering
into new learning

be patient with the process

hush

2011-01-23T21:48:00.000-08:00

sunset canvas
rosy pastel streaks
across the blue sky

we peer upwards
we pause
there is a

hush

completion

2011-01-21T23:45:00.000-08:00

I was disciplined and focused
and completed the work tonight.

It's done. I feel lighter.

I'm conscious to with hold
my complaints about the work load
since I'm hoping
to have these positions next year.

moments can be difficult but the experience is worthwhile

The weekend is here
and I'm sticking to my New Year's Resolution
to hike more.

anxiety

2011-01-20T22:03:00.000-08:00

anxiety increases with the
uncertainties at work

I tell myself and others to
stay focused on the work
add value
be positive

training my brain to
visualize the dream
not the nightmare

vibrant

2011-01-19T14:50:00.000-08:00

she comes in

a thrust of positive energy

generous
reflective
glowing

sparking a revitalization
of manifesting dreams

forward

2011-01-18T22:26:00.000-08:00

I recount my frustrations
to a friend
and I realize
that I have forgotten
the very details that angered me.

I move on.

Are our brains
wired for forgiveness?

attention

2011-01-14T21:58:00.000-08:00

In any moment
I have choices.

lack or abundance?
rigidity or flexibility?
want or gratitude?

sun

2011-01-13T21:49:00.000-08:00

The sun's
warmth on my back
soothes

beliefs

2011-01-12T14:18:00.000-08:00

are what we become

What do you believe
the future holds for you?

What fresh vision
is emerging?

validation

2011-01-11T19:42:00.000-08:00

contribution to a conversation
by validating how she feels

she called
feeling like a crappy mom
her son broke his wrist

I listened
and echoed back
her feelings

being heard and understood
was just enough
to move the conversation forward

instead

2011-01-09T07:15:00.000-08:00

work and school
begin again tomorrow

I'm visualizing

smooth transitions
patience
and abundant humor

When I feel
tense
irritated
rushed

my sharped tongue
and furrowed brow
emerge

instead

I'm going to
breathe deep
and try and make 'em smile

comfort

2011-01-06T21:35:00.000-08:00

we walked a few miles together today
and she reached for my hand
again and again
a perfect fit
in the jigsaw puzzle
comfort

reality

2011-01-04T16:15:00.000-08:00

reality hit hard today
my first day back to work

fast pace
fast talking
fast movements
fast meeting
fast eating

slow breathing
helps

nature

2011-01-02T21:02:00.000-08:00

hiking at mission trails

we are in awe with the water

the river is high
giving the waterfalls force
the river hums
a soothing feeling
drowning out the chatter in our heads

caterpillars amble across the dirt path
this fuzzy migration
fascinates us all

Oak trees' tangled canopies
have us look upward
in appreciation

unplug and get out for a hike

plunge

2011-01-01T18:33:00.000-08:00

geared up and ready to go
they gather
and take the plunge
in the cold 56 degree ocean

polar bears

an invigorating day
full of play, promise
and positive energy

visualization

2010-12-29T22:18:00.000-08:00

She squeezes her eyes shut
and chants the number
she wants to roll.

rattling the die
in the blue, plastic cup

it works

she gets another yahtzee

family

2010-12-28T22:13:00.000-08:00

gatherings
around the table

eating
games
conversations

connections
comfort
relaxation

embraces

heart

2010-12-24T21:47:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve stroll
around Balboa Park

We walk towards the
bundled up people
tucked away in the shadows

Bags of cookies
placed at their sides

Hot chocolate
by the tree

waiting

then...
a jingle bell
and Santa visit

magical

believe

2010-12-19T21:05:00.000-08:00

The girls have questions
about Santa

and we shape the conversation
beyond

Like Einstein said,
"There are two ways to live your life
one is as though nothing is a miracle,
the other is as though everything is a miracle."

hope

2010-12-16T22:40:00.000-08:00

sunrise and smiles feed hope

reflective

2010-12-14T23:16:00.000-08:00

pensive
contemplative
thoughtful

I want to surround myself
with people who exhibit
those characteristics

journey

2010-12-13T21:42:00.000-08:00

we connected deeply
he left us suddenly
yet we continue to learn
from him

we are being shown a way

to grieve
to honor
to celebrate
to be gracious

a journey
to the Bahamas
in our future

yuck

2010-12-11T19:18:00.000-08:00

That's what my body is saying to me right now.
I went from sugar to salty
and back again.

I seem to do this every once in a while.

Is it because it's easier to complain
about my stomach ache
than deal with the bigger issues?

yuck

anticipation

2010-12-10T23:47:00.000-08:00

On my morning walks

I pass by her window

she sits on the stairs
bundled up in her robe
pets her cat
and peers outward

we always wave
to each other

an exchange of warmth

collaboration

2010-12-09T20:58:00.000-08:00

negotiating ideas
synthesizing the gist
applying learning to new situations

working with others brings out the best in you

reminder

2010-12-08T20:58:00.000-08:00

she placed a pendant with the words,
"be kind"
around her little sister's neck

imagine if we all wore
that message

balance

2010-12-07T20:21:00.000-08:00

People refer to wanting balance in life.

Balance is not an equal division of life's tasks
but rather actions that are responsive to life's moments

drain

2010-12-06T20:43:00.000-08:00

I find myself
pulling the car
to the side of the road

when the sisters are
bickering
and escalating
problems

It's a drain
when they complain

So, what do I want?

kindness
patience
empathy
respect

meditative

2010-12-05T21:32:00.000-08:00

the repetitive
motions of knitting

freeing my mind from the cognitive realm
opening up a relaxing state

books

2010-12-04T21:13:00.000-08:00

I went gift shopping today
and explored lots of options
for my family

picked up, looked over, put back
most every thing

except for books

gifts of
introspection
and expansion

lightness

2010-12-02T21:01:00.000-08:00

toxic interactions
create a tangible
energy drain

recognize
the churning feelings
of discord

tightness

Seek out
people and interactions
that make you
reflect
connect
expand

lightness

shift

2010-12-01T20:39:00.000-08:00

sometimes a little nudge
in a positive direction
is all I need
to make a shift
in my attitude

robust

2010-11-29T21:59:00.000-08:00

being intentional with word choices
moving from general to specific to precise

robust vocabulary expands
your ability to express yourself

ornaments

2010-11-28T20:19:00.001-08:00

stories strung together
on the Christmas tree

experiences

2010-11-27T19:28:00.000-08:00

focus on experiences

amplify your life

replace

2010-11-26T20:49:00.000-08:00

one choice replaces another

I'm so glad I walked
at the beach this morning

a pod of dolphins
joined me heading south
for half an hour

I craned my neck westward
with a smile on my face

transformation

2010-11-24T20:02:00.000-08:00

it takes a gentle boil
to turn sugar, butter and water
into caramel

melding, morphing
into something
yet to be

thanks giving

2010-11-23T22:38:00.000-08:00

not just a dinner

an action

pride

2010-11-21T23:35:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, my daughter
posted her word of the day
"accomplish"
while I camped at the 3 day walk

She continues to "accomplish"
much that makes me proud

irreplaceable

2010-11-21T23:32:00.000-08:00

this word stuck with me
on the 3 day walk for the cure

hand on my heart
tears wetting my cheeks

I think of individuals
that are absolutely
irreplaceable

accomplish

2010-11-21T11:06:00.000-08:00

Step by step,
mile by mile,
walking for a cure!!!

perceptions

2010-11-17T23:27:00.000-08:00

when others
hold up a mirror

wipe off the haze
and look at your reflection

accomplished

2010-11-15T21:49:00.000-08:00

What are the attributes
of an accomplished teacher?

vision
motivation
knowledge
practice
reflection

fascinating

2010-11-14T18:02:00.000-08:00

at the zoo
interacting
with the gorillas and orangutans

holding up
mirrors
pictures of their troop
various items from a purse

they peer with interest
moving fingers against the glass
as if sifting through the objects

one orangutan looked in the mirror
and pulled up the hair on her head

eye contact full of feelings

I read that we are 97% alike genetically

fascinating

weekend

2010-11-12T19:16:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the weekend
comes just in time.

What a relief to have
unscheduled, flexible
days ahead.

time to relax and recharge

waves

2010-11-11T20:12:00.000-08:00

rolling in
saying
all is well

promise

2010-11-10T14:32:00.000-08:00

We walked a mile together
hand in hand.

When I was pulled
in another direction,
I stay focused
and followed through
on my promise.

reminder

2010-11-09T13:32:00.000-08:00

She put her hand in mine and yanked
and I told her I'd be there in a minute.

I missed an opportunity to connect with her.
Instead, I was distracted and blindsided
by someone else.

Thanks for the gentle reminder.
I'll hold your hand tomorrow morning
for sure

sisters

2010-11-08T21:52:00.000-08:00

a bumpy evening

the sisters
turned to each other
for comfort

asleep side by side
touching
breathing in sync

supported
connected
loved

a dream come true

extraordinary

2010-11-07T17:58:00.000-08:00

People tell us it'll be fine
but that doesn't speak to us

Looking for the extraordinary
to live better than fine

Living life in awe

imprints

2010-11-06T19:29:00.000-07:00

time and space
to celebrate
her life

giving us all the opportunity
to nurture the seeds
she planted

photos
anecdotes
reflections
insights

smiling as tears roll down my cheeks
sad and beautiful

patience, care, support
laughter, love, acceptance

Barbara's imprints

sunrise

2010-11-05T17:44:00.000-07:00

brings
a new day
a fresh start
light to lift you up

solutions

2010-11-04T23:50:00.000-07:00

expressing discord
may create friction

use that spark of energy
to launch you onto the path of progress and growth

strive for solutions

clutter

2010-11-03T23:04:00.000-07:00

This disorderly state
distracts my attention
muddles my thinking
agitates me.

We search through piles for misplaced things.
I want the freedom to find what I want when I need it.

I am willing to
take the time
make the effort
and sustain the systems

We need a team approach
to create and environment of
vibrancy
flow
clarity

yelling

2010-11-02T21:07:00.000-07:00

I raise my voice.
They say it's yelling.

Frustration turns up the volume

I'm laying here wishing
I chose to read with her
instead of arguing about the shorts
(the ONLY bottoms she wears to school)

I want to express
myself more
playfully
peacefully
thoughtfully

crunch

2010-10-31T16:12:00.000-07:00

you can hear it
across the house

the first batch of
pumpkin seeds

tradition

2010-10-30T21:47:00.000-07:00

celebrating a season
a sensory experience

laughter in the hay maze
awe upon seeing the day old calf
bumping along on the tractor ride
getting chased in the petting zoo
forward rolls down the cotton seed hill

pumpkin patch tradition

real

2010-10-29T23:21:00.000-07:00

She's the real deal
and I miss her.

She moved 4 months ago.

I miss
her honesty
her laughter
her reflection
her empathy
her glow

I am recharged
after our visit today.

strengthening our friendship
even from far away

It's possible right?

illuminate

2010-10-28T21:10:00.000-07:00

bringing light
to a situation

making it ripe
for an "ah ha" moment

giggle

2010-10-27T21:44:00.000-07:00

a giggle
like a fingerprint
individual
everlasting

laughing from her belly
remarkably her

laughing so hard
she has to catch
her breath

lightening the mood

birthday

2010-10-25T22:12:00.000-07:00

We gathered together
to celebrate Daddy today.

home made
gifts
cards
dinner
birthday cake

not just home made
but heart made

I recognize and express gratitude
for what he has "birthed"
into our family.

motivation

2010-10-24T22:38:00.001-07:00

Some days it's harder than others to get motivated
to do a long walk on my own.

Then I say to myself, "I GET to walk."

I've never finished a long walk
and said, I wish I hadn't done that.

Gratitude is always right

GO!

2010-10-23T19:35:00.000-07:00

At the swim meet...

We holler the word
as the girls
take a breath
in between strokes

GO!!!!

Shelby

2010-10-22T20:51:00.000-07:00

You
dreamed big
trained hard
accomplished much
and inspired many

The definition of challenged in the dictionary is to be
"presented with difficulties."

Challenged is an action for you
not a description.

You challenge yourself and others to
focus on positives, possibilities and potential.

Challenged Athletes Foundation
Bringing out the best in people.

variety

2010-10-21T21:53:00.000-07:00

Don't you love it when
a school night has the feel of a weekend?

a boost of variety put a smile on all our faces

rainbow

2010-10-20T20:55:00.000-07:00

laundry
dinner
chores

looking at the dirty dishes
piled in the sink
thinking I'd rather take a walk

and so I did...

serendipity shined
on the giant sky canvas

a rainbow

women

2010-10-19T21:17:00.000-07:00

I'm surrounded by
brave, reflective, empathetic
women.

Women who...
share their greatest fears
live by example
create support networks
are advocates
include and embrace others

women who get awful news
and still find ways
to be grateful

discomfort

2010-10-19T21:13:00.000-07:00

I've had some conversations
that are unpleasant
and create distress.

I've realized that
avoiding the discomfort
creates a sore that festers.

It's better to feel uneasiness
and push forward
even when it's hard.

empowered

determination

2010-10-18T19:24:00.000-07:00

Maintain a firmness of purpose
even when there are obstacles
and discord emerging.

And when discord surfaces,
fight the urge to be preoccupied about being liked
preoccupied with others' perceptions
losing sight of the purpose

feeling buried in the sand

shake it off
revisit the goal
stick with it

compelling

2010-10-17T22:16:00.000-07:00

We are reading aloud
the book, Swimming to Antarctica,
as a family.

All together
in the big bed
limbs tangled
unaware of the clock

wonderings generated
exclamations expressed
quiet contemplation

absorbing the story
of Lynne Cox

talk of
potential
effort
strength
focus
dreams

example

2010-10-15T22:01:00.000-07:00

our principal
ran 42 miles today
to represent and honor
the work, focus, and perseverance
of the students and teachers
at Einstein

he lifts us up
exudes potential
seeds confidence
and reminds us
to do what we think
we cannot

clarity

2010-10-14T21:24:00.000-07:00

clear, transparent

free of ambiguity

living with guiding principles

as your core

advocacy

2010-10-13T21:55:00.000-07:00

putting my thoughts and words
into action

engaging in conversations
that pose a challenge

focusing on being solution oriented

blind-sided

2010-10-12T22:44:00.000-07:00

It's that unexpected jolt
sparked with emotional flutter.

Contemplation, writing, rehearsal
bring me clarity.

Engage in a conversation
with the Golden Rule
as the basis

Perceptions rule.

Situations are complex.

Stand up for yourself
with integrity.

sand

2010-10-11T20:17:00.000-07:00

The wind was steady
at the beach

I spread out on a towel
face close to the sand
and watched the grains tumble by

gentle

2010-10-10T17:09:00.000-07:00

setbacks happen

be gentle to yourself

every moment is a choice

suprised

2010-10-08T22:56:00.000-07:00

unexpected and amazed

whisked up
into the positive, playful energy
of our circle of friends

they hid the tickets inside the bread

we're going to the Jack Johnson concert!

what a boost of excitement

a time to recharge