I am surprised how many people don’t really live; they are merely going through the motions.
When I was alone and abused, I always imagined that the people on the other side (the ones with the “nice lives”) were aware of how fortunate they were and were making the most of each and every day. To find this was not the case was, at first, a little strange to me. But I now know that I can help people stop putting their lives on hold, waiting for the one day when the time is right to start living from the heart.
Every time I give a talk or an interview on domestic violence, child abuse, or depression, I know the knowledge I share, gained from the life I have led, is making a big difference to somebody I will probably never meet.
I have learnt so much from the cards I have been dealt. Every time I give a talk or an interview on domestic violence, child abuse, or depression, I know the knowledge I share, gained from the life I have led, is making a big difference to somebody I will probably never meet. I share stories on how running marathons not only changed my life, but I believe it saved it. I have clients tell me how I have changed the way they see themselves and their lives and this enables them to make different choices that led them to a better life.
Happy birthday to me!
I try to find some quiet time on my birthday to feel my loss deeply, so I can make room for the joy I feel for the life I now live.
I recently celebrated my 47th birthday and am filled with an overwhelming joy and excitement for the year ahead. I have a different relationship to ageing than most people I know. I feel empowered by the passing years.
Me running in the NY Marathon
I don’t want to turn back the signs of ageing; I have worked hard and suffered greatly for the face I have. I like looking in the mirror and seeing my life and all my achievements looking back at me. All the lines and wrinkles are the story of my life.
As an author and a speaker, my job is to tell stories and I like having my face help me tell that story. I take care of myself, because I feel privileged that I got to spend another year in this body I call mine.
The more I connect, engage and love other people, the happier I am in my work, my running. The more fulfilled I am in my life. The more I realise just what I lost in all those years. I try to find some quiet time on my birthday to feel my loss deeply, so I can make room for the joy I feel for the life I now live. Once I have felt that sorrow, I can look at my children and feel a gratitude for life that maybe I would not appreciate if my life had been different.