My friend Michelle. Gone too soon but will forever be in my heart. Michelle was my client and friend for 7 years. She started in my 5:15 am class before I had my kids and then moved into my 6am class up until she was diagnosed with cancer in January. It was a shock to everyone. Michelle can't get cancer! She's too healthy and fit! Once the shock of her diagnosis set in for me, the sad realization came to light. No one is exempt from this disease. It doesn't discriminate or have favorites. I was rudely awaken, for the first time in my 37 years, that any one person can get cancer. Sure you can do things to help your odds of not getting it. You can exercise routinely, you can eat a healthy, non processed food diet, you can live a fulfilled, fun, low stress life, a meaningful life that you are passionate about and have a purpose for. But here's the catch-Michelle did all those things. Every one.
So here is what I've learned from Michelle and her life ending at 49. Wake up every morning with a purpose. Do what you love, love what you do. Be passionate about things. Get excited, take charge, challenge people, make people think. Love hard, laugh loud and be authentic. Don't take life too seriously, drink wine, spend time with friends, listen to music, challenge yourself.
If I only have 49 years on this earth I would want to live like Michelle. She is a true inspiration to me and I have learned so much from my friend. I will miss her in class greatly but mostly, I will miss her friendship. She made the world a better place.
