Birthdays

When we have birthdays it sometimes creates mixed emotions. In my case it’s always a positive, for it focuses lots of attention on me and reminds me how lucky I am... how blessed I am to have reached 64 (last week!) and feel like 40 (until I look in the mirror!). Then I get cards and phone calls from friends and family. My 5-year-old grandson Carter was born on the same date, and he helped his mom make my favorite dessert. My thanks to all who helped make my birthday a special event in my life. They say you can judge a man by his friends – I hope that is true. Again, I think you all (or is that y’all), it is appreciated to the fullest.

Tai chi thought of the week:
Before I sleep I spend a moment thinking about all the nice things that I will be doing tomorrow. In the morning before I get out of bed I again think about all the nice things I have to look forward to today. It is a great way to start the day. Try it!

Stay centered, enjoy the day, and be careful out there.
Sifu Mike

Do Your Best!

When you try something new, like tai chi or yoga or any new exercise, try not to put lots of pressure or expectations on yourself. Just do your best! It's simple if you do your best, then whatever happens happens. And that's OK because we can only do our best, whatever that is for each of us individually. Don't you agree? Keep this in mind when you are thinking about the kids or grandkids. If they are trying and doing their best, then whatever the grade on the test is ok. Sometimes the kid with the B is working harder than the kid with the A. Learning how to work and study and practice is more valuble than an A (in my humble opinion, that is).

Tai chi thought of the week:
In our pursuit of happiness we should realize that each and every day has some happy moments in it. When we are not in the moment we will most likely miss that happy moment. That would be a shame.

Stay centered, enjoy the day, and be careful out there.
Sifu Mike

New Year’s Resolutions

Each year I list 10 resolutions for the upcoming year. I then hang them on the wall for me to see and remember. I try to have a few for my HEALTH, a few that will help others, and a few for fun. It’s great to have a plan without a lot of pressure to achieve them all. This year I am redoing three from last year, one of them is to do more yoga (I didn't do a good job with this last year). I did do a good job on at least five -- if I were a baseball player batting 500 that would be great!

Happy New Year's to all, I hope all of you are blessed as I am, and have the wisdom to know it!

Tai Chi Mike

Wash your hands to prevent colds and flu

Washing your hands sounds easy, but are you doing it properly and often enough?
1. Using warm, hot or cold water works. Using soap works even better and if you sing happy birthday while you are using soap and warm water then you are washing long enough.
2. After washing in public toilets use the paper towels to turn the water off and open the door. Then discard the towel quickly.
3. Don’t touch your face after you encounter your grandkids or anyone with a cold or sniffles.
4. Spray your door knobs with Lysol after having visitors and/or family in your house.
5. Do not eat the peanuts at the bar……



Tai chi thought of the week:
If you have a problem that seems to be overwhelming, just do as the masters do. Take the first step -- come back to center -- and let the next one reveal itself.

Stay centered, enjoy the day, and be careful out there.
Sifu Mike