I literally up and vanished on y’all… like for seven months.
Life has literally turned way the fuck upside down and is now coming back around to somewhat normal.
Life has a funny way of testing you – because you’re never given anything you can’t handle, no matter how much you believe you won’t make it through whatever it is.
My last post was in May. It’s almost Christmas at this point.
I’ve been meaning for weeks to post up and catch up … I just haven’t had the time.
SO. Where to begin?
As I had shared previously – I was doing tons of work at my Nana’s “home” and spending as much free time as I could with her. Thank god I did. She was diagnosed with AML around Memorial Day and spent almost all summer in the hospital. She peacefully passed in August due to kidney failure from an infection. She would never let cancer beat her – and she didn’t. I have a ton to say about that subject but I will save that post for a rainy day. I’ll just leave it at family isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be.
I was very, very blessed to have her for over 34 years and so lucky I could make the time I was able to with her. Most people don’t believe in “visits” and such, but she visited me. And it was eerie. And incredible. And absolutely heartbreaking but it also gave me so much closure and hope. I couldn’t even explain all the feelings I experienced – but I do know that she’s keeping me close at all times. I know she knew how much I loved her and I know how much she loved me.
A week before Nana was diagnosed, I had a portrait of her on her silver and white 1957 Chevy tattooed on my forearm, with script from a thank you card she sent me back in 2019 for helping her around the farm. I was able to show her the tattoo and she was beside herself, just tickled as could be that I turned her into art that I get to carry around for the rest of my life. I will cherish that moment as long as I live.
In June, I passed my NASM CNC exam and decided then and there it was time to start planning a big time career move. I knew I wanted to help people and wanted out of automotive. The best company and community in the world has it’s HQ right here in St. Louis – so I decided to take a stab at getting my foot in the door at none other than 1st Phorm.
I had an interview by mid July and was working there by the beginning of August. It has been a WHIRLWIND. I’ve supported 1P for well over 10 years as a customer and I’ve never been more thrilled to go to work every single day. It was VERY hard at first. I went from a very comfortable and safe job and left for a salary that was literally less than half of what I was making at the shop. So scary – yet SO worth it.
Since starting at 1P – my life has improved in every way shape and form. Not only have I lost nearly 10lbs from being more consistent with my workouts and getting movement in every single day, I’ve TREMENDOUSLY slowed down my drinking (I’m even thinking about doing a sober 2022!), I’ve read so many books, learned tons, made so many new and amazing relationships, listened to so many amazing talks from Andy & Sal and I’ve even earned a promotion. All in four months. I can’t believe I GET to go to work every day and GET to help people improve their lives, while being surrounded with a building full of the best people the WORLD has to offer. And make my own life better than it’s ever been on every level imaginable. Next up – getting my NASM CPT by the end of the week!
I’m SO excited for what’s to come in my future at 1st Phorm.
I guess that’s where I’ll end it at my catching up post.
But you should treat every day like it’s your last. I don’t only mean telling your loved ones how much they mean to you or spending the super valuable time together, I mean don’t waste your life doing something you don’t want to do with people that radiate negativity. Take the risk. Surround yourself with genuinely good people who want the best for themselves and you. You’ll never know what you’re capable of until you make the changes for yourself.
