As I’ve said before, I started this blog a year ago. I had big plans, turns out something bigger was around the corner. Isn’t that how it works though, we make plans and they change? My plans changed for the better, yet so often, we find ourselves in a rut when it doesn’t go as we had hoped.
I will NEVER forget being a little girl leaving Little Rock with my parents after a football game at War Memorial – this is one of those memories so deeply engrained – that I can still remember the smell, the car, the ride, the time of day – all of it. I told myself, ‘I will work there one day,‘ — I was looking at (then) the TCBY Building. I remember next noticing the Capitol, and thinking, – “Wow, I will work there too,” — I am proud to say, I achieved both of those (goals) dreams. I firmly believe having a dream and working toward those dreams is so important for young women!
But lets be honest here, life is not a bowl of cherries every day… AND I DON’T LIKE CHERRIES!
I will also NEVER Forget a lesson that a former boss gave me during a review. He said, “You are Not meant for this job, Ms. Tackett,” -and it CUT my soul in half – it was like A Fire LIT inside of me!
He went on to say, I was smart enough, and very capable – I actually receive a good review, but he said – I wasn’t meant to do this job – and after that I couldn’t hear him anymore… I despised him for saying that! I remember the room, the place, the tears rolling down my eyes. How dare this man say such a thing to me – BUT… HE WAS SO RIGHT. I was experiencing a (rough) patch in life, my world was what I felt, at rock bottom. I felt so lost. I thought I knew what I wanted, but at 25, I needed some lessons, and that one took about 3 years. I was never able to THANK him for that conversation, as he passed soon after. But how right he was – I wasn’t meant to be in that job.
Which Leads me to today: My point is… No matter what life says you should – shouldn’t do. Follow that DREAM, make a GOAL, and ACHIEVE it! – I read so many motivational books, and listen to so many podcast – but the store provides for a great source of new prospective too! – A gentleman said to me – we are only stuck in our own world because we keep ourselves there.
I thought, oh how true. I love my life, and my store, but it’s not what I want it to be fully. So I can’t stop here! I may hit a road bump, or have short-comings – but that year goal – the three year goal, and so forth – I can’t just sit around, and be content in today – I can choose to be happy with it, but I must continue to dream bigger.
You are the leader of your world – you make your decisions. We are influenced – sure – but I took a HUGE leap of faith – and opened a little retail store, Southern Life. Many had doubts – some still do….I have friends who have talked behind my back, and people who flat out said to my face ‘you won’t last’ –
By the Grace of God, I choose to smile and Forge On. … it’s the power that drives me daily – and light my fire to reach harder for the goals. And while I don’t sugar coat much – I am polite (I think) – the reality is – this IS one of the hardest things I’ve ever done! YET it is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever been blessed by as well!
So stay tuned for post here and there about life – dreams, and detours. We’re in for a wild ride, but I’m just thankful I’m on the roller coaster.