Trajectory (noun) : The path followed by a projectile flying or an object moving under the action of given forces.
Every now and again my mortality strikes me. Not in a morbid way, but in the kind of way that forces you to reflect. On the day, week, year, life. In those moments, I am completely overcome with emotion and gratitude. It happened last week as I held T in my parent’s kitchen. We were celebrating Christmas, the house bustling after presents were open and BAM. I’m staring down into his bright eyes and the tears are flowing out of me like a fountain. It’s a hard feeling to explain, so I’m hoping anyone that reads this has also had these moments.
As the raw emotion pours out and I can only really describe it as, feeling all the feelings, I reflect on how I got to this very moment. The trajectory changes in my life that needed to happen to get me to right now. The things that led to big changes as I’ve flown like a projectile through life. It’s in those moments that I want to connect with as many of the people that have been a part of the changes – or really been the changes as I can and say, without you there wouldn’t be this me. But I don’t. The moment is fleeting and passes and I snap back to the now.
Three weeks ago I saw Mel Robbins speak and she described the power of a silly concept of counting down from 5 and taking action before you change your mind. For those of you that were there with me, you know. For those of you that have read 5 Second Rule, you know.
5, 4, 3, 2, 1…
Thank you to my parents. It goes without saying you’re why I’m here, but you’re also why I’m here. In this life, this very spot. Your guidance, wisdom and faith that I’m making the right decisions for myself has allowed me to make all of these moments. Your support and love for me, C and our boys allows me to work hard, like you’ve shown me and be everything I am.
Brother Bear, thank you. For being the one to forge the path and show me what’s possible. For being an ear or a should when I needed it. For going to U of I and connecting with friends that would later change your trajectory and mine. And for giving me the advice that set me on the path in my career – whatever you do, whatever your job is – get in there and be the best at it that you can be.
Thank you Starbucks and Sheila, for giving you the opportunity to meet C and work together and become friends, so we could later meet and find each other (this is why I consume so many lattes, chai teas and frappuccinos).
Lauren, thank you for the career choices you’ve made that allowed you to see the potential for love between Mike and Sheila and connecting them. Without them, there would be no ‘us’ for C and I.
C, thank you. You’re the love of my life. Our home, our boys, our life together, its beyond what I’d imagined for myself.
Thank you Bruce for your mentorship and friendship as I started my career and for recognizing opportunity. For seeing potential in me and connecting me with my next career move and for your support on everything in between.
Joe, thank you. For taking a chance on a new addition to a small team. For trusting me to help grow it and for being open to putting me in a role completely different from where I started. Thank you for the team members you’ve brought on that have become some of my closest friends. I have grown and your support has changed my family in immeasurable ways.
Thank you Hustle Moms, your friendship, support and perspective, both personally and professionally, have changed mine. The opportunity to work with you, write with you and get to know you has brought some of the greatest joys this year and all the years we’ve worked together.
Trajectory. It’s powerful. Allow it to change, even if you feel like its not part of your plan. Don’t underestimate the small things that lead to big things that will change your life. Now that I’ve done it I can say, don’t be afraid to thank those that have changed it. I am sure there are more in store, I look forward to them and what they bring.
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