words can be so powerful

set your timer: For the next 15 minutes, write about a moment your life changed because of what someone said to you.

I will never forget the first time I saw this video by Kelly Corrigan, and to this day I will never tire from watching it. I was going through one of the toughest times I can remember...the year I turned 40. There were so many negative things going on in my life and I didn't have a clue as to how to save myself. I remember sitting in the doctor's office and crying as she hugged me.

That's how bad things were.

And then I saw this video and I knew things would get better eventually. I knew I had to just get up and go on with another day, trying to find something to cling to, and I did. I can't even tell you how many times I watched this video over and over again, and when her book, The Middle Place, came out I was delighted to find that a copy of this essay is printed in the back. So now I can read it too.
My friends have always meant the world to me, and the fact that losing a friend was able to tear me down so far speaks volumes to me. Today I looked through all the emails from that dreaded time of my life, and I am realizing that I am in such a better place in my life now, for so many reasons, but mostly because I moved on. I let go and moved into what was best for me. I am certain that I will never let anyone create so much havoc in my life ever again.

I know what works for me.

I know what makes me happy.

And I'm not afraid to ask for it anymore.

If you've seen the video before, I hope you enjoy it again.
To Kelly Corrigan... you saved me at a time when I needed it most, and for that, I thank you.