I have never been one for Black Friday. You know, the after Thanksgiving frenzy where you might have the pleasure of witnessing a rabid shopper use pepper spray in order to get an Xbox? Oh yeah, that day.
Knowing that, a year and a half ago my sister and her family happened to be in town (aka- Michigan back then) and we decided to brave the crowds and get up at 4:30 to experience this phenomenon. People, these stories are legendary. The line wrapped around the store just to get in. Women wandered past in a haze telling urban legen-esk stories of items being gone with in 1 minute of a store opening, to talking to a guy that had camped out for 3 days (talking from a distance, I hope for their sake). Given all that, I will say my sister and I had a blast. The day exceeded all expectations, and not just for the sales (which, can you say SCORE?) but more importantly it was how much fun I had with my sister. All in all, a day I will never forget.
During this shopping extravaganza, we were admiring some silver necklaces. I picked one up, and I know it sounds crazy to say but I felt like I connected with it. The charm hanging from the silver chain was a compass, and on the back there was an inscription that read "There are no shortcuts to anywhere worth going". Essentially, you have to brave the crowds, early hours, and mass chaos to get the deal you want.
My sister gave me the necklace last Christmas. I wore it with pride all through the move, the divorce, and bringing the Girls to Georgia. It gave me strength; it reminded me that it is all part of the journey, and while difficult, the prize at the end is worth it.
Somewhere along the way I ended up taking the necklace off. Certainly I had made it, right? I am here, surviving, and creating the life I want.
Ah, I can hear the Universe laughing out loud at such notions.......
Today, while packing for yet another business trip, I came across the necklace. It was slightly tarnished, but nothing a little polish couldn't fix. And while I know the Universe was laughing at my cocky thought process, it was also providing me something that I didn't even know I needed- that not so gentle reminder that when faced with things that I can't image how I am going to get through, it is all part of the journey, and the prize at the end is worth it.
Now, the necklace is back on. It provides me reassurance every time I look down at the compass. I remember hundreds of challenging moments over the past year, and that the charm was around my neck during all of those times. A good reminder that I can through this time, too.
A reminder that I am not lost, I am just finding my way.
Knowing that, a year and a half ago my sister and her family happened to be in town (aka- Michigan back then) and we decided to brave the crowds and get up at 4:30 to experience this phenomenon. People, these stories are legendary. The line wrapped around the store just to get in. Women wandered past in a haze telling urban legen-esk stories of items being gone with in 1 minute of a store opening, to talking to a guy that had camped out for 3 days (talking from a distance, I hope for their sake). Given all that, I will say my sister and I had a blast. The day exceeded all expectations, and not just for the sales (which, can you say SCORE?) but more importantly it was how much fun I had with my sister. All in all, a day I will never forget.
During this shopping extravaganza, we were admiring some silver necklaces. I picked one up, and I know it sounds crazy to say but I felt like I connected with it. The charm hanging from the silver chain was a compass, and on the back there was an inscription that read "There are no shortcuts to anywhere worth going". Essentially, you have to brave the crowds, early hours, and mass chaos to get the deal you want.
My sister gave me the necklace last Christmas. I wore it with pride all through the move, the divorce, and bringing the Girls to Georgia. It gave me strength; it reminded me that it is all part of the journey, and while difficult, the prize at the end is worth it.
Somewhere along the way I ended up taking the necklace off. Certainly I had made it, right? I am here, surviving, and creating the life I want.
Ah, I can hear the Universe laughing out loud at such notions.......
Today, while packing for yet another business trip, I came across the necklace. It was slightly tarnished, but nothing a little polish couldn't fix. And while I know the Universe was laughing at my cocky thought process, it was also providing me something that I didn't even know I needed- that not so gentle reminder that when faced with things that I can't image how I am going to get through, it is all part of the journey, and the prize at the end is worth it.
Now, the necklace is back on. It provides me reassurance every time I look down at the compass. I remember hundreds of challenging moments over the past year, and that the charm was around my neck during all of those times. A good reminder that I can through this time, too.
A reminder that I am not lost, I am just finding my way.
