One Healed Soul at a Time…..

At the end of most of my newsletters, I write a little blurb about myself and my mission in life. The write-up starts off with some background information and then shifts into what I hope to leave behind in this world when I make my final departure at the end of my life.

Here is the tale-end of the write up I put in my newsletter, “Joan is an Authentic Life Mentor who believes the only way world peace will happen is when the people of this world find peace in their souls. And, that is her mission - to make the world a more peaceful place - one healed soul at a time.”

I truly believe it is my mission to connect with individuals and help them find their way back to the path they are supposed to be on.

Now, I am not necessarily a ‘go-large, or go-home’ kind-of-person. As a result, I tend to be an individual who connects best on a 1-1 or small-group level. I feel it is more personal, and I feel less hesitant to be vulnerable and show who I truly am.

That is one reason why I have begun to incorporate workshops into my regimen of services. While Tarot and Numerology readings are a great way to check in and get direction, they are not the complete solution to a person’s problems. The readings are one path to the answer, but you can’t stop there.

 In order to get where you want to go, you must take action. Don’t wait for the Tarot predictions to come true. If you wait without action – without helping yourself – nothing will happen.

In this month’s A Fool’s Paradise, we encounter major arcana card number 15 -The Devil. As you can see by the write up (http://joanscannellafoolsparadise.
blogspot.com/), this card is not about the evils that exist in the world around you. Rather, this card represents the evils that operate from within – those mental, emotional and physical vices that cripple us and interfere with our ability to become who we are truly meant to be.

These vices make us think we are not good enough, smart enough, strong enough or brave enough to take control of our lives. Left unchecked, these weaknesses have us behaving in ways that damage the soul during its journey through this human experience.

And, these are the issues about which I am referring – the ones from which our souls need to be healed.

Unfortunately, many people don’t free themselves from these bindings. I am sure you have heard the phrase, “The devil you know is better than the devil you don’t.” That is just a really poor excuse that people use when they are afraid to initiate change.

It is time to break free NOW. You CAN control your life. You CAN move it in the direction you want it to go. Whether you attend one of my workshops or not, you must start taking action TODAY. Shut out that inner demon by ‘feeling your fear and doing it anyway.’ Surround yourself with people who think in a positive way. Connect with groups who are moving in the same direction you want to go. 

And if you think you might benefit from a workshop designed to empower you with the tools you need to succeed, check this out: http://joanscannellspecials.blogspot.com/2015/03/manifest-your-dreams-in-2015.html

Don't Be Afraid of Mercury Retrograde

As I write this blog, we are sitting squarely in the middle of a Mercury Retrograde cycle that is playing havoc with my emotions regarding progress in my life’s goal areas. I am feeling this overwhelming urge to get things done – as of yesterday.

Yes, there are the usual Mercury Retrograde headaches – issues with electronics, unanticipated disagreements with friends and family, and scheduling glitches that create frustration.

But the angst about which I am referring is more a feeling of impatience and desire. It is being fed by the feeling that change needs to happen sooner – and in the manner in which I want it to occur.

However, as we know, life happens at its own pace. Our only control is a commitment to stay the course and follow through on the plans that we have made. Sometimes the stars are aligned in our favor and we experience smooth sailing in the direction of our dreams.

Other times, our life seems to be one big Mercury Retrograde imploding on itself regardless of who hard we attempt to stay in the flow and fight the good fight.

Ironically, that Mercury Retrograde period of our life is often just a blessing in disguise. In short what appears to be chaos can actually be an opportunity to slow down, look around, and do a little course-correction.

If you will allow me, I would like to tell you a brief story from my past that I feel effectively illustrates my point.

The story takes place in 1992. I was three years out of college and 25 years old. I was working for a small daily newspaper, but wasn’t loving my job. I found myself in an industry I felt was hypocritical and vindictive. The scary part is that I knew if I was going to make it in that field, I too would have to embrace these qualities.

I had great inner turmoil going on.

Fear of change told me to stay put and stick with what I knew. “The hours may suck, and the people with whom I have daily interactions can be assholes, but I can do this job with my eyes closed,” is how I rationalized my decision.

Keeping my focus in this direction, I stayed in that job for a while – a lot longer than I should have.

But, I couldn’t help the growing feeling of discontent that was welling up from inside. I didn’t want to admit that I was too much of a coward to enact a necessary change in my life. Even more so, I was angry at myself because I knew I was lying to myself and the world. I was becoming the very thing I despised about the business in which I worked. I was a hypocrite.

I toyed with the idea of going back to college for my master’s degree. I even applied to a couple programs. I was accepted to all of them, and was given the green light to start during the upcoming summer session. Despite this, I kept rationalizing to myself how things weren’t that bad and it was better (okay … safer) to stay put.

But the inner noise only got louder!!!!!

As is the case when one has inner challenges, I struggled to keep a lid on my feelings. My body language screamed volumes and my unconscious mind often allowed slips-of-the-tongue that angered the wrong people. “I didn’t care,” I told myself. And to a large extent that was the only truth I was speaking.

Eventually, my mood affected my effort and attitude. Not surprisingly, this affected my ability to keep my job (Hmm… Imagine that J.) In June of 1992 a metaphorical Mercury Retrograde descended on my life.  

I was called into my editor’s office and given a sheet of paper listing the multitude of concerns that the ‘powers-that-be’ had with my work. I was told I had 30 days to either shape up or ship out.

I gave my notice that day. And, oh, it felt so good. You know the feeling – it is the one that comes when you finally take a long-overdue action designed to release yourself from an unhealthy or counter-productive situation.

Three weeks later I was actively pursuing my master’s degree in education and began my first graduate-level class. It was so refreshing and so invigorating to be around people who welcomed new ideas and shared in the belief of a brighter tomorrow. Hands down, it was one of the very best decisions I have ever made. It was what I would call an example of a positive course correction.

Just like Temperance, the Tarot card we discussed in this month’s Fool’s Paradise, it is important that we realize that harmony in our life comes only after we have exercised the courage to honestly evaluate our lives and nurture the seeds of healthy progress. These seeds don’t grow over night and we often don’t even realize the need to plant them until we have wandered down the wrong path in life.

(http://joanscannellafoolsparadise.blogspot.com/2015/02/temperance-where-patience-really-is.html)

So when we encounter our own personal Mercury Retrogrades in life, it is important to look at them from the attitude of Temperance. Rather than turn and run or cower in fear, we can use these periods to correctly identify and pursue the course of action our higher selves want us to follow. 

You CAN Do It This Year

For most people, the New Year is a time of promise and hope. It is about starting over and getting it right. There is a ‘clean slate’ undercurrent that permeates people’s philosophies. It is one of those rare times when you see large numbers of people advocating a hopeful attitude and enthusiastic approach to change.

This is a time when many people set resolutions to implement some sort of positive adjustment in their lives. Some of the more popular ones include weight loss, better eating and exercise habits, financial goals, and improved attitudes. Unfortunately, by mid-January, a lot of those same people have either forgotten or are struggling to honor their targeted intentions.

As a result, these people get frustrated by their lack of progress and ‘beat themselves up’ or become depressed.

Rather than get down on yourself two-weeks into the year because you are hopelessly experiencing failure in your resolution attempts, make a decision to really commit to the process of change. Realize that in order to have different results, you must have a different approach.

In order to do this, you need to bring a new swag to your game.

Now, if you are one of those people who have already given up on your resolution, fear not. This is a new you, and the new you says, “You can always start over – even if it is not the first of the year.”

With that in mind, here are some tips to help you accomplish your deepest desire in 2015.

Create a clear goal that is easy to track

One of the main reasons people fail in their attempts to make positive change is because they don’t have a real clear goal in place. For instance, they might say, “I want to lose 50 pounds,” but that is too general.

In order to be successful, you need to have your resolution listed as a goal with a time-specific plan to accomplish it. Using the same weight goal, it might be better to word it this way: “I plan to lose one pound a week for the entire year.”

By breaking it down, it seems much more doable. After all, a pound a week is a manageable goal. Plus, you see the results right away.

Create a plan that is easy to follow

Once you have your goal, it is important to decide what supports you will put in place to assist you in the process. Identify what help is currently available and what help you will need to seek out. Develop a timeline as to when you will put these helpers in place.

For a weight loss resolution, you might want to ask yourself the following questions:

·         “Should I join a gym?” Or if you already have a membership, “How often should I go to the gym?”

·         “Should I consult a trainer to help me?” Many gyms have free trainers or very affordable fees associated with trainers.

·         “Should I consult a nutritionist or dietician to help me facilitate a permanent life-style change?”

·         “Should I join a group where I can feel supported and experience the benefits of accountability?”

Remember, it is important to identify what help is available to you, and target a schedule for implementing these supports.

Celebrate your successes

Design a method for tracking your progress. It can be as elaborate as a chart or graph that you attend to regularly or it can be as simple as a small spiral-bound notebook you keep in your purse, backpack or computer bag. Pick whichever way works best for you. 

When you hit a milestone on your journey, share the good news with family and friends. Don’t brag or use this as an opportunity to rest on your laurels. Instead, thank those who have been supporting you and share the next phase of your plan.

This doesn’t mean you become one of those annoying social media posters who air all their laundry. Rather, offer a few well-timed and sincere posts expressing enthusiasm and gratitude for your progress so far.

Remember, it is important to share your journey with others. By making your intention public, you add a layer of accountability to it. You also let the Universe know you are serious. 

Peace on Earth Begins with 'Me'

Oh, the holidays…….

Never has there been such a mixed can of nuts as the events, activities and emotions that arise during the holidays.

Having a few dozen seasons of experience behind me, I’ve come to learn a thing or two about this special time of year.

In no uncertain terms, I would describe the holiday experience as both a blessing and a curse. Now, before you start throwing rotten vegetables, and calling me ‘Mr. Scrooge,’ let me explain.

For the record, I love the holidays for all the good it brings. We have beautiful music and breath-taking decorations. There are gatherings, and contact between people who have not seen each other in a year or more.

Overall, people are more generous at this time of year. They are more willing to go out of their way to help someone, and they also tend to be more reflective.

I have to say I love all these things.

What I don’t like with the holidays is the fast-pace, go-go-go, ‘have-to’ atmosphere that accompanies it.

You know what I am talking about. It’s the scheduling and the demands surrounding the responsibilities of the holidays. They sound something like, “I have to get so-and-so a gift.” It could be, “I have to attend so-and-so’s party.” Perhaps it is, “I have to do such-and-such because it is a tradition.” Trust me, there are lots of them. And, I can’t stand it. Yes, as the length of my to-do list gets longer, my ability to see the wonder of the season decreases.

Despite a not-so-subtle undercurrent of people who recommend a boycott-mentality of Christmas, I don’t think that is the answer. Doing so is like throwing the baby out with the bath-water. Christmas and the holiday season are beautiful, wonderful events.

I love the generosity of people this time of year – whether it comes wrapped in beautiful packages or appears as time well-spent during a visit with dear friends. I don’t think we should ever lose that, and I believe we need to let people share their ideas of the holidays in the ways they see fit.

In this month’s A Fool’s Paradise, we encounter The Hanged Man in all his glory. The Hanged Man represents an individual on the cusp of evolution. He is like the person who has grown from the child in awe of the splendor of the holiday season, to the behind-the-scenes adult who serves as an integral part of the magic-making.  He moves forward physically in these tasks, because he understands logically this is what he is supposed to do. But spiritually, he is struggling because he realizes perhaps some of these traditions no longer suit his purpose. The Hanged Man knows something needs to change. He is just trying to figure out what it is, and how he can make it work for his higher self.

And that is why we are here on this earth plane. This is a beautiful place to be, and there is so much to experience and enjoy. It would be a shame to waste this opportunity. However, our souls know we are here to use these experiences only temporarily to learn and become more enlightened. If we stay in a situation that no longer serves us at a soul level, our growth slows to a crawl and we can even backslide. This explains that nagging feeling we get in our chests that urges us on when it is time to make a change. Even though it might be familiar or comfortable to have things stay as they are, we know that can’t happen if we are to evolve from one season of our life to the next.

It is at these points in our lives, we become The Hanged Man. Just like a child’s experience as he matures to see the real magic of the holiday season, we must mature on our paths in life. If we don’t, we cannot grow and we will never assume our true power.

As you head through the holidays and into 2015, use the reflective energy of this month to see exactly where you need to grow, and identify ways to become an active participant in your progress so that you can reach greater heights, and can live the live you were truly meant to live.

Happy holidays! Blessings to you so that you might experience a healthy, positive and powerful 2015. 

Keeping it Simple during the Holidays and Beyond

I had planned to write a special column all about gratitude for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. I had great ideas, too. I would cite the wisdom of ancient sages and modern mystics. I would add profound quotes and detailed segues with enriching examples of the value of appreciation. Ah, yes, I had it all mapped out in my mind.

Don't take anything for granted

But then I gave it more thought, and decided in keeping with the wisdom of this month’s Tarotscope and its warning about not getting lost in the grandiosity of our ideas, ADD LINK HERE a less-is-more approach would be much more effective - especially at this busy time of year.

So instead of adding a bunch of superfluous and unnecessary fluff, I will very simply provide an explanation of the importance of expressing gratitude as well as some easy ways to do it this season and throughout the year.

With that in mind, here goes:

Why should we show gratitude all year - throughout the good times and bad?

1. Regardless of how bad things are, there is always something for which to be grateful. Don’t believe it? Look around. You may think you have it bad, but chances are you would not change places with 95% of the people whose life you observe on a daily basis. Why is that? Most likely it is because at some level you realize the extent of the blessings in your life.

      2. Studies show that people who express gratitude regularly are better able to handle stress, have healthier immune systems and feel mentally more alert. So, if you can’t be appreciative for simple reasons, then do is with selfish motives. I have faith that eventually, you will start to feel its power.

      3. Gratitude activates positive thoughts within us and raises our energy vibration. When we elevate our energy, this allows us to attract better situations into our lives.  It’s a positive revolving cycle.

      4. Gratitude pulls us away from a “me-centered” approach to life and into an outwardly-focused life. When we are grateful, we realize life isn’t all about us, our wants and needs. We then connect with a reciprocal energy that shows us how others experience gratitude, and reminds us of our power to bring happiness to others.

      5. It’s just the right thing to do because it connects us with the productive energy of the Universe.

How can we connect with gratitude in everyday life?

     

      1. Remember the little things are really not that little in the big scheme of life. We tend to prioritize our careers, our possessions and the things we think we need to make our lives better. We forget that the real reason we want these items is to enhance the true gifts of life – our family/friends, our inner spirit, and our health.

2.  Create gratitude moments throughout the day where you stop what you are doing and thank the Creator for the things in life you often take for granted. These can be big things like our well-being and our loved ones. It can also be less-obvious things like a safe trip to work, a warm-bed to sleep in or a walk on the beach on a pleasant afternoon.

3. During stressful situations, attempt to shift your focus to any possible underlying gift this issue may bring. For example the loss of a job could be an opportunity to begin a new career path that fuels your true passion. Or, helping someone combat an illness may allow you the chance to slow down and really get to connect with that person on a deeper and richer level. This is not meant to be a ‘Pollyanna’ and unrealistic approach to dealing with a problem. Instead, connecting with gratitude this way allows you to experience some control over a situation that may cause you to otherwise feel very powerless.

      4. Remember the Law of Attraction tells us that we attract that which is like ourselves. In order to attract ‘good’ things, we need to stay positive and show appreciation for something – anything - regardless of how horrendous the circumstances may appear. Our ‘attitude of gratitude’ is exponential, and is a powerful tool for bringing promise into our lives.

      5. Contact someone who needs a pick-me-up or who would benefit from kind words, and tell them how much you appreciate them. It could be as simple as a text, a phone call or email. If you want to be extravagant, go to the store and grab a card. When you talk, give a specific example of something they did that meant a lot to you. Your sentiments will be a nice surprise and are sure to produce a ripple effect in the world.

      6. Create a gratitude jar. Everyday list one thing for which you are grateful and put the paper in the container. At the end of the week, review the comments and feel a renewed appreciation for all you have been given.

      7.  Be open to the wonders of life, and observe things from a new perspective on a daily basis. Allow a childlike enthusiasm to swell in you as you look for, and discover situations you have never experienced before.

      8. Make every stranger a friend. This does not mean letting your guard down and walking blindly into trouble. Rather it means to greet people in the eye. Smile at them. Say hello. Realize that the vast majority of people are just like you – trying to make their way through the struggles of the world; grateful for any kindness and assistance that is offered to them. 

Stress, Schmess... It's No Big Deal

It was 7:28 am when I reached for the bottle of Advil. A Monday in late October, I rode to work feeling as bleak as the leafless trees worn bare from the turbulence of the recent rough weather.

Actually, their stark appearance against the grey sky seemed an accurate reflection of my inner landscape. It is safe to say I wasn’t feeling so hot.

Now, before I explain the source of my angst, please know this is not going to be a “whine-fest.” Rather, I draw attention to these experiences as a way to connect with you, the reader.

My guess is many of you will relate to what I am about to say. I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if some of you wave your finger at the screen and say, “Honey, that’s nothing!”

Regardless of where you stand in your personal perspective, my goal in telling you this story is to show how our problems have the ability to strengthen us – both internally, via our resolve, and externally, through our connections to each other.

So, with that in mind, let me explain what had my panties in a bunch that day.

Some of the issues were simple. That morning I overslept, started my day rushing around, and was late to work. In addition, I hadn’t slept well and was feeling the aches and pains associated with the combined effects of a poor slumber and the onset of mild aging. On that same note, I was frustrated with my appearance. In the last year or so, I had added some extra, stubborn weight which I hadn’t been able to shake. My clothes weren’t fitting like they used to and I was frustrated by a persistent lack of energy that prevented me from getting any regular exercise. In a nutshell, I just felt yucky.

Some of these issues were a bit more complex. These included financial worries associated with personal obligations and college tuition for my children, stressors within the dynamics of family relationships that threatened to compound themselves with the approaching holidays, and mounting responsibilities resulting from the juggling of a variety of different tasks associated with my house, my career and my future. Overall, these situations made me feel anxious.

Still, one issue – the major one – had me completely out of sorts because it was something over which I had no control. That morning, I knew my long day at work would be followed by an even longer evening at the local funeral home attending a service for a friend who passed away quite unexpectedly. This was the third unexpected death I had experienced in as many months, and I was struggling to wrap my head around the ‘why’ of it all. If truth be told, this was not just about my friend’s death. For me, this was about accepting the fact that there are just some things in life over which we have no control. The more I tried to ignore this topic of mortality, the more tension I felt all over my body.

 You would think at my age (that’s 47, but let’s keep that a secret, okay?) death would be something over which I would have a better handle. But it is just not the case.  Actually, these three deaths had really rattled my cage and left me feeling emotionally and physically unsettled.

Yes, as I grabbed that bottle, I was hoping against hope those little green caplets would be the elixir by which my exhausted body and soul could find peace. But that was not to be the case. I knew deep down, that all the Advil in the world could not do battle with those yucky, anxious and unsettled feelings.

That is because I knew the reasons for my maladies sat at a level no pill could ever reach. The prescription I needed to ease my discomfort had to come from a much more powerful place – a place of reasoning that could only be found within.

In this month’s A Fool’s Paradise, we get a good look at the Justice card (Major Arcana 11). Among her many attributes, we see that Justice is a conduit of balance – both internal and external. She reminds us that external balance is the direct result of our internal peace. It is not the other way around.

Logically, I already know this fact. But, when caught up in the issues of every-day life, this lesson can be difficult to apply.

As I reflected on the instability around me that morning, something buried underneath the distraction of this chaos began to surface. It was the realization that I would never be able to find peace by attempting to control my outer world. Doing so is tantamount to playing a real-life game of Whack-A-Mole – constantly waiting to pounce on the next problem.

Instead, I was reminded that true peace comes from the self-trust and inner knowledge that we already possess the skills needed to maintain balance and peace in our lives regardless of what the external world sends our way.

By the time we hit mid-life, one starts to realize life does not always work out as planned. While I could hope, because I worked hard and am ‘good’, that everything would be all sunshine and lollipops for me, that thinking is not very realistic.

The truth is we are here to experience all facets of life on this physical plane – that means the good, the bad, and the ugly. If everything went smoothly all the time, our souls would never evolve.

These, the lessons of this life – like the idea of the Justice card – remind us that the only thing we can control is our response to the circumstances and not the circumstances themselves. Instead of panicking in the midst of instability, we are better off asking what we can learn from these situations and how we can grow.

So, the next time I feel yucky, anxious and unsettled, I am sure I will still reach for the Advil. Hey, I am only human after all. However, I won’t expect too much from those little green pills. At best, I will hope they provide enough relief so my pain fades and my head clears long enough to allow me to regain an internal balance and an understanding of the lesson life is offering me at that particular time. 

It's Called Intestinal Fortitude. Get Some.

When I originally wrote my Fool’s Paradise column for The Wheel of Fortune, I was – ironically – in a bit of a ‘Fool’s Paradise’ about the precarious nature of life and the uncertainties of fate.

I wrote the column less than a month ago, and – from a very emotionally safe place - explained the nature of the card. In summary, I stated how it dealt with fate, the ups and downs of life and the impact of the ‘seasons’ we experience in life.

Al at the Marine Corp Marathon

This was approximately one week before a dear friend of mine was killed in a sudden, freak accident at the tender age of 48 – that is less than a year older than my current age. But I don’t think it was his age at the time of his death that upset me so much. Rather, I believe it was the suddenness of it that alarmed me. Well, that and the huge impact his passing had on just about everyone who knew him.

Add to that the guilt from having lost touch with my friend due to family and work responsibilities in the last few years, and you have a dangerous witches’ brew of intense emotional turmoil.

Oh, there were many comments like, “I should have made more of an effort,“ and “If only I had known,” and “I would give anything for one more chance…”  But I knew this thinking was just my conscience seeking a way to sooth itself. I also knew this ‘logic’ was a complete waste of time.

The fact of the matter is there were no more chances, there was no more time and there wasn’t any way we could have known what that day would’ve brought when we woke up that morning.

When I heard about Al’s death, I sank in my seat and wondered why he was chosen. He made this world such a bright place. He was fun. He was adventurous. He had a great sense of humor. He never let things get to him. He was the type of person everyone loved to be around – as evidenced by his memorial service.  The fact is I will never know the reason. I can let it torment me or I can accept what happen despite the sadness I feel.

I have been thinking about this a lot lately and I realized a huge reason I am so sad at Al’s passing (other than the obvious reasons) is because I feel like a part of me died with him. I am not talking about the type of bond one shares in an intimate relationship. That is not how we rolled.

Rather, the loss I feel with Al’s passing is more like the death of a piece of my life – a part of my personality. I hope that doesn’t sound selfish or insensitive, because it is not meant that way. I thought the world of Al and I (will) miss him for all his many wonderful qualities. However, my friendship with Al was forged at a time when we were both young and innocent. Even though we met in our late teens, it is safe to say we grew up – into adulthood – together.

Our friendship connected us both with a time when we were adventurous and carefree. Somewhere along the road – probably around the same time we lost touch - I stopped being adventurous. I started playing it safe, being a mom, and embracing the predictable and comfortable.

Al, on the other hand, was able to maintain that zest for life he always had. He was able to do all the things I did plus keep his passion for living. He didn’t waste time, he didn’t pass up good opportunities and he didn’t mince words. I can actually imagine him reading this column and almost hear him now saying, “Okay, Scannell. That’s enough. Get to the point.”

The point is that Al taught me – both in his life and his death – about the precious (not precarious) nature of life.

Al’s life was a living testament to the energy associated with the Wheel of Fortune card. Al had his ups and downs but he never let either define him. For instance, he arrived into this world welcomed by his family under happy circumstances, but as an adolescent things changed, and he had to learn to depend on himself. These early hardships only served to strengthen his resolve about leading the life he had always dreamed. His wife Tami recently told me one of Al’s favorite quotes was, “Life is hard. Wear a helmet.” I love that because it really epitomizes the veracity of his spirit.

Al was never afraid of the turning of the wheel. He understood at any point, his ‘luck’ could change. That knowledge never deterred him. If anything, it inspired him to ‘seize the day.’ Al was too busy living to worry about dying.

And that was probably Al’s final gift of friendship to me. His passing reminded me that I should dust off that adventurous, fun-loving spirit I packed away years ago. Just like the message of the Wheel of Fortune, Al’s life reminded me that our experiences on earth should not be feared. Rather they should be accepted despite the fact that they can fluctuate wildly between every day joys and unanticipated painful acts of fate.

Al knew that rather than cowering in fear of what might happen, it would be best to embrace each moment for what it brought. This philosophy is the essence of the Wheel of Fortune. Living this philosophy is about being alive and brave in an existence marked by complete uncertainty.

I have thought a lot about my friend in the last few weeks, and I have wondered how he would’ve responded if the tables had been turned – if it had been me who died suddenly in a tragic accident. I wondered what he would think; what he would say as he looked at my pictures during my memorial service. Obviously I can’t know for sure, but I do suspect he would’ve been feeling pretty sad about my death and maybe feeling a little guilty, too. He wouldn’t have liked the situation, but he would’ve been accepting of it. That is the kind of guy Al was – he rolled with the punches.

I know if I had the opportunity to speak with him now, he would tell in no uncertain terms to suck it up and continue on with my life. I think his exact words would be something like, “It’s called intestinal fortitude, Scannell. Get some.” And that is what the Wheel of Fortune reminds us to do: Enjoy the good times, Accept the bad times and Be brave in the face of the uncertainty we call every-day life.