Facebook asks, “What’s on my mind?” Loaded question! Today I’ve been thinking about my younger brother. Yesterday, he suffered a massive stroke. Today, he suffers the effects of that stroke. He’s had a hard life, all three of us kids (my sister, brother & I) had a pretty tough way to go and we all learned to cope differently. Regardless of our choices, here we are! And I just can’t keep from thinking how fragile life is and how little time we really do have.

Almost two years ago, I began a business. I have spent no less than 10-12 hours a day ‘trying’ to build a dream, you know, the American dream of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I dreamed of owning a fitness center for women, ordinary women, women who may be intimidated to walk into a gym. I wanted to run classes that brought real results while also being practical, affordable and provide a community of support. I jumped out of the gates guns a blazing and made so many mistakes! I have had to ‘go back to the drawing board’ too many times to count. Each time, I learned a new lesson and I felt good about each incremental step taken. But today, I wonder. If I could go back in time, would I do it again? Some days, I swear, “NEVER!” LOL, but MOST days the answer is, “YES! ABSOLUTELY!” I have had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people and I am so lucky to have been given the privilege to do what I’m doing. Each one has touched my life in some way. I’m sure they don’t all agree with my business choices, hell, even I don’t agree with all my choices. I just keep trying to make a difference, but also make a living, because after all, isn’t that why we ultimately begin a business? I just pray for tolerance, understanding, and support. Unless we walk down another person’s path, we really don’t know what they are experiencing or why they do what they do.

I don’t know how long it will take my brother to recover. I pray that he will. I know I will do whatever is in my power to help him get to where he’s supposed to be. That’s what we do for family and friends who feel like family. We help them. We encourage them. And we carry them when they are too paralyzed to move forward.

One day at a time…my friends….one day at a time.