What will you leap toward and/or away from in 2024?

It is a Leap Year, but little did I know it would mark the beginning of a journey I never anticipated.

My two-year anniversary of a sudden cardiac arrest started with a chilling call from the ICU. As I answered that call on Monday at 9:55 AM, I found myself grappling with the enormity of what had transpired. It was a surreal moment, prompting me to pause and delve into the profound significance of the journey that has unfolded since. This anniversary is not just a numerical milestone; it's a testament to the transformative power embedded in our ability to overcome, learn, and evolve.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a medical emergency that occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating effectively. This cessation of the heart's pumping action prevents blood from flowing to vital organs and tissues. Without prompt intervention, SCA can quickly lead to unconsciousness and death. Immediate treatment, typically involving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), is crucial to restoring the heart's normal rhythm and improving the chances of survival.

It's fascinating how a single moment can carry such weight, prompting a double take and encouraging a deeper exploration of the significance woven into the fabric of our lives. As I reflect on this milestone, I'm reminded that significance lies not only in the events themselves but in our capacity to glean wisdom, strength, and meaning from them.

Every year, as the calendar turns towards January 29, I'm confronted with a mix of emotions. On that fateful day in 2022, my heart ceased its rhythm, plunging me into the depths of the unimaginable. My husband Dave, my hero, revived me with CPR, setting in motion a series of events that would redefine our lives.

SCA is primarily an electrical problem in the heart's rhythm, leading to a sudden cessation of effective pumping and blood circulation. SCA and heart attacks are NOT synonymous. A heart attack, however, is related to a blockage in the coronary arteries, resulting in reduced blood flow to a portion of the heart muscle, causing damage to the tissue. SCA often occurs suddenly without warning, while a heart attack may be preceded by symptoms like chest pain and discomfort.

For six long days, I lingered in a coma within the confines of the ICU. It was a battle against time, a struggle between life and the unknown. And then, on the other side of that darkness, I woke up in the hospital—a survivor, a testament to (Our) Me Power.

Yet, as I approach the anniversary of this life-altering event, a question lingers: what should I celebrate? Is it the day I awoke from the coma, the moment I stepped out of the hospital, or the entirety of this transformative experience?

In the throes of such uncertainty, I find solace in reflecting on the empathy that carried me through. Empathy, not only from my husband but from the healthcare professionals who tirelessly worked to bring me back to life. Empathy, not just from those who witnessed my struggle, but from the internal dialogue that guided me during those dark moments.

As we navigate the Leap Year, it becomes a metaphor for the leaps we take in life—some planned, others thrust upon us. The journey of celebrating milestones after a brush with mortality is nuanced, requiring a delicate balance of remembrance and gratitude.

So, here's to celebrating it all—the awakening, the hospital exit, and the intricate dance between life and the unknown. In the tapestry of our existence, each thread, no matter how challenging, contributes to the beautiful mosaic of resilience and appreciation for the gift of life.

Me Power Updates

I am beyond thrilled to share a momentous update with you all – the upcoming release of the Me Power audiobook! As we stand at the threshold of this exciting milestone, let me take you behind the scenes of the profound effort that went into bringing the Me Power audiobook to life.

Over the past 12 months, the vision behind this project has been to extend the reach of Me Power's empowering message, allowing it to resonate with a broader audience, including those who prefer to immerse themselves in the wisdom of words through the spoken language.

In two weeks, the Me Power audiobook will not just be a culmination of spoken words; it will represent a year of dedication, creativity, and a shared commitment to empowerment.

Dear readers, your support has been a constant source of inspiration, and I'm grateful to have such an incredible network of individuals who have encouraged and believed in my endeavors.

THANK YOU!

Now, as I stand on the threshold of a releasing the audiobook and an exciting new venture, I invite each of you to join me on this remarkable journey—a journey that will unfold on the illustrious TEDx stage.

Your belief in my endeavors has been a driving force, and I wouldn't want to embark on this TEDx adventure without your collective spirit beside me. So, consider this your personal invitation to be a part of the TEDx experience.

Mark your calendars for April 20th as we come together to explore, learn, and celebrate ideas worth spreading.

Three ⚡️ in 31 Seconds

⚡️Hey, the second month of 2024 is knocking at your door,

What leaps will you take, what's the score?

Jump-jump toward dreams, let 'em soar high,

Leave behind what binds you, wave it goodbye.

In this year, make it Leap or two,

Chase your goals, let your spirit breakthrough.

Step away from the old, with a lively prance,

Leap toward a future where you snatch that chance!

⚡️Who’s joining me at the World Education Summit? It's a chance to connect with educators and thought leaders globally, bringing (Our) Me Power into the mix. Looking forward to sharing insights, learning, and being part of shaping the future of education together!

⚡️Dr. George C. Fraser’s quote from Me Power’s Chapter 4, Embrace Your Barriers (Motivated Energy) comes to life in the clip below.

“I eat failure and obstacles as vitamins. I actually love them both. I have failed fast and I have failed my way to success. And with every failure, every stumble, the first question I ask myself is, ‘What did I learn?’ The second questions is, ‘How can I apply it?’ The third question is, ‘How can I use it for personal motivation?’”