Life rarely works out exactly as we plan. The death of a loved one, rejection by a cherished friend, the onset of an unexpected illness, unemployment status after a successful career, struggle with body image and self-perception - these experiences challenge us.  During times of struggle, I have found comfort in the wisdom, insight, and empathy I gain when I reach out to others for help. I’ve relied on a healthy network of friends to support me in my endeavors especially when the going gets tough. As John Donne once noted, “No man is an island.”

Melody Beattie, the best-selling author of numerous books including Codependent No More and The Grief Club believes that “There’s a secret to get through loss, pain and grief. If we’re alone we can’t see who we are. When we join the club, other people become the mirror. Through them, we see ourselves and gain an understanding of what we’re going through.”  I asked Melody to elaborate on what it personally means to her to “buddy up.”

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If you’ve spent any time in Massachusetts, then you may have heard of the inspiring father and son combo of Dick and Rick Hoyt. Rick was born in 1962 as a spastic quadriplegic, cerebral palsy, non-speaking person. While his body may be disabled, the ability of his mind and person has always been strong, and his father, Dick, has been a lifelong supporter of Rick’s quest for independence and inclusion in sports, specifically in the marathon and triathlon. “When I am running,  observes Rick, “it feels like I’m not even handicapped.”

Since completing their first 5-miler 30 years ago, together they have participated in almost 1000 race events. Although Dick is pushing Rick on the course, he claims that it is Rick who is the real motivator and that he is just out there loaning his arms and legs so that his son can compete. Through the marathon circuit, I’ve had the privilege to become friends with Team Hoyt and have shared their story of inspiration with many. Their unwavering commitment to one another is a remarkable testament to the human spirit.

Dick says that there is an unbelievable feeling he gets when he is running with his son that he can’t fully explain, but it helps him to move faster. By their example and motto, “Yes You Can!”, I am reminded that there is nothing we can’t do if we put our minds to it. I can’t think of any better way to honor this upcoming Father’s Day than to reflect on the love and commitment displayed by this amazing father-son team. When asked what one thing Rick wished he could give his father, he answers simply: "The thing I'd most like is that my dad would sit in the chair and I would push him once."

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A few months ago I was peeking around the local http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ and couldn’t help but stop and pull this off the rack, Note to Self: 30 Women on Hardship, Humiliation, Heartbreak, and Overcoming It All by Andrea Buchanan. A fan of inspirational stories, I began to read some of the chapters which revealed poignant tales full of incredible strength from celebrities such as Sheryl Crow and Camryn Manheim to Grandmother, Beverly London to stuntwoman, Stacy Courtney. I was so moved by the piece, that I went online and tracked down the author who happened to be at a local book-signing event the following day. Having an opportunity to speak to Andrea in person about http://www.notetoselfbook.com/ was a blessing. Andrea believes that in telling our shame, sharing our “wounds” and revealing difficult stories, we help one another to heal and to develop strength. Andrea’s own personal journey, which she shares in the introduction of the book, is authentic and courageous. I invited her (AB), to elaborate a bit further on the notion that false starts are central to the process of awakening…

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I was daydreaming the other day about taking a break far away from the bustling UES neighborhood where I live. It is easy for me to imagine an active escape immersed in good company and delicious cuisine as I have relished in adventure jaunts for the past 5 years thanks to http://www.trektravel.com. My first trip with the group was to Napa and although the riding was fierce, I returned from the weekend more pleased with the friends that I had made, than the numbers I had measured on my cyclometer.  As with all of the trips following that initial one, I have found Trek’s touring company to provide the most authentic, unique and well-crafted vacations in the travel industry. By combining legendary service and a relaxed experience, guests are able to energize and take in every moment of the getaway.  I recently spoke with Tania Worgull, (TW) President of http://www.trektravel.com, on this very subject of how to live well and take in the view at the same time….

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