Gilded Living

It's a new day! It's a new week! It's a new month! Let's kick it up a notch! I don't mean to alarm you, but 1/4 of 2019 is over. How was it? Did you show yourself love, did you share compassion, did you take time to make memories with loved ones? Did you work towards your goals, did you keep your resolutions, did you make it a quarter for the history books? If you answered yes, congratulations! Work hard to maintain that momentum these next few months! If you answered no, start now with some forgiveness and self-reflection. Where are you giving your time and energy? Does it fill you up? If not, reprioritize and let some of it go to make room for more. More smiles, more love, more life. It's a new day/week/month/quarter! Let's kick it up a notch, shall we?!

Wherever there is consistent sunshine, the snow has melted...but deep in the woods, where the light barely breaks through, some white remains. I feel like there is a deep life comparison/lesson in here somewhere, but it's been a long week and I'm too tired to think of it. Would anyone else like to offer up some words of wisdom? I'm all 👂s!

Perspective, belief, reality...they can change pretty fast. Mine were flipped upside down within 5 minutes today. Here's how: I was at my friend's gym this morning getting my butt kicked, doing 24" box jumps when he walked over and asked "Should I add the 12" on top?" I laughed, because COME ON, I just landed my first 30" jump a few weeks ago. He smirked over his shoulder as he walked away, saying "OK, we'll do it after class." I laughed and continued to jump in my comfort zone. But then, later, as I was working a heavy bag, I thought, "Hmm, Jordan has been pushing me for years in the right direction and because of it I've completed things I originally didn't think possible (pull-ups, a Spartan race, lifting heavier, punching harder...). What if this is one of them?" And so, after class, I stacked the boxes and stepped beside them. A 63" girl next to a 36" box. It was intimidating. I looked at my friend...

I think I'm pretty good at what I do. The Irish in me has created a darn good storytelling writer, my German blood keeps me (and my clients) organized, and the rest of my genealogical make-up/mash-up/mix-up, along with my humble beginnings, keep me hustling and honest. And humorous, if I do say so myself. Having said all of that, at the age of almost 44, I feel a little like I'm playing dress up when I meet with clients. I still can't believe I get paid to do what I do! Do you have any communication-related needs? Let's talk! You can watch me squirm in my Big Girl clothes. ;)

Yesterday, my son and I were driving when we saw a veteran hobbling down the street in a light rain. He suddenly stopped and, supporting himself on his cane with one hand, saluted an American flag with the other. For that moment he stood tall and straight and strong. And then just like that, the spell was broken and the boy who served and gave the most perfect salute I have ever seen returned to a gray-haired man who seemed to struggle to even put one foot in front of the other, walking so. slowly. down the street. I pulled over a block away in the first open spot I could find and said to my son, "I'm going to go ask if I can buy him a cup of coffee or a sandwich." The man smiled at me as I approached. Returning his smile I said, "Sir, may I please buy you a cup of coffee or some lunch?" He laughed a bit and said, "I really appreciate the offer, but I'm OK. I'm just out to stretch my legs and maybe I'll get an ice cream cone later on....