I'm 50! And, quite emotional, it turns out. My good friend, Peri Meno Pause, wants her voice heard and for me to hold space for her. So, she has joined me at the table and holds court. A bit bossy and noisy this one.
A little over a year ago, I started the year of "yes". I set some goals (to launch a website, blog, and podcast) and set forth on a new path and purpose. The whole point was to help myself heal and set a new tone for the second half of my beautiful life. The tone was/is intended to reflect my creative, joyful, loving, and energic true self. Stepping away from identifying with my T/traumas and circumstances and setting a NEW course that I create and cultivate. And, hopefully, by sharing, it helps people in the process.
I did accomplish what I set out to do, and I am very proud of it.
Life also has a way of presenting new and unexpected challenges to keep you sharp. It was testing my theory that is also sends a life raft. Treading water and waiting for search and rescue: the past few months leading up to this milestone birthday were difficult. I'm not going to sugar coat it. Due to certain circumstances, my health and well-being were compromised, which was a humbling experience. I had so much momentum creating new content coming into 2025, only to find myself muted for a while. There were times I had to go back and listen to my own podcast for advice. But! I did go back and listen. I reminded myself that I am the life raft, and I am feeling much better. In fact, I am inspired again, so you will be hearing much more from me.
I had a lovely birthday trip with good friends in a gorgeous place. It was a trip that was planned for two years.
The location surpassed my expectations. The Peloponnese, Mani Peninsula is stunning with turquoise water, lush green mountains, colorful wildflowers, olive groves, and small fishing villages with limestone tavernas that are directly on the water. I had to sit as close as possible to the water, even when it meant my shoe fell into it. The good news: a handsome Greek man took off his shirt to reveal his barrel chest and swan dove into the water to rescue the shoe. My face burned (as well as other things) as he emerged out of the water, walked wet to my table, and handed me my dripping sandal. Ahem.
Snapping sea turtles, that I didn't know were already in town when swimming, joined me in that very fresh water a few times. I was even spoiled by a Greek Tom Brady, the bartender, on my birthday that made the night quite fun.
Plaka in Athens was a shopping frenzy, as usual. I left covered in Evil Eyes on everything from tiles and scarves to pillows and earrings. We had at least two meals that had 7 courses and a wine pairing with views of the Acropolis. Martinis at fancy hotels with exceptional "snacks" taboot.
This trip served as a training ground for what's to come next, a video blog documenting my facial expressions as I tackle the Camino. More to come on all this and more including a "Cats of Andros" photo dump.
Happy to be typing again!!!
