A sip of Brandi -

Nope, I'm not drinking, it's just a catchy title. This is my little sister from another mister ... Brandi. OK she's not really my sister, and no, I'm still not drinking. Brandi is my special friend. No, I'm not gay. Maybe I do need a drink.


Let's begin again. This is Brandi. She is special because she was my sister's friend first. When my sister left us, I inherited some of her amazing friends whom she referred to as sisters.

These friends of hers (and now of mine) are incredible. They are all Occupational Therapists by trade because they met at their O.T. school in Virginia. They never cease to impress me when I hear from them, and this week was no exception.

Little Miss Brandi was apparently in a rut recently. She's a new mom, a new STAY-AT-HOME mom, and is just finishing up her phase of living in Baltimore as her hubby comes to the end of dental school. Lots of changes can create some unwanted scatter of self.

Brandi is also blessed with McWonderful. He knew exactly what she needed to help her face the fears that she was facing and climb up out of the rut she was in. So he did what every husband would do ...

he bought her TRAPEZE lessons!

Just look at her! She is literally flying through the air with the greatest of ease and clasping hands with a guy in funky print spandex! In case you are wondering, no, she has never done this before. She said that it made her feel so alive and that it was just what she needed. I LOVED this concept.

When was the last time that we really felt "alive?" Sure we're all breathing and going through mortal motions, but do we really feel alive? She sent me her message with this challenge ...

"Challenge yourself to something that makes you laugh, feel stronger, feel more alive, feel scared, feel vulnerable and feel proud and feel back to yourself! I am serious....don't wait for someone else to notice that you need a lift, give yourself the lift you need. And, if you want to come to Baltimore and fly with me, I am ready to go again!"

This really got me thinking. I don't know if I ... wait, let me start over. I won't be going to Baltimore to fly through the air, but I really do want to make the most of living. I don't ever want to look back and wish that I had lived this life more fully. I intend to take her challenge and find something that makes me feel stronger and even more alive, and I pass the challenge on to you.

Have you done anything lately that has made you feel more alive? Please share!