How does a young girl get from Murfreesboro into space? Would you dare to strap yourself onto a rocket? What do you do when interesting possibilities come your way - discount them as impossible and let them float away or choose to take a leap and change your life?

Dr. Rhea Seddon is a nationally-recognized surgeon-turned-astronaut who has asked herself these questions - and more - throughout the years, and she plans to share her experiences with RUTHERFORD Cable members and guests at the organization's February breakfast meeting.

"Where do opportunities come from?" Seddon asks. "They can appear in the craziest and most unexpected ways and shake up your thought processes of what might be possible. Something lights a spark that you didn't realize existed until that moment. A friend or colleague suggests a new idea and a door opens."

"Or," she continues, "a life-changing event kicks you in the rear and you are compelled to dust off those long-lost dreams and seek out the people who can help you achieve them."

Seddon is slated to keynote RUTHERFORD Cable's monthly breakfast meeting from 7:15-9 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 14, at Stones River Country Club, located at 1830 N.W. Broad St. in Murfreesboro.

During her presentation, Seddon will share her story of how serendipitous opportunities propelled one of America's first women astronauts into a higher orbit.

RUTHERFORD Cable members and guests are welcome, and the public is invited to attend; the cost for this meeting is $25 and includes breakfast. Reservations are available online at rutherfordcable.org and must be completed by Thursday, Feb. 9.

Following her presentation, Seddon will spend 10 minutes answering questions about her recently-published book. The Q&A will include Stephanie Huffman from Epiphany Creative Services, who will answer questions about options for bringing your own story to print.

2 The 2017 nominees for the Athena International Leadership Award and Athena Young Professional Leadership Award will be introduced at the Feb. 14 meeting. RUTHERFORD Cable is the founding sponsor of the Rutherford ATHENA Award Program, which recognizes individuals who excel in their professions, give back to their communities and help raise up other leaders, especially women. The 2017 Athena Award Dinner and Ceremony will be held on April 27, at Embassy Suites Murfreesboro.