My daughter will tell you I like going to the gym in spite of my declaration above that I do not like going to the gym. My daughter said I was turning into a gym rat before the school year started. I don't agree with her but there is probably more truth to her statements than mine.

Here's ​the deal, I feel my best when I make it to the gym at least four to five times a week and when I don't, I get so lazy. Once in the habit of going to the gym, my body craves it and my energy level increases. On the weeks when I can't get there at least three times, I get such a case of the lazies and my sleep is crummy. This quote struck me because of the powerful truth, "Success trains. Failure complains."

I have a choice each day, to exercise, eat healthy, and make healthy choices OR I can complain about how crummy I feel, my lack of sleep, and let the negativity get me down.I choose to strive for success. Success requires training. Whether you are looking for a physically fit body, to write the next best seller, or produce a movie or theatrical performance....you must choose to train!

The training for the activity you are striving for is different from one person to the next yet the ONE THING THAT IS THE SAME..SUCCESS TRAINS! Get training...you can do this.

One area I set goals in each year is for my physical health each year. This past year I focused on eating cleaner and limiting my sugar and carb intake. I'll continue this goal for 2020 but going to add more specifics. I need to lose weight to have my BMI out of the obese range. My celebration is that in January 2019 I was "severely obese", now I'm only "obese".

My goal for December 2020 is to be in the "overweight" range. You might be shaking your head because "healthy" should be my goal yet I understand realistic goals. In order to be "overweight", I need to lose 20 pounds. Yikes! On the flip side, if I could wear a size 10/12 and have muscles instead of fat, I'd be happy with a lower weight loss number.

​When I look at the "healthy" weight according to the BMI, I think I'd look sick rather than healthy so a better goal is to be tone and wearing a size 10/12 , rather than a number. This is the inner conversation and trouble with setting a reasonable goal. My goal might not be good for you but for me, a reasonable goal would be to drop down in the BMI chart but my ultimate goal is to be healthy and feel better.

Maya Angelou encourages you with these words, "You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have." One of my favorite things to do before starting to write is either go for walk outdoors or walk through a fabric store. There is something about the variety of smells, textures, and sights that stimulates my brain. I don't start with an idea in my mind (usually) but instead I go with emptiness. I ask God to speak to me through my senses so I will hear, see, touch, taste, and smell the world around me with His senses, not my own.

When we let go of our ideas, notions, and expectations, God can, and will do amazing things through you to encourage and uplift others. If you aren't feeling creative, then create! The more you create, the more your mind will seek it. If you doubt Maya Angelou or myself, prove me wrong. On the days when you don't think you can't write, paint, or crochet another thing. Put it aside and head to the local bookstore to smell and touch books, walk through the fabric store, or put on a jacket and go outside. Clear your  mind and let God in, He won't disappoint.

Deer have always amazed me. They have a gentle presence and graceful bounds through the fields. As a child, my Dad would take me out with him to "spot" the deer. We used a big spot light (now illegal in most areas) and Dad would drive around the countryside teaching me about deer habitats, feeding habits, and mannerisms. These are memories and lessons I still treasure today.

When my daughter, his only granddaughter was old enough to understand and appreciate these late night trips, disappointment came upon us. The DEC informed my dad it was illegal to "spot" deer. One of my fondest memories couldn't become a family tradition of a father to his daughter then granddaughter because of the few. I won't digress down this road because I want our blog to remain one of hope and positivity.

Here's the deal, not every parent expresses love with hugs and kisses, or long walks. For some, the greatest connections are doing what they love and sharing it with their kids. I'm grateful God created us all differently and uses different things to help us to connect with each other. For me, some of the deepest conversations with my dad occurred while skipping stones into Lake Ontario, spotting deer, or throwing the softball back and forth. If you aren't the snuggly parent or friend, don't apologize. Instead, celebrate your unique abilities and the gifts you have to share with your children and friends. You have a lot to offer and share with those around you.

The lessons, conversations, and memories of spotting deer helped to make me the person I am today and instilled an appreciation of this majestic, strong, and beautiful animal as an adult. Their tracks in the snow remind me of my earthly father and my Heavenly Father. Without knowing it, my Dad helped me recognize the importance and strength found God. God works in mysterious ways, what mystery is He unraveling in your life today?