Zen State of Mind

Ever had one of those moments where your mind just stops? There's no planning, contemplating, reminiscing, etc. That was me this morning. And it came as a bit of a shock.

Life has been busy lately with reviews, planning, training, etc at work. Plus I leave to go on vacation tomorrow so there's been constant thoughts of packing lists, destination ideas, travel worries, etc. I'm not sure but I think I may have gotten a full grasp of all that needed to be done and was satisfied with where I was that this morning in the shower (yes I felt like sharing the place-don't judge) I found myself with nothing on my mind. And it wasn't even one of those exhausted just stand there in the shower and do nothing in a complete daze type of nothing. It was a wide awake and fully functioning taking care of typical shower activities mood and yet not thinking about all I had to do today. It was amazing!

Of course when I realized I had nothing on my mind it then made me think about the fact that I had nothing on my mind and how amazing that is and how that never happens. Basically defeating my zen state of mind.

I was worried with today being my last day to make sure everything is taking care of at work and at home that I would be frantic. But I guess I was wrong! I'm loving the calmness I have today and the ability I'm having to push back any concerns or fears I have. Looks like I'm capitalizing on the harmonious mindset part of a triskele life right now!

A Pinch and a Sting

 My goal at the start of the year was to do something every month that helps others. So far I've been doing pretty good at following through! Some months I am able to do more than others, but overall I'm happy with how it's gone. While trying to plan out potential ideas, donating blood was an easy one include. I first donated blood in 2003, and then from 2005 onwards (apparently I boycotted donating in 2004) I would donate blood about twice a year. That's not to shabby considering you can only donate 6 times a year total! Last year I kicked into slightly higher gear and donated 3 times. Apparently this qualifies you as a Silver VIP Life Saver! They even give you a lapel pin and free t-shirt! (and we all know how I feel about free t-shirts!). Silver VIPs donate 3-4 times in a year while Gold VIPs donate 5-6. In 2013 my goal is to become a Gold VIP Life Saver! Yesterday I donated for the 3rd time in 2013. If I keep this up, I should be able to make it!! I may even go for the full 6 donations!!

Even though I've donated blood about 20 times before, I still get slightly nervous each time. I mean let's face it, I'm letting a stranger stab me with a giant needle and then literally watching while 1/10 of the amount of blood in my body flows through a tube. Personal confession-I'm a total worrier and prone to some anxiety. I always worry that they won't be able to find my vein, or something will happen to really hurt my vein or my arm, or that I'll faint, or whatever other crazy places my mind takes me to. In reality the worst that has ever happened is that I have almost fainted....twice. Both of which were totally my fault! I had a pretty empty stomach both times, which let me tell you is not a good idea! That was years ago and now when I know I'm planning to donate I eat about double the amount of food I normally would that entire day and I haven't had any problems with feeling light headed or fainting!

I know the slight anxiety will probably always be there when donating. But like many things in life, I just have to weigh the pros and cons. My blood type is A- which only 6% of Americans have. People with A- blood can only receive blood from types A- and 0- which is only about 13% of the total population. I'd like to think that if I ever needed blood that there were more people who were willing to weigh their fears or anxiety against the possibility to save a life. After my last donation in April I got an email telling me which hospital my blood went to. I thought that was really cool. And that's why I'll continue to donate. Because for only about an hour total of my time from checking in to finishing up my post donation snacks, I knew I was doing my part to help save a life in a nearby community. And that feeling of making a difference totally outweighs any anxiety!!