It’s my life – it’s now or never…I ain’t gonna’ live forever.  Amen Jon Bon Jovi.

One of the best gifts I ever gave myself was the understanding that my life had to be owned by me for better or worse.  And true to the phrase, sometimes it’s been better and sometimes it’s been worse – but always it’s been mine.  I like that about my life.  I have built a crooked path, but it is one that has emerged from my own will, my passions, my curiosities, my perserverance and my sense of self.  Not a perfect person and not a perfect life, but one that is all my own.

Owning my life has allowed me to be braver and stronger.  It has also allowed me to be different with aplomb.  Not that I don’t generally conform to societal norms, but I am not completely controlled by them.  No Stepford Wife here.  I like that about me even if it means some other people may not like me.  It is, after all, my life.

Today I saw my dear friend Tam.  She lives in Virginia Beach these days, but she is in Fargo this week under less than ideal circumstances – a family member in the hospital.  I got to visit with her today for a short while.  Tam owns her life, her own crooked path and likewise makes no apologies.  I like that about her.  I have other women  around me like Tam – wild, wacky, wonderful women not afraid to live large in whatever definitional frame they set for themselves.  They inspire me to skip down my crooked path singing a song out-of-tune just because I can. 

So here is the question for all of you out there – do you own your own life? Do you take responsibility for your own happiness, for your actions, for your failures – do you take responsibility for your path?  It is a big thing, but it really is what living is all about – isn’t it?   If it isn’t don’t bother telling me…I am too busy skipping and singing.

Day two hundred and thirty-three of the new forty – obla di obla da

CC