So I was reading a chapter of a politicalesque book today (which is rare, because I never read anything that has to do with politics... for personal reasons more than anything else), and I read a chapter which pretty much dealt with the idea of entitlement vs. hard work and the benefits/downfalls of both. Which got me thinking about my past and how I reached where I am today.
Even though I don't live in the shiniest place, or the biggest place, or even a place I own, it's still a place that I pay for and can afford. Same with my clothes. Yes, I buy things from Goodwill and discount places. I rarely, if ever, pay full cost for anything. I work a full time job for a decent, well-established company. It's not my ideal job, but it will suffice for the time being. There are opportunities for me to grow and flourish while looking for my "dream job" in my career choice. I can afford internet and the occasional meal out. I can afford to buy food to eat, and to support four cats. I can afford to take classes to further my education. I can even afford insurance to take care of myself. Here soon, I should be able to afford a car payment, should I need a car. How did I achieve all of this? Hard work and a great family/friend support system.
I remember when I wasn't making it, though. I had several part-time jobs and could still barely rub two pennies together. But I was doing it. I wanted to keep going to school which prevented me from working full time. But I was still able to do both. I could only afford to eat quesadillas with that shredded canned chicken and cheese at times... but I still ate. I only had two pairs of pants at one point that fit... a black "formal" pair and a pair of jeans... but I had clothes to wear.
I got frustrated. I got tired. I got angry. I cried.
But I did it.
I accomplished what I set my mind to by hard work and perseverance. Not by waiting for things to be handed to me.
Let me tell you, the satisfaction I feel for my bachelor's degree, my tiny apartment, my 40 hour a week job that all of the skills I have acquired since I was 14, and what little things I own is immense. It's not much, but it's far more than I thought I'd ever achieve on my own. Keep in mind, I say "on my own" but I know I have a fantastic support system. Not government support, mind you. Lol. My family and friends who have been there since day one.
I have a long way to go to accomplishing all of the goals I have set for myself, but I am in no real hurry.
Patience, hard work, and perseverance have gotten me to where I am today, and I am sure it will continue to serve me well in the future.
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