Another Year Older and Remembering the Woman That I Used To Be

I came across an old photo from what seems like another lifetime ago. It was much earlier in my radio career, and in the photo are three main points of focus in the frame - my headphone, a 20-ounce bottle of Mountain Dew, and a package of Hostess cupcakes. I had affectionately captioned the picture, "Breakfast of Rock & Roll."

It's funny what growth can look like. 11 years ago I was a completely different person, living a completely different kind of life. I had just turned 32. I barely remember parts of her but there are parts that I will never forget, etched into my memory for eternity.

At that point in my life, this was literally how I ate - like garbage. I lived off of Mt. Dew, almost never drinking water and my diet subsisted on large quantities of sugar and empty calories. Needless to say, my health was not the best it has ever been, yet to most, I looked healthy and to some, even fit, despite the fact that I didn't exercise either.

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In the last 11 years, I have gone through a lot of changes in my life, personally and professionally, although I am still plugging away at this whole radio thing. I get to run the rock station now - that was something that girl 11 years ago could only dream of doing. (Also, I have learned that a good set of headphones, generally speaking, does not have a skull on them!)

There have been a lot of heartaches and a lot of loss in those same 11 years but at the same time, there has been so much joy, laughter, grace, and unexpected friendship - and even a second chance at life. I can honestly tell you that the person that I am today is taking much better care of herself, physically, emotionally, and mentally and I definitely do not take things for granted anymore. Life is a gift and it is meant to be lived every single day.

You know the expression, "Get busy living or get busy dying?" I spent the first half of my life doing the latter but I have decided it is time to start living. I am ready for new adventures and to tackle new obstacles and learn new skills and hobbies. So as I start a new year of my life after my birthday this week, and we head into the new year next month, I think it's time we all got busy doing some living. In 2022, I hope you find something that sets your soul on fire!