GET YOUR SH#T TOGETHER

While in my teens, Dad would remind me life was not easy and it's not fair. And life does not give you what you want; it gives you what you deserve. But, I must be honest; those were not his exact words. His words were more on the line of, "Boy, get your shit together."

My parents were involved in my life, and I had people who cared for me. However, inside me was a deep gnawing feeling that if I did not change my direction in life, I would never amount to anything. I was desperately seeking a purpose for my life.

One day after work at Turner's Furniture Store, I found myself standing in front of a gray rectangular building located one block south of the store on Magnolia Street. It was a simple structure made of cinder blocks and housed three offices. The emblems representing the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps were on each door. 

As I stood in front of the recruitment office for each service, I remember asking myself, "What would be the biggest challenge?" Without hesitation, I chose the Marine Corps. (I never said I was the brightest bulb in the package.) I boldly walked into the office, letting my freak flag fly (for the young people, that's letting my long hair fly), and boldly stated, "I want to join!" 

The recruiter nearly fell out of his chair. After regaining his composure, he asked my age, looked at my driver's license for verification, and promptly produced the required paperwork. In a matter of minutes, I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and would report to Paris Island Recruitment Depot, South Carolina, in 90 days.

I turned to exit the building feeling immensely proud of my decision. I was walking taller with my head held higher. As I stood outside on the sidewalk, one of the consequences of my decision suddenly hit me. How was I going to tell Mom and Dad? My opportunity came a few hours later.

I was driving down Thomas Avenue, taking Mom and Dad to the Safeway grocery store on West Main Street, and figured it was a good time to bring it up. So I sheepishly announced, "I joined the Marines today." Mom first glanced at me and then Dad and said, "Abe, did you hear what your son said?" Without hesitation, he replied, "It'll do him good!" That was the end of the discussion.

To put this life-changing decision in perspective, I joined during the Vietnam War. I found it more appealing to have the possibility of going to war than to remain in my current situation. That is how desperate I was to change my environment.

At some point in everyone's lifetime, there comes a need to change our environment so we may grow. Reaching our potential requires change. I believe that the decision to change comes from inspiration or desperation. In my case, I was extremely desperate to change my direction in life.

If we want to grow and reach our potential, we must put ourselves in the right environment and change. During the three months in boot camp, I got stronger mentally and physically. My ability to face new challenges increased, and my confidence soared. However, I remained in the past. I remembered those who had wronged me and hurt me with their words. Their voices still haunted me. It finally came to me; to truly change, I had to let go of my past and begin to believe in myself.

Two of the most powerful steps we can take in life are forgiving and increasing our belief in ourselves. If you don't forgive, the past will always haunt you. You will remain a prisoner of it. If you don't believe you can make a difference, you won't. No matter how gifted you are, how many opportunities you get, or how many resources you have at your disposal, you must believe. You must believe in yourself and not rely on another person's negative opinion of you. 

"Believe in your infinite potential, Your only limitations are those you set upon yourself." -- Roy T. Bennet

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To Your Success,

Clyde