How did I get here?

Ever sit down and realize how far you've come? I did this tonight. My 10 year old son and I watched "The Pursuit of Happyness" tonight. As I was laying in his bed for our nightly bedtime routine, I laid there thinking about how far I've come. The movie (if you haven't seen it) is the true story of the extreme struggle of a single father and how hard work and a "keep your head down and keep going" attitude can pay off. I can't say I have ever struggled to the extreme level that was depicted in the movie, but I have had my share hard times. Financially, emotionally, as a parent, etc.

Success is a relative idea. It could mean that you're finally living paycheck to paycheck instead of going further into debt each month. It could mean you're now making over 100K a year instead of 50K a year and are able to purchase that BMW you always wanted to park in  front of your fancy house with a white picket fence. It could mean that you finally passed your GED and can now say you graduated high school.

Despite my personal struggles, I've never felt the need to blame anyone for it. I've always taken my struggles in stride and as a challenge to prove to myself that I could make it. I may not be at the top of the successful spectrum, but I do feel I'm successful in my own right. As I laid there reflecting on the fact that all of my hard work is paying off, I was overcome with gratitude and pride. Which is a big relief because, as of late, things have felt very hard and challenging. But every now and then you need a good movie, song lyric, or friend, to remind you of how good you have it. I have a job that provides well enough for now. We are safe in our home that we own and I love my neighbors. I have found the strength to go back to school part time while still working full time in order to further my career. All this and raising two amazing kids on my own terms. In two weeks we will be sitting on a beach admiring the sunset only the Pacific Ocean can provide.

Life is good. I can't complain.