SigMT

I am one of those people who wants to do everything myself. I have an idea and a one track way of geing that locomotive to the next station. I'm not a know-it-all by any means. It's just easier to do things myself rather than try to explain what I'm looking for and invariably be disappointed when that train derails. is may make me sound like a textbook control freak but, honestly, I like things done correctly… in an orderly fashion, on time and on budget! I come by it honestly. My Mother is the same way and my sister doesn't fall too far from the perfectionist tree either. In fact, growing up, I recall her obsession with ironing her sheets before making her bed. Striving for this high level of perfectionism served me well for years but lately I've been second guessing myself. Maybe it's because I have too much on my plate and I'm realizing I can't do it all or maybe I've discovered there is something more menacing lurking in my personal tactics. I realize now that this "do it myself behavior" is nothing but a result of fear… fear of failure. Fear of what I might come face to face with if I stopped doing and listened for just a moment. In the last year, I've had two back surgeries with the possibility of a third one lingering on the horizon. I wasn't at all surprised when my doctor told me I have degenerative bone and disk disease – actually it's a genetic gi from my Mother's side of the family, something I've feared for years. Simple things like grabbing a gallon of milk from the refrigerator can throw my back out of com- mission for days. It's hard to function as a control freak when you are laid up in bed. en, as if out of nowhere, a voice in my head spoke loudly and clearly, "Ask for help!" For the first time in years, my eyes and ears opened to the people surround- ing me and clarity rushed in like a raging river in spring. I realized I was trying so hard to control and hold on to so many things that I didn't have the energy to enjoy the parts of my life that I love. And you know what else? People come to life and really go aer it when I take a step back and give them space and encouragement. It's a tough pill to swallow but, leing go of things I'm not meant to hold on to has allowed me to enjoy the things I was truly meant to do. I no longer run the locomotive. In fact, I now realize there are many tracks leading to the station and others are quite capable of geing their train in on time. It's hard to describe the confidence that comes with leing go and finding joy in being a small piece of a big puzzle… and really, that's all I need! is issue of SignatureMT showcases a handful of confident people forging paths of passion, while some look back admiringly at the paths they have forged, all of course, surrounded by people of encouragement, strength and integrity. Enjoy this summer sea- son and may you too find the confidence to explore the things you are most passionate about. SUPPORTING THOUGHTS I think SignatureMT magazine is the most awesome magazine in Montana. Everybody should read it. I keep every issue, I cannot get rid of them. ~ Judy Eystad, Great Falls Montana e Penthouse Salon and Spa is proud to be a part of our community's SignatureMT magazine. It is great to have a local outlet to reach out to so many local households and businesses with such a positive impact. ~ Kenneth Vassar, e Penthouse Salon Photo by Cindy Cieluch From the Editor HAYLEY LENINGTON-LERAY MT S 10 | SignatureMT

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