My life has rarely been stable geographically. I attended twelve different schools by the time I graduated high school.  I traveled the country, and the world for a couple years before I got married at 22, and we moved fairly often. We changed homes or states numerous times in our nearly 21 years of marriage.  

I’m not afraid of new places and new people.  When I was young I made fast friends wherever we were.  I knew if I didn’t make friends right away I may not have any.  It was likely we’d be off somewhere else soon.  

These experiences have molded me in a positive way.  I’m thankful that with my need for connection and my personality I didn’t shrink back and feel sorry for myself (not to say I wasn’t upset about making friends and then moving) but it pushed me to dig deep with people right away.  It has made me an upfront vulnerable person, quickly connecting with others.

I believe the experiences of our childhood shape us and prepare us for what life brings into our path or how we will affect the world. Our childhood, however good or bad, can make us strong and help us to help others if we allow it and receive healing when we need it.  I hold to that for me and for my own children. I hold to that for my husband now and for his children. It’s faith for me and for my family. I hold to it for you.

I am saying this because I believe my upbringing and who I have become has prepared me for the many different paths I have followed in my life.  Then those paths have further prepared me for the next. Whether they were uphill and strenuous with only roots to cling to up the steep slope, or wanderings through a field of wildflowers, one step before another I have faced the next challenge better.  Possibly more broken, humble, courageous or triumphant, but better. That doesn’t negate the battles fought on some of these trails, but rather that I’m still standing, still moving forward to the next leg of the journey.  

What is your upbringing and how has it shaped your view on life, your character or your perspective?  What has life’s challenges brought you and what have you overcome? There’s wisdom in looking back, learning from the past and moving forward with renewed vision and hope.  Your future is bright, not without challenge, but challenge forges something in us that complacency cannot. You are made to climb the mountain and take in the view at the peak.  Keep climbing my friend, I’m right behind you. Allow your life’s experiences to shape you, mold you into someone who is an example of an overcomer, a giver who shares who they are with the world.

Much love.