Don't Make Roadblocks Dream Killers

It is inevitable that a person will face challenges as they pursue goals and dreams. That is life. We can become overwhelmed with unforeseen circumstances that hinder progress. Some will let situations or people derail their dreams.

It is important to become skilled in adapting, in order to do what needs to be done. Very rarely are we able to take a straight and smooth path to anything. You may need to climb a wall, go around the wall or slam through it. What should not happen, is you coming to a complete standstill. If you do, it is very brief.

Over the years, I have felt that I am not where I want or need to be. The older I get, It is as if, time is moving entirely too fast. I had a completely different scenario in mind, for what my life would look like in my 30's and 40's. I had to take medical leave in the middle of a term while pursing a graduate degree. This caused some additional issues for this pursuit. But I am not deterred. Just delayed. I definitely have become exhausted with constant changes and obstacles that surface, every time I move forward or start a new journey. The car moves up a mile and then the demon tow truck will grab hold and speed in the opposite direction, with me slamming on the gas and gripping the steering wheel, as if I can stop it in that moment. It is exhausting and unrelenting.

It is 2020 and never in our wildest dreams could we have imagined being faced with COVID-19. Something that has completely changed lives and how we do things, across this entire world. It is easy to see how much we have taken for granted. There is much that we miss during this scary and restrictive time. Trying to further an education right now has its added challenges.

Educational facilities have shut down or moved courses to online learning. Those that cannot possibly be instructed online, have to abide by a ton of new procedures to safely provide learning in person. At any given time, we may be told that a university, college or trade school must close, even if temporarily. Add to this the new financial concerns that already existed for continuing education and are now compounded due to loss of jobs or reduction in wages for many employees.

In one sense, this year was an ideal time for me to pursue my goal to start an auto tech course. I just got my son through college, I have a little flexibility with my work schedule and a few other personal responsibilities have shifted. I also had a 2nd job for the past few years. Well...among other things...here comes the Coronavirus. I have registered for courses. But I also had to leave the 2nd job for health reasons. My full-time job had to implement a voluntary separation package and pay reductions. We know that layoffs for some, is also in the works. This has affected everyone. When you already live pay check to pay check, any percentage of a reduction, is a challenge.

These are times that you must be creative. It will be a fight to try to pay for courses and required books/materials. I don't give up. I believe in coming up with solutions. If dropping a class is still not helpful, then I may need to delay instruction, one more term. I prefer not to do that with so many aspects of our world being uncertain. But I would rather delay a term or two then state that I can't do this at all. It is not the first time I had to pivot and make other moves. Sometimes you temporarily, suspend a goal.

I have also learned to take different routes to a desired outcome. Sometimes you must change the way you get there. I have wanted to own a used car lot and auto repair shop for a very log time. I want to be in a position to donate reliable cars and help others maintain their vehicle. Transportation is all too important. I want to help others learn this trade and other trades to help sustain their lives and that of their family.

I have been told to just be the face. I have no issue being the face or head of business but I am learner, a doer. I also like to have knowledge. I don't think there is anything wrong with having the fundamental knowledge of auto repair, if I am going to own a repair shop. I prefer it. I need to know the ends and outs of the work. I need to understand what is required of my staff, their education and needs in this type of position. I also see that there is a possibility that I may not complete my education first, It may be a simultaneous journey of learning and opening a business

Again, you have to learn to adjust. Change your route if necessary.

So, I may very well need to delay, once again but I will not be stopped. I will not have my dreams destroyed. There are many things I can do to move towards my goals. There is much that I can do to insure a better chance of not having to delay again. No dream killers are permitted on this road with me. I believe in going around, over, under or through walls.