Midlife Reflections #9

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With my daughter set to go to college in the next few weeks, I reminisced about my journey into higher education.  I was so young and ready to take on the world with my hopes and dreams.  I took many classes to get exposed to things I never knew about and met a ton of people from all over the world.  I started off with a certain major in mind and then changed it over the course of the four years that I was there.  I had no qualms about making the decisions that I felt did made me happy…and to this day I have not regretted it.  After graduating, I took that vibrant enthusiasm and dove head first into what I can now call my life.  Granted there were some bumps along the way and I made decisions that seemed quite drastic but, in the end, it was what was in my best interest.  However, there was a period where I played it safe and made choices that I did not care for.   Looking back on it now, would I still make the same choices…absolutely not.  I’ve come to learn recently that life is really too short and I need to make the choices that will make me the happiest.  It might not be the most logical one in other people’s eyes but who give a rip.  This is my life and the smart move is to choose what I will like.  We have one life, so why not make it an enjoyable one.  The whole point of this is to stress that if you have a decision to make with your life, always listen to your gut and choose what will make you happy.  That will always be the absolute best move to make.

Believe In Yourself

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Life is full of unexpected twists and turns.  Sometimes everything goes in your favor, other times it’s just off the rails.  Either way, you have to ride out the storm to prove to yourself that you have the mettle to handle whatever comes your way.  Our never-ending journey begins and ends with us.  So, take comfort in knowing that you can make it through as long as you believe.  You have the will, the strength, the skills and the knowledge to rise to the occasion.  So, stay the course to reap the rewards that’s awaiting you on the other side.

“Dream Big” Haikus

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Keep your hopes alive

Venture beyond your limits

Let your passion soar

 

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Destiny intact

You have a purpose in life

Share it with the world

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We each have a dream

Special gifts that change our world

Inspiring all

 

Life’s Blessings

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Every day when I wake,

I take stock in what I have…

the strength from loved ones,

devotion from my family,

support from my friends,

affection from my pets,

my strong faith in God

Because of these simple things,

I take comfort in knowing

that I can take on…

any challenge,

face any dilemma,

make life changing judgements

without hesitation and total clarity

Because life is all about…

seeing what’s around us,

having an appreciation for all that we have,

a sense of gratitude for things we are given,

and the  knowledge for making a difference,

not just in our lives

but in that of others

It is only then,

when we realize this

that we will truly feel

we’ve been bequeathed with

life’s blessings.

 

Mid-Life Reflections #8

With my son graduating 8th grade yesterday and my daughter set to graduate from high school this Saturday, I look back with fond memories of them when they were just mere babies to who they are now and what they are becoming.  I am literally amazed at what they can do and what they can accomplish.  Granted my wife and I gave them the tools to navigate their way through life but they managed perfectly using their own sense and sensibilities.  Everything that they’ve achieved so far was due to their unique personality and innate traits; their exterior demeanor belies their true potential.  It is because of this that I cherish being a parent.  My children’s vim and vigor, no holds barred quest to grab a hold of what the world has to offer and run with it, is truly inspiring.  It keeps me on my toes, anxiously waiting to see what unfolds for them and how they’ll astound us.  Reflecting on my children’s journey into adulthood overwhelms me with pride and joy and is one of life’s gifts that I am truly honored to accept.