This past week I was fortunate enough to venture on yet another family vacation at Pawley’s Island, SC with those who have been with me from the beginning. No matter the moment, good or bad my Mom, Dad, and Sister have been there for me. It is always pleasant to step away from the “real world” for a week and spend it with my family. My Sister said it best this week, “This is one of…if not my favorite weeks of the whole year.” What makes it great is that we all share a love and respect with each other. I think that it is important to develop that within each family!
A big reason I started this blog is to highlight the transitions that many people my age must deal with, I too have had many transitions and options. Two of the most important lessons I have learned is the importance of a sound perspective and how growth occurs. Both of these principles deal with our lives professionally and personally.
Professionally I have learned how to work with a number of people with different personalities, expectations, education levels, people I like, and people I don’t like. The most important lesson I have gained thus far is that we all have different methods of reaching a certain outcome. Just because someone has a different method doesn’t make them wrong, in fact the old saying there is more than one way to skin a cat holds true. You must be careful because you may actually learn a better method from someone else…
As for my personal life I have had the privilege of dating an extremely awesome girl. We met in true millennia fashion…online. She has been a great addition to my life and has helped renew my belief that the greatest things in life are that much better when they are shared with someone else! For the longest time I could not commit to a relationship for a number of reasons, but I am glad that all of my misses have lead me to Jordan.
She has helped me grow in the way that I must think about someone else’s time in respect to my own time. The beautiful part about a relationship is how I gain a different perspective from her viewpoint. It is no secret that males and females are vastly different in their respective approaches, but this is why we can accomplish so much together. Her strengths help compensate for some of my weakness and conversely some of my strengths compensate for some of hers. Currently she is visiting her family in California, and I must admit that I have gained an even greater admiration and appreciation for her since we have been apart. August 5th cannot get here soon enough!
Our 20s can be a difficult time, especially for my generation as there seems to be an endless supply of doubt and negativity spread throughout social media and the media in general. I am calling for us all to keep growing and have a positive perspective on life. We only have one shot at this wonderful journey! Do not let others bring you down and try your absolute best not to compare yourself to others. We are all unique and have worth, do not shirk from that. Another way we can be a part of the solution is to be kind and respectful to one another, regardless of someone else’s circumstance.
One of our greatest defenses against all of the doubt and negativity is hope. Desmond Tutu explains the power of hope beautifully in the following quote, “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” As long as we belief there is light at the end of the tunnel then we can make it through. At times it may seem unbearable but in those moments it is important to stay positive and lean on your support system. If you see someone going through a difficult time don’t be afraid to reach out, at times we may be reluctant to lend a helping hand as we are unsure if we can help. In those times the act out weights whatever we may say. People will remember how they felt and not what you said!
Growth is not linear this lesson has helped me tremendously. At times we will make great strides and seemly progress at a rate that is more than pleasing, but alternatively we may hit a wall that requires more effort and time to overcome. A great example in my life at how growth is not linear is golf.
I love golf for a number of reasons but above all else it is a monumental test of the mind. At times I will be cruising about in my round and all of a sudden a bad shot will happen out of nowhere that causes indecision and fear just like in life. It is up to us to have a positive reaction and make it up. Perspective helps as well. Sometimes we can only see a couple of feet in front of us which clouds our judgment. In the grand scheme of life is a bogey on this hole a big deal? Is it that big of a deal that they forgot the pickles? Or that something exploded in the microwave?
If we approach life with the proper perspective and set our sights on being the best we can be then it will all workout. Don’t be as concerned with how much worldly success you have or how much money you make. There is greater happiness found in forging lasting relationships, becoming our best selves, and helping others. In fact these are the things that will echo in the eternities.
Nunc Coepi 