We face many challenges in life both professionally and personally. The true character of someone is not what they do when things are going well, but what we do in the face of adversity. Recently my friends and family know I faced some tests and challenges both personally and professionally. Having my position in property management eliminated was the beginning, but never giving up on my faith and ability to continue on. I picked up myself and got on the speaking circuit, and when not traveling and sharing with others through education and training was blessed with the opportunity to work for "the mouse." Yes, that's Mickey Mouse for those that may not know. Disney is a fantastic organization and being able to do something I have a passion for in diving and get paid for it was a blessing, not to mention really cool when your dive buddy is Mickey himself.
Unemployment was not for me, and I found a way to make ends meet without depending on the government. What is the saying, "what doesn't kill you can make you stronger." Now don't get me wrong, there were days when you wondered "why?" Family, friends, co-workers were always there to encourage me, supporting and loving in every way. After deciding to return to property management I polished up my resume and started taking interviews. You don't know how many times I heard, "It has come down to you and one other candidate." I heard that so many times I thought I was running for public office.
Challenges do not have the big ones, but also the ones that touch our heart. A little over a week ago I lost one of my best friends, our dog Trevie. She touched our heart in so many ways, and was loved by family and friends. The home next to us just happens to be a vacation home, and each year a Canadian family rented the home for several months over the winter. Trevie for some reason took to Don and Arlene, and when I would let her out she would prance over to the door at the pool enclosure checking to see if they were home. They had become so fond of her Don would actually come over on occasion and ask, "Can Trevie come over and visit." We wondered why she was getting so fat and why it took dragging her home because she didn't want to leave, only to discover meatballs and other human treats were better than the dog food she was getting at our house. There were the times she would sit on the couch with me, sitting up like a human watching television. Of course her favorite channel was Animal Planet. God forbid I would stop rubbing her, and can still feel the gentle nudges she would give in saying, "Dad, why did you stop?" Holding her head as she took her last breath will forever be in my mind, but knowing she is in a better place gave me peace of mind. Trevie, I love you and miss you.
Whether the challenge be what shirt to wear too work or facing life and death situations, it is not about what challenges we face...but how we walk through the rough road of life and making sure we reach the destination with our character and humility in tact. There is no doubt more challenges are on the horizon for each of us, and it very well may be the most difficult are still to come. None of us received a guarantee or warranty that life would be walked on a bed of rose petals, with the reality that roses have some pretty sharp thorns that can hurt. We have all heard when the world give you lemons, make lemonade. Or if you are over twenty one, Mikes Lemonade. Face your challenges knowing and learning from them and always remember, without challenging times you have no idea what the good times are.
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