I recorded this video, sharing how I felt—a mix of sorrow then joy—in that very moment as we arrived home. Earlier, Geordie and I attended a Celebration of Life for a wonderful doctor we both worked with who was five years younger than me. There were hundreds of grieving people there, all sharing great stories of how he had positively affected their lives. 

One of his close friends arrived late and said to me, "I just delivered a baby." 
The circle of life, all in the same day. His heart was broken losing his friend. And just before, he was present for someone’s greatest moment; delivering a baby and a new life beginning.
Life is like that sometimes, isn’t it? Someone is immersed in grief, sadness,
and devastation while someone else is experiencing the best moment of their lives.
And you could be there for both; laughter, tears, sadness and joy all in the same day!

As we left this Celebration of Life, my heart was heavy. And then we were home and had to prepare to celebrate a birthday. Our twins had decided for the first time that they wanted separate parties. So from grief to happiness, it was time to get ready to greet three girls who were arriving shortly for a sleepover, to celebrate Jadyn’s birthday!

All we can do, as we navigate this journey and find ourselves on emotional roller-coasters
is the best we can do. We need to show up for ourselves, show up for each other,
discover our beliefs about life and death… and sometimes we just have to hold on.

A baby is born, a Celebration of Life, a 12 year old’s birthday party all in the same day.

Some days you will feel great sorrow, great joy,
tears and laughter. Just hold on.

Has life ever been like this for you?

I am so excited as our Love Your Life to Death Team prepares to launch our 30 minute
audio download which highlights the 7 Take Aways from my presentation,
but... WE ARE SO BUSY!! We are running around, sharing with everyone
and always seem to run out of time at the end of the day.

I have to remind myself to walk my talk, especially Take Away #4:

"Show Up For Yourself First!" So in our rushing, we decided to take some time and visit Lorraine at Soul Sistas Cafe and Restaurant in Huntsville - a wonderful place
​that soothes your soul with great atmosphere and healthy food.
Lorraine and I were talking about the 7 Take Aways, and ironically something
​had happened that very morning that was fitting. She shared: 

I added, " You have to. We forget this and often rush out the door when we haven't eaten.
We are not going to be able to show up for others!" So, in our busy day, we stopped, sat,
and took a few moments to ground ourselves and have a wonderful steamy latte.

The moral of the story? Have breakfast, slow down and treat yourself right.
​Then you can be the best version of yourself.

Show Up for Yourself First!

How do you take good care of you?

*Here is a link to our exciting campaign and upcoming launch...
Feel free to join!
https://goo.gl/73kWcZ

I celebrated New Year’s Eve with fireworks, friends, Jadyn and Tanner (Geordie worked nights) and welcomed 2017 with excitement.  As I sipped my non-alcoholic ginger beer
I was quietly proud of myself. My last glass of wine was one year ago, New Year’s eve, 2016.

Red wine and I went steady for many years. I’d have a glass or two…or three…or…
when I was happy, bored, celebrating or drowning my sorrows and escape grief. Huh…
Seems like red and I spent a lot of time together. We did break up and spend time apart over the years; when I was pregnant of course, on a health kick and when Tyler went down a dangerous road of drugs and drinking. But slowly red would make her way back into my life. There would be times at a social I’d ask who drank the rest of my wine, then realize it was me!

When I decided to change my life, leave nursing and write my book, I knew I had to give my new purpose everything I had. So, I gave up cable TV, de-cluttered my home, committed to exercising every day, and yep…broke up with red wine…this time for good! Sure,
I know a glass of wine here and there won’t hurt. But I just don’t trust our relationship.
Kind of like a bad relationship you ended; is it really a good idea to just meet for lunch?  
For me, a clean break is best. And I feel SO good about myself. 
I didn’t want to do it at first, so I told myself “I want to want to!”
That’s a great place to start!

This post isn’t about not drinking. It’s about asking yourself what is standing in the way of you being the best version of yourself. What is stopping you from being really proud of you; Smoking? Drinking? Unhealthy eating? Not following your dream? Just take a step
in the right direction. And don’t focus on what you don’t want. Focus on what you do want. Want to be healthy? Want to be in charge of your life? Want to be happy?  
I promise, it may not be easy at first, but you are worth it!!

Do you want to change something in your life?
Start with “I want to want to….” and always focus on the positive.
Be good to yourself on your new journey, fail your way to success!
You just might surprise yourself! 

Feel free to share your story, even if you’re still working on it!