You're Almost There

 Have you ever been riding somewhere and it felt like it would take forever to get there? You kept seeing signs that said the destination was a certain number of miles away and the number starts getting smaller. However, it still seemed really far away! How about when you've been in a race or gone hiking and it seemed like the trail or finish line would never come? Perhaps you are in school, college or professional development classes for your job and the degree or certification seems so far away. You know with every assignment turned in and every session attended that it's getting closer, yet it doesn't seem that way. Recently, one of my cousins, our friend, and I went to visit High Bridge State Trail Park in Farmville, VA for a day trip. It's a beautiful town if you ever get a chance to visit 💖. We walked across the bridge, which was absolutely amazing with the beautiful scenery! After walking across the bridge, we then decided to walk the trail underneath, so we could see the underneath the bridge. Well, the 1st time we tried, we got nowhere and made one big circle 😁!!! The second time, we tried walking on another trail. Before we got too far, a lady we saw earlier asked us were we sure we wanted to go that way because it was steep. We decided not to go on that trail and asked her to help us get to the right one. So, we tried a third time ( I heard the third time's a charm 😉!) to get on the trail. We went back to the first trail and realized we had missed the right turn down the path. Well, we had saw the right trail previously, but didn't notice it. We had walked right by it! The lady got us on the right track- thank goodness 😁!! She knew we had no idea what we were doing 😂. You had to be there though because we were having a wonderful time enjoying nature and laughing the whole time 💙😂!!! Once we got on the right path, we kept moving forward. Now, at several points, we wondered is this really taking us underneath the bridge. However, with every step we took, we were getting closer to our destination. We kept going! As we got closer, our friend said she could see the bridge as she was in front of my cousin and me. That's how we knew we were on the right track! Sure enough, the bridge looms in our sight. Before we knew it, we were there 🙌! It was all worth it because it was absolutely breathtaking 💙!! To stand underneath the bridge and look up to see all the wonderful architecture was amazing!! We reached our destination because we accepted help and direction on how to get there. We didn't turn around before we got there, but kept walking the trail even when we questioned if it looked right. In life, there are times we want to reach goals and may attempt to reach them, but then we get distracted or turned around and don't reach the goal. I want to share some of the lessons I learned from my trip. First, take time to soak in every moment and your surroundings. Being out in nature was peaceful and calming 💙. Sometimes, we can get so caught up in reaching our destination that we forget to enjoy the scenery along the way. Second, keep taking steps toward your goal. As we kept walking the trail, the closer we got to see the bridge from underneath. Third, keep people in your circle that will encourage you to keep going because they can see something you can't see. As we were walking the trail, our friend was in front. She made the comment she could see the bridge. My cousin and I couldn't see it at first, but we kept going and then we saw it too 😊. We need people in our lives that will tell us not to give up because we're almost there and we've been working too hard to give up now. Next, we need to remember our why. It's the why that keeps us going and keeps us looking up. A goal I want to share with you that I'm working towards is getting my gifted certification. I'm a student again! On January 11th of this year, I started online classes through Averett University for my gifted education certification. It's been an adjustment for sure with teaching full time and taking classes again, but God is truly helping me 🙏. I am almost near the end of Semester 1 🙌!! Each completed assignment gets me closer to my goal. Does it get tiring? Yes! Are there days I don't feel like doing my homework? Yes! However, I remember my why. I remember I don't have to limit myself in one area of education. I remember I want to expand my options in the education field. I remember I have students who look up to me. I remember I have the next generation in my classroom. I remember I have people in my circle who support and encourage me. I remember I have people in my life who will help me when I ask them. I remember it will all be worth it just like seeing under the High Bridge was worth it 💙. We had a great time on our trip and look forward to our next adventure 😁!! So, keep going. Don't give up on your dream and goal. It's closer in sight than you think. Keep your positive support system nearby. Laugh when you can. Ask for help when you need to. Most importantly, keep putting one foot in front of the other. You're almost there! I got this! You got this! We got this because God has us 🙌!!