My sister, Tessa May Nelson
Even though I’m branching out more and more on social media these days, those who know me and/or have worked with me know I’m a pretty private person in many ways. Something big happened to me over Christmas, and due to the impact of this event and the incredible reminders of what is important and meaningful, I’ve decided to share it here with you.
My sister, Tessa May Nelson, age 34, passed away on January 8, 2025. It wasn’t exactly a shock to the family, as she had been struggling for some time, but nothing can prepare you for the loss of someone you love… There are just so many layers to grief.
Tessa was—and because I know she is now everywhere, I’m going to say is—the strongest person I have ever met. She had a genetic disorder called ML3, which, due to its impact on all of her joints, led her to being confined to a wheelchair in the latter years of her life. From the beginning, doctors and specialists told Tessa and our family that she would most likely not live to adulthood and that she wouldn’t—and shouldn’t—lead an active life.
Although Tessa was consistently in tremendous pain, she did not listen to those words. With her strength, tenacity, and courage, she chose a different path. This woman did not and would not stop. And lucky for Tessa, our parents—my dad and my stepmom—let her live her life the way she wanted.
Her list of achievements was endless. She bounced on trampolines, swam and retrieved weights in the pool, earned a black belt in karate, went on road trips, created beautiful cards made from pressed flowers from the South Downs in the UK, dyed textiles, wrote meaningful adventure stories (one now published), and even went indoor skydiving! … The list goes on.
Not only was her strength apparent in every creative venture she took on, but she was also wise, funny, and had a smile that lit up every room.
I’m not just sharing this as part of my grieving process or to honor my amazing sister—I’m sharing this because, despite the times we weren’t always connected, she remains one of the most inspiring teachers in my life.
Many of us live without serious mental or physical challenges, and that’s not to say that the things that get in the way of our dreams are mild. If they were, we would all be doing what we love and fulfilling our potential 100% of the time. So let’s get one thing clear—it’s HARD!
So, what is necessary for you to take your next step toward honoring YOU?
For some, the step might be slowing down and reconnecting with what is meaningful to you. For others, it could be having that conversation or enrolling in that program. Deep inside, you already know what you need to do next—but old habits and conditioning can get in the way, sometimes even feeling debilitating.
I’m here to remind you that you are unlimited in your potentiality and that you deserve to be your biggest cheerleader. Your ‘stuff’ isn’t going away, and only YOU can choose YOU.
And let’s be real—we aren’t on this spinning rock for long… It all goes by in a flash.
Life is important. People are important. YOU are important.
This is your invitation to act accordingly.
This is HOW:
- Get honest with yourself: Am I enjoying my life?
- Does it have meaning for me?
- What am I putting off that I know needs to be done?
- What support do I need to accomplish it?
- What step can I take today toward my goal(s)?
- What step can I take today toward my goal(s)?
VIDEO: Click above to do the Exercise – Sit quietly, tune in… What’s the most important step for me to take next?
If you have any questions about Liv Unearthed or suggestions for future editions, please reach out and let me know!
