“Always Be Prepared”

Wise men say, only fools rush in… This was a line in a popular song when I was young and I realized that it influenced me greatly. I think it started in junior high school when I had this need to be fully prepared before an exam or a presentation. And it became a recurring theme in all of my major and even minor decisions in life. Though, there was one time in college where I crammed. I did not get any sleep because I had to finish a 10-page report and review for the final exam the following day. I went to school. Sat for the exam. Got the test paper. My head was heavy and I nodded to sleep. I woke up and heard the proctor said: pass your papers. I failed the exam. Lesson learned the hard way: I needed sleep to function.

This experience reiterated to me that I needed to be always prepared. From then on I made it sure that I was prepped before I commit to a project. In my 30’s I decided to go back to school for my graduate studies. Before I did that, I interviewed friends who had taken the course. I looked at my finances and budget to see If I could afford it. I reviewed for months for the entrance exam before I took it. And I had a conversation with myself if I was ready to give full-out to this commitment. I am glad I did it. It was one of the best experiences in my life. I met wonderful mentors and friends. And I came out a better person.

This way of thinking influenced too how I commit in a relationship. I was a late bloomer. I started dating in my twenties. Someone proposed marriage in my late twenties but I felt strongly in my gut not to do it and so I turned it down. I broke his heart but I was not ready. I got married in my forties. I thought I was well prepared for it. You see my graduate degree was in Pastoral Ministry, concentration on Family and Marital Counseling. And I practiced my profession, I was counseling couples before I got married. I thought through these vicarious experiences, it would help me navigate married life more easily. Now, I realized I am continuously invited to love, stretch, and grow.

My Life’s Lessons

1. I PREPARED. Do your best and God will do the rest.

2. I LISTENED. I believe we all have an inner guidance and wisdom.

3. I WAITED. I believe in God’s perfect timing.

Be wise and amazing!