The Next Step

Warning: This post is quite a bit more sappy than my others. Not sure if it's the congestion or what, but I'm feeling like a sap-fest today, so prepare yourself or don't continue reading. (That sounded mean! Not trying to be, of course).

At the moment, I sound like a man, look like I haven't slept in days, and wish I had the power to make a bowl of broccoli cheddar soup appear in front of me. Mmm. On the bright side, I should have a six pack by mid-week if I continue to cough my brains out like I have been every day.

I went to bed fairly early last night, but woke up around 2:30 a.m. with a pounding head. I couldn't go back to sleep, so I did what any normal person would do—shopped online!

No, I wasn't buying a new pair of boots that I don't need. I was being a grown up and searching for items for my new apartment. I guess you could say I'm pretty excited and beyond ready for this next step in my life.

You see, where I am today wouldn't be possible if it wasn't for a choice made by someone else. A bad choice. But, one that altered my life's outcome for the absolute best.

This does, however, make me realize that if this other person had never done what they did, then where would I be today? How would I feel about myself? How different would my life be?

Initially, this realization made me a little disappointed in myself for not being the strong-minded individual that I am. I didn't make the choice that changed my life for the better, THEY did. I allowed myself to be upset (with myself). Tough love can most definitely be a solo thing. Most of us have all been there, and if you haven't then you are probably more proud of yourself than you should be. Just saying.

I'm not completely past it all, but I am better and no longer bitter about it. I'm making the most of a bad situation like we are taught as children. It's so corny of a saying, but you really do live and learn. Here are some of my favorite examples from experience:

Live: Trip and fall in public.

Learn: Laugh it off. (This happens to me about once a week... I thought 11 years of competitive gymnastics was supposed to supply you with life-long grace?)

Live: Move in with your parents.

Learn: Twenty-five year olds should never live with their parents. (Never).

Live: Sing and dance in public while under the influence of alcohol.

Learn: There are perverted homeless men watching.

Live: Be kind to FedEx and UPS delivery men.

Learn: They'll be kind back... and will proceed to talk your ear off about how they just bought a house on 11 acres of land for cheap and took seven weeks off from work to remodel it. Or on the flip side, one will tell you about how he was recently held at gun point. (I've got to stop looking so intrigued when they start up conversations with me... )

Live: Give a child positive feedback.

Learn: They will continue to strive for more of it, and WILL make you regret not giving it to them when it's much deserved. They are the masters of mind games.

Live: Face your fear of guns by going shooting.

Learn: You have horrible aim, so what's the point? Might as well resort back to plan A: kicking and running.

Live: Say hello to every walker, runner and bicyclist that passes by while you're out for a run.

Learn: You will get biffed in the nose by a dog named Elle Mae that was just trying to give you a puppy kiss.

Live: Plan your life out with "the one."

Learn: You've not yet met that person.

From every lesson I've been faced with, the most self-appreciating thing I've learned is that there is nothing to be ashamed of. Nothing.

- LJ