Friday, May 12, 2006

There's only so much you can learn in one place

And the more that I wait, the more time that I waste. -- Madonna, Jump

(Warning: Major mush alert ahead.)

That's a good motto for my career. In the last 10 years, I've worked for six different companies -- M has worked for two in the same time frame. I can honestly say I've been passionate about every single job I've had, whether I've liked it or not. I'm getting pretty nostalgic, since today is the 10th anniversary of my graduation from Syracuse University.

Other than professionally, I've grown a whole helluva lot personally. I moved out of my parents' house and got my own place. I lived on my own for two-plus years. I fell in love with M and moved in with him -- 40 miles away from where I grew up -- then got married. I bought a house and three cars in that time. I finally started treating my depression and chronic anxiety like the diseases they are -- with medication. I've let toxic relationships go and actively looked to start more positive ones. I worked hard to bring volunteerism into my life.

On the more somber side, I saw a dear friend die of cancer and another dear mutual friend of M and mine do the same. I lost my grandpa, my great-grandmother, my best friend's mother and many others. I struggled with bouts of depression, always trying to keep my face toward the sunlight so I couldn't see the shadows, as Helen Keller said. I questioned everything: my own existence, my jobs, my relationships, where I lived.

At the end of it all? I'm feeling good. I'm married to a wonderful man. I have a gorgeous house. I have the best family anyone could ask for. I keep on pushing. And while I may stumble sometimes, I am confident I will keep on winning.
Overthink
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