Terra and I first became friends through the local Toastmasters Club that held meetings at Starbucks. Not only was it a chance to learn to speak in front of others, it was also a great opportunity to hone my writing skills. Often our speeches were already prepared. The environment was a safe one to learn and to grow.

Over the years Terra and I worked on cross-functional teams supporting the supply chain world. Even when I moved to IT, we still interacted with each other – for which I was grateful. I enjoyed talking with Terra.

She left Starbucks a few years ago. Fortunately, social media allowed us to stay in touch and keep up with the other person. Though truth be told, there is only really so much you can know through social media. Face to face meetings are far far better. Our lunch was a perfect opportunity to reconnect.

The sun was trying like mad to poke out beneath the clouds, so we selected some outdoor seating. Plus, that seemed rather appropriate. Not long after I met Terra, I recall how she began working out steadily in the gym. I appreciated the effort she put into strong mental and physical health. Her investment showed. When you work at a place that can be grueling in odd ways, any effort a person makes to improve their situation is to be commended.

I don’t know if she knows this, she was oftentimes an inspiration for me. Running – especially how I do it – can be a lonely road (nice pun.) Self-motivation is frequently critical. Talking with Terra about working out, helped me in the end.

It was great to see her after a few years. In some ways she had changed, in others she was the same Terra I have always known. A strong-minded woman with a passion for the outdoors especially when it involves snow. Snow adventures are long ago in my past and in another part of the country.

I enjoyed listening to her stories of the local ski resorts or even ones further away. What intrigued me was talking with her about teaching her nieces how to ski. She sounds like a fantastic coach and instructor. I could only think how lucky the girls were to have such a fun auntie! When not skiing she takes them hiking. Again – kudos on the cool points.

She is an avid outdoorsperson. If she isn’t in the snow, she is on a hiking trail in Mt Rainier, Mt St Helens or other low-land trails. When I first moved here, my family and I hiked a lot. It’s been more than a few years since I put on a daypack and boots. Talking with Terra, I sure missed it. I could feel myself longing for the fresh air, the birds singing, the trees lining the way – all of it.

Catching up on her daughter was great fun. She is out of the nest and making her own path. Terra is incredibly proud of her daughter as well she should be. I am sure there were moments when the weren’t always close. Today they are. Her daughter is strong like her mama, and I am certain as inspirational to others.

We talked about her new job working for her dad. I was completely intrigued. He is a non-traditional chiropractor which allows him to achieve great results for his practice. Terra gets a front row seat to all of it. She spoke passionately and proudly of her dad.

I seized the moment to talk more with her career path since Starbucks. I knew she was taking literally and figuratively, the road less traveled. Hers is a vision for personal happiness. Much like her workout routines, I was curious to hear more. I was certain she would inspire me yet again.

She did not disappoint. She spoke of her quest to be in a role, with a company where she felt she could thrive and even inspire others to do and be more. I began to understand her passion for coaching and instructing was not merely on the ski-slopes only. We talked of difficult personalities and how we both agreed that working for micro-managers is the worst.

She talked about her boyfriend’s 5-year-old daughter with a wisdom that can put most adults to shame. They were on a hike that was a bit difficult. As Terra realized the situation was stressful, the little girl turned to her and offered a profound and wise statement. “I am going to use my ‘Happy Mind’ right now to get through this.”

‘Happy Mind’. It has been several decades since I was a 5-year-old girl. Yet, if I had to guess an interpretation, I would think it is this. A Happy Mind is the one you use when you realize you have a choice in a situation. A Happy Mind is the resolve to play the cards you are dealt. A Happy Mind is the instance where you select laughter over tears because it is so much better. Happy Mind.

Personally, I wish that the next time I run into Terra it is on a hiking trail in Mt Rainier National Park. It will be fun to pause and listen to her adventures. I am absolutely sure she will still be an inspiration to me.

My hope is that you have someone like Terra in your life. One who constantly challenges their limits. Pushes to be more and experience more. Someone who is willing to bring you along for the run down a snow-packed mountain or up to a glacier-fed lake. Ideally someone who inspires you to look at your own life and situation with a Happy Mind.

Until next week…

Peace. Love and Rock n Roll…