What a Fox

"Self-acceptance comes from meeting life's challenges vigorously. Don't numb yourself to your trials and difficulties, nor build mental walls to exclude pain from your life. You will find peace not by trying to escape your problems, but by confronting them courageously. You will find peace not in denial, but in victory." ---J. Donald Walters


During my walk/jog this morning on the paved path that leads through the wooded area up to the mountains, I came across a beautiful sight. I was moving quickly, jogging with an Angel with foul breath. Okay, the Angel is really my dog Angel and trust me this Angel has foul breath. Suddenly, I stopped and looked to my left because I noticed movement. There standing just fifteen feet from me was a beautiful adult Red Fox. Normally, fox are nervous animals and do not like it when people are close in proximity. However, this fox with its beautiful red coat just stood there looking at my Angel and me. I realized, at that moment that there were two fox staring at one another. My self-esteem has improved so much I consider myself a fox you may be asking yourself. Well, yes it is almost to that point. However, the real reason is my whole life people have told me that the name Todd means fox. Todd is from an old English origin and it does mean fox. Sounds good to me, from now on I do not mind if people call me foxy.

After what seemed like a few minutes, but was actually about sixty seconds, the fox turned and ran up to the tree line and hid to watch us from afar. I turned to continue the jog, when up ahead there were two doe on the path itself. Deer in these parts are getting used to having humans and the occasional Angel nearby. They just looked at us and as we approached, they slowly started trotting up the hill. It really does clear the mind and make you appreciate the journey when the wildlife comes out when you are on this path.

This brings me to my journey. There are many things and events that have lead me to enjoy my journey. The journey I began with regaining my health is a life-long journey. It is full with its own turns, wildlife, hills, obstacles and wondrous moments like the path and the fox. The thing about this journey, as difficult as it seems at times, it is a great joy just to be part of it. My journey is full with passion, joy and I have met some of the most wonderful people you can imagine. Weight loss is only one part of this journey of becoming more than I am. Everyday, I try to do at least one, usually more than one thing to move myself forward in a positive, passionate direction. Occasionally, this journey breaks my heart or takes my resolve and smashes it to the ground. It is these moments that I call upon a higher power and rededicate myself to the greater mission of life. I firmly believe that each one of us has the ability to rise and be happy every morning regardless of our circumstances. Yes, there are trials in life that make it seem impossible. However, it is not impossible and I know it is not. I have dealt with my share of trials during this journey and I am still standing, moving forward in a positive, passionate direction.

Here is a story about a young family that while on their own journey experienced their own tragic event. Imagine yourself cruising along in life with an extraordinary happy family. A happy marriage, beautiful children and the future looks as bright as the sun. Suddenly, this family receives the horrific message that the Father/Husband has a tumor. The following months and eventually three years were full with the most painful and life-altering events you can imagine. Certainly, this is enough to make you throw in the towel and quit the journey. However, this family did the opposite, came together, and shared their journey, including the eventual tragic loss of the Father/Husband. Their journey was full with some of the most heart-breaking moments you can imagine. Deterioration of health, financial struggles, emotional struggles and on some levels, there were struggles with faith. I am amazed at the inner strength the Mother/Wife had and continues to have.

Now, if you are struggling with something, please step outside yourself and imagine the above family. Weight loss not going as planned, divorce, financial, just about all of our problems are insignificant. The Mother in the above example is real, the story is real, the children are real, the heartbreak is real, and the awesome example of courage, faith reborn, and positive, passionate outlook on life is real. I know this, because I know who they are. This is what I am talking about when I say surround yourself with passionate, positive people with integrity. Even better, join me in improving yourself to become one of the passionate, positive people with integrity. Everyone in and around your life will benefit from the transformation. I end with the belief that we do have the ability to rise every morning and choose happiness. Regardless of circumstance, we have the ability to rise above the trials. I have done it following divorce and loss of direction, the Mother above has done it following her extreme trials, Mrs. Levin has done it following the loss of her son. The examples are endless. Enjoy the journey, choose happiness and empower others to do the same.


"A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a man perfected without trials." ---Chinese Proverbs


"I have always believed that God never gives a cross to bear larger than we can carry. No matter what, he wants us to be happy, not sad. Birds sing after a storm. Why shouldn't we?" ---Rose F. Kennedy