So – I’m going to open my proverbial kimono today. I posted these thoughts on one of my social media profiles – and it hit a nerve. So, I am sending this to my followers…..
This photo (at the bottom of this post) was from a LONG time ago – (20 years ago). I am including this because it gives perspective to what I want to share. Here we go.
Let’s get real….to be very vulnerable…the past 5 years have been horrifically challenging for my sister and me.
Many plot twists…real EXPERIENCES. And the HUGE takeaway from it all:
Is that we have the ability to SHIFT OUR MINDSET and CREATE WHAT WE WANT…..despite all the challenges.
The road bumps (or in most cases – the complete detours):
* Daddy passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on February 20 – 5 years ago.
* I was diagnosed with what could have been a terminal illness, underwent chemotherapy, and beat the odds, that same year.
* Dad’s identical twin passed away a year later.
* A tornado destroyed our family lake home, that same year.
* Less than 1.5 years after daddy, Momma passed on March 4.
* Many family responsibilities subsequently tore into life as I knew it – and I30 was my new weekly commute.
* Lulu lost the ability to walk and I had the heart-wrenching decision to give her the gift of transition.
* The pandemic happened and ransacked the speaking and facilitation business – torpedoing one segment of my business.
* Not to mention the tens of losses of friends due to Covid and other situations.
Yes. This. Is. Life.
This is real: life is ALWAYS full of PLOT TWISTS and ROAD BUMPS. ALWAYS.
Yet, here is the ‘Half Full’ plot twist:
* I have enriched deep friendships with many of my momma and daddy’s dear friends.
* I have two new ‘sisters from another mister’ in our Mom’s beloved caregivers …forever a part of our family.
* My business mastered a new way of delivering services, clients LOVE it and 2 new ONLINE Courses were developed and were met with great acclaim.
* We have had the blessing of rebuilding the lakehouse and enjoy it immensely.
* I was able to be home with Lulu throughout the pandemic – which was a blessing to both of us – and despite the void, I still feel – I am grateful for that time.
* One of my businesses grew over 80% through the pandemic – and continues to thrive.
So, here’s what I have learned (and my momma is smiling – as she taught me this):
* EVERYTHING that happens to us is to PREPARE us for what is to come (as always, she was right).
* We only control (as my dad taught me) our ABC’s: our attitudes, our behaviors, and our choices…..yet, when we get our mindset right…we can tackle ANYTHING.
* All we have is RIGHT NOW. Love those around you. Laugh often. Share generously (we take nothing with us). Seize the moment.
That is it. So – yes, this youthful photo with a contented smile on my face was NAIVE to what was to come.
Yet….what I know FOR SURE is that WE OWN IT. We have 100% of the responsibility.
Is it easy? Nope. Is it worth it? You better believe it.
This is one of the aspects I focus on in MY life and with my clients.
We GROW LEADERS. We GROW SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEURS. We GROW.
I really love your take on a tough few years in your life. What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. At our age, every year is a challange but we have been blessed for sure….too many to count. Hang in there neighbor.
Thank you, Jim. Blessings to you and Jan – grateful for your kindness.
Kristin, I was only aware of part of your tragedies of the last 5 years. You are a brave person, probably bolstered by the advice you give others? In any event, I hope you will rejoin our Rotary Club. You were such a welcomed sight at our meetings, and are missed. Roj
What a kind thing to say, Roger. Thank you. Blessings to you and all my fellow Rotarians.
Every point so well taken! The deaths, the illnesses of the past few years have been overwhelming, and my heart goes out to you for the losses you have experienced. I am, at the moment, going through something horrifically heartbreaking, si the sharing of your thoughts is perfect timing. Thanks, Kristen. Paz.
Katherine – thank you. I am keeping you in my thoughts.
Kristin, as usual spot on with emotional energy(reminder–Teachable Point of View(Idea, values, emotional energy and edge)
Thank you, Noel. You have been incredibly influential in my professional life – as you know. Forever grateful.