O r l a n d e r    O n l i n e

April 1, 1981

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My annual birthday address:

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...and check!  I did it.  After 15 years of saying, "I want to go to Australia," this was the bucket list dream trip of a lifetime. I am so blessed to be well-traveled. Side note, if you saw my Instagram post, I am NOT having a baby. That's me, 44 years ago.  Yes! Happy April Fool's Day!

 

So here it was, 2010, Oprah was ending her #1 daytime talk show after a 25-year run, and she surprised 302 of her ultimate viewers with a trip to Australia.  Watch this clip.  

 

After watching the 2-day recap shows,  I instantly decided that one day I would go to that continent.  Well, on March 11, that journey started, and it was truly an experience like no other. Of course, watch the recap to see my Australia adventure.

 

Wow, 44, and every day I am still learning and striving to be a better me. Can I do one more pushup? Can I swim those additional laps?  Can I pray longer, harder, spend more quality time with others?  The list goes on, but what I have always decided is to be my true, authentic self by giving more transparency as I get older;  it's so rewarding.  I have noticed these days, most people do that new ghosting thing.  No one takes the time to work through conflicts.  I'm sorry, isn't that what life is about?  These poor kids.  Let's run from any conflict, not confront it. Hmmmm. Sounds weak to me.

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That being said. Some individuals are no longer in my sphere since this time last year, and as I was taught that relationships can be seasonal, it always brings me great joy that I have been a part of some many lives. However, I have also learned that tomorrow you can meet someone who can change the whole trajectory of your life, and after hearing that, my whole life ambition has made a pivot.  It's freaking awesome, actually!

 

So that's what I am leaving with you this year. If someone in your life isn't healthily engaging with you anymore, ask yourself if it is time to close that chapter.  Trust me, it is worth it, because tomorrow your life can be more fulfilled and changed by a new soul sent your way.  

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Like always, I appreciate the many text messages, calls, and birthday shoutouts.  I am who I am because of all of you.  Every piece of all of you makes me who I am.  You know I love you. I mean, I really do!

 

        To 44!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Oh yeah, I look amazing, right? ahaha

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