It was so inspiring and heartwarming to read all of the essays and notes that were submitted. Thanks to all who took the time to enter this contest. More contests will be announced in the future so if you did not win this time, your name will be included in future drawings.
Tunja's essay sparkles so much. I hope her words will inspire you as much as they inspire me! ~ Beverly
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“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I – I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.” Robert Frost
I am proud of myself for choosing the road less traveled!
Few people follow their dreams. But I have learned that if you always follow the crowd, you will never find your own way. 2008 will be written in my autobiography as the year I made a decision to turn my dreams into a reality. In April 2007, I wrote a vision for my life that would allow me to live my life with passion and always, in all ways on purpose. I sensed life calling me to use my gifts, talents and abilities in a greater capacity. However, the life I desired would come with a huge price. This would mean giving up all that I have known to experience a life better than I could have ever even imagined.
In April 2008, I stepped gracefully into this new season by letting go of my job as a classroom teacher – which is the only profession I have known for the past 12 years. At this point, it was like a paradigm shift. Everything that was attached to me that could possibly serve as hindrances began to exit my life, while new and exciting opportunities began to enter and welcome the new me.
Today, I am working as a math consultant with a private consulting firm. I have also accepted a faculty position with a local college as a student teacher supervisor which will start this fall. Now, I work less days a week which has given me the opportunity to make time for those who matter most – quality time with myself, my husband and my two beautiful daughters. I have really learned to seize the opportunity to grow and learn. I am committed to being the very best ME I can be. This means authentically and confidently showing up as the leading lady in my own life. It takes strength to change. It takes courage to stand up and be who you were created to be. But I am in love with life’s possibilities. My passion to change is greater than the fear that tries to hold me back.
My
life truly resembles that of the transformation the caterpillar
experiences in order to become a butterfly. The process is
difficult, but it is necessary for change to take place. A life of
ease leaves us the same for years. But challenges force us to grow
and improve. I thank God for “the road less traveled.” It truly
has “made all the difference.”
~Tunja Smith, Jackson, Mississippi
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