One step at a time...

First week of classes down and now I have another 17 months and some weeks left to attain my final goal. This is good, life doesn't seem so hard anymore. Strange to think that such a small and simple thing could make a difference in levels of stress. The concept of night classes, working nights (when not in class), and a potential lack of social life would seem like a bad thing...but I am actually kinda excited about it all. It's going to be tough, I'm going to get pissed, the process will be both rewarding and exhausting and I am going to get through it. Life is all about little changes and challenges so that at the end of the day you can come out a better person.

The longest of journeys still start with a single step

Have you ever woken up one morning and felt that life is on some sort of odd repeat? It may seem like a strange question, but for me the question seemed prudent and applicable. I am back in graduate school (round two), back at home (for the time being), and attempting to get all my ducks in a row (once more). But this feeling is slowly starting to take roots in the fact I am back at Cobb County Parks (still waiting on my transfer to Natural Resources), dealing with the same drama from the same co-workers, and the same daily work routine. I've come to the conclusion that this second road is more like a loop from the trail head. I've walked this path before and it's a rough journey full of uphill climbs and downhill slides, but I've never reached the summit. In this case my summit is the degree and the eventual career to follow. I feel that I am behind in the game of life as of right now. I think that has caused so much stress in life, the lack of sleep, and the somewhat failing motivation.

However, life is worth living and things are going according to the path that is now laid before me. First week of class down and classes are going great and 18 months from this point I will be a certified teacher with a master's degree. Wonder how I will be influencing students in a positive way. I remember my teachers and can remember specific conversations that have molded me more than I ever thought was possible. The longest of journeys still start with a single step and although I've had to backtrack I have the experience and the drive to find a way to my goal. I have support, friends, and family who all believe in me. It's time I dust off the boots and get to stepping.