Filtering in the Good

I met earlier this week with one of my favorite people, Judy Christie. Some people know Judy as the former editor of The Times. Others recognize her as the local author of the "Hurry Less, Worry Less" series. Some of you have just recently been introduced to Judy as a first-time novelist and author of "Gone to Green." I have the privileged of knowing Judy on a more personal level, although I first met her in a professional setting.


While working at The Times, then-editor Alan English picked four young journalists to spend time over the course of several weeks with Judy. It was a leadership development course, and it ended up being a treat for me. Judy's the kind of person who makes you write your life goals on a coffee filter or diagram your life with crayons on white printer paper. But through those elementary exercises, I stopped and reflected on my life. Mistakes. Accomplishments. Past, Present, Future. I felt motivated and refreshed by the end of those sessions. That's how I usually feel after spending any amount of time with Judy.

When I left the Glenwood Tea Room on Tuesday, after spending an hour or so with Judy, I felt several things. Inspired to do more, be better, seize each moment for what it's worth. Then, on the other side of the coin, I felt a bit like a lost puppy. It's easy to live on cruise control, but stay there for too long and you'll awaken to find you're completely unaware of your life's big picture.

I'm grateful to have a beautiful life. I'm in love with the best man. He's an excellent friend, he's logical and sound. Just good as can be inside and out. I have sincere friends. Women who are willing to listen, take on a bit of the load and pray. I have a supportive family. My dad is an excellent adviser. When asked, he weighs out decisions with me for hours sometimes. And I'm blessed with an uplifting church. They're people who don't preach, but do. They give, give, give.

With all of these blessings, how could I be so unaware at times? It seems so simple — and you all may think I'm completely off my rocker — but life is to be enjoyed. I want to be aware of the great things I have. I want to be aware of my life's journey and what I need to be doing to get from point A to B. It really is simple, but day-to-day living tends to weigh you down with distractions.

Judy always gives me a lot to think about, whether she intends to or not. That's the best thing about her. It just oozes out, which means it's sincere. I appreciated her time, the tea and the scones. But more than anything, I appreciated her inspiration.