I Used to Think That ...
I used to think when I was 5 years old that I wanted to be a garbage man when I would grow up. The 6am trash truck was so large and impressive at that age ...how they compacted the trash with all that powerful machinery and noise as I looked out my bedroom window following a 5:30am viewing of Batman on TV.
But then when I realized just how badly trash smells, I quickly changed my mind ...while being thankful and appreciate to those who perform the job and keep our neighborhoods clean and pristine.
I used to think was I was 8 years old that I wanted to be a professional baseball player when I grew up. Hitting a white ball and running around the bases with a smile on my face, while everyone chased like mad after that ball seemed so fun.
But then I realized playing the same game 162 days a year could get a bit boring, besides being free and traveling internationally is far more fun than being bound to a rigid yearly schedule domestically on a ballfield with fans harrassing you all the time for an autograph.
As I entered college I used to think I would be a pediatrician, because I thought playing with kids was fun and cool. After all I played with and baby-sat my little brother all of the time, while my parents were doing their thing.
But then upon entering college and studying biology and chemistry, I realized my mind wasn't wired scientifically. Nevertheless thanks to a lovely lab partner, I still managed to pull a B in that class. However having learned more about me, on practicing medicine I decided to pass.
As I earned A's in economics as an undergraduate in college, I used to think I would major in economics. After all I enjoyed the material and studying how money works on a personal and national level.
Yet upon transferring from my local community college to UCF, I quickly realized why my University at the time was so named. The joke on campus was "U Can't Finish" ...perhaps due to the fraternity and sorority part life I thought?
On the contrary I later learned, as it more had to do with class scheduling. My junior year of University, as I sought to register for economics classes I noticed that only 4 classes were being offered (less than the usual 5 per semester I was used to at the community college where I earned a 3.8 GPA).
Even worse was 2 of the 4 classes were scheduled at the exact time as the other 2, meaning I would only be able to take only 2 that semester. Hence I might take 4 years at this rate to finish my remaining 2 years of Univesity to earn a basic bachelors degree.
It was then I discovered the brilliance of majoring in Liberal Studies and studying what I found interesting, rather than being told what to study in order to earn a piece of paper called a degree. Hence I became a self-starter and learned how to be self-motivated and follow my inspiration.
I enjoyed studying documentary film, public relations, communications, listening (yes, I actually took a class in this), law, international economics (the last eco class I have taken in a while), marketing, Spanish and so much more.
Thereafter I used to think I would be a lawyer as I enjoyed debating, fully examining an issue and being paid to fight for those who couldn't defend themselves.
However upon being overwhelmed with the excessive case law I was made to read in 5 law classes my first year of legal education, I found myself going to the gym to exercise and relieve my brain of legal overload (and the many cases centuries old written in old English).
I did however excel in international law in Hong Kong the summer after year 1, but upon realizing all of the international treaties most nations sign are rarely enforced by the UN or any other national body - I didn't want to just talk about such in think tanks of academia without taking any action to bring about notable change in our world.
So I became a fitness trainer for a while to reconnect with my body and help others improve their health. 15 years later I still exercise regularly and am in outstanding shape for my age (how I wish I was this strong and muscular out of high school when I was playing baseball, maybe I could have been a pro after all).
As for being an attorney, this possibility does still exist (maybe when I am 80 years old or beyond and done traveling globally and decide to take down a corrupt company or two) as I still have the fight in me.
However since being hit by a drunk driver in July, 2008 and watching my attorney push paper back and forth (with the help of his two paralegals) for over 2 years just to get a settlement for a slam dunk DUI case (the woman's 2nd in two years) that totaled my car and injured me ....I don't know if I am all that desirous of pushing paper for the rest of my life in a high stress job as practicing law.
Besides practicing law within only one state (as interstate commerce is non-existent when each state can make money off education, examinations and licensing fees) and being bound, not able to travel (while I await more documents, depositions, interrogatories and paper to push) is not appealing to me.
I used to think that I would be a minister in 1990, after I had several supernatural visitations and experiences with God (since I still have some even today in different measures), although little did I realize the extent of the commitment required.
Not that I can't commit, because I can. But nobody told me in Bible school how everywhere I would go overseas I would be hounded for money and nearly milked like a cow for it ...while being made to feel guilty if I don't give (even when I myself am penniless).
Nevertheless I learned to say without feeling guilty and just give what I felt comfortable with despite the never-ending dire needs all around me.
I had to remind myself that I am not God, nor do I want to be, neither therefore should I feel guilty if I cannot fulfill His role as provider for humanity.
Not to mention, I came to a place where it was difficult raising funding for my own nonprofit ministry, as I have difficulty asking for money.
Hence I learned to plan my work and diligently work my plan, doing what I can and leaving the rest to the Lord of life to do.
As I gave myself to God and developed the gifts He gave me, I grew in giftings and skills simultaneousy (even further cultivating more knowledge, wisdom and understanding). This was good and always enjoyable - as personal growth is something I am passionate about and continually pursue.
So here I am today a published author, motivational speaker and minister - three things I have for years liked to do.
Herein I shall remain having progressively discovered my destiny too!
Nevertheless I shall continue studying matters of interest to me (some would say I am a professional student).
Say what you want, I really don't care.
But being free and living spontaneously, this is my passion and something I dare to do.
Being a teacher and lifelong learner, I will both grow inwardly and outwardly - simultaneously receiving and giving.
Herein do I feel most free, happy and content.
I had to think things through to come to this place of personal discovery, maturity and self growth.
Now how about you?
Things are not always as they first appear and seem.
Further examination, added self-awareness and a willingness to inquire more deeply into matters always brings added revelation and insight.
What say you about your personal journey and life discoveries?
http://www.PaulFDavis.com - life coach for success, worldwide speaker and life-changing author
info @ PaulFDavis.com - Global Properties Specialist and debt arbitrator
But then when I realized just how badly trash smells, I quickly changed my mind ...while being thankful and appreciate to those who perform the job and keep our neighborhoods clean and pristine.
I used to think was I was 8 years old that I wanted to be a professional baseball player when I grew up. Hitting a white ball and running around the bases with a smile on my face, while everyone chased like mad after that ball seemed so fun.
But then I realized playing the same game 162 days a year could get a bit boring, besides being free and traveling internationally is far more fun than being bound to a rigid yearly schedule domestically on a ballfield with fans harrassing you all the time for an autograph.
As I entered college I used to think I would be a pediatrician, because I thought playing with kids was fun and cool. After all I played with and baby-sat my little brother all of the time, while my parents were doing their thing.
But then upon entering college and studying biology and chemistry, I realized my mind wasn't wired scientifically. Nevertheless thanks to a lovely lab partner, I still managed to pull a B in that class. However having learned more about me, on practicing medicine I decided to pass.
As I earned A's in economics as an undergraduate in college, I used to think I would major in economics. After all I enjoyed the material and studying how money works on a personal and national level.
Yet upon transferring from my local community college to UCF, I quickly realized why my University at the time was so named. The joke on campus was "U Can't Finish" ...perhaps due to the fraternity and sorority part life I thought?
On the contrary I later learned, as it more had to do with class scheduling. My junior year of University, as I sought to register for economics classes I noticed that only 4 classes were being offered (less than the usual 5 per semester I was used to at the community college where I earned a 3.8 GPA).
Even worse was 2 of the 4 classes were scheduled at the exact time as the other 2, meaning I would only be able to take only 2 that semester. Hence I might take 4 years at this rate to finish my remaining 2 years of Univesity to earn a basic bachelors degree.
It was then I discovered the brilliance of majoring in Liberal Studies and studying what I found interesting, rather than being told what to study in order to earn a piece of paper called a degree. Hence I became a self-starter and learned how to be self-motivated and follow my inspiration.
I enjoyed studying documentary film, public relations, communications, listening (yes, I actually took a class in this), law, international economics (the last eco class I have taken in a while), marketing, Spanish and so much more.
Thereafter I used to think I would be a lawyer as I enjoyed debating, fully examining an issue and being paid to fight for those who couldn't defend themselves.
However upon being overwhelmed with the excessive case law I was made to read in 5 law classes my first year of legal education, I found myself going to the gym to exercise and relieve my brain of legal overload (and the many cases centuries old written in old English).
I did however excel in international law in Hong Kong the summer after year 1, but upon realizing all of the international treaties most nations sign are rarely enforced by the UN or any other national body - I didn't want to just talk about such in think tanks of academia without taking any action to bring about notable change in our world.
So I became a fitness trainer for a while to reconnect with my body and help others improve their health. 15 years later I still exercise regularly and am in outstanding shape for my age (how I wish I was this strong and muscular out of high school when I was playing baseball, maybe I could have been a pro after all).
As for being an attorney, this possibility does still exist (maybe when I am 80 years old or beyond and done traveling globally and decide to take down a corrupt company or two) as I still have the fight in me.
However since being hit by a drunk driver in July, 2008 and watching my attorney push paper back and forth (with the help of his two paralegals) for over 2 years just to get a settlement for a slam dunk DUI case (the woman's 2nd in two years) that totaled my car and injured me ....I don't know if I am all that desirous of pushing paper for the rest of my life in a high stress job as practicing law.
Besides practicing law within only one state (as interstate commerce is non-existent when each state can make money off education, examinations and licensing fees) and being bound, not able to travel (while I await more documents, depositions, interrogatories and paper to push) is not appealing to me.
I used to think that I would be a minister in 1990, after I had several supernatural visitations and experiences with God (since I still have some even today in different measures), although little did I realize the extent of the commitment required.
Not that I can't commit, because I can. But nobody told me in Bible school how everywhere I would go overseas I would be hounded for money and nearly milked like a cow for it ...while being made to feel guilty if I don't give (even when I myself am penniless).
Nevertheless I learned to say without feeling guilty and just give what I felt comfortable with despite the never-ending dire needs all around me.
I had to remind myself that I am not God, nor do I want to be, neither therefore should I feel guilty if I cannot fulfill His role as provider for humanity.
Not to mention, I came to a place where it was difficult raising funding for my own nonprofit ministry, as I have difficulty asking for money.
Hence I learned to plan my work and diligently work my plan, doing what I can and leaving the rest to the Lord of life to do.
As I gave myself to God and developed the gifts He gave me, I grew in giftings and skills simultaneousy (even further cultivating more knowledge, wisdom and understanding). This was good and always enjoyable - as personal growth is something I am passionate about and continually pursue.
So here I am today a published author, motivational speaker and minister - three things I have for years liked to do.
Herein I shall remain having progressively discovered my destiny too!
Nevertheless I shall continue studying matters of interest to me (some would say I am a professional student).
Say what you want, I really don't care.
But being free and living spontaneously, this is my passion and something I dare to do.
Being a teacher and lifelong learner, I will both grow inwardly and outwardly - simultaneously receiving and giving.
Herein do I feel most free, happy and content.
I had to think things through to come to this place of personal discovery, maturity and self growth.
Now how about you?
Things are not always as they first appear and seem.
Further examination, added self-awareness and a willingness to inquire more deeply into matters always brings added revelation and insight.
What say you about your personal journey and life discoveries?
http://www.PaulFDavis.com - life coach for success, worldwide speaker and life-changing author
info @ PaulFDavis.com - Global Properties Specialist and debt arbitrator
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