Tag: lessons

Live

Kristine Binder
The people we love never really stop teaching us.

Two years ago, my friend Kelly shared these words with me. At the time, they felt like a reminder to live fully, to take chances, to say yes to life, and to not spend my days simply existing.
Today, I read them differently.
Kelly was so prophetic. She died in 2025 and yet somehow, she is still teaching me. Encouraging me to “do the next right thing…”
She taught me that life is not measured by the number of years we are given but by how deeply we love, how fiercely we show up, and how willing we are to embrace the messy, beautiful, uncertain parts of being human.
When I think of Kelly, I don’t think of someone who died slowly. I think of someone who lived. Someone who laughed, loved, cared deeply, and left fingerprints on the hearts of the people lucky enough to know her.
There are days I still want to pick up the phone and tell her something. Days something happens and I think, “I can’t wait to tell Kelly.” Days when I desperately need her wisdom (and humor). Days when I miss her so deeply it catches me off guard.
But then I remember that the people we love never really stop teaching us. Their lessons live on in the choices we make, the risks we take, the kindness we offer, and the way we continue forward carrying a piece of them with us.
So today, as I share these words again, I am thinking of Kelly.
Thank you, my friend, for the reminder to live now. To be curious. To be brave. To wear the bright colors. To chase the dream. To choose joy when I can. Thank you again for the stark reminder to live my life now. I do not want to die slowly. I want to go out kicking and screaming in a cloud of glitter with the devil chasing me down!
I miss you deeply. And am forever grateful that you are still teaching me.
Love your people….. and live every day.

You start dying slowly ;
if you do not travel,
if you do not read,
If you do not listen to the sounds of life,
If you do not appreciate yourself.
You start dying slowly :
When you kill your self-esteem,
You start dying slowly ;
If you become a slave of your habits,
Walking everyday on the same paths…
If you do not change your routine,
If you do not wear different colours
Or you do not speak to those you don’t know.
You start dying slowly :
If you avoid to feel passion
And their turbulent emotions;
Those which make your eyes glisten
And your heart beat fast.
You start dying slowly :
If you do not risk what is safe for the uncertain
If you do not go after a dream
If you do not allow yourself
At least once in your lifetime
To run away from sensible advice
Don’t let yourself die slowly
Do not forget to be happy!

Pablo Neruda
Chilean poet who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1971

Peace,
#tutulady
#forwardisapace

58

Kristine Binder

As I embark on another journey around the sun this week, I find myself reflecting on the 58 years I’ve spent on this planet. Last year, I shared 57 lessons I had learned, and while those remain true, I want to add one more:

58. Embrace the journey. Every twist, turn, and detour has its purpose.

This past year, I’ve truly embraced the journey. I welcomed people into my life and into my home, I let some of those same people(and others) go, I encouraged my children to spread their wings despite my fears, I took advantage of opportunities that scared me for all sorts of reasons from anxiety to financial, I took charge of situations that, had I not ‘done the work’ I would never have been capable of handling, I broke and I healed (more than once),  set new boundaries, and discovered the joy of my own company.
Getting older isn’t easy—it comes with its challenges. Yet, it’s also liberating. I have learned so much about myself, my life and my past that as I move forward, I have made peace with it all. Every day I see people that are so afraid of the aging process from skin to trauma. They fight for relevance and importance. If I died today, I would be ok with it. I am at peace with where I am in life and who I am. I know that I have made a lasting impact on this world. I also know that life will go on once I am gone….and I am really ok with that fact. 
Being at peace requires inner work—acceptance, love, letting go of the past, and acknowledging accomplishments. Yes, I still grapple with struggles; I’m only human. Surrounding myself with empowering women and seeking therapy keeps me accountable, fostering continual growth.
The next year is a mystery, and I’ve started it by manifesting new and exciting things. With an open heart and mind, I eagerly anticipate the lessons this year will bring.  What lesson will I learn this year to add to the list…..who knows, but let’s get started! Here’s to the journey ahead!
Peace,
#tutulady
#forwardisapace

2020

Kristine Binder

On this last day of the year, so many are ready to kiss 2020 goodbye. Me? While I am ready to start the new year, I also take the lessons learned from 2020 into the new year.
2020 taught me a great deal. Lessons of empathy, fear, patience, kindness, and love. I learned to talk less and listen more. I learned to communicate more effectively, often having difficult conversations about life and death. I learned more about democracy, injustice, and social justice. I learned tolerance, patience and more about my anxiety. I learned to prioritize and release the small stuff. I learned….I learned….I learned…
So as 2020 comes to a close, focus on what you learned this year and release what no longer serves you. The new year awaits…..
Peace
#tutulady
#forwardisapace

Loss

Kristine Binder

I took some time recently to look at old photos. I was reminded of so many people I have loved and lost. Not one was a perfect person but they were good souls who helped me grow into the woman I am now. I miss them deeply. Family and friends that have left the planet….some too soon as they were so young.
I wonder why they had to go. My faith tells me that they must have fulfilled their purpose but my heart longs for more time with each. I am often angry that they are gone and I am left to explain the loss to others and myself. I am left with a hole in my heart where they used to be. I am left with words unsaid and advice unheard. I ride the waves of grief years later wondering what if…..
I also wonder why…why them? Why is it is good ones? The ones that are loved so deeply? Why do they leave this world and we are left with others who cause pain and anguish? What is the lesson here? Is it me that has lessons to learn or have these others on the planet been given more time to change before having to face their maker?
To those men who I have loved and lost, you will always be missed and never be forgotten. Your legacy will live on.
To the women who have taught me so many important lessons before leaving me…. I love you and I miss you. I long for one last long conversation with you. I promise to carry your legacy or strength. I promise to always make you proud. Your legacy will live on.
Who do you miss? Who have you loved and lost? What is the best memory you have of that person? What is the most important lesson they taught you?
Peace,
#tutulady
#forwardisapace