There’s something about a wide-open road that conjures up possibility and adventure. The lure of travel. The hero’s journey, or just a bad-ass road trip.
(Get Your Kicks On) Route 66 is a classic rhythm-and-blues standard that the Nat “King” Cole Trio made famous in 1946.
The song perfectly encapsulated post-World War II optimism as it immortalized the iconic 2,400-mile highway connecting communities from Chicago to LA.
And on November 11, 2026, Route 66 turns 100 years old!
And today, I turn 66 years old.
Birthdays are always a logical time for self-reflection and gratitude. As I buckle my seatbelt for another year of growth and possibility, I’ve been thinking about legacy. What comes along for the journey? What needs to be discarded? What can be cherished and celebrated?
And what will endure?
In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” I’ve always been comfortable with change and growth. I never want to be stagnant. And this year, I have made several big changes in many personal and professional aspects of my life. Thankfully, after 26 years of bootstrapping, moxie, and accomplishments, Soaringwords is scaling up as we focus on being a transformational force to bring Positive Aging, Positive Psychology, and Posttraumatic Growth to hundreds of thousands of individuals living in skilled nursing communities. The SOARING Into Positive Wellbeing Workshop series is expanding into hundreds of skilled nursing communities. We are hiring and training new colleagues to join the team. As we deepen our footprint throughout New Jersey and Florida, we are creating systems and collaborations with people committed to enhancing the lives of individuals who can no longer live independently. This meaningful work is especially gratifying because my beloved father experienced five strokes during the last nine years of his life. Each time he was discharged from the hospital, Dad spent a short time in a skilled nursing home to relearn his daily activities of living. That’s why making a powerful, positive difference in people’s lives during their most vulnerable times is especially meaningful to me.
Last night’s Knicks win felt like a reminder that perseverance matters. As I sat on the edge of my seat watching the game, I was reminded that even when success seems unlikely, there are reasons to keep believing and keep moving forward. Whether on the road, on the court, or in life, resilience and the willingness to keep moving forward often make all the difference.
On a personal note, last year our third grandchild, baby Jordan, was born on Mother’s Day. Suddenly, my one-afternoon-a-week visit simply wasn’t enough time to devote to all three kiddos. Adding a Sunday visit means I can spend one-on-one time with each grandchild—walking home from school, negotiating for ice cream or a chocolate croissant instead of the healthy apple slices I brought, and doodling and making art projects. The highlight of this time together is the conversations—delightful and profound moments to which nothing else compares. My heart soars during weekly conversations with Charlotte, the inquisitive six-and-three-quarter-year-old big sister of the bunch, and three-year-old Natalie, who is twinkly and brilliant and belts out Taylor Swift ballads with total abandon.
Being open to life’s possibilities, interesting encounters with people, and new situations means the road is never boring. And one of the most important things to pack for the ride is a sense of humor, a sense of purpose, and perspective. In the words of Helen Keller, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”
Enjoy the ride.
