Because you and I constantly grow

I’m waiting for a call that can potentially morph my career – and my life. Yes, I’m nervous, excited and, strangely, melancholic. But this melancholy is, I guess, in response to the fear of changes… changes that I once accused of not wanting to occur.

This is The Avenue, the extension of a sheet of concrete I’ve been walking for the past 10 years. The first six years, The Avenue got nothing from me but tears of helplessness, anger, and resentment.

You see, Dear Reader, I had just left my home. It happened early, I was 16 years old. My survival method consisted of moving from one blue collar job to the next. Fast food cashier, waitress, receptionist; my humble but honorable titles.

Let me tell you about a time I’ll never forget.  After condemning my life and those around it while passing The Avenue, I walked inside my fairly new job at the time (nine years ago). My position? Waitress/cashier/cook. My former boss, a dark skin man from South America with straight black hair and tiny eyes, asked me to start washing the morning dishes. I did. While doing so, a strong thought came to my mind, “I’m not moving forward.” Tears took over the lower part of my face. My throat closed; it felt as if I was swallowing blocks of darkness. I felt the man’s presence behind me, and he proceeded to say, “You’re not going to wash dishes for the rest of your life.”

I’ve been carrying those words since that moment. Changing the sentences, I’ve told my self: “You’re not going to pick phones for the rest of your life;” “You’re not going to sweep floors for the rest of your life. And so on…

But you know, Dear Reader, sometimes we forget that we are in constant growth. Of course, it takes motivation and dedication to make that growth happen. But even when we are putting ourselves through college, or practicing that sport or art, or simply trying a little harder…sometimes it feels as if everybody progresses, but us.

No. You and I, Dear Reader, are growing every second, every hour. It takes somebody to remind us; It takes a quick look at our surroundings; it takes appreciation. Sometimes, it takes a call to remind you that you’ve grown to the point to be considered for a position or team you once thought unachievable.

If you’ve experienced anything similar, please tell me. I would love to learn from you.

Until next time, Dear Reader.