This past year I looked near death in the face, witnessed new birth, and had many glorious and challenging moments along the way. In other words, I’ve been living life.
I think sometimes sorrow can carve out a deep well that allows that much more room for true, unbounded joy to enter in.
Looking Near Death in the Face
On October 4th of last year, my husband Steve, who I considered to be one of the healthiest, most well-balanced people I know, went into sudden, unexplained cardiac arrest while eating lunch with a co-worker.
Within minutes, the Westlake Fire Department was on the scene administering several shocks while trying to resuscitate Steve before rushing him to the hospital. For five long days we waited for Steve to show the slightest sign of life and cognition. It finally happened. He miraculously recovered not only his life, but his memory and eventually returned to full-hearted living.
Witnessing New Birth
In January of this year, our youngest daughter Maggie delivered an absolutely beautiful baby boy, Beau Allen. I don’t know who’s more filled with joy…..Maggie, who is such a natural little mama, or me, watching my adopted daughter bond so deeply with this little person she created who has her button nose and sweet mouth. Being present for the delivery was one of the most beautiful blessings I will ever witness.
We often pray for things in life to workout, for our friends and family to not suffer, and for events to unfold as we wish they would. I’ve come to realize that life is a glorious adventure that we get to go along for the ride, but we can’t determine the twists, turns, detours and rate at which we’ll get there. And we don’t really need to know where “there” is, because the jewels are in the journey along the way.
My Approach to Health
As I continue to age and “adventure” through life, I’m keenly aware of the importance of a healthy lifestyle. The only way I can truly be there for the people I care about is to have practices in place so that when I hit the roadblocks of life, I’m able to navigate through them. It is so easy to get side-tracked helping others, but I believe true healthcare needs to be daily, consistent, individual and intentional. We have to fill our own cup so we have something to pour into others.
I’ve found what helps me navigate life with a little more balance is an Ayurvedic approach to wellness which entails living in tune with the seasons of the year and the seasons of my life. I try and eat seasonally keeping in mind what’s best for my constitution. I try to vary my exercise as much as possible, and I practice mindfulness on a regular basis through my yoga. I am intentional about what I feed my body, mind and spirit. My personal mantra through the years has been, “Lord, work through me, with me, and in me.” As I evolve with the seasons of my life, I am continually working on accepting my aging body with grace and compassion.
What being a Part of iGnite has Meant to Me
iGnite continues to inspire me to be a better version of myself by getting me out of my comfort zone, trying new things, and walking my talk. I love the truly holistic approach to wellness that is the heartbeat of iGnite, and I value the genuine connections I have made in my eleven years with the group. Now more than ever in our world, “I believe in the power of we.”
