I saw a really lovely quote today: "Never fear shadows. They simply mean there's a light somewhere nearby." (Ruth E. Renkee). This quote reminds me that even in our darkest moments, we need to be looking for the light nearby which can guide us out of the depths of our despair and misery. When you are feeling low, do you close your eyes to the light, or do you actively search for it?

Think for a moment about children at play. In their play states, they are often creative, happy, laughing, less inhibited, more daring. Do we grow out of play as we age? Do we learn to become so overly cautious and self-conscious that we forget how to free ourselves from our adult responsibilities just to have fun? Yet, wouldn't it perhaps lift our spirits to go run in a park, plop down on a swing and soar into the sky, propel on a scooter, or play a lawn game? Whether you be around kids or not, challenge yourself to join in the fun of play, letting your body feel free, your mind be unburdened by responsibilities just for a few moments, your chronological clock to run backwards a few years. Enjoy the moments, play, and seize the day.

I went to spectate the Lifetime Fitness Triathlon today to cheer on several friends (male and female) who were competing in the event - - they are not pro athletes but are looking to challenge themselves, their bodies, and particularly their minds. I expected to see men and women of all different ages, body types and shapes, and varying levels of training programs, striving to complete the event and perhaps achieve a personal best. What I did not anticipate was the young boy (I estimate that he was about 12-13 years of age) clicking off a 5.5 minute mile (speedy!), the emotions of the relay teams and individuals supporting charities and causes held so important to them, and the one sight that captured the day for me... the sight of one particular woman crossing the finish line... the woman whose left leg was amputated below the knee and who was racing with a prosthetic, who finished strong, and had the most glorious look of accomplishment on her face as she crossed the line of race completion.

This woman signified to me the strength of our human resolve. I don't know anything about her, but I stood in awe (cheering, of course!) because she had completed a triathlon with a circumstance that might have been an impasse to some, yet was only a hurdle to her.

Can we choose to make things that seem like barriers only obstacles? Perhaps not with all circumstances. Yet with determination, a solid plan and fans cheering us on, perhaps we can find that some of life's "dead ends" are not ends at all, but are challenges we can overcome.

Something struck me this week about Independence Day. While I fully understand and appreciate the celebration of our country's independence, this holiday also reminded me of how much our culture stresses that we as individuals be independent, self-sufficient, reliant on few or no one. From a psychological standpoint, this type of thinking does not seem to be beneficial. In many cultures across the globe, including distant tribal communities as well as more local examples such as the Amish, individuals are not celebrated as individuals. Each person is part of a collective that thrives on interdependence. When one is ill or injured, others take over household duties, child care, or other needs. When a house or barn needs to be built, neighbors gather together to erect it, and that sharing of labor is passed on to the next person in need. Can we adopt more of this philosophy - to help our neighbors, and to receive help (or even ask for it!) from trusted persons when we are in need? Perhaps a life of interdependence can help us get through life's valleys more smoothly, and in turn let us feel good about being part of a community and helping others. Happy Interdependence Day!