My "New Chapter" began nearly 9 months ago, and I am not exactly sure where the time has gone, other than it got carried away in the whirlwind that has become my very hectic, yet very happy life.
Little did I know, on that flight to the Keys, that far more than a new chapter was beginning, but the novel I had been wishfully living, was ending and an entire new story was about to begin. A new chapter! I am in the grand beginning chapters of a whole new book. Often the best reads are the novels that leave you angry when you have finally read the last page, because the ending was not expected, not quite perfect, and often far from happy, which makes you long for the sequel. A writer's success... This was my ending and I was beyond, angry! There had to be a sequel, had to be!
My last travel assignment had ended, abruptly, on a Friday afternoon. I had no choice other than to drive the 23 hours from Boston back to Florida, alone, the following morning. I made it home, then boarded a plane in Orlando, headed to The Keys. My daughter, boyfriend of 5 years, his kids, and grand kids, were on family vacation and I was joining them.
There were plenty of empty seats and I was exhausted. Perfect. I picked an entire row of empty seats so I could stretch out and rest. In search of the best napping spot, I noticed a pilot in an isle seat, I smiled, and jokingly said, "Aren't you in the wrong seat? You're seat is in the very front of the plane, Sir." He smiled. Once I was comfortably seated I heard a voice asking me if he could sit next to me. I believe some people are meant to cross our path, and this moment was one of them. This was the perfect opportunity to address my fears of flying, and with a seasoned pilot. We discussed the silliness of most fears. Then he kindly helped me recognize that most fears are created in one's head and can be resolved by changing those thoughts. His words started to change; they no longer seemed related to my flying fears, but about life. "Life is what you make of it." He shared his and his wife's beautiful love story. Then he spoke as though he was passing an important message along specifically for me. "You have been given a life to live, a daughter to raise, you are smart, you deserve to be happy, you will never find your highest potential of happiness if you settle; if you so much as settle for anything; love, career, dreams. It is up to you to make your life the way you want it to be. Choose to make it the best life possible! NEVER settle! You deserve to be happy." I am not sure if he was human or an angel, but I know one thing for certain, he was sent to guide me in preparation for the soon approaching ending and to help me believe in a perfect sequel, in a happy story.
I returned back from the Keys; single, jobless, and homeless,.and almost penniless. Regardless, I had one goal in mind; BE HAPPY and NEVER SETTLE. It was rough, but I had faith. I trusted. One of my dearest friends kept telling my the ol' cliche', "Everything happens for a reason." I knew, without a doubt, that was exactly what was happening; but even so, the future was unknown and I was forced to believe in my true desires and to settle for nothing less than what I knew I wanted.
Life was about to shift and I needed to get ready! Rainbows don't happen without a storm...and God knows, I had been through one hell-of-a-storm. My rainbow showed up!!!I have the job I wanted from that very first day when I applied for ultrasound school. I work in Maternal Fetal Medicine permanently, I see my daughter every day, I am blessed to have a house, my own home, and I don't live out of a suitcase anymore; I am very happy in my career and find reasons each day to feel gratitude. Six months ago someone else crossed my path for a very special reason and I now find myself in the most incredible, healthy, supportive, loving relationship, with a man I know God made for me. All aspects of my life have come together beautifully, but not until I was willing to let go of all that I was holding onto so desperately. It is strange how the words from a total stranger on my flight to The Keys were similar to words of wisdom I had heard over the years from friends and from family, but somehow, it hit home; this man knew nothing about me or the novel I had been living. He helped me find the courage to let go and move on! I survived the storm, and after the rain I have found my life to be all that I've intended it to be. I am at peace. I am happy. My career is one of service to others...I am fulfilled. My days are truly blessed.
