47 Trips Around the Sun

One of the signs of passing youth is the birth of a sense of fellowship with other human beings as we take our place among them. -Virginia Woolf

On January 16th, I will be celebrating another trip around the sun.

I never dreamed I would pass over onto the other side of forty. I thought I would be dead at twenty-seven, a brilliant star that extinguished young. I could not imagine myself with wrinkles, gray hair or sagging thighs. I wanted to remain young; I tried hard to appear youthful.

Like all things in life, you never know how things will turn out until you experience said thing. I did not know how my life would be, and I certainly never saw myself where I am now.

Every day presents challenges and choices. Every year on our birthdays we usually reflect on the previous 364 days and take stock. This year is no different for me; I am taking stock. What transpired in the last year is confounding.

In one shot (it felt like that anyway) cancer arrived, along with worry, tears, and trauma. Then dementia showed up, along with concern, sadness, and more tears.

My mental health took a nose dive. While free falling I picked up a few new diagnosis and new meds.

Rehab, inpatient hospital stays, chaos and confusion all rode shotgun. A glorious cluster of WTF? that kept on giving.

I had to be strong, yet I felt weak.
I had to have patience.
I just wanted to run.

The dark side of 2016 was an absolute shit show, for the ones that I love and for me.

My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor and some style. -Maya Angelou

The bright side of 2016 was brilliant. It was a whiteout, a gentle snow that collected all around me, muffling my cries and lifting me up with its grace.

Kindness saved the day; she walked in with compassion. Compassion called upon her friend the volunteer and they all showed me where my courage was hidden.

Unprovoked messages of love reached me via text and email. People who have never met me in the flesh picked up the phone and offered support. Those that I thought could never in a million years know what “it” is like, showed me how to cope with the unthinkable.

The words and deeds of many picked me up and dusted me off. Because of their empathy, I was emboldened to carry on and finish what was started.

In my wildest dreams never could I envision myself accomplishing certain tasks that have recently been set before me. I have learned that we should never put a boundary on our minds. We can learn what we need to know, by being tenacious and jumping right in. “Just Do It” is my motto now.

The fall of 2016 saw a changing of the guard, incredible new writers joining in and other exciting new opportunities for Feminine Collective and all of the people that give the publication life. We also had the privilege of publishing two books: Monochrome by H.M.Jones and The Year of Living Miraculously by Michele Landers.

Blessings continued in the fall when I was gifted the honor of writing the forward for two divine books: The Gift of Inspiration For Women by Connie Gorrell and Black Sheep Rising by C.Streetlights. To say that I was speechless when asked is an understatement. I have never had much faith that my written thoughts would be of use to others. I wear the honor like a crown. When I am in the middle of a dark spell, I close my eyes and see that crown sparkle with love and hope.

Mama always said: Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.- Forrest Gump

Isn’t that the truth?
Personally, I have a long road ahead of me. Illness still lingers. Trauma still rears its ugly head and heartbreak is just around the corner. Of course, there will also be moments of ecstasy and pride. Days filled with laughter and love. I am fortunate to have family and friends that extend their arms to hold me tight.

The year that passed taught me many things. The pendulum of life swings on its own accord. We have to be flexible, ready to catch each moment before it passes us by.

I will always remember the individuals near and far that shared their precious time with me. They listened, they helped, they volunteered their skills. They told me that they believed in me. They inspired me to keep pushing forward, no matter what.

During my darkest hours, my guardian angels stood by my side. I do not know if they know it or not, but each one of them put the hidden broken pieces of me back together again.

I call that the chewy bit in the middle. The sweet spot of life.

On this birthday, like all birthdays the question presented is;

“What would you like for your birthday Momma?”

My answer has always been;

“I want you to be happy.”

This year my birthday wish is for you:

I wish you faith and friendship.
I wish your troubles are few.
I wish the load that you carry is light and manageable.
I wish you health and happiness.
I wish that you know the kindness of strangers and accept help when offered.
I wish that all of your dreams come true.
I wish you love.

You deserve that, and more.

Now come and help me blow out these candles before the house catches on fire!

Photo of Julie Anderson 2016 © Dana Patrick All Rights Reserved

Julie Anderson

Julie Anderson is the Creator and Publisher of Feminine Collective. Julie was inspired to create this safe place for women to share their secrets, desires, triumphs and pain as the antithesis of what mainstream media offers women today. In her column Pursuit of Perfection, she explores the importance of rectifying the balance of inner and outer beauty through essays, poems and articles on self-esteem, shame, family, and self- acceptance.

Written by 

Julie Anderson is the Creator and Publisher of Feminine Collective. Julie was inspired to create this safe place for women to share their secrets, desires, triumphs and pain as the antithesis of what mainstream media offers women today. In her column Pursuit of Perfection, she explores the importance of rectifying the balance of inner and outer beauty through essays, poems and articles on self-esteem, shame, family, and self- acceptance.

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13 thoughts on “47 Trips Around the Sun

  1. Dearest Julie, OMG what a year you have had! I had no idea. You are now on my prayer list in front of my 24 hour candle. You give us all so much, and love is a two-way street, so now it’s time for you to bask in the love we are all pouring out on you, you beautiful soul.

    Get better and fighting fit so you can continue with the monumental task of editing FC. It is an important magazine. An inspiration, just like you.

    I have not met you (yet), but I love you fiercely.
    Susan xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

  2. Thank you Mary.
    I appreciate you – taking the time to read my ramble. You get it. (We will have to catch up for coffee – I will review the shitshow in technicolor)

    x J

  3. Beautiful, brave and powerful words. You’ve let countless people know they are not alone when feeling lost in their own shit shows. Thank you for that. Sending love and healing prayers for you and your family. XOXO

  4. Thank you Paul,

    I appreciate your never ending support – for my written thoughts and the work I do on FC.
    Yes, you do know the extent of the shitshow. Let’s pray it does not play on repeat.

    🙂

  5. Catching this masterpiece a few days late but first let me say …..what knock out ! . Your writing is like hearing you talk .
    So eloquent , truthful and brave . Beautiful Julie !

    I know more than most about what was written and you have stepped up to a whole other level Julie while sitting in the middle of one tornado after the other . What a shitshow !

    Great birthday wishes too btw . If only mankind could be so generous . What a world this could be !

    Bravo and loads of love always

    P

  6. May the Angels continue to guard, guide and take special care of such a special and important soul! Praying for an abundance of Blessings for you this year Julie! ❥ Love~Light~SiLLYNiSS ☂=^;;^=☂ ~SSS69~

  7. Michele –
    You just made ME cry. “Powerful beyond measure” really? Well, I am still standing, all things considered. LOL.
    Thank you for being you and for miraculously showing up in my life….

    xxxx J

  8. Dear John…

    You are and have always been my “champion.” Thank you for being generous with your compliments and watching my back. You know, besides my family – you are one of MY favorite human beings in the world too! As per inspiration – you shine your light on all of us at Feminine Collective.

    Much love
    xxx J

  9. Thank you, my friend, for your enthusiasm for my writing and thank you for being a big part of Feminine Collective.
    One.
    Word.
    At.
    A.
    Time.

    You get “it” and me!

    Thank you as well for sending me happiness from Minnesota!
    x J

  10. The words “You are powerful beyond measure” from a piece written by Marianne Williamson rang in my ears. What strength, what courage and what a bright light you are to others Julie. Your openness and vulnerability brought me to tears and I am reminded again, that although so many of us have our own personal challenges, we are indeed one. I am privileged to know you. You are a blessing to more than you realize. Miraculous birthday wishes are sent to you this day, my friend. In gratitude. XO M

  11. Happy Birthday my friend. Outside of my family members ,you are hands down one of my favorite human beings in the world. Your love and spirit shine through in everything you do. I wish you all the best and everything that you wished for us. You have a friend for life in me Julie with all of the undying love and loyalty that goes along with that. You are an inspiration to me and I thank you for that. Much love and peace to you my fellow warrior.
    xx
    John

  12. Julie—Sending you deep prayers of joy, health, love, creative endeavors, hope, smiles, & happiness from Minnesota.
    Your writing, stories, authenticity, & Feminine Collective is changing lives.
    One.
    Word.
    At.
    A.
    Time.
    –I find that quite exciting.
    xx

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