“A journey is like marriage. The certain way to be wrong is to think you
control it.”
― John Steinbeck, Travels with Charley: In Search of America
An email that just came in reminds me of how true this is ..
Sitting right now at a coffee shop in the lovely, Brookings, SD were perhaps one of the most perky business owners I’ve ever met, serves up java. I’m not kidding. It’s rare to see someone so dedicated to best possible customer service, not on this level. Maybe she’s just drinking a lot of her own coffee..
The Cowboy and I met here earlier so that I could deliver some much needed horseshoeing supplies to him ..
I’m still here trying to wrap up some work for social media clients before I run off to a few new business appointments myself .. and literally just took two phone calls in the last 5 minutes for requests to set up photo shoots. I. Feel. Incredibly. Blessed. And, full of gratitude. While my career especially right now may not look the way a few others feel it should, there isn’t a day that goes by I don’t thank God for the life I’ve been given and the opportunities before me – to spend time with family, be more engaged in life and my community and to pursue new paths in career. I’m having an absolute blast. The people I have met along this leg of my journey, in even just the past ten months, when I step back to think about it, leave me in awe.
At the same time, I’m mulling over a few emails from this morning all that relate to work and life and career .. and I’m frustrated. Because I’m not sure where any path leads just yet (besides every night, back to our awesome little acreage).. despite how fun they may be, to be on.
Someone asked me the other week what my greatest weakness is when it comes to career – I’m not great at being patient. I want defined goals, an action plan, to know where this will all eventually lead, how any/all of it to make a difference and to get it done. Not for me personally typically ever. Probably to a fault. But for our family, community and .. who knows who else what we’re working on might touch.
I’ve been in South Dakota now, ten months. I needed a reminder here just a few moments ago after that email came in, to be patient. That I am only in control of certain things. That the rest isn’t up to me. Rather, how any of us respond and move forward … is where we have some control.
And as I gather my things and head out into the rest of the day, that is where my heart and thoughts need to remain focused.
Conversations With a Cowboy 
It’s a matter of priorities. You’re now experiencing what’s important: family; love; beautiful surroundings; the fact that what counts is whether you’re happy with what you do… not what others think. I made that change 25 years ago. We’re dealing with some problems in Wisconsin right now, but life is still amazing! Enjoy!
Tom, always love hearing from you. How are you two? Miss you all. Appreciate your thoughts and hope I’ve had those priorities straight for a long time. 🙂 They’ve just never quite fallen into place like they have at this time in my life. There is so much freedom in life and each God given day when you have enough history to have good perspective, the blessings of good health, a roof over your head, food on the table, family and friends to share it all with and a partner that supports you and you them on every level. I believe you know what all that is like .. sending love across the miles to you and P.
We’re well, Carleen. We’ve (of course) been very busy here. I don’t know if I’ve told you, but we lost Maureen to lymphoma in early Sept. Her last days were quite bad, and we’re confident she’s in a better place now. I lost a cousin to cancer fifteen years ago; young, with three little kids. I think you knew him. I’ll never forget the pastor at his funeral, looking down at the immediate family in the front for of the church, saying, “It’s okay… he’s okay now… he doesn’t hurt anymore.” I borrowed his thoughts to use at Maureen’s service. I truly believe she’s in a better place now. And, beyond the grief, my thoughts are of Maureen laghing, and full of the devil. One of her last days (in the hospital), at a time she wasn’t able to talk much at all, I was teasing her about something, and she was able to pull up a little bit of that Maureen grin. She said, “Oh… Tom… You make me laugh.” Those words will forever be my reward for having a sister-in-law like her. Yes… you’re absolutely right that I understand what you mean about family, friend and a partne. I am blessed. Take care. So glad you’re happy.