This week we spoke with life coach Gail Blanke, author of Throw Out Fifty Things. Normally she comes on the show to tell us what to get rid of, but this week, she pulled a 180. We talked instead about what to hang onto--specifically, our most defining moments. The ones that make you who you are today.
Your defining moment may not have been the day you won an award--nor does it even have to be one in which you were having a grand old time. Your moment is the one in which you discovered something about yourself and decided that's who you would (or wouldn't) be.
One listener called in to share hers: The day she left her husband. She was 53 years old and decided that after her marriage of 32 years, she was done. She waited until the right time (kids grown up, well on their way), and then she simply walked out and moved into a hotel for a while. She has since met someone new, married him, and is living the life she wants--in a healthier relationship.
I shared my own: Well, there are two parts. The first is auditioning and NOT getting accepted to the Boston College Dance Ensemble as a freshman (tip: Do not stand next to your friend the professional ballerina during the audition). I cried for hours, days, felt horrible. Then I picked myself up and started taking dance classes so I'd be ready for the spring auditions--when I tried out again. And made it.
If I had not gone back and tried again, even though I was self-conscious and worried, I never would have had the amazing experience, dancing with a wonderful group of women through the next three years. Nor would I have gone on to be elected director my senior year--which I did. That's when I looked at myself and said, so I may not be the one who's chosen on the first round, but I come back, and I come back strong.
What's your defining moment? Tell us and we may share it on the air! I'd love to hear it.
-Terri
Follow me @TerriT
