I can still remember the feeling in my stomach at the end of my 4th grade year when I was told I would not be moving on to 5th grade the following year. That was 40 years ago. I have never had that feeling again. Each number of times I have heard, “You have so much potential,” was a painful reminder of how I was smart enough, but I never fit into the traditional education box. However, you can not teach resiliency. I was easily distracted. In addition to failing the 4th grade, I experienced many other unfortunate setbacks to get where I am today. I wouldn’t change it for the world. I am exactly where I am supposed to be right now.
You can’t see it when you are in the thick of things, but it becomes easier to stay focused when you keep moving forward. Yet, this world is moving so fast, and we don’t get to enjoy it anymore. Things cost more money, and more money means giving someone else your time on this planet. Time is all we have, and it is only important to those who give you deadlines. The length of time it took me to get to this point is only important to those who look at my CV or resume. I can not put the life experiences and the little opportunities that I didn’t let slip away on them. It’s these experiences that you should get to share. So, wander off the traditional path and go create the experiences to remember no matter how long it takes you. We all learn at different paces and times, so do not be defined by what the education system tells you. Define yourself and your talents. Who knows, you just might find what you are good at instead of trying to find a career that pays a lot of money to support the high cost of living. Go live and go find yourself where you need to be.
Don’t forget to make friends along the way and help as many people as you can.
iamthankfullife 