When I was 64 ...

I started out the year of 2017 saying it was going to be my year of “living boldly.”  Yes, a lot of this determination was brought on by the 2016 Presidential Election and the outcome of the unrest that ensued following said election.  I am proudly and unapologetically liberal, so to say it has been a year of angst, for my soul, would be an understatement.  I have said repeatedly, and I will say again now, it has nothing to do with political differences.  We all have our own political agendas and thoughts on how things should work. But the difference with this election was not political … it was pure out and out humanity.  That is a line in the sand, my friends.

With this unrest, I committed myself to “living boldly.”  Never accept through silence, take each day as a beautiful gift from our God, embrace that gift, share it with others, and above all live and love each and every single day … live and love each and every single day.

So my year of 2017, the year I turned 64 on February 9 …

 From the very first of the year, I remained totally and completely ensconced on my wellness journey.  I worked with my company and my health educator and personal trainer to help spread the word to other employees.  I committed to being available to my fellow co-workers to assist them on their health journey.    This is one of my most passionate missions, and I am so thankful to boldly participate.

January brought a lot of unrest in the political arena.  I attended my first ever protest and rally on January 31.  This was in response to the recent ban on immigration.   I found this disturbing on so many fronts.  It has repercussions that most of us cannot even imagine yet or wrap our arms around.  But I also attended this rally for so many other reasons.   I have said so many times, and will continue to state, that this environment has awakened the “silence” of many.  By “silence” I don’t just mean folks not stating their mind in words or actions, but “silence” in not truly being aware of how others have lived, been marginalized, while others have been so privileged.    I knew, as my year progressed, that this would not and was indeed not,  my only rally or protest.  I attended a health care reform rally, in an effort to save our health care for millions upon millions, I attended a Black Lives Matter and Interfaith Rally in response to the hatred that was evidence in Charlottesville, and I recently attended the Women’s March.

In February, I actually joined in conversation and planning of a transatlantic cruise to Barcelona, Spain.  This is intensely brave for me, as I HATE to fly.   Not only would I be flying almost 10 hours home from Barcelona, I would also be cruising across the Atlantic Ocean from Tampa, Florida to the Mediterranean Sea to Barcelona, Spain.   We would have two weeks at sea, with 4 ports during the two weeks, and 6 full days of total at sea.   The planning and anticipation were exciting, but the apprehension was real as well. 

Also in February …  Happy 64^th Birthday to me!!!!!!!!

Now for March …  the first of March, I participated again in the Triple Crown of Road Races.  I live in the Derby City area, and each year there are three road races and a half-marathon that I participate in by walking in celebration of the Kentucky Derby.  This has been one of my victory celebrations for my continued 70 pound weight loss.   These races are 5K, 10K, 10 miles, and I do the half-marathon 13.1.   I was only privileged to participate in the 5K, 10K, and 10 miler this year, due to being in the middle of the ocean for the half-marathon.   I did miss that half-marathoner this year … I’ll be back on the road in 2018 for that one!!  (To celebrate my 65^th Birthday!!)

On April 7, I celebrated my Third Healthy Birthday!!  On April 7, 2014 I started on my wellness journey.  Now three years later, I celebrate my 70 pound weight loss, and more importantly than the weight, my return to a healthy lifestyle, healthy, normal labs, and very healthy body.   I am forever grateful for this journey.   

Also in April, we made our transatlantic crossing to Spain.   What an adventure, and more importantly, what an awesome group of friends to share this experience.  I know we have bonded in friendship and spirit, and these bonds will not be broken.  We are looking forward to many more adventures over the years.

I could go on throughout the months of 2017, but I won’t bore you with each detail.  

My commitment was to “live boldly.”  I believe God calls each of us to live boldly. Whether it be with large things, where we face a fear, or the small things.  In small things we often touch more lives.  I don’t honestly think there really is anything as a “small thing.”   What may seem small to us, to another may be a life blood.

I love these beautiful lyrics from the song, “We Will Rise Up and Follow” by David Haas

“In the eyes of the stranger, tearful, joyous, or frightened.  In the face of each neighbor, Jesus summons us all.  When we hear words of hatred, spreading fear and false witness, words that cry to be challenged, Jesus summons us all.

We will rise up, rise up and follow.  Christ before and beside us.  Loving pattern to guide us. As we answer the call.”

Live Boldly … give boldly of yourself … love boldly.   My life has been enriched in so many ways.  God has always placed me in the right place, with the right people, at the right time.  It’s beyond time to Pay It Forward.