I asked if she would send me a picture of it later that evening. One of the items was to take my children on a trip; which had been on my mind and already planned. You may think that’s no big deal, but for me, it was. We spent time each year on vacation, but they always included other friends and family. We hadn’t taken a trip with just us, until this year. I had given them a trip of their choice for their Christmas present. It was fun to think and plan of what would suit us best. After many conversations and investigation, we settled on Costa Rica and would all experience it together for the first time.

The straightforward quote that caught my eye was, “Nothing is worth more than this day.” It’s uncomplicated yet so meaningful. This day is all we really have. How do you want to show up for it? How will you make it memorable or make a difference? Live each day like it’s the only one that matters and then if we get another chance tomorrow, repeat.

At this point I had no idea where my friends were and assumed I had fallen way behind, but with determination started on my third and final leg of the race. Instead of reveling in my accomplishments thus far, I was disappointed in my experience in the water and the popped tire. I lost a bit of steam but kept pushing on and came to realize what I had just accomplished. I never ran into my friends again until I crossed the finish line.

Once everyone completed the ceremony, each woman had a simple necklace filled with beautiful handwritten notes on both sides. As each woman read their special notes of appreciation, teardrops fell. Small words of kindness can be just what a person needs. We all want to feel loved, appreciated and seen.

During our last morning, after yoga, programming and breakfast, everyone took turns pulling written messages out of the “believe” jar and one by one, read each blessing aloud to the group. It was a wonderful testament to the gratitude the ladies felt for people and experiences in their lives. Some of the blessings included: the weekend and coaches, family, daughter, and open hearts.

It was an emotional and meaningful journey for her and was able to give herself much needed soul-care and self-love. I wouldn’t have wanted to share this day with anyone else. To those that need to give themselves a little love and soul-care; the winds of change are waiting for you.

Giving a little self-care each day is a simple, yet a powerful statement of self-worth. Do something good for yourself each day to show some love; I promise it’s worth the effort.

As we gathered outdoors around the fireplace and lit seasoned wood, we took turns releasing our words, old wounds, negativity and anything we no longer wanted or needed in our lives, into the fire. As we watched our unwanted thoughts burn, release and smoke rise, we read the following together:

After my Dad’s passing, my sister and I represented the family and my Mom’s wishes regarding the gravestone they would one day share. The gentlemen helping us with monument decisions, asked if any special words or phrase should be added in addition to names, dates and etchings. After conferring with the family, it was an unanimous decision to add the phrase, “betcha a nickel.” It would be two words that would forever link their lives in a loving and playful manner.

As if by magic, fate, divine timing or whatever you believe in, things started coming together like gang-busters; everything was working out. Each time I worked on portions of the weekend, I felt pure joy….frankly, I was giddy. I knew the weekend would be transformational not only to the participants, but for the coaches as well.

Even though we were sad she’d no longer be a part of the retreat, we gave her the gift of true friendship. We loved her enough to let her go where her heart was leading. She knew where it was calling and was brave enough to admit it to herself and us. It was a night of true grace and understanding and I’m proud of her for following her heart.

We sent many texts, made many phone calls in order to make the plan solid. Game day arrived and Hannah was up early texting and calling. The weather looked iffy with rain and chilly temps. At this point we needed to make a decision and thought we would just go for it. Plan A was in place, no turning back.

I’ve learned in this position there are giving people willing to be good stewards of their neighborhoods, communities and surrounding area. They are generous with their time and energy and even though the news seems to put focus on the negative things that happen, I believe most people are good and want to be part of a community that raises its members up. I’m proud to be a part of the park board for another six years. I hope your voting voice was cast this week; it matters.

When you realize you’ve been dealing with contrast, which is knowing what you don’t want in order to understand what you do want, let that be your guide. It’s our warning system that leads us to our heart and ultimately to our calling. To my new and shiny “whatever is waiting for me’…….I’m coming for you. I’m ready to share, give and inspire in this thing called life. Are you being nudged to do the same?

The instructor guided us through a journey on the edge between sleep and awake, while bringing us to the awareness of our body through breath and mind. We visualized our own journey, as if floating on a cloud. Everyone was in their own world, hidden beneath and wrapped in the comforting cocoon; drifting wherever their mind and body took them. After about 75 minutes, the class was pulled back from their journey, feeling refreshed, relaxed and renewed.

Green Aventurine’s energy is all about the vitality of anything, such as: health, growth, finances, confidence, and friends. It’s a common healing stone and a go-to stone for ailments.

Amethyst’s energy is that of protection and purification. It’s also know to enhance intuition and is said to help the release of addictions. Reach for this stone to help with sleep, to enhance with intuition and give the feeling of peace.

After game two, we were instructed on more advanced throwing techniques; two overhead at the same time or under arm; none of which I was successful doing. It was a fun evening with good friends, meeting new people, having new experiences and laughing. Sometimes in life, we have limiting beliefs that hold us back from trying something new or going for a dream. I wouldn’t call myself an expert axe thrower, but I had fun learning the process, to that I say…..Paul Bunyan, move over. Life is about the journey; enjoy it step by step or throw by throw. What will your next step reveal?

The evening’s schedule was packed with an autograph signing session with the inductees, cocktail hour, silent auction, dinner, grand prize ticket drawing, live auction, all ending with the induction ceremony itself. I had learned earlier in the weekend that my Dad and brother’s race jackets would be part of the live auction.