Have you ever had one of those moments where the stars seemed to align, everything falls into place, and the world makes perfect sense? I had one of those moments yesterday. I’ve had this idea gnawing at the back of my head for awhile, about a change I’ve been thinking of making. And then two things happened, and I knew that change was the right thing for me.
Sometimes the stars align by accident, but sometimes it’s the Doctor.
First, I went to this ceremony at the state capitol, where I got to see sixty amazing women be honored by the senate. These Women of Distinction come from all walks of life across New York State. They are community leaders and activists. They are educators, health care specialists, athletes, business leaders, philanthropists. However different their backgrounds and achievements may be, they are all strong, influential, and dedicated. I am honored to say that my mother was one of the women in that elite group!
Dad, Mom, Senator O’Mara, and me.
All of these women found things that they were passionate about, and they changed their worlds because of that passion. And it really caused me to pause and think about how I’m spending my time here on earth. That was the first thing that set my stars into motion.
The second thing was a comment I saw on the internet. Yeah, I know better than to read comments, especially when the article I’m reading has something to do with fat. But I happened to glance at some, and came across this gem:
This is a thing! People really feel this way, that being fat would be worse than being dead! I don’t even know where to start with this.
Except I do. I’ve decided (mostly) to (I think) go back to school to get a Masters degree in mental health counseling, with a goal of having a practice that focuses on body issues. I know so many people – of every shape and size you can imagine – who hate what their bodies look like. As you know (because I’ve said it eleventy billion times), the media and the diet industry and even the medical community remind us every day that at the very least we should be unsatisfied with how we look. The more we dislike ourselves, the better – because that means more money in their pockets.
It’s been a long time since I’ve visited a college library.
Helping people learn to accept and even love their bodies is so important to me, because it’s been such an important part of my life and my journey. While it may not be the most critical need in this world, I do think it’s very necessary to the emotional and mental well-being of all of us. Imagine all of the amazing things we could do with our time, money, and passions if we didn’t waste those things hating our bodies!
It’s kind of like my marathoning Gang, only mental and emotional.
The stars aligned yesterday to let me know that what I want to do is necessary, and that what I want to do is worthy and important. Seeing those sixty women honored in Albany last night for dedicating their lives to the causes they care so passionately about made me realize that it’s time for me to take steps toward realizing my passion.
Thank you, Women of Distinction. And thank you, random internet commentor, for helping me to look up and see that the stars are aligned. I think I’m ready.
