I think that the greatest gift that we can give to someone who needs resilience is to be one of the human angels in their story. I know. We have seen it first hand in our own journey.

True, Schuy and I probably have a high dose of tenacious, persistent wiring — and yet, certain things can be overwhelming even with a mighty spirit if we feel that we are tackling them alone. Yesterday, I spoke with a client who was grieving over the death of her mother. She was devastated, “a mess” is how she described it — and although it will take time for her to heal and soothe — she revealed that just knowing that she was not alone made all the difference in the world. My words and the words of others helped her to navigate her way through this experience. And that was just the simple impact of taking the time to share some heart-felt words… Who might we be able to bolster with just a hug, a kind gaze and words of empowerment? Talk about a high return on investment, yes?

So, on this beautiful International Women’s Day, I salute not only the females among us but the qualities within each of us that we equate to femininity — the nurturing, yet unwavering power within… the empathy… the grace… the ability and inspiration to connect.

With Saya’s wedding not even a week behind us, Schuyler and I are already hard at work on our next goals. For Schuyler, this means accomplishing the goal of being able to walk on an airplane without a walker so that we can finally travel overseas and venture back to Colombia. The aisles in the airplanes do not accommodate a wheelchair or a walker so walking with a spotter and a gait belt is the only option. I have to be able to support her without assistance. Depending on the airline, she may have to be able to scoot across several seats as well so we have quite a bit of practicing to do. But she is getting there!

Yesterday was cause for huge celebration. Schuyler graduated from needing weights on her ankles and from needing the platform for her arm on the walker! I can now easily spot her simply on a regular walker. That is huge! I can’t begin to convey the additional sense of freedom and improvement that I felt as I carried those items out to the garage, never to be used again!! Yippee!! Fighting tears!

When we have moments like these, I find it valuable to deliberately take a breath and notice them. Anchor them. Smell the smells of the moment. Taste the tastes. Really soak in our surroundings. This is not only where we are right now, but how far we have come! And we are all traveling faster than the speed of light. There is so much life that we are living and experiencing in each moment. Bask in those anchors! They are the roses on the path of resilience — and the human angels are the diamonds.  

Speaking of human angels, Schuyler is having so much fun preparing for the Ms. Florida Wheelchair pageant next weekend! Thank you so much to her sponsors: Amalita, Jaime & their business Chromotherapy Dentistry in New Port Richey; Lisa Markowitz & Salvador Garcia; American Inca Trail (from Cusco), Regan Reppe and some extra special anonymous Angel donors (THANK YOU!!). 

Next Saturday night is the pageant and YOU ARE WELCOME TO COME CHEER SCHUYLER ON! See the poster here for details! Location: the Embassy Suites on Fowler Avenue on the USF campus! We hope to see you there!

For my own personal goals, I’m steadily working on not only reigniting my results as a booking agent but now of course I’m also growing my work as a speaker/author. I have trimmed my booking agency down to a few special gem artists so that I can dedicate my time and energy to them while still having time and energy for my amazing Schuyler and my motivational pursuits.

Yes! I am loving doing more and more speaking specifically to inspire others to nurture a more empowered mindset, to find their resiliency and to convert obstacles into rocket fuel on their way to even bigger dreams. We have so much potential to make a positive impact on the world. Now is the time to take action. If you know of a school, a business or an organization that would benefit from my message, please definitely refer me their way. It would be so appreciated! I’m still hoping to soon be able to start sponsoring ICU patients in the Colombian Hospital Manuela Beltran so grow, speaking business, grow! Wink!

May this be a day filled with sparkle for you! May you take a moment to anchor into your bliss and into your power! May you remind yourself of all the great qualities that you embody and all of the great things already adorning your life. This journey is meant to be fun so remember to smell the roses and yes, BE the diamond along someone else’s brilliant path!

 

xoxo

 

Meridith Hankenson Alexander