Take The Leap

Coming out of my comfort zone, I decided to step up and step out of normal day-to-day activities.

Why Hesitate

As a child, I recognized that I was quite the perfectionist in the making. Being the

youngest child, the compelling nature of performing at the same level as others who were 3+ years older than myself was very much present. I can remember times my brother, cousins, and friends would line up for a foot race or bike race and I could feel the adrenaline pumping through my veins. Although there were just a few times when I did come in 1stplace, I would often times come in close 2nd(or 3rdif my cousin would stop spinning around in the yard while singing on her Walkman)… but that wasn’t good enough.

Over the years, I developed a distaste for loosing. Some say that I was just being a sore looser, but I would say that I learned to choose my battles wisely. Much of my energy was focused on winning the things I knew, without a shadow of a doubt, I could win. Much of this applied to things that were in my control but during my younger years I felt as though I did not have full control over my life. Therefore, I found myself hesitating with making life choices that could benefit me in the long run.

…. But I digress (many stories to come)

Change happened

During my teenage years, I was fortunate to meet and learn from individuals who were top performers in their fields. One of the shortest, hardworking, and financially wisest women I personally knew took me in as her godson. Things were looking up for me. By the time I was exiting high school, I had a support system outside of my immediate family, enough money to invest in my first house, but I still hesitated because I did not feel empowered to jump out of my comfort zone.

What Changed

Life changed. I found myself away detached from my support system, abandoned and mentally abused, and on the wrong end of choices that I thought were good. The feelings of being isolated and singled out almost made me accept failure. In sheer desperation, I pushed back. I committed to doing what I can to establish a strong foundation even though the only success I could see was providing for my children. At one of the most difficult times of my life, I decided:

"Game On"

I said to myself: Just go for it, T. I spent most of my life playing by the rules and playing it safe… only to have the results that I did not want. If I’m going to fail, I’m taking everything head on in the process… and I did just that.

I completed my Associates Degree and my Bachelor’s Degree programs while dealing with obstacles that would’ve restricted most people, took on a new full-time job/career change, and started my photography business. Although there was help along the way, I can confidently say “I did it;” I took the leap.

Take the leap. If life demands that you take a step… jump. Just make sure you jump wisely.