And that’s the way it was with Walter Cronkite

There are certain events in history THAT everyone remembers where they were and what they were doing. Certainly two top events that are emblazoned in my mind would be the day that President John F. Kennedy was assassinated and the day our American astronauts landed on the moon.

And I don’t know about you, but when I think back to either of those days, I automatically think of Walter Cronkite, for that is who we all turned to when historical events occurred that were important to each and every one of us. I’ll always remember how Walter Cronkite would take off his glasses, I think that was such a natural thing to do that he made us all feel like he was just sitting across from us at the dinner table talking to us. He took them off on the day Kennedy was killed, and looked up at the clock on the wall in the studio, as if to acknowledge the horrible moment as a moment we could never forget, ever. He was choked up but took a breath and went on, because he had to hold it together. I know all too well how difficult that can be; I remember being on the air live on Good Morning America the morning that TWA Flight 800 crashed into the Atlantic Ocean off the shores of New York’s Long Island. We were reporting on the event, and the next thing I knew I got a call from a friend to tell me that a life- long dear friend of mine was aboard the plane. In the flash of a moment I was part of the event, so deeply sad, so in disbelief that my friend Jed could really have been on that plane. I was so choked up that Charlie Gibson, who knew me so well, finished my sentence and said to our audience “Joan just learned that a dear friend was on that flight, I’d like to give her a moment to take a breath and compose herself.” When something sad and unthinkable happens, you know how you feel , like something powerful almost knocks you down-– well Walter Cronkite lived through all of those moments in front of us all with class, dignity, reverence, appropriateness and great strength.

But it is another much more light-hearted moment that I got to share with Walter Cronkite that I want to share with you today. About ten years ago I was asked to host a Motivational Seminar; I was to introduce the speakers of the day, and interview Walter Cronkite live on stage for 45 minutes as the “Main Event”. He was in good health, in good spirits, but a little hard of hearing – they said he would wear an ear piece in order to hear me well-- even though he was sitting right next to me. He was impeccably dressed. I personally think the older Walter Cronkite got, the more handsome he became. I found him to be a genuinely nice man, and very much wanted to be the best interview possible for that audience that was there with us that day. During that interview he had the most amazing recall I had ever encountered, recounting minute details of battles during war time, comments made by world leaders he’d interviewed and also the everyday Americans he had met in his travels around our country who had impressed him with their hard work, courage and tenacity.

I asked Walter about some of his favorite interviews and he told me his all time favorite was still about our astronauts stepping onto the surface of the Moon on July 20, 1969. He was fascinated with space and with those who dared to go where no one had gone before. And he wasn’t the only one, an estimated 500 million people worldwide watched that event, the largest television audience for a live broadcast ever at that time. After the astronauts returned home, Walter got to sit down and talk with Buzz Aldrin about their amazing journey. He began by asking Buzz about the heart-pounding blast off, and asked him what he was thinking at that moment when NASA was counting down 5..4…3…2…1, knowing that he was about to be thrust into outer space, into the vast unknown. He said Buzz looked at him and said without hesitation, “All I could think about was that our spacecraft was built by the lowest bidder!” We both laughed, and what a genuine laugh he had……..and what a genuine man he was.

Dance: A Perfect Way to Get in Shape

During the summer, I live in Maine where my husband owns and operates summer camps for children, and I love it because I climb the Camp’s 50 foot climbing wall, play tennis and hike the beautiful area mountains. I have also put together a workout group of about 12 women here at camp and we meet three days a week for a kick-butt session. Our workouts are 90 minutes of high energy training – high energy music – and high energy fun! Today we danced for our 90 minutes to Michael Jackson’s Thriller, RIP Michael – we’re all still tearing it up to your amazing sounds!

What I really love about my workouts with trainer Beth Bielat is that she always mixes it up and keeps it fun and interesting for us. We dance, we do step aerobics, we kick box, and we use free weights and bands. Studies show that participating in classes like these where you must listen, process the direction from the aerobics instructor and then translate that into physical movements will not only keep your body fit, but will also keep your mind alert! I like the sound of that - that’s great multi-tasking in my book! So put on some hot music and get up and start dancing!!

Dancers have long been revered for their long, lean muscles, strength and flexibility. Professional dancers must challenge their mind, body and spirit every time they step into the studio. Following intricate choreography requires that dancers memories be lightening fast. There is no separation between mind and body; dance takes extreme focus and discipline of the mind/body connection.

Come on, if you are going to sweat and work out for 90 minutes, why not have fun dancing. Rather than clenching our jaws at weight machines -- we start bobbing our heads to the beat as soon as our feet begin moving, and all of a sudden we can’t help but move our shoulders, then our hips! The adrenaline starts pumping and sweat is dripping down your face, but you don’t care because it feels so good to just let loose. Dancing is awesome! Dancing can burn calories, sculpt gorgeous lean muscles, train your mental focus and lift your spirit all at the same time. Dancing is physically demanding and can be a great way for anyone to get into shape.

9 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO BE HAPPIER

Now and then we all have those times where we just feel down, a little sad or unfilled with life. Not necessarily sad over any one thing in particular, but we're just in need of a pick me up. And that’s exactly what we should do – Pick ourselves up and look for things to energize us, fulfill us, and make ourselves happy.

Happiness can be found all around you, but you have to open your eyes and your heart. It’s an exercise well worth the effort. Real Simple magazine writer Gretchen Rubin offered up the following tips on making yourself happy, which I thought I’d pass along to you: 9 things you can do to be happy in the next 30 minutes.

1--Raise your activity level to pump up your energy. If you're on the phone, stand up and pace. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Put more energy into your voice. Take a brisk 10-minute walk. (Even better engage in an activity you enjoy, put on some music and dance!)

2--Take a walk outside. Research suggests that light stimulates brain chemicals that improve mood. For an extra boost, get your sunlight first thing in the morning.

3--Reach out. Send an email to a friend you haven't seen in a while, or reach out to someone new. Having close bonds with other people is one of the most important keys to happiness.

4--Rid yourself of a nagging task. Deal with that insurance problem, purchase something you need, or make that long-postponed appointment with the dentist. Crossing an irksome chore off your to-do list will give you a rush of elation.

5--Create a more serene environment. Outer order contributes to inner peace, so spend some time organizing bills and tackling the piles in the kitchen. A large stack of little tasks can feel overwhelming, but often just a few minutes of work can make a sizable dent. Set the timer for 10 minutes and see what you can do.

6--Do a good deed. Introduce two people by email, take a minute to pass along useful information, or deliver some gratifying praise. (Do you have a hobby? Perhaps crochet a blanket for friend’s baby; make a photo album/book for friends or family – by getting involved in a hobby you enjoy you will be totally engrossed and no longer dwelling on what’s upsetting or disappointing. And making projects for those you care about always makes you feel better!)

7--Save someone's life. Sign up to be an organ donor, and remember to tell your family about your decision. When you do good, you feel good -- it really works! (Create a Family Health History, ask your parents about their health/medical history; early childhood illnesses, heart conditions, diabetes, colon cancer, etc. This information is crucial for maintaining your best health and is an important gift we should all pass down to our children. It absolutely can save lives.)

8--Act happy. Research shows that even an artificially induced smile boosts your mood. And if you're smiling, other people will perceive you as being friendlier and more approachable.

9--Learn something new. Think of a subject that you wish you knew more about and spend 15 minutes on the Internet reading about it, or go to a bookstore and buy a book about it. But be honest! Pick a topic that really interests you, not something you think you "should" or "need to" learn about.

By working to boost your own happiness, you're making other people happier, too.

Which one of these things have you done (or are going to do today)?

Also like to have projects, right now I'm crocheting a blanket for new baby- I also sketch, read, edit photos, create photo books for friends and family- having hobbies that you can get lost in helps me immensely, once I’m involved in one of these tasks, I'm totally engrossed and no longer dwelling on anything upsetting or disappointing. Not to mention most of these projects focus on the people I love most, my children, my family, my friends, and making something for someone you love with love always makes you feel better!