In the last year, since turning 50 and making the decision to live my life to the maximum and do what I want to do not what I think I should be doing, I have faced some challenges.

It’s not that I have ever backed away from a challenge in my life. I am kind of stubborn that way, and if someone says I can’t do it, you know damn straight I am going to try my hardest to prove them wrong.

I am actually my own worst enemy. I have battled that in the last year. Like a warrior. I have finally realized that I can do whatever I want, as long as it’s legal and everything…Take running. I did that. I still do it, three times a week and I love it. If you had told me even two years ago that I would be running I would have laughed at you and possibly told you that you were crazy.

I made myself try it. And lo and behold I loved it.

I also started to give blood this year. I have a rare blood and have always wanted to, but for some reason just never did. I have made a huge effort. The first two times I went to donate my iron was too low. I worked on that by changing my diet and taking a multivitamin every day. The third time I tried I was able to donate. I nearly passed out after she took the needle out, but I did it.

Yesterday was my second appointment. I did everything right, ate lots…drank a ton of water but halfway through donating, I actually passed out. When I came too, I was pretty disappointed. They told me that I should not try to donate anymore as something just wasn’t letting my body give up my precious blood.

Bummer. Failure. Sad.

All those things were what I was thinking and how I felt. And then I realized, hey…smarten up, because you TRIED. You tried hard. My efforts were certainly appreciated and even though I have to take a break, I can try again in a year. I can volunteer in other ways. I can still make a difference, just not in the way I had initially thought I would. And that’s okay with me.

Things in this life we live rarely turn out how we think that they will. That’s a fact. Just don’t forget that everything is as it should be and doors always close to give you an opportunity to find something bigger and more awesome than what you had originally hoped for.

Just because you don’t always succeed, don’t lose hope or feel like you aren’t giving it everything you have…Failure is part of growth, it makes you smarter, stronger and if you are like me, even more determined to make a difference in any way I can.

Take responsibility for your life and make it awesome, because the reality of it is that no one else can do it for you!!! Live big! Be brave and soldier on no matter what life throws at you 🙂

13 years a go Michelle and Maggie took a risk starting a business that they felt would bring a benefit to local businesses in Vancouver. Although struggles ensued the ladies kept their vision and consistent movement in developing wellness in the workplace.

See here why they “Were Up For It”
www.pamperyoursoul.com/services/benefits/

Posted by Donna Holland