Man plans - God laughs!

Even when you think you have your life all mapped out, things happen that shape your destiny in ways you might never have imagined. [Deepak Chopra]

When I was a kid, I wanted to be a school teacher. Then life happened and I ended working in various offices gaining administrative experience. In my mid-30's, I decided to pursue my goal to teach and entered college for the first time. I knew it would take me 10 years to get my degree (going part-time) but I didn't care. Then, about half way through my studies, I accepted a position to run a non-profit trade association as executive director. And my life has never been the same since. I ended up loving this position and decided to change my major to English Literature and Critical Writing. My advisor said this was a better degree for business.  I ultimately got my degree and am still working for the association thirteen years later. 

When you make your life plans, I think it's important to be flexible. You never know what opportunities will arise that will require a shift in direction. My degree has served me well. It is funny how things worked out. I went to school to become a teacher but ended up an executive director. You just never know!

Go with the flow

"Don't try to steer the river." [Deepak Chopra]

I used to be a very controlling person and I didn't even fully realized it. I still am a bit controlling.  I find it difficult to completely let go. But I have learned that even though I thought I was in control, I really wasn't. Most of the frustrations in my life were the times when things weren't going the way I wanted. As I mature, I realize that it is better to just go with the flow. When I can accept whatever is going on in the moment, I am happier. I don't have to be happy about what's going on. I just have to accept it.

I believe that everything happens for a reason. So if things aren't going the way I want, I've come to believe that it's for the best. Everything that happens is always for the best. Even the difficult stuff.  

Embracing the present

"Nothing ever happened in the past that can prevent you from being present now, and if the past can't prevent you from being present now, what power does it have?"

[Eckhart Tolle] 

Why is it that we give the past so much importance? But we do it all the time, don't we? Have you ever heard someone say, "well, it's always been that way and it's not going to change", or something to that effect. Or the person who says, "I'm like this because such and such happened to me in my childhood." It is so easy to become a victim to our past. But we don't have to be. At any point, we can detach ourselves from our past and embrace the present. We can create the life that we want - a life that has no connection or attachment to the past.

It has taken me years to understand this. Mind you, I'm not perfect. But I have learned to push those negative voices out of my head. Those voices that say, "remember this" or "remember that". I am learning to let go of any negative experience I've had that has held me down or held be back. It's an on-going process but very worthwhile.

Being strong and courageous

"Any time your mind or anyone tells you "What if you fail?" Answer back, "What if I succeed?" If it says, "What if you breakdown?" Respond, "What if I breakthrough?" Let no one talk you out of your dreams and aspiration. Be strong and be courageous."  

[From Positive Digest]  

When I was in my mid-30's, I wasn't happy in my job and decided to pursue my dream of becoming an elementary school teacher. I had no college credits and after consulting with the head of the education department, I knew that it would take me 10 years to get my bachelor's degree if I went to college part time. I made the decision to do it anyway.  

One of my acquaintances was surprised that I was going to do this.  He said, "How long is this going to take you?  10 years?" He didn't say anything else but I knew what he was getting at.  I responded, "The way I look at it is that I am 35 years old right now. In 10 years, I can be 45 years old with a degree or without it."  

Well, I have that degree (and graduated magna cum laude) and it took me 10 years. Was it difficult? You bet it was. There were many times I wanted to quit. But I am really happy I didn't.  

I ended up not going into teaching because an amazing job came my way that I love even more. But who knows  - I may teach in the future. And if I make that decision, I'll have the education and the degree to do it.

So don't let anyone try to discourage you from your dreams, no matter how long it may take. You won't regret it.