If you’ve followed me for any time on Twitter, you’ve probably heard me mention that I don’t drink. Other than that, I don’t really talk about my past very much. And for good reason – it was rather bleak. And this post isn’t my foray into sharing those dark days. Doing that will come later – when I can organize my thoughts into something that resembles a storyline. But I will say this about that time – despite the rage, and because of the loneliness, I used to dream about having a normal life. A life that didn’t include being a slave to my ego and its appetites.
And last night in the shower it dawned on me – I’m actually living the life I once dreamed of. No, I’m not rich and famous and I don’t own a home in the Bahamas. But I’ve got a house, a wife, two beautiful daughters, a career, a college education and couple of cars. Hell, back in my past life, I didn’t even have a license, much less a piece of crap car.
Over the past year I’ve given serious thought about what comes next. Thanks to my incredibly supporting wife, I’ve made a few major changes in my professional pursuits this year. And if fate has anything to do with it, I will be out of being in business altogether in a few years. At which point I can do what I now feel I was meant to do as a result of surviving this long – write about it so that others can take something from my experience. Yeah, that would be another dream come true.
Of course just like with the leap of faith I took to get my life back, there are no guarantees that any of this will work out. The moves I’ve made this year might totally backfire. And if they do, it still won’t stop me from pursuing my new dream. So I remain hopeful and do what’s necessary every day to put myself in the best position to ensure that I get to where I think I need to be. Thankfully, I have a reliable point of reference and know that as long as I’m true to myself, everything works out in the end.
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Jim Mitchem/@jmitchem
James Hodgins
Dec 13, 2010
Nice post, Jim. Thanks for the reminder that a life doesn’t include just one dream. It is possible to achieve a dream and start dreaming of another. Good luck in all your endeavors. Like you, I have no idea if you will succeed in exactly what you plan (as most things never work out as planned), but I am sure you will continue to inspire those around you.
Nichole Brown
Dec 13, 2010
*thumbs up*
Mark Brian
Dec 13, 2010
Not sure I would say this is selfish?
Sugar Jones
Dec 13, 2010
We share a dream: “write about it so that others can take something from my experience.” Something good has to come from the bad, right? Here’s to more dreams being realized!
Sugar Jones
Dec 13, 2010
jackinessity
Dec 14, 2010
I very much look forward to reading your full story when the time comes. I recently had a similar epiphany, though not quite as dramatic! May you continue your journey, share your hard-earned wisdom, and continue to flourish.Jackie
SuzanneVara
Dec 15, 2010
JimSo once again you are stealing my limelight?! JK. I have said it before that you have such a talent for telling a story. You captivate us with your words and we emotionally connect with you and what we are reading. I have no doubt that you will succeed. You have my full support and assistance on how I can be a part of sharing your message so that you can reach people whose future is bleak in its present form. Just promise to remember us all when you are changing people’s lives.
My novel – Minor King
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