While there are the tough times, the good times shall follow...

I have spent more than my fair share of days lamenting the unenviable financial shape that my current profession has bestowed upon me. I have questioned my chosen path and cursed those that seemed to be "making it" in generally similar situations. I have viewed the other side of the fence with envy and have contemplated stepping over to the other side because it appeared to be the easy way to an easier life and happiness.

I have thought about these things, but I have not carried through with them. Every time things get tight, situations don't work out quite like I plan, or things end poorly, something happens to re-affirm my belief that I am on the right path. Although I may make many missteps along the way, I know the path is strong and true.

I toil unnoticed by all but those close to me, and yet I continue. I am beaten down at every turn and I never seem to come out ahead, but there are those times when I manage to break through and good things occur.

Today was a good example of this, I managed to arrange a deal for a water-cooled TIG welder for a song and I am holding out hope that it comes to fruition. After a terrible couple of months, I have taken calls that have me booked until March. Upon losing faith in the inherent good in humanity, I messaged a friend who put my mind at ease.

No matter how bleak things seem to be, no matter how difficult the road ahead appears, no matter how far off the light at the end of the tunnel seems to be, there is an end, there is a resolution, there is a crest. It may not be the crest that you expect, it may not seem like a light at the time, and it may seem like a roadblock not an end, but it is all about how you deal with it and process what you have dealt with. How you move past it and beyond, how you keep what is truly important in mind and take those small victories and hold them up as trophies of a job well done and a path well chosen.

All in all, don't sweat the small stuff, it passes. The stuff that matters will always be there, those people who love and respect you no matter the situation, no matter what happens, and no matter how things are working out in the time being...

Medusa