eader

Friday, December 4, 2009

You Can Do It!

Girl ScoutsImage by The Library of Virginia via Flickr



Yesterday I offered my take on what I think "the secret" to life really is: Be Prepared. The words of Robert Baden-Powell bear repeating:


...you have to be prepared at any moment to face difficulties and even dangers by knowing what to do and how to do it.
I mentioned that it was too bad there weren't any Girl Scout or Girl Guide organizations for women to join. Then I remembered today about a wonderful tome I own that is as close as it gets to a merit badge book for grown-ups. The title of the book is You Can Do It! and on the cover it encourages you to Dare to Dream, Learn Something New and Do Something Just for You!

Inside, there are instructions for earning the following badges (with fabulous names I might add):

  • roam where you want to (travel)
  • dig this (gardening)
  • walk on fire (firewalking)
  • be a renaissance gal (art appreciation)
  • get down to the knitty-gritty (knitting)
  • go world wide (build a website)
  • connect with your tribe (family rituals)
  • speak geek (computer care)
  • beat the boys at pool (billiards)

I think I need to take another look at this book because I think I have some badges coming!

I can't mention this book without providing a brief tribute to its author. According to the introduction of the book, those who knew Lauren Catuzzi Grandcolas remember her for her "can do" spirit. She envisioned this book as a way for women to build their self-esteem and expand their horizons at the same time. Her sisters recall that she was not a person to wait to do something "some day." For example, for her 30th birthday, she completed one of the activities that would become a badge in the book--Jump! (skydiving.)

Back on the East Coast for her grandmother's funeral, Lauren arrived early at the airport and took the earlier flight, United Airlines Flight 93, to return home on September 11, 2001. In a cell phone message she left for her husband while on the plane, she said:


"Jack, pick up sweetie, can you hear me? Okay. I just want to tell you, there's a little problem with the plane. I'm fine. I'm totally fine. I just want to tell you how much I love you."


At the time of her death, she was 38 years old and three month pregnant with her first child. It is through the efforts of her sisters, Vaughn and Dara, that her book came to be published posthumously.

You can feel good about purchasing this book knowing that proceeds go to the Lauren Catuzzi Grandcolas Foundation which provides grants to organizations that provide health, education and welfare services to women and children.

For my fellow ChronicBabes, I strongly recommend you check this book out. I think it is a good source of some great ideas for new hobbies, pursuits and interests that fit with living your best life despite chronic illness. Some of the more physical activities may not be possible, but some others can be done with fibro-friendly modifications. Plus this book is a great source of encouragement to get you to try something you have never done, or thought you could do, before.

I'm no Oprah, but as a dedicated book lover I think I have stumbled on a good one. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think about this book recommendation.

Follow this link to Amazon.com, where this book is currently featured as a bargain book. Get yours before they are all gone!


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