Such Blessings

Little over 12 hours away and I'm really not worried about the physical part of the 3,000+ mile journey. In fact, I'm more on edge about what's in store mentally and spiritually. Last week Erin from Colon Cancer Coalition and I were discussing how this project got to this point. Putting something together for their website, she wanted to look back at what created and sustained this energy for the last 3 years. 

At some point in life we all eventually have challenges and circumstances that test, stretch and hopefully make us stronger individuals.  Working in local tv news for decades I've been amazed at how resilient and positive some people are in the face of incredible adversity. One common denominator is that they will not see themselves as victims and refuse to wilt, but will use their heartache to inspire and guide others.  

Going through my own life-challenges a few years ago required me to search deep within myself. What actually defines me? What am I doing to make things better for my neighbors? It's been pretty hard at times to be genuinely honest about myself. What insecurity led me to act that way?  It's all obvious stuff, but it's not always easy to correct under stress.

While working on these personal internal drivers, I also wanted to tackle a larger life goal. It's been a dream to ride a bicycle cross-country ride. Why not use this opportunity to give credit where it's due. Even during chemo treatments Donna is putting others first. I get this FB posting this afternoon from her about collecting funds for a special meal for first responders on Christmas. "Isn't this a treatment week?" I ask her husband. "Yes" came the expected text. Donna is living the talk.

It is this energy I try tapping into and paying forward. What can I do to" live the talk" like Donna. How can I make 2022 better than 2021?