"It's Not Always What You Planned..."

Leading the Extra Mile; P6

Sometimes no matter how much you try to plan, layout, road map, your life sometimes things pop up and take you by surprise. You think you're going one way, and you can see the journey mapped out in front of you and then for some strange reason, you look to your right and see a path that was covered by brush. The adventure of the unknown intrigues you and despite your plans, you find yourself on that uncovered dirt path. The potential of this path to take you to places you had never thought excites you and your off! This has happened just a few times over the course of my life and each time has taught me something special. Now, I am in the process of exploring yet another path (more to come on that). Although this was somewhat unexpected, it is a chance I can't turn down. Then the emotions come and vary from excitement, to feeling as though you may have let someone down, but at the end of the day, we need to do to what is best for us and our families. I genuinely believe that each of us are put on a plan that is not our own. We may think we know how things will go but when life presents us with an opportunity, we need to carefully consider it. The potential advantages and disadvantages of seizing this chance. Weighing out the pros and cons will help us make the best decision possible. We never know what the outcome will be, but that is the risk we take. Pope Pius XII once said, “To live without risk, is to risk not living.” One of a few statements I live by. To achieve our goals, we need to understand we need to take chances and bet on ourselves. Have that confidence knowing that we can handle a challenge. We will never be faced with adversity that we cannot handle. No matter how difficult, stressful, heart breaking etc., we push through. And if we do not succeed in all our endeavors, that’s okay. What we will have, are lessons learned that give us the opportunity to take a step back, adjust our approach, and ultimately apply these lessons when faced with the next challenge. I am grateful for the paths that have been uncovered throughout my life. I would not be where I am without challenge, adversity, and every lesson that sticks with me today. There has been a new path revealed to me, and I am excited to see where this road takes me.?