Twenty five years ago I made a decision about life....

[WCGreen]

I had just stopped drinking and carrying on like, well, a drunk...

I had an opportunity that is not afforded to many who find themselves addicted to the bottle...

I could go back to school...

And I did...

To become and accountant, if you can believe such a thing...

But I also decided that in order to survive the tedium routines involved with accounting, I would follow my dreams...

I had three passions growing up that I always talked about but rarely acted upon. I wanted to write, I wanted to perform and I wanted to involve myself with the passion that runs through all I do; politics....

I set a standard for myself that, I felt, would justify the pursuit of my dreams to family and friends. I would swore that I would make money in all three areas...

Remember, I was about 25 at the time and I had no prospects since I had basically burned every bridge I had throw my self destructive "era"...

In other words, I had to make it on my own...

I am happy to say that now, after twenty-five years, I can safely say that I made money, not a lot, but enough to justify what I did...

Sure I can't afford that special house that my Friends all are proud of, I don't dress as well as other 50 year olds that I know and I certainly don't drive the snazziest car in the parking lot...

But I am okay with myself...

It was never about the money, although I won't deny that I sometimes look back and wonder what I would have become if I had put as much energy into accounting as I had into my three dreams...

But it passes real quick when I pick up my guitar, or write something and see my name in print or get a phone call from a distress candidate looking for help...

[Catshrink]

1. Thank you for sharing

being okay with yourself is a great achievement, I think. You're an inspiration.

[Swede]

2. Peace and contentment.

Sounds like you achieved it.

[WCGreen]

10. Most of the time....

[LeftyFingerPop]

3. You are an inspiration, and I thank you for sharing. n/t

[Shine]

4. Sounds like you're richer in many more ways than one, my friend

Hopefully, as we age, comes Self-Compassion, Wisdom and Satisfaction. You're there, bud. :hug:

[lost-in-nj]

5. Thank you

I need to figure out how to quit....



lost

[SeattleGirl]

6. Chris, it sounds like things have worked out very well for you, especially

because you had to climb your way up from a bad place.

You know, there's nothing wrong with having money, but it's what you do with your life, regardless of how much money it brings you, that counts the most, I think.

Some people never get to live their passion; you are most fortunate in that you are living all three of yours.

Kudos to you, my friend! :hug:

[AggieGal]

7. Congrats.

Who cares if you do not have the biggest or latest gadget? You are doing well just by living on your own - shelter, food and transport.

PS. Can I ask you an accountant question by PM? I promise no math involved.

[WCGreen]

8. Yes...

[Steven_S]

9. I love reading stories like this....

Because I can relate to it and because it is not that much different than my own.

Some day I may tell you all about it.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

11. Your fierce independence has enabled you to do much good...

You have accomplished much, and there's much yet that you want to do...

And I know that you will get there!

You haven't even let your health issues stop you...

What you've been through would have killed a lesser man...

Kudos, Chris!

:hug: