My 5 year business birthday, a broken bone, burning what's done ... and more ...

Published: Sat, 04/04/15

Three days ago, I celebrated my five year business-iversary.

It was a big day for me  and for several people I love.

That same day, my mom officially retired from her job. My boyfriend got offered an exciting new position at a hot new restaurant. I set three new personal records with my trainer at the gym (Airdyne bike, bent over row, deadlift). Then my fella and I went rock climbing  our favorite weekly date-night activity  and I fell off a wall and fractured my fibula.

I spent the rest of the evening at the ER with a hysterical X-ray attendant (he dimmed the lights in the room and then said, "Oooh. Now that's romantic!"), a doctor who was fighting a bad cold (in my heart, he will always be: "Dr. Sniffles") and a nurse covered with fascinating full-sleeve tattoos (only in Portland!).

Needless to say: it's been a rather exciting week.

I am feeling a lot of emotions right now. All over the spectrum. Mostly, though, I feel blessed to be surrounded with so much support. I know that this experience holds a million and one lessons for me. My schoolbook is open and I am ready to learn.

When bones crack and things fall apart, that's when you get to discover how strong you really are.

Also: at least I didn't break my fingers! I can still type. Infinitely grateful for that!


Here are a few recent essays & columns. Enjoy...

- Always one more time. [the fall, the break, and what I've learned so far.]

- Get some courage. Give some courage. [you are a hero to somebody, right now, just as you are.]

- Be done with what's done . [let it go. let it burn.]

- How to talk yourself in to a great day at work. [very honored to be featured on Newsweek]


A few pieces from recent weeks, in case you missed 'em:

- Email guidelines for the world. [read. follow. pass them along.]

- Your life is a hot date. Show up. [you don't "find" time for what you love to do. you make time. hot date ferocity!]

- Make today a “Mel Brown Smile” kind of day. [true professionalism means performing full out, with total joy, whether there is one person in the audience or one hundred thousand.]


“Do the one thing you think you cannot do. Fail at it. Try again. Do better the second time. The only people who never tumble are those who never mount the high wire. This is your moment. Own it.” Oprah Winfrey


Own it. Try not to snap your skeleton if you can possibly avoid it ha! But yes. Mount the high wire and go for it.

Before I wrap up this note, I want to express some business-iversary gratitude... for YOU.

Whether you have been part of my world for the past five years  or whether you stumbled across my corner of the Internet and signed up for this newsletter five minutes ago  thank you for being here.

The average human lifespan is 39,420,000 minutes. Every time you open one of my emails, read one of my articles, dive into one of my books or courses, or spend a day with me at a workshop, you are spending your life minutes with me.

That is an honor that I do not take lightly. Thank you.

To your words, your work, and your courage, strength & resilience...

Love,

-Alex

PS. Amusing hospital photos! Here's me feeling very sad. Here's me feeling less sad (thanks, pain medication!). And a neat x-ray. Science is cool.

PPS. I am collecting music, book, movie, and TV show recommendations because I've got, um... a lot of unexpected "downtime." If you've got something you'd like to add to the list, go for it! Click here and you'll find a public online document where you can type your recs. That would make me so happy. Thank you!