In The Pursuit of Happiness: On taking risks

Newsflash: So About What I said turns five years old next week! Can you believe how fast the time has gone?!?!?! (and YES, I needed to use all those exclamation points!). I’ve got lots of fun things planned for next week, but first: I couldn’t help but think fate was waving its magic wand this weekend when I stumbled across one of my old newspaper columns. It was my last column, actually, written in 2011. The sentiments freakishly remind me of all the emotions I’m feeling leading up to next week’s milestone celebration. I’ll let you be the judge… 

Change can be scary. I’ve said this a time or two in the past, but thanks to you, I’ve learned over the last five years that change can lead to better things. Five years ago, you saw my photo and words for the first time. A new tradition was born for both of us. And like most traditions, whether you know it or not, you come away from it a better person than you could ever imagine.

When I began this column in 2006, I’ll admit I had my reservations. Mostly, the fact that I was nervous. How could I write something that my readers could relate to? With a big push from my mother, I plowed ahead. Over the years, the writing got easier. Little did I know that some learning was taking place, too.

Lesson No. 1: You can rediscover your hometown
Your hometown will always welcome you with open arms. Writing this column was only half the joy. The other half came every time I’d be out and about in the community and meet a loyal reader. I loved our chats and hearing your thoughts. We formed a connection, and I’ll always treasure that.

Lesson No. 2: Confidence can come when you least expect it
I didn’t think I had what it takes to be a columnist. But with every column, my confidence grew by leaps and bounds. Sometimes we have to take chances in life to grow the most. And over the last five years, I’ve grown considerably. It’s chances we don’t take that we end up regretting the most.

The last five years sure have been a journey, but the risk was worth it. Thank you for allowing me a little spot in your life. I cherish our time together, for the laughs we share when happy and the tears we shed when we’re sad. But isn’t that what friends are for?

[Photos via We Heart It]