Wow, I can’t believe how fast this year has gone by. It seems like just yesterday, I was talking to Betsy Gray Talbot about putting together a list of 60 things I would do by the time I am 60.
Unfortunately, I didn’t complete every item. I was even thrown off course several times. But here are some lessons I have discovered and rediscovered along the way about me:
- With the passing of my mother, I struggled between wanting to ball my eyes out to forcing myself to be strong just so that I could get to the next day. The strong part of me won out though I continue to find I miss the silliest things about her that either leave me smiling or with tears in my eyes.
- When my doctor told me three days before the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon not to run, I was extremely disappointed. I tried to have a positive attitude about it but I spent a couple of months hating my body for failing me. I also spent those months considering whether I should run or not anymore. With the help of my running buddies, I’m glad to report that running won out. I’m back to training for not one but two half marathons in 2012.
- When I booked my ticket to go to Borneo and Bali, I didn’t know if Candice Busch, my best girlfriend, would be able to join me or not. Though filled with a huge amount of trepidation, I refused to let that derail my dream to see the orangutans. Candice did join me on this trip of a lifetime and, as always, we had so much fun together.
- The mortgage industry hasn’t been the easiest business to be in over the last several years. I can say there has been more times than I care to admit even to myself that I have wanted to throw in the towel and call it quits. Somehow, I have managed to stay focused. And, yesterday, with the support of my mortgage broker and our wonderful staff, I got one of the biggest wins of my career.
- And last but not least, my 60 by 60 list has been the very best present I have ever given to myself. What a wonderful way to stretch myself, record my accomplishments and share them with others.
My 60 by 60 will not be ending with my 60th birthday. I will continue to record and share.
The goal of checking one more item off, the focus to accomplish something I would normally not do, and that wonderful feeling that “Yes, I can” are all great ways to reach just a little bit further than I ever thought I could.
So, stay tuned to my 60th year on this wonderful earth.