Friday, January 7, 2011

Did You Expect to be Where You are?

Looking at where you are now, and thinking about where you thought you would be, can you honestly say you are exactly where you envisioned yourself being? I can say without a doubt in my mind, I would have never expected to be where I am now and doing what I am doing and I wouldn't change a thing.

Life is a journey that can take us on the best roller coaster ride of our lives.The ups and downs can take us from one extreme to the another in a heartbeat. Keeping that in my mind, it is up to each person to allow that journey to happen and embrace the adventure laid in front of us. 

Growing up I always figured I would go to college, get a job, get married, have kids, and live happily ever after. I figured to be working at a job that would provide for my family and that would be just fine. So what happened?

I went to college as planned but didn't finish. I got married but that didn't work out. I have kids. Five to be exact. I thought I had found a job that I would work at and be there a long time. I was let go last year. So where does that leave me now? Happy!

My first marriage gave me two incredible kids. The oldest is a teenager now. Makes you realize you are getting old but in the same thought makes you smile and appreciate it. Jobs have come and gone but that has given me the knowledge that no matter what, I can and do take care of my family. The pressure now is completely on me and I love that. No more paychecks, no more worrying about what the boss thinks of me, just the liberating feeling of total responsibility being on me.

It would have been very easy to just throw my hands up and ask why did this happen to me when I lost my job last year. Looking back at that life changing event, It was the best thing that could have happened. I love being the boss of me and having the freedom to enjoy life now. The ability to spend time with my family is my decision now. No more arranging times around a work schedule made by someone else. Family and friends are more important than we know and we don't often realize that until it's too late. My days are dedicated to my family now. I have support from my loving wife Phaedra, my wonderful kids, Raven, Steven, Kyle, Tristian, and Jonathan. That support is the best feeling in the world.

I ask myself again that question and I answer No. I did not expect to be where I am today. I love that I am happy about being in an unexpected place. Can you say the same?