Past the point of no return

Have you ever taken such a big chance that you cannot go back to where you once were? To know that to do so would not be in your best interest, but would actually make you worse off in the long run? Taking chances can be scary and I remember someone telling me that having the courage to take that leap can be the most freeing moment and I started thinking more about what I want for my life in 2012. More to come on that later, but for now, know that the wheels are turning. I am sitting here trying to remember how I got to where I am right now and trying to figure out at what moment did I pass the point of no return. Was it when I started this blog, knowing that I had given the information to friends and they would now be able to see what I was so excited about? Was it when I became accountable to Rocky when she came to my house to get me into shape at 5am? Was it when I started believing more in myself and allowing others to see more of the real me? Was it when I shared my thoughts with other women and started the G.I.F.T.? Was it when I said in public for the first time that my dream was to be a motivational speaker for teenagers? Was it the reaching out to others that might be able to help me pursue that dream? Was it the willingness to explore new things (shopping) or allow new people to break down the walls? Was it putting trust and faith into those people and things because of what my heart tells me, not my head? Was it a combination of any of these things or people? But when, specifically, did I get to the point of no return? Have I even been there yet or do I just think I have? I know there are a lot of questions here, but here is what I do know. I am not the same person I was when I really started this journey almost 2 years ago. I have grown into someone that I have always wanted to be and continue to grow and give more than I ever have. I have learned to not run when situations get difficult, but also know how many people truly love me. I also learned what they would do for me, even if I didn't want them to. I know that I am here for a reason and continue to try to see the reasons for my being here in everything I do, say, in the people I meet, and where my next steps will take me. I know I am human and have human emotions, even if they are not understood by others. I know I have a huge heart and have allowed myself to be more vulnerable and have shed tears where they never would have come before. I wouldn't allow it. I know I give hugs all the time and they are not the woosy, one-armed hugs or barely touch you hugs, either. They are both arms, bring you close, hold on to you kind of hugs. I know I gave out more yesterday to co-workers wishing them a Merry Christmas than I ever had before. I know I have a husband and three sons that think the world of me and many other friends who just might think the same. I know I want to have an impact on the people that I come in contact with and those that I will never meet. I know I have to continue to inspire others who want something different in their lives. I know making those choices is not easy, but also know it gives us confidence like we never thought we had. I know that I can talk alot and think even more and don't always let others have their two cents. I know I need to apologize for that. I know I get off track sometimes and need a little kick in the pants to get me going again. I know it takes me a couple of days to get something that I should have figured out right then, but I am slow. I know that this world and life can begin when you want it to and you change the simplest of things and then that leads to bigger changes. I know that I am grateful for the life I have been given and would not change a single thing. I know for me, I continue to challenge myself in ways I never thought possible and will keep moving forward. I know there may be days I take baby steps and others days when I am ready to jump off a 575 foot building (yes, still on my list of things to do). I know I read a lot and will work at being my "best me" all the time. I know I will find success and unfortunately, I will fail as well. I know I need to forgive myself and forgive others. I know I need to let this life lead me to places I have never been before and will "embrace the journey." I know I am here for the duration and will treasure my place in this world as I know the world will ever change. I know nothing stays the same. Where are you in your life? I know that you will absolutely love where you are going and it may make you afraid of the unknown. But because we are on this rollercoaster ride, when you get strapped into your seat and you start to pull away from the platform, you will have reached the point of no return.

The marathon on life

I am not sure that I can call myself a "runner", but I do love to run. I love the freedom it brings me and the way I can start my day with very little effort. And I am grateful every day that I decided to join the race of life. I let everyone pass me as I sat on the curb and watched it happen. I wasn't ready to join, thinking that everyone else had such a big headstart and that it wouldn't matter to start now. But when true "runners" train for a marathon, they start slow and gradually work themselves up to running faster and farther. When Rock and I started running over a year and a half ago, I couldn't run from my house to the end of the block (I am the second house from the corner), but eventually her crazy "10 more steps" rule pushed me to do more than even I thought I could. Maybe even more than she thought I could. After all, there is a reason why she is Rocky and I am Mick. But life isn't supposed to be a sprint - it is a marathon. You have to pace yourself and sometimes, there are hills on the course than make you gather the very last bit of strength (that you are sure you don't have) to get you to the other side. There are times when things are flat and seem to be effortless as you cruise pass the cheering crowd. Of course, if there are hills you have to climb, then you know there are going to be the downhills and you almost pick up speed as you really take charge of what is in front of you and conquer everything in your way. But, this does not happen over night. It takes months and hard work and dedication. It means some days you may have the best intentions and other distractions become your focus (kitty) temporarily. When those times comes up (because they will), what you do next does not mean that you are done forever. It means you made a choice and you can still choose something else. So, when you get on your running shoes today and walk outside your door to embrace this new day you have been given, don't worry about where you are in the race. It doesn't matter when...it matters that you participated. Begin your marathon today.

How do you keep from being discouraged?

I think I am in the middle of a big test right now. Lots of things are coming my way, all at once and I am handling them. But don't you ever notice that it always seems that way? I know things happen in three's, so I guess when one thing happens, we need to be ready for at least two more things that are going to show up sooner or later. Some of you may be asking yourselves, "Why is she posting this? This is supposed to inspire me, not bring me down." I guess, my thought was that we have to address life as it truly is, not as we always wish it would be. We have to have bad days so we can appreciate the good ones. We need to see struggle so that we know what it looks like not to. We ALL have moments when we wonder if it is worth it and when we want to give up. That would be the easy way. I don't think easy is in my vocabulary any more, but it shows up from time to time. This morning, I took easy. I did not get up to walk/run even though I did get up at 4:30am as usual, but then I went back to bed. My mom would say, "Keep on truckin" and I think that might have been a phrase she used "back in the day". Not sure what "day" that was, but maybe glad I was not around to see that. Maybe glad to not see other days as well...just saying. When days come like this, we have really one choice and one choice only. Admit that we are here and feeling what we feel because dismissing that is worse. Then, we address whatever it is that is in front of us right now and get through it. Even if it means we stumble and stub our big toe in the process. Yes, that hurts. We get our balance once again and carry about our business. We move ahead...maybe a little more weary and unsure, but we take our steps. We all get discouraged at times. The difference is what we do after that makes the difference.

Be grateful

We forget this sometimes, as we become focused on what can bring us down. We allow that to happen. It is easier to do it. I have a few things on my plate right now that I did not plan for or ask for, but they are here anyway. I cannot change it. However, in trying to explain a perspective to a young man that I care about, I wanted him to think about how his situation could be worse. When we focus on the negative, we are neglectful to what we do have. Life stinks sometimes. Not just for you or me, but for all of us. Choices we make end up biting us on the back side and we have to move on. No whining or throwing a fit about "what's fair." Get done what needs to be done and continue on this wild ride. We are all thrown into situations we would not pick, regardles of what they are. I have never heard of someone wishing that their loved one had passed on. It just doesn't happen. We wish for the good to always be present and for the bad to never show up. Guess what? Life does not work that way. "You have to have blessings and obstacles. One without the other is neither." You wouldn't know the difference of a blessing or an obstacle unless you knew what the other was like. Be grateful that whatever is before you is not worse. Sure...everyone picks for it to be better. Who wouldn't? I have also never heard of someone who bought a lottery or powerball ticket who wished they WOULDN'T win. It just doesn't happen. Whatever is in front of you is meant to teach you somethong. Pay attention. The lesson may not be what you think it should be. Use this event or situation to motivate you. I am grateful for whatever life brings me, even if it is unwanted. I am meant to deal with it and I know I will be better for it. I am most grateful for the chance to make amends, look at things with a new view, and appreciate what is before me. It makes me a better me...and for that I am eternally grateful.

What direction are you headed?

People always say, "Your compass points north." I have never really understood that phrase. Why north? What is wrong with pointing east, west, or south? All of the directions are equally important, don't you think? Sometimes, the quickest way to get to the Far East would be to head west, depending on where your begin that trek. I was wondering if it really matters what direction we are headed in as long as we are headed in the RIGHT direction. What direction are you headed? We get lost from time to time and are not sure which is the right way to head, so we wander. Aimlessly. For a long time. We don't commit to a direction because we second guess ourselves. We want to have some guarantee that this is the "right" direction. Guess what, everyone? It does not work that way. How do we know when it is the "right" direction? You JUST know. It cannot be explained, even when you try and when you use the same words over and over hoping that this one time you share it, that it makes sense. I know what direction I am headed and I know I am not just wandering around. I have a purpose to this adventure and it will affirm that I am where I am supposed to be. Check your internal compass today...what direction are you headed? You can change your course, you know. Just because you set out for a certain destination in mind, understand that the wind changes, and you may end up someplace you could have never imagined. And it may just be the exact place you were meant to be. Never question why...always question what you are supposed to do when you get there.

It's not about...

In catching up with someone today that I just love to see and love to get hugs from - some of the best, EZ, she said something about another friend that got me thinking. Yes, I know, that happens a lot. Hence, the blog. Ok, but seriously, there are so many things that life is about and what life is not about. Life is not about being perfect, in any way, shape, or form. Trying to make people believe that your life is perfect really just confirms what they already know - that your life isn't. None of our lives are, so quit trying to make others believe it is. Life is not about how much money you have or how big your house is or what kind of car you drive. It is about how much love you have in your heart, how big your smile is, and the kind of impression you leave on others. It is not about never admitting that things don't frustrate us from time to time, like our spouses and kids. There are jobs that we mostly love, but have little quirks that make us check in every now and again. It is about little inconveniences, like going to the bank to report a lost debit card or picking up a child from school every day because crutches in the winter don't work so well. Life is about giving yourself to people, even those that you think would never even dial 911 to save your life. It's about letting people see when you tumble and get back up again. Maybe a little scarred, but better even so. It's not about having a perfectly manicured lawn or an even cleaner house. It's about laughing when you make a complete fool of yourself even though you want to just crawl under a rock. It is about putting your arms up and loving the ride. It is about so much more... even when you think it isn't. You are next in line to get on the rollercoaster....why not now?

When Things Fall Apart

We have all felt that way, at one time in our lives. When even with the best intentions, things go wrong and we are unsure of how to fix them. Sometimes, there are words that cannot be unspoken or deeds cannot be undone. Other times, time is not on your side and you will never be able to make amends. Situations happen that are out of your control or you have let them get so much out of control that now going back is out of the question. What happens next? What do you say when you are in front of that person again? How do you make it better? What happens if you doing the best you can to rectify this issue only makes it worse? What if you do nothing? We keep trying!! We do everything we know until our hands are raw with the emotion they carry and our hearts are done bleeding because there is nothing more. We do what we think is right even if it turns out wrong. Things fall apart all the time in life - it is inevitable. How we deal with those times determines what goes on from there. We pick up the pieces and move on. It may not be the way it was before, but it just might be the little wake up call you needed to get a grasp on what matters most. Usually, when we are down, we have others right beside us waiting for that moment when we can help you stand back up again. We will help carry the load and be there when you need our help. Don't be afraid to ask for it. Nothing ever stays the same, anyway. Things falling apart and being put back together are bound to happen. Welcome to life.

When you belong

We all know what it feels like when you belong to something. In turn, we all know what it feels to be exluded from something. At times, we can do all we know to do and it still doesn't fit "just right", for whatever reason. Other times, we expect it to just fit from the get go, as if we have nothing to do with it. I think it feels best when you belong to something that is even bigger than you can imagine - so big that just the mere possibilites cannot be comprehended at this moment. We all belong to groups - our families, our neighborhoods, our religions. But is that just a way to identify us? But do we feel more connected when we belong with our hearts? With our soul? So connected that it is impossible to imagine being disconnected from it? Close your eyes...breath slowly and purposefully. Where do you belong? In the life you currently have or in one of your dreams? You will know when it is the way it is meant to be...you just will. You will trust your instinct like never before. Deep down, where we rarely go, in the most sacred of places, we crave to belong. We yearn for it so much that it can make a broken person whole. I read a couple of months ago about a family that adopted a man (early 20's) to be a part of their family. He is a part of that family because he had none of his own. Can you imagine what that must feel like? It almost stuns me to think of how far I have come when I lay it all out there. I have been lost and detoured on roads towards what I thought was my final destination. I have taken a few wrong turns and have found myself surrounded by disappointments. I have come to a complete stop when it seems like nothing, really nothing, would get me moving again. I have crept along ever so slowly hoping no one would notice me. I have gone so fast that I did not appreciate what I was passing by. We have all been on these roads and others like it. Right now, I am just skipping along - faster than a crawl, able to see hazards, and slow enough to view what is before me. Skipping reminds me of my younger days when life was carefree and joyful...because it just was. My instinct to skip is like a second nature and doesn't really require any thoughts - it just happens. That is when I know, for sure, that I belong to something bigger than myself and I know you want it to!!!

15 minutes

What can happen in 15 minutes? A lot! You can give birth to a baby. You can marry your high school sweetheart. You can run a mile. You can submit your resignation. You can hear of tragedy that can crumble your very world. The list goes on. In a short amount of time, new ideas have presented themselves where I have been focused on something else. Not to say that my previous focus will be dismissed, but that I have more to think about. I have a lot to think about and process and need to be in the right frame of mind to get there. The book I am reading now talks about how when we are passionately driven towards something, we will always be drawn to the excitement of it and that will diminish the fears that go along with it. I was reminded of a time where I spent 15 minutes with someone and shared with them my perspective on a particular subject. This is important because I previously had said that my impact on her mom could not be significant because I had only spent 3 hours with her. Then, it came - the reminder of "15 minutes". I was asked to complete a task today that could ultimately lead me in a different direction than where I thought I was heading. Maybe not a completely different direction, but maybe just another branch growing from the same tree. What can you do in 15 minutes? Wash your car? Update people on happenings via facebook? Or can you do something bigger, better, and that will leave people wanting 15 minutes more? Can you spare 15 minutes? There is nothing more important than the relationships we have with people and we need to take time to invest in those relationships. 15 minutes is not too much to ask. Some of the greatest ideas, friendships, and adventures start with 15 minutes. Where are you in your life? Is there something you want to change, but not sure you have the time? You can make a change. You can choose to do something different. You can decide what is important and what is not. My attitude about this new idea changed 15 minutes after I last spoke of it and here I am writing about it. That should tell me something. Make the time...after all, it is only 15 minutes.

Unpredictable

Life is so unpredictable. Even if we think we know, we really don't know for sure. We might have a pretty good idea. And how boring would life be if we knew what was going to happen next before it really happened? There is a movie starring Nicholas Cage called, "Next" where he can actually see what will happen before it does and althought it can be useful, I think it would be a huge burden. Our lives take us on paths we never thought we would be on, and yet we find ourselves in better situations than we ever thought possible. Growing up, I never thought I would move away from Southern California. Now, I have lived and raised our sons in the Omaha, Nebraska area where my husband grew up. I have never regretted that decision and when we visit my family in California, I usually cannot wait to get back home to Nebraska. When I was in high school and college, I wanted to go to law school and be an attorney. Some people might say that I loved to argue (maybe just share my point) and love to talk to so they seemed to go hand in hand. Plus, I love government, but hate politics. I am not an attorney, nor do I desire to be one. I have worked in several different industries, but now have a job where I can make a difference in other people's lives. That gives me the ultimate joy. Plus, I do other things that make me feel good where I can use my talents to get things accomplished. But the biggest job I have right now is you. This blog is something I never thought I would find myself compelled to do and write on at least every couple of days. I was noticing that I have written much more than last year, because my posts so far this year almost total all of last year. I was in a situation Friday night where I felt like I was kind of put on the spot with someone I had just met talking about my next adventure, and I wasn't quite ready for that. But I need to learn to be. I had not expected this part of my life to come to the surface so quickly with this new friend. I understand why it did, and looking back perhaps I did not handle it the way I should have. Sorry, Rock. I guess the message for this post is to let go of trying to have it all planned out, already decided, and set in motion. I had predicted how the night would go before I even got there without giving it a chance to just happen. For some reason, I was nervous and excited all at the same time, knowing how important it was for someone else. In addition to meeting this new friend, I met her daughter and somehow found myself "doing my thing" without any planning and ended up just being me. When we are young, we never would have imagined or predicted that our lives would be where they are, but I will tell you what. "Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted." Sometimes, just sometimes, we end up with more we could have ever imagined. Embrace life for what it is...a living, changing, unpredictable part of you that makes the world better because you are in my life.

Practice what I Preach

I am at a crossroads, looking for signs on what to do next every where. If you see one, please let me know. I found myself in two different conversations over the last 24 hours that as I was processing my thoughts and giving input to others, I realized (sometimes in mid-sentence) exactly what I was saying to others, I needed to hear as well. My oldest son was sharing with me about someone he knew that appeared to him to always take the easy way out of difficult circumstances. I politely reminded our son that "our family does not quit something because it is difficult. We go through it BECAUSE it is difficult." Do you remember when I mentioned the speed bump that was in front of me on the road I am traveling? Well, that speed bump was tackled and yet a few more have appeared, and we will see what happens then. Then, my sister calls who is struggling with taking on a full time job after been without work since February of last year, but she also has been at home with her son since he was born in September. She can tell me every reason to take on the new responsibilities and her reason for not is she feels like she will be taking time away from her son. I get that. I was encouraging her to look at the bigger picture, not just what she could see now - wanting her to see things that are not even present yet. Last night, I was wondering if those two were signs about a potential decision that I may have to make and what steps do I need to take to make that decision, should it be necessary. Yesterday, I wrote, "It is more difficult to pursue our dreams than it is to give up on those that were never meant to be." We need to find the courage to follow those dreams, regardless of what they are or when they will happen. We have to believe in them in order for them to become reality. Giving advice is easy - taking it is another. I have wonderful friends who believe in my dream and are always supportive. Yesterday, one told me that this may not be happening the way I expected it to, but maybe those speed bumps are there for reasons also. I don't like the saying, "It is what it is" so I changed it to, "It is as it is meant to be." I guess it all comes down to me needing to practice. I am working on it. Get your MOXIE on!

Wild week...and it is only Wednesday

On Monday, I told you about how a dear friend surprised me and reconnected with me after a hiatus from life. Then, I stopped by her house, unannounced the next morning. I think she was glad I stopped by and we chatted more about what happened and what we need to do to get back to where we want to be. We had a nice visit and it still felt very natural and not awkward. She asked me to give her another chance - a chance to make it up to me and even though we cannot go back, she wishes she could. It was good to see her and there are reminders of her everywhere. I cannot wear things she gave to me or write in a book she wrote in for me because they remind me of her. I told her that I still have a little doubt, but don't want to put the walls back up. I spent a lifetime building them and do not want to spend another lifetime putting them back up. Last night, I am working and start thinking about what I want for my dream and inquire with the kids I am with about an idea I have and they kind of get excited about it, but I never really tell them anything specific. I have put my dream and writing to the side and have not worked on any of it. I have not felt the passion about accomplishing more. One of the kids I was with last night kind of lost it and threatened me in a physical way, and I was left with no choice but to call law enforcement. He kept telling me that he did not have any potential and I talked with him for about 10 minutes about that I believe in every kid and will always believe in them. Then, something happened and he got very agressive and angry. On top of that, with all of those emotions, I was called in and am on a jury for the next three days. Do you ever have days like this? Where it just seems like it all comes at you at once, and there is no time to even breathe? I went out this morning, with the anticipation to run and didn't really and came home after not even doing half of my route. My heart wasn't in it. My heart has been tossed around, pulled from one emotion to another, and then there is everyday life thrown in on top of it all. I don't even know what to do next. Part of me feels like I am spinning out of control, but really just going with things as they come. Tonight is a night when I need to be reminded that every situation I faced this week could have been worse, as tough as it has been. My friend could still be hiding out, that kid could've hit me, and everything else. Sometimes, I need to take a step back and just breathe. Tomorrow is another day and I have yet to find out what will come of that. Enjoy your night!

Everyone has struggles

I have missed a very dear friend, who was hurting, but I did not know it. She has been feeling like she has spiraled out of control and is so far down, she does not know how to get back to where she was before. I know most of it may be work related but work is not who we are - it should not define us. Last night, after not hearing from her for some time, she reached out to me. I would have loved to hear her voice, or better yet, to see her, but it came via the web. It still came. It was unlike her not to communicate with me for so long, and she knew I was having my own struggles and wanted to be there for me. Instead, she has closed herself off from the world. We all hit rock bottom in our life - when the well surrounding us seems to make us feel more contained and afraid; when we don't remember how we got there to even see if we can go back; when we cannot see any light to guide us in another direction; when we are in great despair. It is only then when we have to reach for others to help us because we will not be able to do it alone. We have to trust that those that we know will be there, are truly there. Her self-contained prison has made me very sad for her because I am there to help, but she has to want my help. I have left the decision up to her and will wait to hear from her, which I hope is soon. Are there people in your life that are having their own struggles? Maybe even those you don't know about? Have you reached out to them? Please don't think that because they don't tell you what is going on that they don't want to; maybe they just don't know how. I told her more than once (ok, maybe 4 times), "Don't give up." Don't quit on me, on anything she holds near to her heart, on life. The ironic thing is that one of the last things she said to me (in a different context) was, "Don't quit." I want to give her a hug and tell her that it will be ok. We keep working on asking the questions and wait for the answers. The answers will never come if we are not willing to ask the questions. It is not something that we have to decide today, tomorrow, or even this week. Keep reaching out to those you love and tell them exactly how you feel, even if it means asking for forgiveness or telling them what they mean to you. Some time ago, I had decided to let Rocky not just see the good, but the bad and the ugly too because that is real life. She especially wanted to see the bad and ugly, not because she wished that for me, but that I would share that with her. Let your friends and family help when the bad and ugly show up at your doorstep. Eventually it comes to all of us, and as long as we have people that will help us out of that well we will always be bonded together because of sharing that moment. One of my favorite sayings is, "Not my problem." Make your loved ones' struggles your problem and do not let them push you to the curb. Be there for them. You will not regret it and neither will they.

Different paths we end up on

This weekend, I spent a lot of time trying to decide what my dream is since I asked you to do the same. One thing I have learned is that I cannot ask you to do something that I am not willing to do myself. To decide what your dream is, first you have to find your passion. What is your passion? A couple of weeks ago, a friend asked me, "What do you want?" I told her I did not know, but I think I am closer to that answer. I wrote some things down and did more with those thoughts than I have in the past. Here is the purpose of this post - I wanted to be a lawyer when I was in high school, and yet I am no where closer to that profession, nor do I desire to be. Due to decisions and circumstances, I ended up on a different path than I thought I had previously wanted. After reading many books about how people get stuck in jobs they hate, working long hours, and not really living, they come to their "Ah-ha" Moment (thanks, Oprah!) where they decide to really start living their life the way they want to live their life. Are you one of those people that feels stuck? I encourage you to find what you are passionate about and see what you can do to follow your heart. Sometimes, the things we think we want turn out not to be what we really desire and motivates us. The key is that we need to be open to change and other opportunities that otherwise we would not have even seen. Keep your eyes and hearts open and you may just find yourself on another path you did not know existed. Believe me, it may be the better one too. Make your Monday Marvelous!!!!!!!

I shake my head in disbelief

Do you ever stop and think about some things and just wonder how you got there or here, which ever it may be? That you really cannot remember all of the things you did to get you to this exact moment in time? But then, when you look back, you know you took steps because there would be no way you would be there without taking those steps? That is me today, and on most days. We ran in the Race for the Cure today and it was chilly, but it was nice to see the sun out. I was susprised on how short 3 miles was, but very glad to be done, needless to say. The bigger picture for me is more than a morning run, but that is a part of it. The morning run has become a way of defining me, yet 5 months ago that was not even part of my vocabulary. As I reflect on the days I have had, none seem more important than the ones I have had over the last 9 months. I am encouraged by a friend who is listening to her heart and am so proud of her and excited for this new chance at fullfilling her destiny. She never knows how I talk about her with others and what she means to me. I thank God for her every day and I always find it funny when I explain how we met. She told me just recently that even her husband wonders how we could be such great friends in such a short amount of time. We simply cannot explain it. I am humbled when a friend is recognized for doing what she does to make her community better by fullfilling her destiny. I am grateful for a husband who supports me when I take time for me, which in turn makes me better for everyone else. Sometimes, just to catch my breath, I am in awe of it all. It seems so simple, yet also feels like it took forever to get here. I have learned patience and compassion, and love it all. I am pursuing an idea about sharing some of these ideas with others in a bigger venue, and hope it comes to life. In my mission statement, I say that I did not feel that I was worthy of more, and I think that still sticks with me sometimes. I have caught myself when I self-sabotage with a comment where I put myself down. I am thankful for so many things in my life, and more I have yet to treasure, and I think for so many years, I never told myself I deserved more. I told myself that I should be happy with what I had, since it was more than most people. I have been blessed in many ways, and am reminded to not lose sight of that. That is one reason why I shake my head in disbelief. Truth is that this is here and I am embracing all that it has to offer. Last week, someone saw me and yelled, "There's my inspiration." I never thought of myself that way. Thank you for continuing to believe in me. I believe in you...