How To Be Certain in Uncertain Times ...

.... AKA the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

These are uncertain times for sure.

That is why it is more important than ever to stick to what you know works to keep you in a healthy frame of mind to make sound decisions for mind, body and spirit.

And as the days get shorter and winter creeps closer, as fear and lethargy start teaming up to whisper (or shout) their bad advice, there is no better time than NOW to re-commit to your very best self.

Because here is the deal: we cannot know today what the world will look like tomorrow or next week or next year. But we can know with 100% certainty how we will feel about the world and our place in it today and next week and next year. That part is easy and it goes like this: whatever it is you do to be well, whether that is Pilates or walking or volunteering or going to church or staying true to your diet, then do more of it. Then no matter what happens, you will feel that you've done your best and you can be assured that you will feel your best, in fantastically good times and the more challenging times too.

You do not have to read another book or get advice on the exact formula. You do not need to think about it one more minute. You already know what you need to do. If you need to quit, quit. If you need to move, move. If you need to eat differently, do so. If you need to ask for help, ask for it. Now.

Just do it. And then do more of it. Take care of your body and your body will take care of you. Take care of your spirit and you will be reminded how little we need to be whole and happy humans. And if you tend to your body and your spirit, your mind will be clear to make all the right decisions in the right time, without struggle.

This I promise.

Do you need something from me to make it easier for you to be your best self? Let me know. If it is Pilates or movement you need, I'll get you set up. If you wish to get help with something else, I will do my very best to help you.

Oh I wanna dance with somebody ...

i wanna feel the heat ...

Oops. Sorry. You caught me. Singing cheesy songs that really and truly sum up my adolescent frame of mind.

And since we are on a Whitney Houston kick, here is how my popular culture-influenced life played out in NY recently.

On Wednesday, I went to see "The Seagull." The nice box office guy asked if I wanted a better seat. Uh yeah!

Seconds later, in my very good seat, I am sitting next to a very nice British lady. And so we chat. I ask her what she has seen. She names some plays. But then she says, "I am actually here because of my son." And I say, "Oh." And she says, "Daniel Radcliffe." And I say (but not out loud) OH MY GOD IT'S HARRY POTTER'S MOM! This was all exciting enough. And then Marissa Tomei sat in front of us. And that was exciting enough (times two). And then Dustin Hoffman sat next to Harry Potter's mom. I could barely concentrate on Kristen Scott Thomas and friends in The Seagull!

So the next night, I figured I better go see Equus. Since I'm a friend of the family and all.

And the box office guy tells me he has a great ticket for me. And I think "how much better can this get?" So minutes later, there I am, first row balcony, sitting next to a a cute guy. All alone. Single. So we start chatting. And guess what he does? SECRET SERVICE!!! Just like Kevin Costner in "The Bodyguard!" And when he isn't protecting the UN or the president, he sees PLAYS!! I imagine this is the perfect "how we met" story. I imagine many things.

So then I start rambling on like a maniac. "So what plays do you like? What have you seen?"

He says, "Spring Awakening." I say, "Me too!" I think, "Kismet! And he has good taste!"

I say, "what else?" And he says, "Jersey Boys." And I say, "Hmm." Mainly because I didn't see it.

So I say, "what else?" And he says, "Xanadu." And I say, "Hmm." Mainly because I am now sure he is gay. Because we are in the front row balcony of Equus and Harry Potter is gonna get naked soon. And he isn't going to be my Secret Service ex-boyfriend and Whitney Houston's "iiiiii-eeee-iiiiiiii will always luv youuuuuu" will not be our song and I am, yet again, sitting in a theatre with a gay guy.

Oh I wanna dance with somebody ...