“Never leave till tomorrow that which you can do today.” Thanks for the inspiration, Ben. I was actually thinking of putting things off for two more days, waiting because it marks a milestone and it would be a great time to celebrate with something new. But then, I thought about how procrastination has cost me so much time in my life already. So I’m starting two days ahead.

Two days from now, I celebrate my third Heartattackiversary! It was May 11, 2014 – Mother’s Day – when I suffered a widowmaker heart attack and went into sudden cardiac arrest at home. Thanks to my brave husband and children, the timely arrival of paramedics, many nurses, doctors and the friends, family and strangers who took time to pray, I survived. It was just not my time to go and I was given another chance at life.

While some in my situation have an epiphany and immediately turn their life around, for me it hasn’t been that easy. Life got in the way as I worked to take care of my family and commitments, forgetting to carve out the time I needed to focus on me. I have learned that I need to take care of not only my physical heart, but my emotional heart. My whole heart!

This blog is a place for me to share my journey as I work to focus on me. Finding ways to prioritize my health, focus my mind, deal with feelings and live a full life. I won’t be perfect in my pursuit, and that is why I am saying everything outloud. I know I am not the only person who struggles with discovering and caring for themselves. I wanted to be able to have a place where I write about my process, allow others to share theirs and maybe provide some inspiration for others.

I’m going to do my best not to live my life as I have, based on Mark Twain’s quote, “Never put off till tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow.” I can’t promise my life will have any less sarcasm, but I’m going to make sure it has more selfcare, time for reflection, good friends, great memories, family, laughter and love as I live for my whole heart – wholeheartedleigh!