I often think that the best way to look forward is to reflect on the past from a perspective of gratitude. Because it’s the things that went well that we forget too quickly.
I am the first to admit that I am not fully responsible for the privileges I enjoy. The foundation my family, friends, my country laid for me allowed for me to take advantage of the wonderful opportunities this world presents with. Not everyone can renounce the same statement – I truly am blessed.
This month is a time for reflection towards the privileges we enjoy. In 1941 America was surprise attacked by a fleet of Japanese aircraft, rendering 2,403 American deaths. One of the three battleships to have sunk, the USS Utah, shares the same name as my home state – an instant connection to its tragic story. The willingness of Veterans to sacrifice everything for this country has earned my everlasting gratitude.
I didn’t really learn to appreciate our freedoms until my unit was sent over to Kosovo for nine months. I could tell this was a completely different world as soon as our aircraft landed as I wearily gazed out the windows. I’ll never forget looking at children in robes sifting through trash on the ground for a resemblance of food or items to barter for currency. It was tough to come back to the States and hear complaints about “first world problems” with this new-found perspective.
Yesterday I was privileged to enjoy my nine-year Army birthday, which brings an opportunity to think about what my life looked like before, during, and predict what comes next. The last nine years have been the most challenging and rewarding years of my life.
Nine years ago, the only plan I had for the day was what fast food would I be eating throughout the day. Every day was as uncertain as my shaky future. I had a sweet World of Warcraft character, however. I was oddly ambitious and also had big hopes and dreams, however misplaced. I new I just needed to stumble on the right path. When I spoke with a recruiter for the first time, it was a natural click. I had found the right situation fitted for the unique inherent talents I had.
I tell people all the time, don’t ignore the feelings you have in your heart and in your gut. Leaving the recruiter’s office for the first time was a profound experience. I felt a burning in my heart signaling to me that this was a path I needed to seriously consider. Nine years later, I have celebrated opportunities to see the world, obtain a master’s degree, and live in Hawaii doing work I believe I was sent to this world to do. I continue to feel the same burning in my chest when engage in the work I do. As challenging as the road has been, I continue to believe that I can’t take credit for the accomplishments I enjoy. The people that God put in my path to guide me when I was discouraged will always be remembered.
I’m beholden to you.
You’ll have to understand, I was a mess of a teenager and young adult (and continue with some messy ways), there was no way I could’ve achieved a 4.0 throughout college without the discipline the Army provided with me. There’s zero chance I could walk with others in their trials as a therapist without the nurture my Dad provided me. I couldn’t have climbed my way to the top without the work ethic that my Mother demonstrated in her illustrious career. I could never have forgiven myself for my demons without the example of my older sister, Aliesha. I could never have learned adequate social skills without my younger sister, Karleigh as a child. I never would’ve gained confidence without my best friends, Cory and Eric. I never would’ve prioritized what’s truly important without my son, Alistaire.
The point is, I believe that the paths we walk and the accomplishments we enjoy are never an independent journey nor success. Without the aforementioned humans, and many others that have touched my life, I am a part-time Little Caesars employee with misdirected ambition, and no warmth in my heart.
I am beholden to you, and as I express gratitude, I will do so by living by my words, versus uttering them. And I travel this world and do important work, I will strive to understand that happiness is a spiritual experience in my heart, not an item that can be purchased or an income yielded.
I often think that the best way to look forward is to reflect on the past from a perspective of gratitude. Because it’s the things that went well that we forget too quickly.