"Attacking" Life

Back in the day, when I wanted to become an opera singer (for real - that's not a joke. I really did want to become an opera singer), had a delightful little pixie faced Italian lady named Angela to teach me. Angela was in her late fifties at the time and I was around 19. I have always said that Angela taught me more than singing - she taught me life, and today, while writing a letter to a friend in Australia, I was reminded of her and her lessons.*

Angela always used to say to me, "Attack the note! Don't wait! Don't guess - attack!" She also used to say that I should attack life the same way as I would the note. It didn't matter if I didn't land directly on the note or if I landed slightly on the next note - the most important thing was that I launched myself into the song or the exercise being 100% present without attachment to the outcome. She wanted me to 'jump' on the note, 'pounce' on it. With practice, she assured me, I would make it onto the note beautifully balanced more often. "Like life!" She would exclaim, smiling broadly with eyes twinkling. Singing and life were one and the same thing to her.

Reflecting on my own life right now, I realise that it's been a long time since I've "attacked" life. My life over the past decade has been a journey into life as one of the walking dead. Not in the fun cape-wearing-vampire kind of way, but in the dragging-your-feet-to-the-graveyard-Zombie kind of way.

So, reminded of Angela's wise words, I am committing myself to delighting in life. I am committing myself to jumping on that note, even if I land a little skew, and it doesn't sound quite right. I am committed to bringing the best I have available on any given day to life. To "attack" life.

Thank you Angela.

*Angela taught me for just 2 years about 17 years ago. We never know how long our words will stay with someone, nor how deep they may penetrate. I am grateful for the very rare gem of a teacher I have ever had who opened a door on learning and made me feel as though I was about to uncover a great and magical secret. I am blessed to say I have met, and learned from, seven of these passionate teachers. So far. 

Before 40...

So here I am, officially 37 years old as of yesterday. Officially I have 3 years to go before 40. I have started on a list of stuff I want to do before I reach 40. Here's the list with a bit of extra info


1. I want to grow my hair down to my butt. 

I haven't had hair that long since I was 14. At the moment, my scalp is a mess and when my hair gets long, there's a lot of flaking and I get sores on my head. I figure with proper nutrition and care, I can get my hair healthy enough to make it right down to my butt.

2. Get really fit and healthy.

I weigh in at 107 kgs. My BMI is 42 and if I don't sort my health out now, I'll end up with adult onset diabetes. Already my body is having some issues with insulin. If I want to live a long and productive life,      then I cannot play around. I have at least 30 kilos to lose. Thanks to chiropractic care I have a nervous system that's functioning better than it has in years, but what good is a fabulous nervous system if I have such kak nutrition? Time to make that change.

3. Learn to Tango.

Because  I have always wanted to. Because I love tango music. Because I love watching people tango and it looks beautiful and graceful.


4. Go on a meditation or yoga retreat.

Because you have to do some nourishment for the spirit too.

5. Make things right between me and my sister.

I love my sister. I miss having the close relationship we once had. I miss that we used to talk and enjoy each other's company. And because sometimes we let stupid shit get in the way of enjoying a great relationship with a person you're related to, especially because this life is the chance we get to sort things out so that we don't have to do it in the next one.

I am sure that I'll add stuff to the list. I can think of a few things right now. If I add to the list, I will update the blog.

Yesterday was my birthday. Not just a birthday. A REBIRTHday.