Why Sky-Dive? Because it’s the best way to celebrate my eightieth birthday!
This past year, I’ve been anticipating my eightieth birthday on March 7, 2025. I celebrated my seventieth by throwing myself a party and taking a glider ride over the Palomar Observatory in San Diego County. It was awesome.
I’ve worked my way through several major losses and learned many valuable lessons in my eighty years. I thought about going on a hot air balloon ride for my birthday, but that seemed too tame. The life I’ve lived, the classes I’ve taught, the couples I’ve coached, the books I’ve written all add up to deserve a spectacular celebration for my eightieth birthday.
I’m quick to feel shame about my failures or deeply regret some decisions. But, I’ve been pretty stingy about celebrating myself…my wins… the moments when I chose a path of learning and growth instead of blame and stagnation. Now I am courageously choosing to celebrate ME…my mistakes, my flaws, my wisdom learned, my gifts and whatever future I have left in this Earth School…all of ME.
“The world belongs to those who let go.” Lao Tzu
This past Friday, on my eightieth birthday, I tandem sky-dived over the ocean from Oceanside Airport, thanks to great support from Go Jump America!
I have spent most of my life trying to stay below the radar…timid about being seen, heard or even valued. This year I am launching onto a bigger stage. I’m registered at a professional speaker site and planning community activities to increase my business.
“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.” Lao Tzu
So, Sky-Diving seemed like a great metaphor for launching into a bigger world! I’m also getting better at accepting and being grateful for support. Thank God for Tommy! I’m in good hands on this dive. And I’m so grateful for the awesome three women who are my team! How amazing that they are also members of my family! Teri Gault, step-daughter, as Publicist put out a press release about this event! Karen Sohl, step-daughter, is an outstanding researcher who figures out how to do anything we need and loves to work in the background. Isabel Landrum, my step-son’s wife, is faithfully and competently covering all the social media tasks. She is also becoming certified as a Millionaire Marriage Club Coach! Together, we are a capable, productive, creative team!
“If you were born without wings, do nothing to prevent them from growing.” Coco Chanel, Fashion Designer
Moving from my comfort zones into new areas where I’m far less confident, means examining my life-long limiting beliefs. If I want to achieve what I hope to in what Jane Fonda calls “The Last Act,” I must choose more empowering beliefs. Then step out and take actions that literally send me into an emotional free-fall. I’m grateful for the support of David Bayer’s work, A Changed Mind, and his podcast by the same name. He’s giving me practical tools to enable me to do this inner work.
And Klia Bassing, whose group for coaches and therapists (Facilitators’ Collective) gives me a group of peers for support who are also stretching into new territory.
The Delight of a Cheering Squad!
I was prepared to do this thing by myself, but my stepson, Jimmy, jumped with me! It was so much fun to have my family and my friend Kristi be there for support. It’s always better to have cheerleaders! And, the following day my four kids, their spouses and one grandchild, Jason, joined me for lunch on my patio. The theme was PURPLE! Karen did an awesome job of decorating, didn’t she? And, everyone shared a favorite memory with me. Teri shared her press release where she quizzed several people if they were surprised that I wanted to sky-jump. No one was surprised!
I am so fortunate to enjoy the love of my family. It had been 10 years since I’d been surrounded by my kids and their partners. It brings tears to my eyes even now, remembering the blessing of holding hands, saying grace and sharing the great meal provided by Cruz Tacos.
Of course there is no way to predict what the next decade will bring. I plan to remain healthy by keeping my blood sugar down and walking regularly. I plan to reach more couples with the liberating message that learning to treat each other with respect is the missing piece that will deliver the marriage they wanted when they said, “I do.” I hope my ninth book is a best seller. And, I might go sky-diving again!
The Family Gathers
Saturday, my family gathered for great Mexican food catered by Cruz Tacos in my backyard on purple gingham covered tables with purple tableware and flowers. Karen brought my favorite homemade carrot cake and Isabel and Jimmy provided Flan. The only gifts I wanted were their presence and for each to share one memory of me.
Two of my grandchildren recalled the time Jim and I took them to the beach for a weekend get-away for fun and some basic lessons about great communication. I’m so grateful that it’s still a memory they treasure and that the lessons we taught them are still bearing fruit.
Our family is a living testimony to the work that we have done to overcome some very painful years. Because of the love and respect we have for each other now, I believe any couple and family can achieve the same results. That confidence feeds my passion for coaching.
By the way, I’ve received two bouquets of roses this past week…one all white…one a lovely wine color. But no cards were attached! If the senders are reading this, thank you! They are lovely and the question of the senders adds a bit of mystery to the gifts!
You have my love and support,
