Meilee Anderson is working hard at getting her life back on track. Earlier this year (2020 keeps on giving) she was hit by a car, as a pedestrian, and is now saddled with rehabilitation.
in addition to all her ‘normal’ duties as a wife, mother, and business owner. Meilee has some big adventures planned, and she reminds herself daily with the help of a self-made picture book. A book she looks at every morning to set the tone for the day. Meilee is committed to re-gaining her physical mobility and stamina.
If you are feeling beaten down or frustrated with your current situation, Meilee’s story of sheer determination is a great choice for you. Please welcome this Sunday’s Share Your Story: Meilee Anderson.
KUELLIFE: What are you pursuing now, at this stage of your life, that surprises you or might appear to others as if it comes out of left field?
MEILEE: I became a book reviewer. I’m a voracious reader but I’ve never been a reviewer before. It surprises me to find myself writing reviews for an online magazine called She Explores Life!
KUELLIFE: What’s a typical day like for you?
MEILEE: I usually wake up around 6:00 AM and begin my day with a short 15 minute meditation, followed by breakfast, journaling, and reading for the day. Then review my to-do list for the day, I’m a sucker for a good list. I make sure to prioritize things, get ready for the day and launch myself into getting things done!
KUELLIFE: With what do you struggle?
“ I work to stay disciplined so I can recover my mobility, and endurance.”
MEILEE: Earlier this year as a pedestrian crossing the street, I was hit by a car that tossed me out of the crosswalk and into the street. I’m self-employed, a wife, and mother. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the hectic pace of my clients, work, and family life but I know putting my own health as a top priority is critical. I work to stay disciplined so I can recover my mobility, and endurance.
KUELLIFE: How do you motivate yourself and stay motivated?
MEILEE: I made myself a book of exciting photos that represent adventures I want to have and how I want to feel in this next chapter of my life. I included gorgeous photos of my favorite areas at Mount Rainier. Waterfalls, meadows, trails, all the places I want to visit and things I want to do. I look at it every morning and keep those adventures in front of me daily to remind me I MUST stick with my treatment plan to rebuild my endurance and strength. The mountain is calling.
KUELLIFE: What advice would you give fellow women about aging?
MEILEE: Remember that aging is a privilege.
KUELLIFE: What does vulnerability mean to you? What has the ability to make you vulnerable?
“For me, vulnerability is wanting something you might lose.”
MEILEE: That’s a good question. For me, vulnerability is wanting something you might lose. It’s that feeling you get when you want something so badly your heart is in your throat and you’re on the verge of tears. Vulnerability is when you CARE in all caps and bold…when the outcome is out of your control, and you have to wait for answers.
I tend to feel vulnerable when I care deeply about something (a relationship or opportunity) and I’m faced with the prospect of losing it. I also feel vulnerable when I leap into something public that’s outside of my comfort zone. For example, making the switch from being employed full time to being self-employed made me feel vulnerable. And, most recently I felt this way when I saw my elderly parents in the hospital be told they couldn’t visit each other anymore due to COVID restrictions made me feel vulnerable. Married for over 50 years and they couldn’t hold each other’s hands before my mom had surgery…that made me feel vulnerable.
KUELLIFE: What are three events that helped to shape your life?
MEILEE: Growing up with my family, they were (and still are) strong influences in my life. Becoming a single parent, I learned so much about myself in those years. Remarrying a wonderful man and starting a new life together.
KUELLIFE: Who influenced you the most in life and why?
MEILEE: My parents. I was blessed to grow up seeing a healthy marriage in action. My parents were present and constantly spoke into the lives of my sister and I. We were encouraged, empowered, and loved really well.
KUELLIFE: What is the best advice you’ve been given from another woman?
MEILEE: The women who look like they have it all together and seem to get everything done…those women have help. Don’t be afraid to get yourself help.
KUELLIFE: What woman inspires you and why?
MEILEE: Remember when I said I’m a sucker for a good list? I actually have a list of women that inspire me. There are over 40 names on that list. I love reading books about inspiring women. The most recent entry is Emma Rowena Gatewood AKA “Grandma Gatewood.” She first walked the entire Appalachian Trail SOLO when she was 67 years old! She went onto walk that same 2,000+ mile trail by herself three times. She also walked from Ohio to Oregon solo. I loved reading her story. Granny was a badass!
KUELLIFE: Are you grown-up?
MEILEE: Absolutely
KUELLIFE: What do you do for self-care?
MEILEE: My meditation, reading, and journaling practice are part of my daily self-care routine. In the midst of juggling clients and home life, making time for my physical therapy, doctor, chiropractor, and massage therapy appointments is part of my weekly self-care.
KUELLIFE: And last but definitely NOT least: What are the top three things on your bucket list?
MEILEE: Take my daughter to see the Broadway production of Hamilton in NYC. Visit Paris France. Experience a photographic safari in Kenya.
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