The Reality Hits .. and a New Purpose Arises

Good morning everyone.
I have always been a woman of principle and purpose. I've spent my entire life in service to others. It's in my bones and DNA. For God sake, I'm a social worker by profession ... caring for the downtrodden, the emotionally ailing, etc. Years ago I was president of the board for the local hospice, have donated lots of time to others, etc.

I call myself an "empath." Empaths are highly sensitive. This is the term commonly used in describing one's abilities (sensitivity) to another's emotions and feelings. Empaths have a deep sense of knowing that accompanies empathy and are often compassionate, considerate, and understanding of others.It's a positive trait and a burden .. because empaths tap into the pain in the world. I often suppress it just to keep my head above water.

The least amount of empathy I have is for myself .... well, now that has to change.

AT 4:00 yesterday afternoon... just 15 1/2 hours ago, my doctor told me I have breast cancer. I "took it like a man." You see, as a social worker... I always do great in the moment... handle a crisis with ease ... but then fall apart later.
I had the usual thoughts ... how could I? No one in my family has had this. OMG, how will I take care of myself? and then immediately sprung to okay...what do I have to do?

I held it together .. didn't cry. I called my sister and then I called my son -- my only child... the love of my life (he's 31) That was hard.. telling him.

I spent last evening with a wonderful gentleman caller (who I allowed to not be gentlemanly) and it was perfect. A strong, gallant man to hold me, let me know I was still whole and complete. I slept well.

At 7:00 this morning, I bolted out of bed, said my morning little mantra..."I"m a soul, I'm a child of God, I'm a stand for Peace and Positivity in the world." And then, my mind screamed .... "I have breast cancer." I burst into body-shaking crying... for a moment. (My coaching clients know that I only allow them a few minutes of whining at the beginning of a session .. and then we get down to business. So, how could I whine for more than that?)

Between walking from my bedroom into my bathroom to brush my teeth... I realized now that I have a new purpose in life ... ME... and BREAST CANCER. OMG, maybe this is my "next" reinvention. It certainly can be a hook for people to not just glance at their life .. but to straight-on demand that their life be what they wish.. because, as we know, we NEVER know what's next.

So, here's my new STAND (like, position, like cause) in life ....
I'm going to blog about this as much as possible ... in addition to all my other work.

People have always known me as courageous .. well, this is just the next corner to get around. I'll still SPEAK, COACH and WRITE... AND, I'll take on MY cancer.

I recently saw the movie Julie & Julia. Julie starts a one-year blog to cover her commitment to cook every one of Julia Child's recipes in a one-year period... and to write about it in her blog everyday.

I'm gonna do that. The HEAD BOOMER is taking on Cancer ... for herself and for you.
It totally fits into my commitment in life ... That all people are involved in the process of ReInventing themselves ... for happiness and fulfillment.


I had a session with a psychic about a year ago. I was in the process of writing my book of my own reinvention memoir... Sixty, Sexy, Sassy and Free. The psychic said...I see a series of 3 books. I couldn't imagine. Well, book #2 is nearly done ... it's the process of reinvention and it's called: When You Want Things to be Different .... 7 1/2 Steps to Transcend the Status Quo

Perhaps this blog will turn into book 3 ... as I represent the boomer population dealing with change or illness or whatever ... and STILL having amazing, productive, fulfilled lives.

So, stay tuned.
I can't promise I'll write everyday ... there might be days I'm in surgery, or throwing up ... I have no idea ... but I'll write as I can.... this blog will be my journal ... for ME ... and a gift for you... as you go through whatever you go through.

Welcome, please keep coming back. Please write comments or emails... I'll need to hear from you.

This morning I start the phone calls, to set up my MRI, my first appt with the surgeon, etc. I'm in "get it done" mode .... And, I'll pause to cry or scream along the way... whenever the mood hits me.

I love you,
ann

I Just Saw A Movie that Tells me I'm on the Right Track

Hi Everyone,
I know this is a very long title... but it says it. Although I needed to be home working on the manuscript for my nearly finished book, Sixty, Sexy, Sassy and Free... I did, instead, go to the movies this afternoon. Given the timing, Revolutionary Road was about to start.

I knew it would be sad, heavy and uncomfortable to watch; afterall it's about the disintegration of a marriage. Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet are reunited from their Titanic movie of over 10 years ago. They are awesome. They've matured AND their chemistry is still amazing.

As I watched the unravelling of their relationship, I couldn't help but see myself and my own experience, not to mention that of many others.
But, the thing that struck me the most was the underlying "cause" or theme beneath the obvious. Here it is: Here's a man who settles to work at a job he doesn't like so he can make it -- e.g. support his family, pay the bills, be responsible. Here's a woman, frustrated by the boredom of the suburbs AND frustrated by her inability to excel in a career she was interested in. At some point in the movie, they climb out of their doldrums, develop a plan to alter life as they know it and REINVENT themselves. They get excited, take all the steps to start over. Their love returns, they're happy. Then, of course, they reneg on the deal and go back to feeling unfulfilled, unhappy with each other. It's awful.

They aren't even baby boomers, so why am I writing this? It's easy. I am so keenly aware of how many people are living lives of quiet desperation ... settling, giving in, daydreaming, but taking no action. In the husband's case, he had no clue of what he really wanted to do with his life. I can't tell you how many people I know that fit that bill. They don't even allow themselves to consider WHAT would make them happy, where they'd like to devote their time and energy. They're just too immersed in doing whatever it is they do. And, here's the worst part. They don't see that their own misery bleeds over into the misery of those around them.

So .. I'm on the right track. I'm writing, speaking and coaching on Re-Energizing, Re-Purposing, Re-Inventing .... in business and in life. My goal is for all people to be engaged in purposeful work and to feel a sense of fulfillment.

I invite you to continue on this journey with me.
My book is nearly done ... stay tuned for announcements.
If you're in the NY area, attend my workshops. If you're not in NY, let's talk -- gather a group of folks, pay my expenses and we'll split the fees. I'll come and do my workshops where you live.

Together, let's help people feel that sense of achievement ... let's make our hearts sing and feel passion.
No time like the present.
Thanks,
ann