I have always taken great pride in the fact that I am logical and "prepared" to handle the details in life. I'm generally very organized and always strive to be on time.
But lately I've been thinking about what it really means to be "prepared."
Am I prepared for 30+ more years on this earth and all of the decisions and life challenges still to come? Probably not.
Am I prepared for that day when people I love will no longer be here? Heck no.
Am I prepared to grow old and not necessarily be able to do all of the things that I take for granted? Wait...what, I'm growing old?
The past seven years I've grown stronger, more independent, more sure of myself. And above all, better able to stand true to what I really want in my life. Even when it hurts.
But that still doesn't mean I am prepared for all of the shit that comes my way. I doubt that any of us can be.
I think the best we can hope for is that we can find within ourselves the strength to navigate our way through life and make thoughtful choices as we go. To have the wisdom to know when we can and can't change the course that the universe has set for us.
And above all else, to be strong enough to lean on others for help. The people in our lives that love us are willing to be there for us, as long as we are humble enough to ask them for it.
I've learned that the hard way lately and am so very grateful for my family and friends. I rarely ask for them to help me, but when I do, they step up in spades and it truly warms my heart.
So, I'm grateful today for all of you who support me.
You help me be as "prepared" as I can be for this life and all it throws my way.
I'll return the favor any time you are humble enough to ask.