There’s an old saying that speakers should share stories from the scar, not the wound. A scar is a wound that’s had time to heal—it’s not fresh, raw, and painful.
Typically, this is sound advice.
But sometimes, you need to follow your heart instead of expert guidance.
That’s why today, I’m sharing from the wound.
Yesterday was my sister Kathy’s 55th birthday. As I lay sleeping on a reclining chair, and Kathy lay on a hospital bed, a team of nurses entered the room to sing “Happy Birthday.”
Kathy has been in the hospital for almost 10 days because of a toe infection that hasn’t healed. She’s been battling this for over a month, has been hospitalized twice, and has undergone three surgical procedures. A fourth procedure is happening as I write this.
It’s still uncertain what the outcome will be, although we remain hopeful that today’s procedure will provide some answers and, God-willing, relief.
The last few weeks have been excruciatingly painful for Kathy physically and for our entire family emotionally.
Kathy’s toe infection is the culmination of a lifetime of struggles with her weight, sedentary habits, and lifestyle choices.
My life’s mission is to help people elevate their mindset, wellness, and relationships to live happier, healthier, and more meaningful lives.
For years, I’ve wondered how I could influence so many people but could not help my sister.
It’s become clear to me recently that Kathy is here to teach me.
Kathy has taught me about love, compassion, and acceptance. Her story has shown me you cannot serve someone when you judge them, that life is not always black and white, and that there’s a difference between responsibility and blame.
My wonderful sister has modeled what it means to own your choices and the consequences that come with them, without ever adopting a victim mentality—and how, even in the most painful circumstances, you can find blessings.
As much as I wish we could have avoided the domino effect that led Kathy from obesity to diabetes to the complications she’s experiencing now—I wonder if this was the path her soul chose to help the rest of us do better.
I also wonder what path her life will take from here—because the story isn’t over.
We’re still in the messy middle, and there’s always room for magic in the middle.
On the podcast this week, I discuss how our daily decisions regarding mindset, wellness, relationships, career, and finances create a momentum that can either move us toward our dreams or away from them.
What I know for sure is that if you are reading this:
It is not too late to create a new domino effect.
It’s easier than you think to shift your life toward your dreams.
There’s room for magic in your messy middle, too.
And you don’t have to do any of this alone.
Just as I continue to support Kathy fully, I am here to support you. That is my purpose on this earth, and as long as I’m able, I will honor it.
If you’re wondering how I can support you, right now there are three ways:
Through my blog and my weekly podcast.
Through 1:1 coaching, which I offer in six-month increments.
Through our quarterly Rejuvafast challenges.
And if it’s not me whom you choose to support you, that’s okay, too. What matters is that you know you have the power to change your thoughts, habits, and decisions and that there are people and resources to help you do it. So go for it, and know I’m in your corner, cheering you on, and hoping you find the sparks of bliss along the way.