I hope you don�t mind if I ramble for a bit. I want to share something with you in hopes that just maybe my little story might encourage someone who thinks some things in life are just too impossible to even attempt. My advice, Nothing is Impossible.
About 4 years ago, I divorced for the second time. Instead of being the single parent of two children I suddenly found myself sole provider of three. I worked hard, move forward and did the best I could. I surrounded myself with successful people which made me decide to reach for the stars myself. I decided to go back to school and finish my degree in accounting. Family and friends kept telling me it would be too hard with all I already had on my plate. It was hard and there were even times that I suffered health wise but it was not impossible. Did I want to give up, you bet I did but you see I was determined. I refused to give up. I don�t like to be told I Can�t do something.
Last winter, as I progressed in my classes and learned about leadership, organizational behaviors, and managerial skills, I came to the realization that people in leadership roles that are successful DO NOT smoke. These people lead healthy productive lives and I wanted what they have; success, respect, knowledge and wisdom. That was just one of the many, many reasons I decided to quit smoking.
I used class projects to get me through the early part of my quit. I had a huge organizational behavior project and my topic was dealing with stress. A+ on this presentation folks because I was walking, living and breathing nothing but stress! I gathered not only the support of you here at the SSC, but all of a sudden I had a group of classmates that said �how many days now� every time I saw them.
For the past 2.5 years, I have worked full time, taken care of three children, gone to school full time, and remained active in my church. 10 months ago, I added quitting smoking to the barrage of life challenges. A lot of people have told me to give up along the way. A lot of YOU have encouraged me not only in my quit but also in the pursuit of my impossible dream.
Tomorrow morning at 11:00 I walk across that stage to receive my degree. I will do so with my head held high. You see, not only will I be thinking about