With the passing of Lil' Hugh and watching what Denise has been going though over the last couple of months, I've really been in deep reflection. "Where do I wanna go? Who do I wanna be? What is important to me?", have been echoing in my thoughts. Seeing some of my past colleagues over the weekend helped put a lot of things in perspective without me sharing a thought with anyone. I've always found a way to choose the "Billy Goat Path" instead of taking the conventional route. If we wore uniforms somehow mine would be different. If we were taught a certain way, somehow I'd make changes that would make it easier for all. If there was a group, at some point you'd turn around and see me off to myself in my own world. This has been a common theme throughtout my entire life.
I think things felt so different at this time of my life because for the first time, I don't have that "Yoda" figure in my life to steer me back when I got too far out there. Hearing those that I looked up to tell me how proud they've been of me and have been watching really gave me a boost. Sometimes your mind can lead you to believe everyone looks at you as a "f**k up" when in fact they love that you've not been afraid to take risk!
The one thing I will tell anyone is to remember to keep your eyes on YOUR prize. Your goals may not be the goals of your colleagues, family, or even a mentor. Don't compare ANYONE to but you. Am I saying don't look up to people or learn from anyone? Not at all! Be comfortable in your own skin. If that's who you are, that's who you are. I guess that's it for now! Remember, be you, and love somebody! You can do that for free!
-daryle