It’s amazing. We are at the end of the 30 days honoring people who inspired me! If you’ve been following along I hope you have thought about what personally inspires you – what are those qualities that you respect and admire and would like to incorporate into your life. You may not want to do the exact same thing as someone (for example, I do not have a desire to swim from Cuba to Florida as Diana Nyad went after). But I certainly would love to cultivate that dogged determination and work ethic required to train for and endure the hardships encountered along the way of life. She personifies what I’d like to be – never wavering, never failing, never giving up, etc. That is what you want to look at when you feel someone has inspired you. Write down their wonderful qualities and make your “admiration” list and see how you can integrate them into your own personal life.

Well – I saved the best for last. Today’s “Inspiree” is Dr. Anne Kunath – founder of the Church of Today and assistant to Catherine Ponder (first lady of New Thought). But that description is nothing – empty sounding. Dr. Kunath walks the talk as they say. She has taught New Thought concepts (metaphysics) for decades before “The Secret” came out and brought the Law of Attraction to everyone’s attention. She was raising awareness of how the Universe works since the 1970’s. She is persistent, charismatic and brilliant!

I met Dr. Kunath “by accident” in 1985 when I went to a class at her “weird” church simply to have something to do (I had just been “dumped” from a relationship and the woman I hung out with was going to this “metaphysics” class – I had no idea what the heck “metaphysics” was – I only knew I didn’t want to be alone that night). That was the night that changed my life forever. I sat there in the audience as Dr. Kunath explained the concepts and although I didn’t understand all of them, things were clicking inside of me – “this sounds like what I’ve believed for so long but never knew anyone else thought the same way”. We got to talk to her after class and bombarded her with question after question. I came back on Sunday…and the following Wednesday and on and on and I was a regular. I even had the pleasure and opportunity to go to an International New Thought Alliance Annual conference in Calgary, Canada and I have to say it was the best and most rewarding conference I’ve ever attended. After that, Dr. Kunath allowed me to become intimately involve in the church and I began my life outside of medicine and the military. That may sound funny but it really was the first time I’d had anything to do that wasn’t related to either medicine or the military. It really does take getting used to but I adapted pretty quickly and she gave me so many opportunities to lead others as I learned more and more about New Thought. I was definitely addicted.

Then, as things go in the military, I was transferred to the East Coast. And although we stayed in touch, I missed her teachings (in those days they didn’t even have the internet and so I couldn’t get any “e-learning”. Many years went by and to make a very long story as short as possible, the Universe brought me this opportunity to get a job in San Antonio – I’ve told that story many times so I won’t repeat it here but others would say it was a miracle for certain. I say that it was the Law of Attraction in its purest form. I ended up back here in San Antonio and after another “accident” I learned about teleseminars and Dr. Kunath and I began Getting Unstuck, LLC and Everyday New Thought Membership center.  What a great 7 years it’s been and although I now am officially on my own because she has taken a well-deserved retirement,  Dr. Kunath is in my soul and mind and a part of my every day existence.

She has the patience of a Saint (even though she doesn’t think she does) but more importantly, she has the ability to captivate you with stories and possibilities for your life. She’s a member of Mensa which you could figure out after one conversation with her  but she’s not egotistical or egocentric. As I said, she really does practice what she preaches. She applies the principles of the Universal Laws in everything she does.

She has a persistent determination and whatever she tries she achieves. She is just a truly amazing person and I am so honored to have met her, worked with her and be her friend. Anne – you are phenomenal and I just adore and respect you more than you can possibly imagine. I also know that there are a ton of people out there who feel the same as I do.

Thank you for everything you have given me, been to me and exemplified in your life. You are truly my hero!

Terrie

 1 day to go! And tomorrow’s inspiree is the most special of all 30 so stay tuned for that one.  But today is for Mr. Albert M Conerly (and all other prisoners of war, especially those who endured the Bataan Death March (April 1942). Lest we ever forget what our Soldiers & Marines endured in the name of freedom and the “American Way” – like so many other atrocities in our history, we cannot forget what these young men went through.

I happen to know Mr. Conerly’s nephew and I’m so proud of him having just completed the memorial Bataan Death March marathon. But as he said, that was nothing compared to what these men had to go through – 10 days of marching without food and water. At what price, freedom? Ask yourself this question when you’re thinking about complaining about anything today (try to remember it no matter when you start to “complain” but at least do it today).

The POWs (Prisoners of War) that lived through the wars are such an inspiration for their fortitude and determination. Sure you could say it’s “just” survival of the fittest – but you know what – they could have given up and died like so many did. But these men suffered at the hands of the enemy day after day, hour after hour. And they had the courage to continue to live and fight back – even if it was only internally. They were skin and boned, ravaged with illness and injury – yet day after day they clung to life. Could you do that? I don’t think I could so my level of respect goes up even more knowing that they were able to do things I could never even fathom. They are the true heroes of our life. They are the reason we’re free to do what we want. We complain because we don’t have this or that but what did they have – not a darn thing – perhaps just memories of family and loved ones. Some fierce desire to continue living. There had to be something significant for them to hold on to, helping them get through that time.

Can you imagine marching in the sand and mountains without food or drink for 1 day, to say nothing of 10 days. They helped each other get through it I’m sure. There is such a sense of “family” amongst the military (one of the things I miss the most) that they helped each other make it. You know, I can’t even begin to describe what it must have been like. Remember that this 10 day trek was not just down the street or in some National Park – it was in a foreign country and they were at war. So they didn’t know what lay ahead of them at all. Imagine the fear and anxiety they experienced. But they continued on. Remember that when things aren’t going “your way”. When things appear “rough” – ask yourself – “are they really that bad or can I accept them and let the good come out of them. What would those Soldiers and Marines do in my shoes?” Ask yourself that and see if your attitude and action don’t change. I bet they will.

Remember these brave souls and all they went through – for us! I certainly cannot do any justice to them with this short post but wanted to let them know that I am proud of them and more importantly, very grateful for all they went through for my family and my future! Thank you all! And Tom I’m so proud of your completion of the event Sunday. You Rock!

Terrie

Have you ever known someone who’s seemingly had a black cloud over them – or bad luck just follows them no matter where they go? If you didn’t know better, you could have said that about the Pavlats (Jack, Barbara and Suzanne). Within about a month their lives were completely turned around and not in a way that anyone would wish on their worst enemy. What happened to them in that short period of time would have turned lesser mortals into pessimistic, bitter and angry people. But not them! They tackled the problems at hand with their usual positive attitude and the usual question – “Ok so what can we do about it now?”.

Within that short period of time, Jack had been in the hospital having surgery for colon cancer (in fact, he was in the hospital when they told him that his daughter, Suzanne, had been diagnosed with neuroblastoma), Suzanne was diagnosed, and then Barbara was also diagnosed with cancer. How much more can the odds be stacked against one family?

I met this family in a way that only the Universe can orchestrate and I will be forever grateful. Suzanne became the Wind Beneath My Wings and is my inspiration for everything I do (especially the non-profit organization I want to develop).  Every time I saw them they were filled with gratitude and the smiles across all their faces were the broadest smiles you could ever imagine. How they did it, I never knew. Because it always seemed as if the odds were against them. But they never let that show. They always maintained the positive “it could be worse”  or “it’s going to get better” attitude that you only see (and know is sincere) in people you consider Saints. And I have to tell you that I think that these three people qualify for saint hood in my opinion.

I was fortunate enough to get to visit St Jude Children’s Research Hospital during a weekend when the country DJs from all around the country were there for their annual workshop. So I got to see everything they did. I can’t tell you how grateful I am for that. And Jack, Barbara and Suzanne were there because they were part of the panel of patients/families that talked with the DJs. So I got to see inside the Target House there too. That is where I fell in love with elephants (I was told they were the international symbol of friendship but I’m not sure that’s correct – I do know they have a complex social structure) because there are wonderful statues of elephants outside the house.

After Suzanne’s passing Jack and Barbara continued to be avid supporters of St Jude – they didn’t just fall off the face of the earth in their grief – they expressed their immense gratitude by recording their story for St Jude to use in their radiothons, they volunteered at the hospital and the Target House. They were all over, supporting  St Jude in memory of Suzanne. They gave back in gratitude just as I encourage all of you to do every day no matter what is going on in your life.

If Jack and Barbara can remain positive after finding out that their precious little girl had a deadly disease and then had relapses just when they thought she was on the verge of a remission (not just once but twice), you can remain positive at least for today, don’t you think. I know that I try to remember what they went through every time things don’t seem to go my way or get overwhelming.

To continue with faith and hope in the face of immense adversity and tragedy is the mark of a true hero in my book. And Jack and Barbara fit that bill completely. I honor and respect their resilience and hope that I can garner a tiny bit of their phenomenal qualities.

Thank you for being in my life, Jack and Barbara. You are a great inspiration to me.

Terrie

Again another “unplanned” Inspiree (remember I created that word to mean someone who has inspired me) for today.  I’m still on a high and a roll for St Jude Children’s Research Center. Every year since the late 1990s (I can’t remember exactly – surprise, surprise) I’ve cherished the two day period when Country Music honors St Jude and the children who are suffering way more than they should ever have to. I think I mentioned this when I wrote about Travis Moon – when I moved from DC to San Antonio one of the things I missed the most was the St Jude Radiothons. I was so excited when Travis brought them to San Antonio! I felt alive again. Of course I can give to St Jude at any time. That’s not the point. There is such magic during that two day period when a community unites around a group of children who are fighting the fight of their lives while their parents sit around helplessly and have to watch. And San Antonio, although a very large city, may not be high in the income bracket. However, we have all embraced this cause. If we hadn’t, we would NOT have increased our giving every year in the four short years that the radiothon has been in existence here.

So what does all that have to do with today’s folks – Randy Carroll and Jamie Martin?  They are the two primary radio personalities who collaborate and support Travis Moon and bring the wonderful folks of San Antonio together. They all go without sleep and are on the air for an amazing amount of time talking and encouraging everyone to give. That is NOT an easy task. And then they have to work the next day – they don’t even get to see their families for several days I think.  I know that they were there from approximately 3 a.m. on Thursday til well after 9 pm  and then again back on the air at least by 4 a.m. Friday and did not get done with their radio responsibilities until after 11 pm and then back on the air on Saturday a.m. That is phenomenal endurance and something I admire (if you’ve followed any of my running endeavors, endurance is the most important thing to me).

But not only do Randy and Jamie have the endurance but they have their fingers on the pulse of San Antonio and they know what’s going on in our minds, hearts and souls. And they are so sensitive to issues that everyone has. They spend hours “outside” of themselves trying to take us away from whatever pain we might be going through every single day. You know they have to have “bad hair” days (that’s sort of a joke if you listen to KJ97) but you never hear it in their voices. They are always there for us. We often need that. I know I do. When things aren’t going great at work, I just plug in the radio and hear them laughing or talking about what’s going on and I start to smile again and things don’t seem so rough.

We often take these folks for granted. They are sleep deprived almost 100% of the time because they are the early morning show but they have to host late night concerts that the radio station is involved in. You know they are totally exhausted but you NEVER ever hear it in their voices. They never complain or say “you think you’ve got it bad”. No, they are always upbeat and happy, knowing that’s what the listeners need (and expect even though we know that they are human too, we tend to forget that). They certainly live up to our expectations.

I remember when Jamie hooked up with Randy on the morning show. What a difference that made for everyone. In fact, it’s funny but when one of them is on vacation and they have a “guest” helping out, it’s like going through withdrawal.  How selfish of me. But I can’t help it if they have spoiled me.

I have never heard two more wonderful people in my entire listening career. I used to dislike country music until I started running in 1993. Where I lived the only thing  I could get on my radio was country music so I ran (in the middle of the night) and began to love country and now do not listen to anything else. I have had two favorite sets of morning DJs – Jim London/Mary Ball in DC and now Randy and Carroll in SA. You can tell how much you love your radio personalities by how much you miss them if you don’t listen for a day. I take some courses that I have CDs that I should listen to and every morning when I get in the car to go to work I have to make a conscious decision regarding what to listen to: Randy and Jamie or my CDs. I will tell you that in the a.m. Randy and Jamie win 90% of the time – I always tell myself that I can listen to the CDs in the afternoon. Why do I do this? Because not only do they play all the songs I love to hear (especially “King George”) but because I just feel like I’m part of their family and if I miss a day I miss out on what’s going on in the family’s life.  I think they call that living vicariously or something like that.

Anyway, Randy and Jamie – I thank you for your dedication to St Jude, to country music and most of all to us, your very loyal listeners! You are the highlight of my day almost every single day and I can’t thank you enough. You are a Dynamic Duo for sure! And of course I have to put this great picture up again….LOL..can you tell it means alot to me that you took the time to shoot it with me? Ha Ha!

Terrie