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Earlier this month, I was in San Diego, speaking at a large womens health event with over 1000 in attendance. Ive been edutaining for so long that as I travel across America, Ill frequently bump into people Ive once worked with. I consider it such a treat when this occurs. Sometime I feel like I have family members everywhere I go, there to welcome me and share more of their life stories. Well, it happened again in San Diego. A former Peeke Week Retreat participant, Christine B, heard Id be in town and came to give me something special. When I was finished on stage and was quickly surrounded by the usual tsunami of women eager to ask questions, Chris elbowed her way to the front and handed me an envelope, smiled, waved and receded back into the crowd before I could say hi. The enveloped held a very special gift.
First, let me give you a little history. I started hosting my Peeke Week Retreats in 2001, following 9/11. I wanted to offer women, and those you love them, the opportunity to enjoy and challenge themselves in a unique mental, spiritual and physical experience surrounded by the majesty of the outdoors. I chose Red Mountain Spa in St. George, Utah, because it is Americas number one adventure spa, and there is no other location like it--- surrounded by the Zion and Bryce national forests, Snow Canyon and the Grand Canyon. Whats not to love? To top it off, theres a five star spa to pamper yourself after hours of day hiking, biking, kayaking and horseback riding.
Chris joined me for my October 2007 retreat. One of the first things I teach my Peeke Performers is never to procrastinate when it comes to taking care of yourself--- mind, body and spirit. My motto is always if not now, when? I remember how Chris took this to heart during that retreat. Heres what she wrote in the card she handed me in San Diego:
Dear Dr. Peeke
You may remember me as Sissy Chrissy as I had been to Red Mountain several time, but due to my fear of heights, Id never hiked Zion. It was the If not now, when? motto that got me to the top of the mountains edge, and I looked over and Im so afraid of heights! What a feeling--- which led me to another challenge/goal/addition to my life listthe walk across the Golden Gate Bridge. So, I put on my walking shoes and over the bridge I walked. I also have joined the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer to walk 39 miles. It was the If not now, when? that keeps me going. Thanks for the encouragement. Chris B.
Inside the card were two pictures of Chris, on the bridge, both thumbs victoriously up, wearing our retreat T shirt with my motto plastered across the back in large bold lettering. OK, my eyes misted up and I was overwhelmed with joy. Chrissy is no longer a sissy. She got the lesson. The mountain, the bridge, the Avon Walk are all a metaphor for life. If you can face your fear and push through it, youre better able to take on any of lifes challenges. Today, locate your mystical mountain, and start the climb, taking small steps. Youll make it. Dont delay. This is your life and you deserve to embrace every single rich moment. If not now, when?
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