When the world sees wires, I see wings

Hey Warriors,

Listen… today I feel so good I could skip. Yes, SKIP. Like full-on, knees-up, arms-swinging, Disney-princess-in-a-meadow skipping. If you see me out there, mind your business and just clap on beat.

Most days my LVAD hum is like a reminder: “Hey girl, don’t forget you’re basically Cyborg with wires.” But today? It’s a soundtrack. More like, “We outside! Let’s go!”

I swear, joy must have snuck an energy drink, because I caught myself walking fast, smiling at strangers, and, dare I say it, considering cardio for fun. (Don’t panic, it passed quickly. I’m not that wild.)

The thing about these days is they remind me that not every victory has to be dramatic. Sometimes the win is just waking up with energy that doesn’t feel borrowed, and realizing you actually want to move, to laugh, to do something silly. Like skipping. Who knew skipping could feel like a spiritual practice?

And let me tell you, when I skip, it is not graceful. I look like a toddler who just discovered sugar. My hair’s flying, my LVAD bag’s bouncing like it’s trying to keep up, and somewhere deep inside, my dignity is whispering, “Ma’am, please stop.” But I can’t. Because it feels too good.

Here’s the kicker: people stare. Some of them look confused, like I missed the “walk with purpose” memo. Others smile, and I like to think maybe I gave them a free laugh for the day. That’s community service, right? Bringing joy and confusion to the neighborhood, one skip at a time.

But underneath the comedy is something real. Feeling amazing isn’t just physical. It’s mental, emotional, spiritual. It’s like my whole being is in agreement for once, saying, “Girl, today you are not just surviving, you are THRIVING.” And if that comes with a side of public skipping embarrassment, so be it.

So if you hear someone humming down the street with the confidence of Beyoncé’s backup dancer, that’s me, choosing joy. And possibly skipping.

“Girl, today you are not just surviving, you are THRIVING.”

With Heart,

💙 Phoenix