Day 4 – The Big Picture – 9/11 10 Years later
We have made it to day 4 “The Big Picture” which is a reminder of why I am doing this in the first place. It also lands on the 10-year anniversary of the horrific day when the twin towers went down in New York. I remember where I was that day and the exact moments that drew me to stop getting ready for work and where my eyes were impossible to peel away for the TV screen.
My childhood best friend, Katie Morgan, worked near the twin towers and often was there. She was the first person who came to my mind, then my brother and his family right after. My brother’s family lives in Huntington, but how was I to know their whereabouts that morning. Katie (sadly I have not heard from Katie since my father passed in 2005) and my brother were fine, but my heart sank with the thought that someone whom was so close to me could have possibly been within the falling walls. I felt sick the entire day for the other people who had actually lost someone. It was almost numbing to think that happened in my home country. The Country that shouts out “land of the free” across so many borders where freedom is hard to come by and often not a privilege. It’s a shocking reality that hatred can have such devastation.
I was so glad to attend church today to have a bit of a reflection on 9/11. I don’t think any of us will ever forget where we were that day. It’s like an ingrained memory: a vision you could never forget. As we sat a church, I recalled that last 10 years of my life. I have to admit, they have had their challenges, but I certainly never thought I would be living in Canada with my incredible wife and our 6-year son. I should feel fortunate to be where I am today and although I have my days when I miss my dear friends and family, there is nothing that can replace the life experience I get to have in Canada. Today’s message in church was really about having HOPE and showing forgiveness to those who have wronged you. I know I have hope and the forgiving thing is, honestly, work for me, but each day I get more humbled by the power of people whom surround my life.
Today I ate the following:
Breakfast: Buckwheat banana pancakes
Mid Morning: pineapple, watermelon, red grapes
Lunch: Black Bean Soba noodles, kale, bok-choy, and broccoli stir fry with peanut sauce
Mid Afternoon: Hummus and blue corn chips, blackberries
Dinner: 10 bean tostadas, avocado, salsa, vegan cheese, lettuce, chives, and tomato
After Dinner Snack: likely nothing
1. How do you feel today (overall) compared to yesterday? I felt a bit depressed and sluggish today.
2. Has anything changed with your symptoms that you may have not wrote about the day before? No, I don’t believe so. My calves are very sore from running on my toes yesterday.
3. Are you feeling hungry at anytime during the day? No, not really
4. What was your workout today? 75 minutes of Hot Yoga
5. When did you workout and how was your energy during the workout? I did the 6:00 PM class. I didn’t feel like going at first, but now am so glad I did. My spirit feels renewed and I was able to meditate.
6. How did your energy do throughout the day? It was fair today, but I became sluggish after mowing the yard around 2 PM.
7. How many hours of sleep did you get last night? 8.5 (I think)
8. As it relates to your health, here is a list of areas that have caused some issues over the past 6 months. Please provide a brief update of each: Rating scale 1-10 (1 being no pain and 10 being the worst)
Left wrist pain: A minor bit of pain, About a 6.
Right pointer finger joint: Looks the same as yesterday, About a 3.
Thumbs: My right thumb is really bothering me today. I used the blackberry a bit yesterday. About a 5.
Right Hip: I have slight pain, About a 3
Face/Skin: My skin is getting better and the rash is almost gone.
Other: I don’t really have anything else to report except my lower back and legs are sore from the run yesterday.
I am so happy to make it past day #4. I have also read quite a bit out of my new book, which is so interesting. Sometimes I honestly wish I was a scientist and could do studies on reactions to the body all the time. The human body is an amazing piece of matter that has more power than we will ever realize. This cleanse is my own study and then I will move on to some others depending on the outcome. I will continue to commit myself and will HOPE that others will benefit from my continued trials and tribulations.
Make it Count by having HOPE!
PS: Hillary, thank you for taking the time to read my blog each day (I’m not sure many do!). You have a heart of gold and the energy of a warrior. I honor the time we impact one another’s lives: whether at church for 5 minutes or on the bike for 6 hours. You are also an inspiration to me! Namaste – Peace is Possible! J