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Seventeen years ago, I took my first step towards a new, unexpected and joy-filled life.

The journey has been full of blessings, new deep, life-long friendships, surprises, struggles and challenges.

The big difference is that before that night, 17-years ago, I had few tools to manage life’s tough times. I dreaded those roller coaster days, terror filled nights that lasted for what felt like 12 or more hours. With morning came regrets and a litany of trite phrases directed towards my husband. They usually began with “I’m sorry for what I said last night.” Followed with, Honey, today will be different, I promise.”

On other mornings, with a rotten and bitter taste in my mouth, I’d ask, “Did I do something dumb last night? I can’t remember much after 10:00pm.”

The words: hope, faith, acceptance, honesty and forgiveness were not in my vocabulary. My soul was filled with feelings of hopelessness, fear, guilt, resentment and anger.

That was then. Today I look forward to each new day. Monday’s included. Usually that is…

I said I’m more honest now. Some Monday’s are not that great.

There are a few Monday’s, after a particularly precious weekend with family and friends, where I wish Sunday would last for 48-hours.

One recent “rough” Monday was the day after returning from a fabulous 6-day girl friend trip to an exclusive Mexican Riviera resort and spa vacation.

On that Monday, I wished for just one more vacation day of sun, beach, guacamole, salsa and chips, plus hours more of laughing until the tears rolled and our bellies hurt.

Today I live blessed life. If you were checking out Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs pyramid, the chart is almost complete. I’m covered in the basic needs: physiological, safety, love/belonging and esteem. I spend most of my self-development working on the Self-Actualization phase that includes morality, creativity, spontaneity, problem solving, acceptance of facts and lack of prejudice.

I live in our beautiful dream home with my dear husband of 26+ years. My professional speaking business is running at a wonderful pace. I’m working on a book and from time-to-time, I am asked to mentor other less experienced businesswomen.

My friendships are gems that shine like diamonds, rubies and emeralds. My roots in the community are deep. My God and I are on a first-name basis. I never knew life could be this good. If you’ve been on the journey with me, thank you for your support and love. Life is a team-sport. I could not have done this without you.

Amen! God Bless You.

Mary Redmond is a top-rated female professional speaker, author, consultant and business coach.  She is a negotiation and body language expert that instills confidence, inspiration and expert knowledge that sets up her audiences for success!