A Virtuoso Must Always Rise

Whether it be grad school woes, family tragedies, or career paths that are delayed, a virtuoso must always rise...

Since the previous article I posted, it seems that I have constantly been bombarded with distractions, detours, and devastations, that have hindered me from the future plans I originally had for this. Shortly after starting this site, my great grandmother passed, while I was finishing up grad school; my heart had never been broken like that--the last conversation we had was about being able to see her for Thanksgiving when I came home, but that moment unfortunately never came. Fast forward to a few months ago when I was struggling to find a job back home, that would pay even close to the amount I know my degrees are worth...didn't happen and I've had to face the reality that leaving home (again) might be the only way to get one that does. Lastly, to list a more recent tragedy, I had to put my beloved Prince to rest, due to a sudden illness. I know these things exude a seemingly continuous cycle of depressing events, but there are always catalyses that make way for brighter days....

                                                                                                                                                                                          

To look on the "brighter days" concerning my great-grandmother, (1) If I am completely honest with myself, the average lifespan of a person is 23 years younger than she was when she passed; additionally, with the progression of age, people often have to face issues of mobility and deteriation of health: Madea never faced any of these issues. Not only did she live past that 23 year old marker for when a person's lifespan is predicted to be uncertained, but she did so without having issues of mobility (the woman was the true definition of a hodophile), without having issues with physical, or mental health, that could have kept her stagnant. Yes, she had her leg amputated years ago, but with the help of a prosthetic, and a determined spirit, you would never know that. She was someone who knew how to truly live life...

       

Concerning my job woes, this is an area that I am honestly still working my way through. While I am employed (which is on the brighter side of things), to be completely transparent, it is so far removed from the types of jobs I envisioned, concerning the focus area of my degrees. I mean, I knew that any real money for my areas of study would involve me moving away from home (again), and I'd come to terms with that. But I did have the misconception that I could quickly find something in my area of study at home, that would also pay a decent amount for my financial needs. Nevertheless, there are some positives to my current job situations that are keeping my going for now...

Lastly, despite recently having to see my Prince dethroned from his earthly kingdom, from what I know of God and of heaven, I know that my Prince is now living like a King...yes, I miss the pattering of his feet across hard wood floors; yes, I miss him showing me who was boss in the quarrels we often had; and yes, I wish I had more than just 4 months and a few days with him, after coming home from graduation. However, to look on the brighter side of this situation, it was during my last months of graduation, that I was told Prince had issues with his intestines, and that he was in bad shape because of it. My aunt even told me of a frightening incident where Prince had collapse, and my mother had to pray for him, saying "You will live," and live he did...my sweet Prince not only made it through that moment, but he made it through surgery, and I was able to have some precious moments with him after graduating--which was honestly much more of a positive outcome that I felt it would be. To look on the even brighter side of things, I know he is no longer in pain, but is living a (spiritual) life, that exemplifies his regal name, and provides all the amenities he deserves. Additionally, I have memories, pictures, and oh sooooo many videos that epitomize the HUGE firecracker, character, and bundle of joy he will always be... 

         

                  

I write all this to say that if you have had your fair share of distractions, detours, or devastations, that have hindered you from your original plans, believe and know there are brighter days to come; keep focusing on the positives until you arrive there. While I am still enroute to my brighter days, the blessing of the memories I've had with loved ones and the experiences I've had, lets me know that I can have all those great feelings again, and I am determined for that to happen sooner than later. Giving up is the only other option to pressing forward towards your goals, and as one of my favorite sayings go, "“Giving up on your goal because of one setback is like slashing your other three tires because you got one flat,"—it just doesn't make sense. With this in mind, please remember that when defeat tries to rear its ugly head, cut that sucker off with some positivity, and keep it moving...because like the sun that gives birth to a brighter day...a virtuoso must always rise.

                                   

                                              Photo Credit: RihannaDaily.com

*Keep your eye on the site and my Instagram page...new interviews with inspiring virtuosos are on the way!