Back in the High Life Again – that was always one of my favorite songs from the 80s.  It was a message of hope, of recovery, and of getting over things in your life that were just dragging you down.  That’s how I feel today, this anniversary of something horrible that I’d really rather forget forever.  I really do wish that selective amnesia was possible.  I’d so totally use it for several things I’d rather forget.  Unfortunately (or fortunately) I remember almost everything, especially dates.  I’m terrible with names.  I wish I could sometimes trade the two; it would make my world a little easier I do believe.

But, back to the issue at hand.  Today I took charge of my life again.  I started by getting up at a decent hour.  It’s a Sunday, and my usual time of rolling out of bed around 9:30 just wasn’t going to cut it.  With no little kids in our home, which also means no cartoons or early morning feedings, we have the ability to sleep in for a bit.  With a 16-year old at home, who can literally sleep until 2 or 3 pm, we usually don’t have to worry about the kids waking us up.  It’s typically the other way around.  This morning was no different.  I did get up early, though, and we had our little tray of coffee and breakfast out on our patio.  It has become a sanctuary lately, because we have gotten used to the peaceful mornings and evenings out on the patio.  It faces east, so we get the morning sun but not the evening sun.  It’s really a nice place to be, and I have truly enjoyed it.  

After a nice breakfast, I did a bit of research on a subject I needed to cover.  I’m trying to set up a PLLC for my new practice, my sideline in addition to my day job.  I also read a book made for new members of the bar, which was very helpful.  Its title, though, reminded me of that book that Geena Davis’ character in Beetlejuice finds once she and her husband become members of the “Newly Departed”.  It was very well-written, and I found lots of good information in it.  

I also decided that between now and the time we go on a trip next summer that I am going to lose 20 pounds and learn French well enough to get around in France, should our trip take us there.  I’m determined to go to Paris for our 10th anniversary, which is just 2 years away.  Amazingly, we have already been married 8 years!  I am still as infatuated and in love with my Sweetie as I was the first day we were dating.  I went to the gym, did 30 minutes on the treadmill and 30 minutes in the pool.  It felt great to be there again.  I plan to go at least three times a week.

I’m also going to stop doing other behaviors.  I’ll just leave it at that, but suffice it to say they have something to do with my job.

Overall, it’s been a very productive day.  I feel like a new person.  I have the dreaded doctor’s visit this Thursday, but I’m determined not to let it drag me down.  Something wicked may eventually come my way, but I’ll just have to face it head-on and move ahead with life.  Otherwise, I’m just spinning my wheels trying to avoid something that may never happen.  What a waste of time!

For all of those of you out there feeling down, depressed, or even suicidal, talk to someone.  Don’t let life drag you down.  Become the person you see yourself as being.  While I was on the treadmill today, I saw a program about a girl named Meredith.  She was overweight, and she had lost over 115 pounds in a little under a year.  She was sad – she had been adopted as a baby and had some hangups about that.  Her trainer made her feel like a loved person who was worthy of love.  It was amazing.  Just watching it lifted my spirits.  I hope it inspires you as well.