Is This Real?

Three years ago, I was in a very strange place in life--it sucked and I hated it.  I started over in many aspects; much of it was out of my control.  I made the choice to return to school in pursuit of a four year degree.  There have been thousands of ups & downs on this educational journey, but I'm wrapping it all up today.

Why do I share?  I share because I’m almost 36 years old.  I’m a wife of 15 years and a mother of 3—one of which is turning 13 this year.  At a time in my life when it felt like all I could do was fail, I made the conscience effort to try.  If you think that you cannot do something, you are probably right.  But if you have the audacity to believe in yourself and accept the challenge, you just never know what will happen.  I’m not going to spiritualize my journey; while I could, I’m going to refrain at the moment. 

This journey consisted of a hefty dose of determination. I never really believed in myself until now—this moment, when I look back over the past three years and all that has been accomplished.  I’ve written hundreds of papers, essays, discussion board and answered a ton of multiple choice questions, some classes I thrived in and some I most certainly did not.

Let’s give credit where credit is due:  my family.  My kids and hubby supported me and the crazy dream of a middle-aged working class mama.  They sacrificed time with me so that I could take this wild adventure!  I’ve missed many moments with my kids over the last three years and it broke my heart over and over.  I just kept telling myself that my kids need to see me as a successful student and need to know how very important education is. (Oh my word it was so tough!) My friends have supported me and encouraged me along the way, even offering tutoring and study sessions on subjects that I really struggled in.  My employer offered time to complete assignments… I mean the list really goes on.  I would have never survived this without my people.  

But I did it.  Finally, I did it.  I’m fatter than I was when I started; I’m more tired than I’ve even been in my life.  But I did it.

Sometimes, I think it’s important to recognize the strength that lives within a person.  Is that strength solely mine?  I possess strength, but it is comprised of many elements from convictions, to family, to friends; all of these combined together to create the strength which I possess.

Now to those of you who are reading this and are worried about why I didn’t say “first, I’d like to thank God,” you clearly don’t know me very well at all.  That, my friends, goes without saying.  And He knows how I feel.  But you need to know?  Nah, that’s between us.

So on this day, the thirteenth day of December in the year 2013, "That’s a wrap!” and time to start on the next adventure—after sleeping for a couple of months.  

Dream big, people.  Take giant leaps of audacious faith and in those moments when you think you cannot do something—SHUT YOUR FACE.   You are remarkable and you were created to do marvelous things and go on incredible adventures!  

GO!