There are challenges and there are CHALLENGES. Where should I start? Perhaps, with a hello. I know, it's been awhile and June is nearly over and I have not shared my June challenge yet. I'm sure you've been on the edge of your seats waiting to find out. Or perhaps you've given up on me altogether. Maybe my stuff has fallen into the internet abyss with all the rest. Whatever. It's all good. (Actually I'm not really fond of that expression, but it seems appropriate here.)

And the June challenge? Yes, I am still keeping up with this challenge mania. I believe it has helped keep me sane in the midst of the other challenges, sometimes unwelcome, that life has tossed my way.

About six years ago, I restarted the piano lessons of my childhood. I still have my Steinway upright which was also my mother's childhood piano. I struggle (big time) with being consistent in playing/practicing. I really enjoy it when I do. And there are so many positive side effects such as complete immersion in the present moment and the joy of music.  For some reason, I just find myself resistant to sitting down to play.

My June challenge has been to show up at the piano at least once a day. Doesn't matter how long I practice, I just aim to play at least one thing. That's really all it takes to get me going. Take the first step. Hmmm.. does that sound familiar?

Thus far I am 21/22 and it has felt really great. I love going to my weekly lesson with confidence that I have made a little bit of progress. As a side benefit, Kyle really enjoys listening. And this fits right into his June challenge which is to do some drumming every day. Sometimes, he drums along with me. Yup, I am inflicting my challenge craze on my offspring. My daughter, Leah, has been taking the challenge challenge since January.

And then there are CHALLENGES. The uninvited ones which  show up on life's doorstep. There are  alternate names for them like trouble or struggles.  After 13 1/2 months of 'quality of life bliss', Kyle has recently had a couple of cycles. For the most part, they have been "partial" or "lite" and not debilitating. However, the last 24 hours of the previous partial went full blown into the debilitating category. The switch flipped on rather suddenly. And thank goodness, it also flipped off with the same suddenness. Both times, we stood by, like a deer in the headlights, in a state of shock.

Needless to say, we were very grateful for the short duration and at the same time, very concerned about the sudden change. It took Kyle a few days to recuperate from the trauma of it all. I stayed strong, compassionate, and focused on action. Then, after it was all over,  I got sick. I guess holding it together takes its toll.

I am gathering tools for my "what to do next" toolbox. Increasing his Agape vitamin (see Agape blog) has been the easiest and most logical step to take. This is what we did in the middle of the recent 24 hour debiliitating period. Its hard to be certain whether that was the cause of its abrupt halt or whether it was going to happen anyway. Time will tell. Maybe.

My friend  and coauthor, Kathy kindly reminded me via text: "And the journey continues." So it does. One day, step, moment at a time. Walk on.

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Me? No, but perhaps if I practice a little more??