My Dad told me that he took his watch off April 25th 2007 and hasn’t put it back on since. WHY? He had a massive heart attack that day and decided that what was going on around him was so much more important than what was going on with the face of his watch.
In July 1985 I had a similar experience. I nearly died in a car wreck. First they thought I was dead, and then they thought I was paralyzed. If I had pics of the car or me after the accident, I’d post them. As I lay in bed watching Live Aid in the hospital room I made a decision to live in the moment. I made a decision to embrace everything that was thrown at me. I made a decision to take risks and live as if each and every day was my last. I know I did some unpopular things. I know I did some things that pissed off other people. That’s just too fucking bad. I think I have done a pretty good job with what was thrown at me.
Dad and I geared up to jump out of a plane!
So, why talk about this here? Because sometimes I forget and sometimes I need to be reminded. In March 2010 I received a phone call that changed my life and career path. Initially I said no, but hubby John encouraged me to say yes, even with the negative circular dialog in my head:
- What if I fuck up?
- What if they hate me?
- What if I can’t do what they want?
- Is anyone going to yell at me? I can’t take that shit!
- Isn’t there anyone more qualified for this job?
IMHO – if you don’t stretch your comfort zone, you never really grow. Risk taking has to become part of your regular life. It’s funny, I am perfectly comfortable taking risks with money and my well-being, but when it comes to putting myself out there for potential ridicule, I pull up on the reins. I have no idea how theater people and musicians do it! I will jump out of a plane or rappel down a waterfall, but auditioning makes me CRAZY – like can’t sleep, vomiting in the trashcan crazy. But I am determined to take more risks and put myself out there even more (as witnessed by launching myself onto the web). Luckily I have a few cheerleaders and a couple of coaches in my corner. If you don’t have that, you might be hanging around with the wrong people.
So here are my wishes for you for 2014:
- I wish you would live in the moment! Put down the damn phone during social gatherings after you “check in” and LIVE IN THE NOW, not on the web. FB will be there when the friends are gone, enjoy the friends while you are with them. And take pictures so you remember the days!
Celebrating friend Janet’s birthday at Pinot Brasserie
- I wish you would take chances you never thought to take before.
- I wish you would follow your gut and go for it!
- I wish you would create a Vision Board for what you want.
- I wish you would try new food and, new restaurants
Friend Christian getting ready to eat balut – look it up.
2013 was filled with chances for me to stretch, grow and spread my wings. Did I take all of them? I am not sure. Did I take as big a bite of life as I would have liked? Maybe. 2014 will be filled with challenges and changes and I am ready. Tomorrow is my birthday and the official beginning of LeAnne-uary. I plan to celebrate all month long, so if you are reading this and see me out and about in Vegas – buy me a drink! It’s my birthday dammit!
What are you going to do in 2014? Other than launching this site, what do you think I should do in 2014 (other than stop smoking and cussing so much, Mom)? Share in the comment section – I’d love to hear!
Next week? Attitude of Gratitude – Live it, Love it!
