“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” —WINSTON CHURCHILL
... CONTINUED FROM COVER
After the event, I went into the grocery store with my new identity! I know it wasn’t a big deal, but the challenge was. Jan was right — as we grow older, we tend to get too comfortable with being comfortable, and that’s asking for trouble. Many uncomfortable changes are forced on us whether we like them or not. Pushing ourselves into the discomfort zone ultimately makes us more flexible and enables us to turn our sails into the winds of adversity rather than letting them capsize our ship. I learned an impromptu “pay now or pay later” lesson about 10 years ago, when one evening while walking the dog, I fell and broke my hip, resulting in emergency hip replacement surgery. My doctor said, “I’ve done a lot of these operations. If you don’t want to keep coming back and seeing me for the next 20 years, you are going to have to be very serious about your physical therapy. My role is about 20% of your healing. Your role accounts for 80%.” I heeded his advice, pushed through the challenge of therapy, and took his warning seriously. This also forced a significant lifestyle change, but I’m better for it and stronger than ever. What steps do you take to account for your growth, even if it is uncomfortable? Perhaps it’s braving that thing you’ve always been scared to try. Maybe it’s making new friends and joining a new club after a life change. Or stepping out into a new adventure, even if it looks different now than it did in the past. Having people beside you who recognize when you do something uncomfortable and celebrate you for it can also make a world of difference. Our Compass readers are full of activity and determination — I’ve seen it and love hearing their stories of courage and optimism! If you’re like me and needed Jan’s reminder, perhaps the next step for you is to share with a partner or friend and ask when was the last time they did something out of their comfort zone. Then challenge each other to take the plunge!
Southwestern Beef Stew
A simple twist on beef stew is great for cool fall or winter evenings!
Ingredients • 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes • 2 tbsp cooking oil • 3 cups water • 1 1/4 cups chopped onion • 1 cup salsa • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 1 tbsp dried parsley flakes • 2 tsp beef bouillon paste • 1 tsp ground cumin • 1/2 tsp garlic salt
• 3 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces • 1 14 1/2-oz can diced tomatoes, undrained • 1 1/2 cups frozen cut green beans • 1 1/2 cups frozen corn • 4-oz can chopped green chiles • Hot pepper sauce, optional • Hot cooked rice
Directions 1. In a 4-quart Dutch oven over medium heat, brown meat in oil; drain. Add next eight ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 1 hour. Add carrots; return to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Add tomatoes, green beans, corn, and chiles. Return to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until beef and vegetables are tender. Season with hot pepper sauce and serve over rice.
Even nature teaches us that things grow and change. Keep growing.
I can’t wait to hear the stories — and adventures — that come with it.
—Carol Shaddix
2. Garnish with corn chips and sour cream, if desired.
• 3 770.421.9627
Great Vacations Matter Because Great Memories Matter Most
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator