THE JOURNEY UNANTICIPATED

THE JOURNEY UNANTICIPATED

Twelve weeks ago I began a journey I had not anticipated. I left behind a career and “family” I had loved for twelve long years. Twelve weeks ago at this exact moment, I know that I was mentally and emotionally in a very different place. I must admit that there have been very few moments where I completely felt hopeless, for there are too many people in my life that care about me to allow me to ever walk down that narrow path alone.

Twelve weeks ago, I was given the opportunity to step back and look at my life. I believe I have been afforded an opportunity to focus more on today, and to learn some of life’s lessons that I was too busy to learn. I’ll focus on three of the things I’ve learned during this “interim” period of my life.

What’s the most valuable lesson I’ve learned? It’s one of those intangible things that is most humbling to experience. It’s about learning who’s going to be around when the bottom falls out. I’ve learned that I have some of the most amazing people in my life, people who have stood beside me and supported me each step of the way. Yes, I’ve made some mistakes along the way, but I never meant to hurt anyone.

I’ve learned to let go and let God. That may sound trite, but it’s absolutely true. I had a lot of things going on and hitting me all at once. I had the loss of the job, I had the break-up with Wynn, and I finally reached a point where I had to just say “Ok, God, here you go.” And, after I reached the point to where I was ready to do that, there was peace. I still feel this incredible sense of peace that when the time is right, I’m going to land on my feet again, exactly where I’m supposed to be.

I’ve learned that fighting for what you believe in is important. Don’t just accept things as they are. If you feel you’ve been wronged, stand up and make them hear you. Justice is worth the fight, and victory has a sweet taste.

Here’s my confession: In the nearly ninety days since my world went topsy-turvy, I have to confess that while there have been some dark moments in my soul during the time, on the whole, my life has been truly blessed by friends who have reached with many expressions. I must also confess that my stress level is lower today than it was three simple months ago.

Continuing my education formally through an online program has been a great boost to me, and sets me up for success in the future. Self-study in music has been something else that has provided so much joy in my life. I’m trying to, among other things in my life, capitalize on the time I have to do the very best that I can do. I try to carve out 30 minutes or an hour just to practice music. I’m trying to learn lots of new music. I’m really excited about the prospects that lie ahead. There's a path you take and a path not taken, and there's a brand new life around the bend.