Freedom 32
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Terri Wingham is the founder and CEO of A Fresh Chapter, a cancer survivor, and someone who believes that we are not defined by the most difficult aspects of our story. |
When you dressed up as a Firefighter, a Nurse, or a Lawyer on your Kindergarten Career Day, did you fantasize about how great it would feel to have all of the answers to life? To be old enough to make the rules instead of just obey them?
For all of you women out there, when you stared glassy-eyed into the face of your first love (in grade 4), did you envision the Baby’s Breath in your wedding bouquet or the dress with puffed sleeves and lace that you would wear to walk down the aisle?
From the age of 10, I had my life perfectly mapped out. I would meet my Patrick Dempsey look-alike husband (who didn’t fall in love with him when they watched “Can’t Buy Me Love”?) at age 20, finish University by 22, get married by 25, and launch my career (either as a lawyer or a broadway singer) by 26. Three years later, I would give birth to identical twin girls. When Patrick and I retired at 55, we would stroll hand in hand through the exotic destinations that I had spotted on the globe in my Grade 4 classroom. Places like Africa, Italy, and South America.
Incidentally, life did not pay attention to my wish list. Today I am 32 years old, single, technically unemployed, and have no children. But, my friends, there is a gigantic upside… (more…)
Comments (4)
Sounds like an awesome trip. I just got back from the most wild and unspoiled corner of Costa Rica. I’ve been back only a few days and am deeply in withdrawal. Howler monkeys woke me up at dawn each morning and I didn’t even mind getting out of bed because that’s the best part of the day in the jungle. The fruit was unbelievable — the smell of it filled my days (I bought a mango in Canada yesterday and when I put my nose to it there was nothing). The ocean was deserted and a steady 86 degrees farenheit — and when I looked back from the surf I didn’t see a single resort or beachside motel (only palm trees, banana trees, almonds and macaws). We certainly live a priveleged life in Canada, but also a bit sterile.
Lesly,
That sounds like an amazing trip. I would love to get to Costa Rica too, so I will have to add that to my list of places to explore! Looking forward to keeping in touch and trading travel stories.
Take care,
Terri
Terri,
I had a life changing trip myself after spending a week at an orphanage in Bulembu, Swaziland Africa.
Mostly I learned that money can’t buy me security. Money is a tool to use – hopefully aligned with your values and your vision of the future. And, I have enough. I have enough becuase I have the knowledge, skills and ability to get more.
You have all of those things – and now you will have powerful memories.
What a great decision.
What a great journey.
Can’t wait to hear more!
Ann
Ann,
Thanks so much for your comment and I couldn’t agree more with the sentiment. I look forward to bringing you stories from the other side of the world and then catching up in person over a glass of wine, when I get back.
Take good care of yourself!
Terri