Forty (yes 40) years ago today (technically 1 March), I started a journey that changed my life and expanded my horizons in so many ways (people, places and things). My career began and I could never have conceived all the blessings I received along the way.
I moved away from my family (with their blessings) and all that I knew to an apartment in Virginia. A woman I worked with in Boston actually moved with me to also begin a career. We shared an apartment for a year and then she returned to Boston.
Who would have thought that one of the people I met that very first week of my new career would take me under her wing and we would become BFFs. Thank you Patti! A year later in 1983 we would become roommates on 1 March (yes can you believe 39 years) and then the rest is history. What a wild ride we have been on all these years. Through all the ups and downs, she has been there for me. I can not put into words how blessed I am.
Also hard to believe that my very first boss and his family became such an important part of my life. We are friends to this day.
I had the opportunity to travel both personally and professionally to many places and make friends that are spread across the world. I've experienced and accomplished things I would have never thought possible. No job/career is perfect and I had my share of ups/downs. I tried to learn from the down times and embrace the up times. I have so many memories...too many to share here.
During my time here in Virginia, I finished my degree (only took a few years of night school). I did it for me more than the job. I did work a couple of part time jobs here and there along the way. While working full time I ran two businesses for many years. As a continual learner, I am always studying something or other. I became a certified life coach. I studied Reiki and energy work. I also became a certified dementia care practitioner. I think I was a little crazy...LOL!
When I retired, part of me thought here is another major life change. I was afraid that I would lose touch with many, but thanks to technology, many of my former colleagues are still in my life. I'm blessed to be able to get together fairly often with the locals. We still try to help each other when needed.
Of course, there were some hard times, sad times and tragedies. I shed many a tear along this journey and navigated my way through a few obstacles. Along the way I learned a lot about myself and others.
I started this blog over 15 years ago (long before I joined FB) when I was extremely involved in coaching. Although I have slowed down the coaching, I keep this blog as a way to keep in touch and hopefully learn from my experiences and teach along the journey.
Thank you for keeping up with me. Cheers for where I've been and whatever the future brings. Hugs for strength...prayers for peace. Marie
P.S. Some of you may remember me with red hair other may not...thought I would provide a picture from the first day of my career.