Best In Row
How do you dance, run and dive into meaningful connection?
Hoorah Oorah Party People
It’s time for another, not one but two, BEST IN ROW
Yep, it’s a Two Fer!
Within minutes of boarding my flight from PHL to TUS to speak at MPI Arizona Sunbelt Chapter
The three us dove right into a discussion about body image and the all too real struggle for female athletes and so many young girls and women when what your body looks like and what your body can do becomes your identity. A story I once lived.
Sally, on my left, is a professional ballet dancer, on board for her relocation to join the Tucson Ballet.
Erica, across the aisle on my right, is the former top world champion youth divers in American history!
Both of these incredible women shared their stories with me.
Sally is from just outside of Philly & has lived away from home in Miami and Seattle since the age of 15. At 5’10” in order for her to be considered for a dance company, the company needs to have a partner who is taller than her. Tucson for the win! Sally loves jazz and classical music as well as fiction. Somehow, she is able to read while listening to jazz. Her father is an artist who has created artwork for several bands including Metallica and Aerosmith. Her younger, 6' sister started a crochet business during the pandemic and her products are now carried at several retail store.
I think I was still playing with Barbies at 15! Dance Sally Dance!
Erica just blew me away. She shared her championship diving journey that came to halt just before the Olympics as her eating disorder prevented her from competing. This beautiful resilient, value driven, and incredible woman took the time to heal her body and mind. We talked about her career in pharma, living in NYC, break-ups, self-care, her move to PHX to be with her wonderful parents during the pandemic, her brother’s battle with a rare form of cancer (he’s in remission) and her sister with Downs Syndrome who suffered a stroke and is also doing well.
Erica, you many no longer dive anymore but you sure do soar!
On my return flight, I met Chris, a flight attendant for American Airlines. Our conversation began during take-off where he was seated in my row next to the emergency exit & included my row mate who is with the US Air Force. I LOVE Chris who will soon be a pilot. This former Marine is an incredible artist, survivor & thriver of an abusive mother who destroyed much of his artwork and prevented him from going to art school. BUT this man is driven AF! Besides becoming a pilot, he is a musician, a real-estate investor and wants to be a motivational speaker!
Watch out world! This man slays!
My heart is full and I haven’t even written about the event!
People, we get one chance at this! To receive the story of another is such an incredible gift and privilege!
We can all have a Best in _____
Belonging starts with "Hello"
Until my next flight.