By: C. Michelle Bryant
Yes, I’m talking to you! Of course, the fact that this is the summer issue has a little to do with it, but mostly I’m just excited to be sharing this summer issue with you. Since the winter issue, many bittersweet transitions and milestones have occurred. Plus, I’m a summer baby and have a milestone birthday coming up. I will officially be in my “mid-50s.” All of this has made mi perplexed as to my message for this issue.
See, my husband and I moved into a smaller, more maintenance-free home, which in the end we know the downsizing—although a bit painful—is for the best and well needed. I lost a few very close people to mi, and while a hole remains in my heart and my life I know they are no longer in pain and are now experiencing eternal joy and happiness. My son got married, and I am thrilled with the man he has become, but he is moving about five hours farther away from mi, which makes visits even fewer and farther between, and to top it all off, this issue of “Focus on Fabulous” magazine is the last one before my SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY EDITION out in the fall. Scary but exciting.
Life is like that. Often we experience life transition by transition, experience by experience and keep on keeping on. Yet it is in the creation of this summer issue that I have gotten to take joy in the fullness of life, of living every day as a fleeting moment, to experience the blessings beyond the boulders. The cover, despite the cold and brisk day, shot on the beach was filled with laughter and quirkiness. The extraordinary interview with little Evie led to the purple double truck shoot, which in turn led mi to spending an hour or so with some very special children who simply lit up the space where they stood, where I saw some truly humble unsung heroes. Meeting Denise and hearing her battle with obesity and believing the voices in her head and then overcoming her personal demons was inspiring and uplifting. The entire making of this issue led mi to understanding the importance of taking time to change our view, breathe again and seek our inner goddess. To walk on the beach, for exercise or pleasure, and just soak up life, to take control of those things that we can and yet find the blessings and goodness in the things we cannot, to lead or follow but not stop living.
Summer is about living. Living life to the fullest. Forget that you’re not a size two or have cellulite or that you don’t know how to sing or dance. Hit the beach, go to karaoke, grab a friend and learn to salsa or belly dance. This is YO UR life. Your summer. You deserve to make each and everyday as special as you are. Like it’s your birthday. Yes, sunshine, let’s live every day like it’s our birthday. Let’s glow, girl!
stay beautiful, stay you,
“mi”