At the end of January 2007, I began a new journey in Minneapolis. As some of you may know, change is not always easy and normally does not happen overnight. However, this January the hands of fate, along with Teri and I, were working overtime.

From the first time, I saw my new job site until my first day on the job, only 28 days had passed. I quit my old job and let go of several very dear commitments in Rochester. I had to begin a process of letting go. My parents, who had survived the Great Depression, instilled in me the idea that everything has value and that it must be kept at all costs. Unfortunately, there comes a time when keeping prevents living a full and productive life.

I have learned valuable lessons from some of my friends. We are not what we own or what we carry with us. We are not what we do or where we work. We are not the physical “stuff” or emotional “baggage” that we carry with us. We are not the hollow expectations of others.

We are the people we choose to be. We can live in the moment and choose to be ourselves. We can overcome our past and live up to our own expectations.

I wish I could say to you that with inspiration and support, one can easily change the artificial way in which we live. I would like to say that clinging to old ways is a habit that is easily broken, but that would be lying.

I know that this year, this month, this day, and in this moment, it is time to let go and live. No matter what the situation you can choose to begin anew. If you feel locked into a course of action, now is the time to break the chains and shake things up.

One definition of insanity is to do the same thing again and again expecting different results. Call me crazy, but today I choose to let go and move on with my life. I hope you will meet me where we can live free and let go. I’ll be there in two shakes of a lamb’s tail!

As always,
Love,