How Bad is Life Really

Have you ever had a life event put your life into perspective?  I'm sure we all have had some kind of life event that has effected us in a way that we will never forget.  This week, I started following three gentlemen on Facebook that I do not know.  All three are US Army Soldiers and are at the Medical Center in Bethesda (10 minutes away from my office) where they are having surgery every three days to fight infection in their amputated leg(s).  They are also fighting to keep their arms without having them amputated as well.  I don't know any of these guys but it is a life event that has put my life into perspective.

I have had minor issues this week, hell my whole life, compared to these gentlemen.  Everyday I get on their Facebook page and read their updates and I am amazed by they're strength and progress.  It makes me cringe that people complain everyday because of the most minor issues.  My mind has been filled this week by the dramatic changes that will effect their lives forever.  Everything I have done this week, from driving to work to trying to balance on one leg during a workout, I have thought about how their life has been forever changed. This tragedy will effect them and their families for the rest of their lives but yet they are still positive and staying strong.  Our minor issues, from losing weight to car repairs, cannot even compare to their sacrifice.  

These men are American Heroes.  They have sacrificed their legs for us to live safely in America.  Next time you are having a rough week, think about the million of men and women who have fought for our country and are living (or not living) with injuries because they don't even know you and they decided to sacrifice themselves for you.

Many of us know at least one person who has served in the military.  Take a moment to thank them for the service they provided you.  And next time you see a soldier just take a moment to say thank you.  After you walk away from them, think about everything they gave up so that you could walk around this world and not have a care in the world.  We all have issues that come up, big and small.  I'm not saying that your issues are any less important.  I just want people to realize that it could always be worse.  When you think you are at your lowest point, think again.  I promise you someone is suffering worse than you are.  Find strength in that and pull yourself together.  Stay strong and believe in yourself!

First Week in a New Chapter

Last week I moved to Washington, D.C. to start my life as a professional woman. I had no idea what to expect all I knew is I was exited for something new and different. As my last post stated, my parents helped me move everything in and get me ready for this huge transition. They left on Wednesday morning. The first realization of being alone in this big city started that night. I kept thinking to myself, what have I done? How will I make friends? All I have is work here. No clubs or college activities to keep me meeting new people. After consulting with Brenden, I began to feel a little better. I'm outgoing and fun. I can meet people.

Thank goodness my first day of work was the next day to keep my mind off being alone. I had a great first day. Once all the paperwork was finished, I was immediately given my first assignment. A very large one at that. So for the 8 hours I'm at work it consumes my time. Thank goodness my professors made me do competitive analysis and PowerPoint presentations all through my four years. I feel confident I can knock this first assignment out of the park.

In the words of my boss, I am to be a sponge for the next few weeks. Friday was my first full day of work and wow was it full of information. I left that evening a little later than the office was open. But I know this will be my first of many nights I'll leave a little late.

The weekend came and went and was full of activity. So I was beginning to feel like I wouldn't be alone after all. I kept myself busy and realized the more things I do the easier it will be to get through this. I also realized why people get married right after college. It would definitely make this transition a lot easier. But part of my journey is to learn to be independent. And I will do just that.

Today, I worked a half day because I am flying out to Chicago in about 30 minutes. Chicago is a dream place for me to go (and one day live in). I will be there for a week soaking up information about this new position.

After 22 years of being taught about life and prepared to go into the real world, you never realize how hard it will be to make it. People warn you, but it's not nearly big enough. I am excited about this challenge and chapter in my life. It comes with a lot of changes but I know I will come out just right.

Kayla