I've always loved writing. In Elementary school I would save up money, bike to the local bookstore (the one by QFC in Redmond that always had THE BABYSITTER'S CLUB new released books and always had a big fat cat in the window). At this store, or Lakeside Drug next door, I would find THE PERFECT blank hard back journal. I would thoughtfully pick one out- usually with kittens on the front and then write a full blown novel based on that picture. I wrote so many "books". I doubt any of them would be interesting to read now but my point is, I loved to just write.
Fast forward to Junior High. The late 80s, early 90s. I loved logging onto Prodigy and writing on message boards. I loved social media from an early age. I met friends all across the US. I loved writing hand written letters too. Countless pen pals. I love connecting with people. I'm a people person.
Life is so funny how it has swells of highs and lows...like the tide of the Puget sound. Sometimes the water is so inviting- like running to the beach at Fort Casey on a hot August day, but you would NEVER go in that same water on a January day...no matter how sunny it was. Writing sort of turned that way for me with my blog. I felt judged. I knew "certain people" were reading my blog and hating me. So I stopped. It's time to jump back in...after all, it is August...and 100 degrees in Utah. Bless.
I've been a long time fan of Jennifer Kirk. Brilliant Ice skater from years ago. But now she is just a fun person to follow on Instagram. She talked recently about how HAPPY she is because she's truly living. I feel the same.
My concussion, broken foot, tendinitis, weight gain yada yada really took a toll on me. I was so sad. So depressed. So lost. But skating in Sun Valley helped me feel ALIVE again. And now that I feel alive, it's time to start LIVING again, which includes blogging or journaling. And to be honest...I type a lot faster then I write with pen (and it doesn't cramp my fingers) so blogging it is. Typing. :)
In June I was thinking- I might always been "sick". There might not be a real future. I had given up on recovering from this concussion. I didn't want to live. Then I went to Sun Valley with my friend Libby and I met some amazing coaches. The challenge of learning new things and having people believe in me, mixed with skating outside in such a positive environment helped me be brave enough to touch that Puget Sound water-- it was July after all. I came home from that trip changed. I had a light. A new light inside me, or maybe it was my old light was back. Regardless, I was changed and so happy.
Then the first weekend of August I went back for five days of hard choreography and lots of inspiring lessons. I met new friends and found myself again. I was HAPPY. How long had it been since I was this happy? I was living again.
So my question...have you gotten stuck? Have you stopped LIVING because the water is too cold or you got a cramp in your hand? Have you stopped shining because of a failed relationship, the judgment of others, a death in the family or change in your job?
Micheal Jordan said: I've failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed.
11 months ago
