I was born in New York City, the second daughter to very young parents (mom 18, dad 21). By the time we moved out of the City, another daughter was on the way, followed a few years later by a fourth daughter.
We I moved nine more times before my 20th birthday, torture for a natural introvert with curly hair and glasses. But constantly being an outsider developed empathy in me, a trait that served me well in my relationships, and through the next 30 or so relocations as an adult. I wouldn’t think of trading stability for empathy, so I guess everything worked out as it was supposed to.
So, who am I? In order of development: I am a child of divine Love, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a wife, a mother, and a grandmother. These are the relationships that have shaped me, and have brought me the greatest joys and the most profound sorrows.
In no particular order: I have become a writer, editor, mentor, spiritual director, coach, trainer, television show host, singer, skier, jewelry maker, dress maker, gardener, and hospice volunteer (It’s easy to reinvent yourself with so many moves).
It’s taken a lifetime of trial and error to learn the most important things I know about being human and to find joy in that. So, what have I learned?
I have learned the spiritual practice of beingness from my dogs and the spiritual practice of living in the Now from babies (and from death). I have learned I can accept the things I cannot change, and I can love (or at the very least appreciate) them—from the mundane, like my curly hair and glasses, to the profound like my mother’s passing into eternity. Life is what it is.
What I’ve come to know is that relationships break our hearts open and when our hearts are open, the Light shines in and love flows out.
Concepts I live by:
Live consciously and joyfully in the present moment
Forgive the past
Accept what can’t be changed
Be merciful, for others suffer too
Be grateful
My stats: I am a communications professional with three decades of experience in writing, editing, media, public relations, marketing, corporate training, event planning, and fundraising (ah, those many moves again!).
All of these jobs were interesting and fun. But none were truly fulfilling. Writing, and helping other writers, is something I can be passionate about.
