Things that can bring us together

Jacque Cochran
3 min readApr 9, 2021

I have been on a journey to a new me for some time now. Talking about fears and overcoming them.

Talking about trying new things that are outside of my normal comfort zone in an effort to land in a place of freedom, growth and excitement.

Three weeks ago, I purchased a pair of roller skates. I put them on and took them out for a spin. I had not been on skates since I was in high school. Perhaps even earlier than high school but nonetheless it has been at least 30 years.

I posted a video of my first skating moment. With the biggest smile and the wind in my hair, I told my Facebook following that it was the best feeling and I mentioned how exhilarating it felt.

I discovered why this movement I have started is so important and why I have to continue to reach higher to get to the special place I am carving out for my life.

Inspiration! I have inspired some people to have new experiences and try things that help them in their individual lives but also that can bring us together.

I have been sharing quite a bit about my journey and activities on Facebook.

My son-in-law’s mother bought a pair of skates after she saw me in mine. Another friend texted me a picture of her new skates today.

I’ve shared a lot about the struggles, disappointments and triumphs I have faced since returning to school.

As a result people have told me that I have inspired them to return to school. I am aware of several people who have returned to school.

Several people have learned how to swim after watching me last summer, getting over my fear and learning. And a few more are looking forward to tackling the experience this year.

Nikkia Tate sent me this photo today. She purchased skates after seeing me on mine

Others have pursued other goals and dreams they have had that they are attributing to witnessing me in my third act.

With that in mind, I am recognizing, we are put on this earth for a reason. We grow up and as we grow, we are trying to discover our purpose, that particular place in the world.

Trenise Bush bought these right after she saw me on my skates

For altruistic reasons we desire to make a difference, to leave our own mark that is not just driven by the desire to make money but to accomplish something that is deep and meaningful.

On my journey to self discovery and stomping out the fears that have held me back, finding out that people are paying attention and heeding my call to action is better than any amount of money I could make.

As a result, I have realized the things that can bring people together are the things that sustain us and adds joy to our lives. The things that bring us together binds our souls to a purpose bigger than our understanding.

I have figured something out about myself that is so special. I figured out what I bring to the table. Although the pandemic and racial tensions were tools that created divisiveness.

I have figured out that my life has made a difference even if it was just to one person. I will be remembered even if I never do any thing more than this.

I helped open a space for the things that can bring us together. The things that will keep us together.

The things that brought us together. My set of skates.

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