2005 Tip #10:
Hopeful

About a month ago I attended for the first time a pre-Spring celebration known among Icelanders as the Thorablot. My grandfather was a sailor from Iceland and some of the family keeps up with the Norse traditions. The Thorablot is a fun thanksgiving dinner and festivity marking the gratitude for having “made it through another long, dark winter.”

Along with the music and singing, there was lots of fish. Prepared in many ways. Things I’ve never seen or tasted, but a healthy meal! And all towards a positive outlook to the better months ahead.

As Spring has unfolded again with all its energy and rebirth of life at all levels, I’ve reflected on the Spring rites of many cultures. Almost all of them connect to this surging energy in our world and focus on hope – an optimism aimed at a better life and at salvation in some form.

Getting outdoors with some fun activity is my favorite way to connect to this energy and optimism. For instance, there will be many good walks and bike rides this spring. April 30th is the Top Hat in Pleasanton, a fundraiser for MS. May 1st is the Tour de Cure for Diabetes in Yountville. May is Fitness Month. I’ll be doing a Walk and Talk Town Hall and three group bike rides. I’ll share with you web links for other walks, runs, bike rides scheduled for these spring weeks.

We can connect to good causes, burn calories and boost our health all together. Enjoy the energy and hopefulness of these fine weeks ahead!

“He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything.”
~Arabian Proverb