INSPIRATIONS (12/1): What inspires me... the eagle and the golden chain...

[Gabriel Guzman]

Many things inspire me and one of those is this story a friend once shared with me. I don't know where he head of it or who shared it with him; many of you may already heard of it or a similar version. Either way, maybe it's nice to remember it.

Once upon a time, during a hunting trip, a man who lived on a mountain saw the most beautiful eagle he had every seen. He decided to catch that beautiful specimen and keep it in his home. So he did. He put the eagle in a large cage, chained from one of her claws with a golden chain. Well fed, well taken care of, but chained nonetheless. The eagle, however, true to her nature, was indomitable and every day she would pull the chain to break it. The gold was strong, but the eagle's resolve was just as strong and every day she pulled and pulled... and pulled. Every day, with all her might and strength, the eagle kept trying to break the chain, feeling the metal giving up and weakening, but never to the point of breaking, but didn't break.

One day, the eagle stop pulling the chain... she gave up. Not a single attempt to break the chain was made after that day. The eagle grew old, without ever pulling the chain again and died peacefully in that large cage.

The man open the cage to take the eagle and bury her... already thinking of her replacement. To the man's surprise, when he pulled the chain ever so gently to free the eagle's claw, it broke with no effort. The man said... "you were so close... just a pull away!"

The reason this story inspires me is because I've been 'chained' so many times in so many ways. I remember this story every time I'm struggling, especially when I think there's no light at the end of the tunnel... To me, what if I'm so close to break free that I just need one more attempt to break the chain!

When I feel that all is lost and there's no hope... I have to make sure that I didn't stop pulling the chain... who knows, maybe one more pull is what it takes. With trying to be healthy, for example, how many times have we been in the eagle's situation, just about to give up and then live the rest of our lives resigned to the idea that 'we just can't'...

I say, let's keep pulling the chain... however long it takes, and let's pull it harder when we think we just run out of hope!

Have a good beginning of the month everyone. Let's make it 'the last special month of this year'! ;)

[gitfiddle]

It's so easy to lose focus amid the holiday preparations. Thanks for the inspiration. I guess I've been working on that chain for a long time. It's getting looser, too.

I spent a couple of hours and a bit of cash in the supermarket today, buying extra spices and candied fruit and other special foods for Christmas projects. I am missing one ingredient for one of the dishes. Trouble is, now I don't feel like doing anything! I'm printing cards as I write.

It's so gray and gloomy outside, we have the lights on in the house! The forecasted winter storm is imminent. Makes me want to snuggle down in my chair with an afghan and a cup of tea. I had bunless fast food sandwich for breakfast and I think I'll slice the rest of the pork loin for late lunch/early supper (would that be "slunch" or "lupper"?).

[Gaelen]

I think I'll slice the rest of the pork loin for late lunch/early supper (would that be "slunch" or "lupper"?).

"linner" is what my brother calls it. :)

Great story, Gabe!

[Mitra]

Nice story, Gabe, and a good way to start our inspiring month.

On a different note, it's really worth checking out Dr Mary Dan's Christmas Cookie (http://www.proteinpower.com/drmd_blog/?p=211) blog to help you get in the festive mood.

[gitfiddle]

Janet, I liked the recipe so much that I interrupted DH's reading of his history book to read it to him--and he didn't mind! :D

Have a good evening, all.

[Ammy]

IT'S SNOWING!!!
We have gotten about 5 inches so far...and it's still falling.
I've been cooking things in the crock pot all day, so I'll have lunches next week. The house smells good, the holiday decorations are up, and we went for a LONG walk in the snow!
It's been a GREAT day!

[Billie]

There are so many people and things, stories and adventures that inspire me.

As far as my weight loss, I do think coming to this board, reading a post from someone I don't even know has incredible inspiration for me. On days someone is having an off day and we all jump in, rally around that person, seeing that lift of unconditional kind of support is really inspirational for me.

So much of the time, this forum is so accepting of different cultures and customs, wanting to learn from them, realizing that this old world of ours is quite small. That is very motivational to me, that our borders are wordly and wide.

I have been around the board for many years, and have watched people to do many amazing things in regard to their health. Gaelen certainly comes to mind, what an inspiration! On the diet/exercise/just won't die attitude, Ottawa Randy, my friendly neighbor to the North, just continues to motivate me. Of course Gabe is a motivator for me, his patience with me, his acceptance, well gosh he is my keeper!

There is not too many days when I dont' feel some motivation or inspiration from everyone that comes here. We have built that kind of "home" here at the board and what a welcoming place to stop in, chat with friends and learn how to take good care of ourselves.

You all are inspiratioinal, never doubt it!

[Claudette]

Wow, great story, Gabe.

I, too, have been attempting to "pull the chain" for a number of years.

This board is invaluable to me for the support of my "cyber" friends, without which, it is rough going for me.
Years ago, when I lost my post pregnancy weight, I took a "quiz" to see how I best lost weight.
Not suprisingly, I scored in the group area, with needing support/accountability of a group/ and /or diet "counselor" to achieve my weight loss. Since gaining the weight back with menopause, I have steadily lost since coming to this board.

When the board was down for several months, I really had difficulty.
I didn't realize how I would miss it, untill it was gone.


This board rocks.

Hugs,
Claudette

[Billie]

The board does rock Claudette because of great people who come here like you!

[gitfiddle]

Gloomy, foggy, raining all over the ice that was deposited last night. I haven't left the house. Today I baked for the first time in years. It's DH's birthday, the grandson is over and we're expecting company later, so I made a pan of brownies. It's a little weird, but I have no urge to nibble or even run my finger along the beater! I love it. The house is quiet because everyone who isn't napping is out for a while. I made myself some protein and ate it peacefully in my rocking chair. Now I think I'll do a little online shopping. :D

I agree that without this community I would not have lasted this long. I have no plans to stop participating. I don't even have to put on my coat and go out to a meeting. This place rocks and the people here rock too!

[Karole]

Carol-- your post is inspirational to me. How wonderful to see someone that is breaking the chain from the carbage (and realizing how great it can feel--how freeing.)
Good on you.

[Ottawa]

Love the story Gabe.

Still keeping an eye on you Billie, and you are not as far from the border now. You're living in the cold parts. I heard from 3 people today that this winter will be one of the coldest on record. Odd that the summer was a great one and stayed mild right through to early October.


There have been several women in our church with cancer over teh past two years. Some holding out and some have not been able as the disease progressed. An inspirational thing happened today when one of these women bore her testimony in the meeting. It included the following.

As part of her treatment she will be losing her hair. Three of her grandchildren with close to the same colored hair will be going without cutting it to make her a wig to wear, midway and after her treatments.
She gave thanks for all of her blessings, finished and returned to her seat.
I wondered what you could do for a family member going through such an ordeal. I would never have thought of that, and what a tribute for a grandmother to be able to give part of yourself.

=================================
Played with a young grandchild today and made up some hot chocolate that we drank from egg cups (he spills less that way):).

Total: 1012 IF: 21/3
Fat: 44
Carbs: 64 - 23 = 41 ECC
Fiber: 23
Protein:110


I committed with a few others today to do a 7-10 day "detox" fast in January as well as IFing 'til then. Some will do the "Lemonade" fast and some will do distilled water (Bragg Fast). I expect there will be a small loss of muscle mass which I will make up later in the month with resistance and Slow Burn workouts.