Note To Self...

Written for CBS This Morning 2018 Note To Self Contest (250 words - no more!)...

You may not have everything you want but you will always have everything you need.

Wear your seatbelt – no matter what. You were very fortunate you climbed out of that totaled car and walked away.

When you won Miss Congeniality in the teen beauty pageant, you were disappointed. It will take years for you to understand that wasn’t the consolation prize that was the Real Prize.

In high school you’ll think you are in love - when he is furious, shoves you and screams “No one will ever love you the way I do!” Believe him and run - you are entering dangerous territory. A real man doesn’t want to control you or compete with you – he wants you to shine!

Be glad Mom drilled into your head that you had to be able to support yourself first before you could get married. “Stay because you want to, not because you have to.”

Always follow your heart – it’s the reason you got married after knowing him for just 6 months. You listened, and it’s been 28 years.

Those two boys will be your heart and soul. You weren’t sure about having two because you thought you could never love another child like you loved your first one. Love isn’t finite; love expands...

When your son asks “Mom, can we talk?” stop everything and listen – it’s important!

Now go out there and help other young women understand the value of self-worth and the payoff of “going for it!”

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Written for CBS This Morning 2018 Note To Self Contest (250 words - no more!). A CBS This Morning Producer called me to discuss my entry as I was a finalist in the contest. I didn't win the contest but something so much better happened...

I thanked the producers for connecting with me (we'd had several conversations by then) - they were very intrigued by each of my points - particularly "Mom, Can We Talk."

I told them that if they ever wanted to do a piece on depression and talking openly about mental health that my family would be willing to it. They reached out just two weeks later to ask if we'd be willing to do an on camera interview - "YES!" was my immediate answer.

A couple of days of filming - Mark Strassmann and his team could not have been more kind and interested - and some editing and our piece aired on July 3rd, 2018! It all started with this entry. You never know where life will take you...

Note - Woman. Warrior. Writer. These three words make me feel strong and powerful. On the days when I feel like I'm failing and have no idea what I'm doing, I think of these three words and pick myself up and carry on! We all need a little something that helps us get up in the morning and face the world with compassion and gratitude (and a little spark that helps us shine!)