"What's the world's greatest lie?... It's this: that at a certain point in our lives, we lose control of what's happening to us, and our lives become controlled by fate.”
― Paulo Coelho


I've been learning a lot. Facing a lot of personal challenges, and the Holiday season brings yet another one upon me.

I'll spare you the details, but imagine for a moment that every Christmas, every single one you'd ever had, brought you face to face with the worst life has to offer?
That's been the case with me. And yet, perhaps for the first time ever, I'm....
*dramatic pause*
Optimistic.

I'm not naturally inclined toward a positive outlook. If you know me well, you know I have plenty of reason to be anything but. However, this year more than any other, I have been brought face to face with the other side of my life, the side that gets me out of every sticky situation, agonizing gauntlet, and formidable challenge I've ever faced. Because no matter how dark things get... I never stopped thinking that something had to give. Even if I didn't know what, something would give way and I'd be able to get through what was blocking me.

I've been tremendously fortunate, and I could never see it because of one crisis after another. And more importantly, I couldn't believe that I was worth any of the fortune that came my way. I still remember the amazing things I can do when I believe in myself. Compared with some of the things I've accomplished, much of what I want to do now is child's play.

Today is a new day, and we're coming up on a new year. I'm excited to see what I can do with it. Today is a new day, and I can choose to be greater than what my past has been. I can choose to be bound by a ponderous chain of events; But my aspirations are different.
I can choose to climb that chain and see where it leads.

I was always very good at climbing....


Merry Christmas, everyone, and a Happy New Year.