From Decatur to Rio!

At some point we all wish, pray or work for a breakthrough.  We make New Year’s resolutions to do things we’ve never done and see things we’ve only imagined.  There is a big difference between wishing for and actually being in the midst of a breakthrough.  Right now I am in the middle of what I’ve been working and wishing for since I was a kid.  I’m in one of places I used to look at on the globe as a kid and wonder about.  What are the people like? What does the food taste like? How do the people live?  I asked all these questions and more.  I always knew there was more to life than just what was in front of me and once I realized that I became very discontent with my surroundings.  I was determined to see and discover more of the world.  At one point I wondered if I would ever get the opportunity to travel after every attempt I made to do so failed miserably.  But I guess determination really does pay off because four years ago I had no degree, no job, no money and not much hope that any of that would change.  Today I’m in the middle of Rio de Janeiro on my first international trip and it’s a surreal experience. I wake every morning still amazed at how far I've come and how much further I'm going to go.  Life seems wide open right now and this is the first step in a new phase and adventure in my life.  I guess the lesson is to never give up, stop working toward your goals, or give up hope.  Always stay faithful because I do believe God has a plan and mine is coming together quite nicely!

Desiderata by Max Ehrmann

Go placidly amidst the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.