Look beyond the grey of rainy days to find the beauty blossoming because of them…I spotted these delicate beauties after this week’s rains. Hope. Always.

“We do what we must” is the motto of the 2019 Coraggio Spirit Award recipient. “Assuming this is my one life and one chance to fight for it, so I must keep trying.” is her message. “I must keep trying.” is a foundation of the Coraggio theme to take charge of any aspect of a dire situation. With 5 intubations for breathing and 8 weeks of hospitalization because of myasthenia already this year, Ashley uses humor and positive messages in Facebook posts or with those she meets. For her courageous determination do what she must to take charge for her one life and one chance to fight for it, Ashley Cotten is awarded MG-MI’s 2019 Coraggio spirit award!

Use courage to co-create empathy in relationships,
to be that person who will Inspire!

Grateful to The Right Door for the invite to talk about Coraggio! The Courage to Inspire at their annual retreat.  Yet I was the one inspired by their commitment to the important people they serve!

The Right Door Retreat Coraggio Courage to Inspire 11-12-18

Stayin’ warm as the first snow flies with this fall harvest of
Scotch Bonnet peppers.

Petite yet potent, they have the habernero beat!  Their high level of capsaicin helps to reduce inflammation and pain. 

Feeling good from taste buds to toes!

“Courage is not the absence of fears, but the capacity to act despite our fears.”

By Sen. John McCain from Why Courage Matters and quoted in Chapter 12 of the first Coraggio book.

Yet we are reminded this week of the Sen. McCain quote that underscores the With Courage I Can philosophy of looking outside of one’s self and one’s woe.

“Nothing in  life is more liberating than to fight for a cause larger than yourself .”

From Faith of My Fathers 

I always look forward to the gift of a rose on Nonna’s birthday.

Sure enough, right on time did this beauty appear.

The gift of a rose on Nonna’s birthday.

Liz & Lisa #GoRedMI 

Do you know that sudden jaw pain is a sign of heart attack in women? 

— with Lisa Gigliotti and Elizabeth Wudyka Smalley at Soup Spoon Cafe.

                    #GoRedMI Feb 3, 2018

#GoRedforWomen 

Perfect meal for Wear Red Day–heart smart vegan chickpea veggie stew

served over sweet potato mash.

I give gratitude for the God-given inspiration for the Coraggio book series

and for the men and women I have met along the Coraggio presentation paths

who have taught me enormously about courage, faith, and hope.

                 Coraggio Presentation Photos

I am humbled and strengthened by their valor.

This Thanksgiving weekend I reflect on the 11 months since the surgery to fix my knee prosthesis. I give gratitude to the health professionals who performed a successful surgery and without narcotics.

I thank the family and friends who cared for me through recovery; their love made all the amazing events since then more meaningful. I am grateful to God that I breathe and walk today, for I know these are miracles.

I love waking each morn to discover what positivity boost
Practice Positivity posted for me!