Feeling Encouraged Because Things That Once Felt Impossible Are Now A Part of My Everyday Life Now
Have you ever wanted something so much that you’d give almost anything to have it? Perhaps it’s a moment with a loved one who’s gone or a chance at romance with the guy or girl of your dreams. Maybe it’s a dream job and the stack of cash and benefits that would accompany it. You say to yourself, “If I could just have (fill in the blank)” I’d be happy.
If you’re like me, you’ve had thoughts like these, and maybe you’ve had some of the hard realizations I’ve had too.
Last week, I was challenged to think of three things that I have now that felt impossible at one point in my life, and that part of the challenge was easy for me.
1. I have an advanced degree. I dreamed of having letters behind my name for years. It felt impossible, and now it’s part of my story. Soon, I’ll have Dr. in front of my name too, which is more than I hoped for back then. I do want to add that I desire wisdom to accompany my knowledge and a mind that’s always humble and willing to learn, but it’s a pretty cool feeling to revel in my academic nerd glory.
2. I have love in my life. For years, I kept people at arm’s length because I was terrified that if they ever really knew me, they’d realize there wasn’t much to love. I felt unlovable, yet now I have close, deeply personal relationships with a handful of people who know everything about me. They know the guilt and shame I carried, the struggles I’ve had with pride and insecurity, and all the good and bad in between. They know my absolute worst and choose to focus on the best.
3. I own a house. For years, I put my head in the sand regarding money, and when I made money, I spent it. Until several years ago, I would have preferred for someone to curse at me instead of talking about budgets. Several years ago, I joined Financial Peace University shortly after Michael and I got married and started attending Church of the King, my only goal was to stop fearing money. Now I love to help people navigate their way through Dave’s Baby Steps, and Michael and I regularly meet with people who are seeking financial freedom.
4. Bonus: I’ve kept off over 100 pounds for over 13 years. It’s so hard for me not to qualify my statement, but I’m going to offer myself grace today and just be thankful for that.
Now my life is filled with so many things - things I prayed for and things that seemed impossible. The list could go on, which fills me with gratitude as I write this.
I’m keenly aware of the things I want now – things that feel nearly impossible, but I have renewed hope as I put deadlines on my dreams to turn them into goals.
I started my own business recently, Fite Forward Solutions, LLC, where I’m coaching clients, speaking at events, webinars, and on TV, etc., and I developed a retirement transition program for a well-established financial services firm that launched in March. I’m making room for these dreams turned opportunities while I continue to pursue my doctorate.
The work I’m doing is fun and inspiring, and it can also be overwhelming at times. I desire to revamp my website and engage on social media with people I want to encourage and impact. And while I am comfortable in front of TV cameras, I am stepping way outside of my comfort zone to get comfortable in front of my phone camera. I have messages to share, and there are people I want to encourage.
I also want to write books. I’ve started the process to build content for the first one, and while the story is much clearer today than it has been, the deeply personal process requires humility, healing, and willingness to grow, mess up, and keep going.
I’m encouraged today because so many things that once felt impossible have proven to be possible, and I’m ready to make new strides.