Three years ago today my dear friend Liz Colligan ended her battle with cancer. A few months before she died I was complaining about getting old. Liz responded that she would give anything to get older, to see her boys, Jonah and Max, get older. I haven't forgotten that talking-to...it is why I embarked on my experiment of celebrating my 40th year.

Today I arrived in Madrid to begin a trip to do just that. And I find myself reflecting on irony of loss that leaves permanent marks...scars even...and simultaneously makes us want to live life more fully, more authentically, more courageously, more joyfully.

I miss my friend. And I am so very grateful for her passionate, wise correction that planted itself in my heart and is only now beginning to bear fruit. So I will spend these next two weeks on a very cool trip...but I will not do it just to have a good time but to live gratefully and fully...

Let's be honest, it might not be all that...But that is what I am aiming towards. We'll see how it goes:-)