I'll take a cup of impossible with a splash of determination

For a long time I have identified myself with optimism, energy and faith. I have also been willing to accept the judgments that follow such a mantra: naive, immature and silly.

Entering the 'real world' is a true test of oneself. I had heard that before, but you never truly believe anything until you have seen or experienced it. And that is as it should be. The 'real world' can have a quick way of breaking you, making you feel like you are lacking, not quite good enough, don't truly have what it takes, or if you're still new, too young to really know anything.

In the past year I have experienced unemployment, debt and endless bills. I have been scoffed at for having a degree in international relations when I am not seeking a position in politics. I have been made to feel inadequate for pursuing a career in the Middle East when my second language is Spanish. I have been teased for only having 2 (barely) languages under my belt. I have been told countless times "we really like you, you just don't have the experience that we need".

I will be the first to admit that I have let this stuff get to me. Optimism can expire if it has nothing to feed itself on. Sometimes you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, you lose track of the big picture.That'ss when the trouble starts. Because then practicality sets in. And brings along its friend-mediocrity. I hate uninvited guests...

Its really difficult to maintain motivation when faced with what can seem likehopelessssituationss. But I think that is when opportunities for greatness are given. Anyone can succeed when things are handed to them on a silver platter. But those who's ladder is a little more difficult to climb, who might be a little slower and not, say become a VP their first month with a bachelors degree, those are the really great ones. Overcoming challenges in the face of adversity builds character. So the next time you are faced with a challenge, it makes it that much easier for you.

Finding hope in what seems hopeless is tricky. I don't have the answers. But what works for me when I am lacking my own, is finding tiny bits of motivation in random places. A TV commercial (I love MBC's new one), and article that I read, something that I see in the street. Anything. Whatever it takes. Embrace it- and refuel.

One of the things that has been inherent to me for as long as I can remember has been a desire to prove myself. Along the road of life there have been times when I have gotten slightly confused on exactly what I was trying to prove, and to whom- butthat'ss natural. And, like everything, a learning process.

I won't try to fool myself into thinking that I have everything figured out. That I know where I will be in 25 years, or even a month. I have learned that things like that are impossible to predict. What I do know is what I want for right now. I have my short and long term goals. They may change slightly. Or evendrasticallyy. But I will still be me, bold, bright and ambitious; ready to face the world and whatever it happens to hurl my direction.

So bring it on, world. Give me all your bitter- it makes the sweet sweeter. I will fall, and I will get up again, and I will be a better person for it.


Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.
-Theodore Roosevelt