Inspired by nature

I am inspired by nature.

It's a simple thing, really. Trees, fresh mowed grass, sunlight peeking through a forest (see picture above), a mountain view, climbing a hill in my neighborhood. It's why I love recreating outdoors. I love every part of nature. The sky, the sun, the moon, the earth. What you can do with all of these parts of nature. It's most likely how travel writing became one of my specialties. 

I'm drawn to nature. It's why, during my most difficult moments in life, I turn to nature for her healing effects. It's why I ride a mountain bike. I prefer the mountain bike over the road bike because, on a mountain bike, you're less apt to ride on a busy city street. You're more apt to ride on trail. You're more likely to be riding alone. You're probably going to nearly run into a bush before you'll ever be threatened by the swoosh of a fast-driving automobile. I think my mountain bike's safer. Therefore, you could say I'm comforted by nature. It makes sense to me. How else would have been able to devise a B.I.K.E. program if I didn't find comfort in it. Believe me, my bike rides were the most comforting thing in my life at the time I first discovered their magic. To learn more about that, I urge you to search this site. It might take a while, but it will be worth visiting past posts that highlight the specific benefits of my B.I.K.E. program. 

Whether you have time or not, you might have noticed I'm also inspired to take photographs of nature. I use a lot of them on my blog here, including the one above. I took it when I was staying overnight in Greer, a small town in Arizona's White Mountains. If you ever get a chance to visit, it's a peaceful community, a great place to spend a summer or winter weekend. You can stay in a log cabin with a woodfire stove or a huge stone fireplace. You can hike trails or walk around in snowshoes, depending on the season you stop in. You can relax on big porches that overlook the Little Colorado River. And you can see wildlife: deer, antelope, skunks.

I absolutely adore living in a state where I can spend most days outdoors.

It's refreshing, enlivening, and a really wonderful way to connect with yourself. One of my favorite past-times involves walking or riding my bike alone on an Arizona trail. I'm not competitive. I'm pensive. So I use this time to think about things in general or to contemplate a challenge I'm having at work, or just to consider what my next move might be regarding whatever next project I might be working on or need to focus on in the months ahead. I'm almost always working on long-term projects. It's a rare thing for me to get fast turnaround jobs, though I do those as well. As a project-oriented person, I prefer the long-term task over the shorter ones. And I almost always need nature to help me iron out the details.

What's your relationship with nature?
 

Inspired by Lady Liberty

After I can't remember how many trips to New York City, I finally managed to squeeze in a visit to see the Statue of Liberty--in the rain.

Despite the cold spring temperatures, and the umbrellas getting in the way of my view, I discovered she's a lovely sight when you first catch glimpse of her on the ferry boat over to Liberty Island. Up close, you can't help but be inspired by her size, her color, her message:

"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free..."

Emma Lazarus' famous poem, written for Lady Liberty has special meaning to me now, as I contemplate what's happening with immigration here in Arizona where I live.

We don't have a liberty island here, but we've been a land of liberty for thousands of illegal immigrants who, over the years, have crossed the border into Arizona south from Mexico. Some wonder: why don't they just do it right and get the green card and apply for citizenship. The answer to that is simple: it's not that easy. It can take years for a person to earn his citizenship. It costs money, and there are no guarantees. It can be a crap shoot.

If we're to remain a land for the tired, poor and huddled masses yearning to breathe free, I should hope we could find some kind of compromise with this new immigration law that seems to accept racial profiling as a way to punish illegal immigrants, particularly those who sneak in from the south.

But imagine if you were one of these illegals, someone from Mexico, in fact...

Maybe it took you years to save up for the trip north. But it was your dream. You wanted a better life for your family. You wanted your young daughter to go to school. You wanted your wife to have a home with running water. So you saved to make that happen. And you saved again when, after the first time you paid the coyote, he took your money and ran.

This next time, you used a more reliable source to find a reliable coyote (if there is such a thing), and you paid him. Still, in the back of your mind, you could do nothing more than hope and pray he would carry you across the border safely, seeing as you were crowded into the trunk of an old beater car.

You for sure prayed he didn't drop you off in the middle of the Arizona desert, with no food and not enough water to last longer than a day. You heard so many stories about this happening. You could only pray it didn't happen to you--or you would surely die. And you didn't want to leave your family that way. Ay dios mio!

Once you made it over, you hoped you wouldn't get caught and sent back immediately. You hoped, if you did get dropped off in the desert that someone might take pity on you and feed you, give you water at least. You'd heard of people like this. When a child squeezed in next to you began to cry, you thought of your own children. You wondered if they were okay.

It's not a free ride to cross the border into Estados Unidos. It's expensive and dangerous. You never know when your driver might get stopped, and if he does get stopped, will he know what to do. And what if you get mixed up with the drug smugglers? You don't want any part of that. You just want a job, a job that will allow you to save money to send back to your family. You have relatives in Phoenix who will let you live with them. Only if you can get there safely.

But then this new immigration law surfaced, and your family told you not to come right now. It's not safe, they told you.

As it if ever was. And you'd already paid for the trip. You still wanted to give it a try. You had hope...

I grew up in an Arizona border town. Stories like these have changed very little since my high school years. I grew up poor and can understand the desire to live a better life. I do not relate to the yearning for freedom, because, being an American, I've always experienced it. I've known nothing else.

So on my trip to New York, and on that ferry boat ride to see the famous statue that has represented freedom to immigrants from all over the world, I was taken back to the days of my youth when I went to school with suspected illegals. They kept to themselves, or to their own culture. And I went to school with foreign exchange students who were there legally. Neither of them spoke English very well, but to me, no one was any different than the other. We were all there to learn.

And learn I did.

I learned that freedom has different meanings, and I probably take it for granted. For others, it's something to obtain. It's that sense of yearning for something better. It is the ability to stand up for yourself without fear of retribution. It is the right to have a job that pays a decent wage so you can actually feed your family. It is so much more than just a statue on an off-shore island.

Still, I am inspired by Lady Liberty. I choose to believe in what she represents. I choose to think that we can accept all people in this country, because that is the basis of our very existence here in America.

Something does need to be done about immigration. I agree with that. But I am not inspired by the punitive action this law seems to demonstrate. I am inspired by the people out there who understand and will not forget the true meaning behind behind Lady Liberty's message:

"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free..."

I am inspired by the warmth of those words. I am inspired by the embrace. What about you?

Recovery Reminder #3: Quotes to live by

Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell posted this today on her Facebook page, and I loved it:

"Look at a day when you are supremely satisfied at the end. It's not a day when you lounge around doing nothing; it's when you've had everything to do, and you've done it." - Margaret Thatcher

Why do I love that? Let me count the ways.

1) I love it because it REMINDS me that hard work is satisfying.

2) I love it because it REMINDS me that Margaret Thatcher was a powerful woman--and still has impact.

3) I love it because it REMINDS me that I can learn from other people.

4) I love it because it REMINDS me that less is more.

5) I love it because it REMINDS me that I've felt this very same way.

6) I love it because it REMINDS me that I can have many days like this, if I so choose.

7) I love it because it REMINDS me that all things are possible.

8) I love it because it REMINDS me that obstacles only get in the way when you let them.

9) I love it because it REMINDS me that I've overcome so much, and you can do that, too!

10) I love it because it REMINDS me that life is what we make it.

Make yours the best that it can be today. And if you have a quote that you live by, please share it here as a comment.

Question of the day: Where do you find inspiration?

No long post today, just a simple question...and a little bit more: where do you find inspiration?

Do you look for it in other human beings? Do you find it in your surroundings? Do you stumble upon it accidentally? Do you actively search for inspiring moments to teach you something, or do you think inspiration is purely spontaneous?

I'd love to read your comments, thoughts and stories? Post them below. Let's start a dialogue. This is the time of year to get inspired--but how?

No time to wait

I ran across this quote today:

“How wonderful it is that no one need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." —Anne Frank

If you think about it for a second--for a single moment--Anne Frank's words make sense. Despite the fact that she and her family were hiding in a secret annex from the Nazi soldiers during WWII...despite the fact they had left their German homeland to escape the Jewish persecution...despite the fact they were then arrested and taken to the concentration camps, where Anne, her mother and sister were later killed...before her death, Anne Frank still sensed some control over her life. It's why she continued to write in her journal, the diary of her life, as short as it was. It's why her father, who survived the death camps, published her thoughts for the world to read.

The book, Anne Frank: Diary of a Young Girl, was made into a stage play and then a movie.

Her words have, indeed, helped to improve the world. As she sat in the annex, she did not wait at all. She wrote and wrote and wrote. Perhaps she didn't know then the exact impact her words would have after her death, but I think she'd be pleased they continue to inspire.

What are you doing right now to help improve the world? What are you waiting for?

News and gloom

An economic downturn, layoffs, business closings...and now the California fires that have left 100's of families without homes.

This is not good news. Even the thought of a new president with charisma, charm and inspirational ideas about giving our country an economic facelift doesn't change that fact.

So what are you doing to overcome the challenges you're personally facing at home and at work?

A bike ride, alone, won't cut it.

I know that. I don't try to pretend here that it will. But it can help make a difference in how you perceive your personal challenges. If your bank account is running low, if your job is on the line, if you're having difficulty finding work, if your business is in need of customers, if you're worried about your financial future, my special brand of BIKE--This one's mental, not metal--is a tool you use to combat the fear, the anxiety, the stress. I use it daily. I also ride daily. And in those really tough times, where emotion takes over, and I forget, it's okay, because I know, just as my physical bike is parked in my garage, my mental bike is parked in my head; it'll be there the minute I choose to "ride."

Because, you see, I, too, still get stressed and worry and sometimes slip into negative-thinking mode. Sometimes, I do not operate at my optimum. And, like you, I am concerned about the economy. I am concerned when I read about yet another publishing company that's laying off employees or dumping a magazine altogether. These are sources of my income. It does send my thoughts to wonder where the next job will come from if the magazine I write for is shutting down. These are pretty normal concerns for me. And whatever your concerns are, I bet they're normal for you.

I can't imagine one person who is not affected by what's going on with Wall Street and beyond on some level. It's not good news out there, and there's not much to convince us it's going to get better any time soon. Even when I try to ignore it, I get a statement in the mail that I don't want to read. I know the numbers it lists are down. I'm not sure if want to really see how low or imagine how low they could still go. I don't know that it would be productive to look right now. But I do, and then I file the statement away. I do not control those numbers, so I just take charge of how I respond to them.

And I know we are never without hope. Things will turn around. That's a given. It's just a matter of time, and we don't have the ability to predict how long this cycle will last.

But you can stop spinning your wheels with my special brand of BIKE. At least, it's a start. It'll help you become more aware of who you are and what you're really made of inside. It's a good idea to know that during tumultuous times. The more you know about yourself, the better chance you have of overcoming the challenges that life drops in your lap when you least expect them. You won't act hastily. You'll take the time to think through the challenge--no matter what it is--consider your options, and respond in the best way that works for you. We just bring more trouble into our lives when we react to chaos, instead of respond to it. And that's how my BIKE can help. But you have to learn how to make it yours.

If you're new to my blog, here are a few past posts that tell you more:

And since I am teaching my BIKE Lessons via the telephone now, post a message if you'd like to know more.

All my best,
Jackie

A neighbor's wildflowers

Two years ago during the spring, I took these photos of my neighbor's garden. She plants wildflowers every year, and I love to go see what's growing in her backyard. It's always different; it's always beautiful. So I wanted to capture it on film.

These photos remind me to take time to pause and reflect.

Keep it simple you-know-who

Diana Burrell, a writer I know (who has co-authored a few books with another writer I know) recently shared this about what inspires her:

"I have this written on the white board hanging in my office:

1. Do something.
2. Do more.
3. Keep doing it."

I kinda like that.

~Jackie

Bike for liberation

"The bicycle has done more for the emancipation of women than anything else in the world."

Feminist pioneer Susan B. Anthony said that (or some variation) in 1896. I can't recall where I read this quote the first time, but I wrote it down immediately on a sticky note and attached it to my computer. It's been staring back at me for several years now. I like what it says. I like that it works in favor of my message here. So I finally decided to share it with you after doing a search on the internet for more information about the quote and to see what else I could find. It could have led me on a wild goose chase, but I decided to stop when I found another interesting list of bike-related quotes. Visit this site for more enlightening moments.

If you have any bike-related quotes you've come across, please post a comment and share them with the rest of us. And, if you're so inclined, please go to the bottom of this page and sign up for my blog updates.

All my best,
Jackie "The BIKE Lady" Dishner

What inspires you?

As I was reading and surfing through the many blogs I posted yesterday--I still have many more to visit--I was inspired by the photographs. They represent individual inspirational moments, such as the one here (It's a photograph of a foggy morning at the top of Mt. Graham in Safford, Ariz. You can barely make out the road below.). Even the picture I saw of a single sunflower is the mark of someone's inspirational moment. You see a moment in time, no matter what or where it is, and something about that moment speaks to you. You take a picture. It's a beautiful thing. I own boxes and boxes of inspirational moments like this.

If I were to take a moment and write a list of what inspires me, not necessarily represented in a photograph, here is what my list would look like:

_red hibiscus blooms
_the gardenia plant at the front of my house
_my son
_my daughter
_the fountain that refuses to work in my front courtyard
_the restaurant on the top of the hill that I can see from my office window
_books about writing
_other people's memoirs
_my own life story
_my dirty car after a road trip
_hiking trails
_my bicycle
_the image of a bicycle
_the canal bank where I sometimes ride

And my list would go on and on.

What insires you? Today, take a moment to write down a few things that really make you think, make you want to act, make you want to live your life differently. I think you'll surprise yourself.

All my best,
Jackie

Blogathon--Day 8

I've signed on with a group of writer friends from an online professional writers' group to make May a month of continuous blogging successes. For this Blogathon, every day in May we're expected to blog at least once. Michelle Rafter got us all started. And one of us, Jane Boursaw, has set a goal to blog 10 times a day. She just announced that she met her goal yesterday.

The reason I'm posting this message is because, for one thing, I'd like to share these blogs with you--You might learn something, get inspired, or just find something of interest to you. Plus, this Blogathon is a great example of what you can accomplish when you work together. It's proof that we are not alone in this world. There are always friends, family and colleagues out there willing to help you meet your goals. And I happened to need a little push. Remember, in a previous post I wrote about asking for help when you need it. That's what Michelle has done. And here we are:

Amy Grisak talks family, food and Great Falls, Montana in her blog called Living in Season. She posts beautiful photos, too.

Barb Adamski, who lives in Vancouver, writes about a sport I know nothing about, Lacrosse. The Lacrosse Blog explains it all, from the past to the present.

Carolyn Erickson, in her blog, Choose Your Words Wisely, blogs about her writing life. She's just getting started with this one, and the Blogathon has given her the momentum she needed. How cool is that!

Charmian Christie writes about real food and real life at Christie's Corner, joking that "It Ain't Always Pretty." But aside from the burnt toast at the top of her blog that captures her humorous side, the photos of berries with yogurt and Honey Carrot Cake (and more) look pretty good to me. She posts recipes, too. Yummy!

Claudine Jalajas writes about The @$#!% Extension in her blog. Yes, that's French for home remodel. If you've ever thought about remodeling your house, you may reconsinder after reading about Claudine's experiences. Great photos, though. No, seriously, it's funny.

Dara Chadwick was Shape magazine's 2007 Weight-Loss Diary columnist. She blogs about her continuing weight-loss habits here at Fit In Real Life. This is a great companion blog to mine, if you're looking for this kind of inspriation and just can't get into riding an actual bike.

Dawn Weinberger inspires us and provides information about her journey with her husband Carl in Carl's Liver Transplant. Her message is about faith, hope and healing. And I'm going to add love.

Diana Burrell is one of two at The Renegade Writer. You can buy the book by the same name. In any case, you'll get great advice on how to break freelance writing rules here, and also read interviews and sign up to win things.

Elizabeth Kricfalusi teaches you how to Embrace Adventure at this blog. Scroll back a few months and check out her photos from the trip she took to Antarctica. Wow! Good stuff here.

Jackie Dishner. That's me! You're here to ride with me, learn how to BIKE with me, and, hopefully, turn your obstacles into opportunties. Since you're here, why don't you take a moment and subscribe to my blog. Get motivational messages regularly. It can't hurt.

Jane Boursaw is the Film Gecko. She writes movie reviews, shows trailers of upcoming films and shares industry news. She also interviews celebrities. Can you tell Jane loves movies? If you love 'em, too, you'll want to check this site out.

Janine Adams can help you turn chaotic spaces into orderly ones through her words at Peace of Mind Organizing. Visit her blog if you have some rearranging to do.

Jen A. Miller is the author of The Jersey Shore: From Atlantic City to Cape May . She's been blogging about her travels Down the Shore since last year. She continues to update regularly. It's very much worth a visit if you've never been. Plus, be sure to buy her new book!

Leah Ingram is the proud owner of The Lean Green Family (formerly Suddenly Frugal); this is where you'll find advice, tips and stories about "living green" on a budget.

Marijke Durning is a nurse who turned to writing as a second career. She writes about health here.

Meredith Resnick writes about that "age thing" in her blog, I’m Too Young to be a Woman this Old. She's funny.

Michelle Vranizan Rafter is the woman who got things started. She suggested the Blogathon. We signed up. And here she is, speaking about writing at WordCount: Freelancing in the Age of Digital Media. If you're a freelancer, you'll find a ton of helpful information here.

Roxanne Hawn is the biggest dog lover I know. In her blog, Champion of My Heart, she shares true tales, brags, and whines about her life with a rescued border collie named Lilly. What's not to love?!

Sandra Hume is a true fan...of Laura Ingalls Wilder. Remember TV's "Little House on the Prairie"? The show, starring Elizabeth Gilbert as Laura, was based on Wilder's writing. Sandra talks about Wilder's books and more in her blog, Only Laura - A blog by and for fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Sarah Ludwig Rausch blogs about what it's like raising four kids on a ranch at Parenting by Trial and Error - find your best journey.

Sue Poremba has a unique perspective on the writing life. Read about it and more at I Breathe; Therefore, I Write. Even if you don't write for a living, you'll find worthwhile thoughts here.

There are others who joined in later, and I'll add them in another post. For now, I hope you'll consider visiting some of these blogs. Maybe they have the information you've been looking for. Or maybe they'll inspire you to keep looking.

All my best,
Jackie