LOOKING BACK

 I was thinking today, how life is full of missed opportunities. We have a door open for us and we don't walk through. For whatever reason, we don't see this as the best choice at the time, so we keep it moving. It seems only in retrospect, we become aware of the full affect of those possibilities lost.

I had an episode this morning, as I was walking around the block. It was like I came up to a poster that said, “Remember THIS?!!?” and a picture of a time gone by was staring me in the face. This particular event occured over ten years ago, and, if I would have had my eyes open, I could have easily gone down a different path for work. It may have led to a successful conclusion or it may have been a one-way street to homelessness. Who knows?

I was in a strange place though. This was around the time I discovered my happy place, so mentally, I doubt I would have been able to take full advantage of the situation. And that's when it hit me....

If I WOULD have gone down this path, I would never have lived in Philly, been part of a successful office, moved to the DC area and enjoyed it's diversity. I wouldn't have met many wonderful people, traveled to many different places and I wouldn't have the advantage of all the experiences, both good and bad, to reflect on. I would probably have made some bad decisions and foolish mistakes, I would have been less successful than I would be without the life I led. I like my memories since then and I must say, it would take a LOT to make me want to replace them.

I know that it's the struggles that truly make who we are and believe me, like most folks, I have struggled and then some. I look back and appreciate the fact that I learned a lot and survived a couple of bad ordeals. I am a better person for it all, and still improving.

By the end of the walk, I just smiled and was happy that I made the choices I made. I am a happy guy, living a lucky life, and given a do-over, I would have bought stock in Home Depot long ago....