“We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us.” – Joseph Campbell
I’m done talking about Algebra. My life is bigger than the sum of my math struggles, which really aren’t that difficult. I’m just a big complainer. The neural connections formed, and I’m good now. The first exam was a breeze, and I will no longer obsess about it or bore my readers with it!
I had an epiphany from the most unlikely source tonight, and it made me realize that these prerequisites (like Algebra) are trivial. They aren’t obstacles to knock down or even jump over. They’re cracks in a sidewalk. They’re frost on a branch that will melt with the next season.
Five years ago, I had a plan for my life. The next 60 years were mapped out. Then, a chance meeting on an airplane turned that life upside down. And it’s okay! I didn’t have to let go of my plan, but I did. And now, in my 30’s I’m back in school working on something else. I know some of you now have some questions…and in time, I’ll probably blog more about the details of the last few sentences. I’m just happy to be where I am and making the journey with some amazing people.
Jolene's Life in Focus 
You have my curiosity piqued about the chance encounter–maybe it’s something you’ve already shared. Good for you, to be back in school, you’re still so young. 🙂
Nice picture, btw.
Heather, I think that one day that “change encounter” will be its own blog post. I have always felt that God puts people in our path for a reason.
Love the photo with your story. It’s so fitting. I really feel for you Jolene… it’s not easy to fix a broken heart. I understand about making plans and have it blow to pieces. It has been three years since I made the fatal decision and I am still trying my best to correct the mistake. All you can do is learn from it. Just have faith in yourself and know that things will get better. From the looks of your blog, you are doing great! 🙂
Thanks, Emily! I think that’s wise to look at everything as a learning experience. You can’t change the past, but you can definitely learn and make a better future. I have all the faith that there are good things coming your way as well – based on your blog, it looks like you’ve been working hard! 🙂
This photograph accompanies your words so well. While it may not matter in five years, it was happening now. You needed support and encouragement at the time. What’s important is that you realize that life is more than this. Life is made up of a lot of little things. Something like this can make you stronger and wiser for the unexpected lessons it can teach. 🙂
There are a lot of things to come out of this already. I’m actually finding that (even though I don’t like math) I do like helping other people understand it who are confused. That ends up being a good enough reason to learn it well. It can just be a lot sometimes with full time work and class. Totally worth it though. 🙂
Great shot Jolene, love the bits of hanging moss and then leave leading your eye through the frame.
And as for your last paragraph re: life plans, just remember – Life is what happens while we’re making other plans.
I like that, Jim. 🙂
I find that life is about 20% what we control and 80% what happens to us. We just have to roll with the punches.
Really liking the colours here Jolene…as I have said in the past, it’s interesting the things we “now see” after being behind the shutter for awhile. 😀 Oh, and I knew you would ace that silly math exam!
Thanks, David! I always make a big deal out of nothing…
I like the photos!
Thank you! I like the colors myself. It’s a soothing photo. 🙂
I love the colours in this shot.
I didn’t say anything while you were studying for your exam, but in 5 years time (or even less it seems – Jolene put down that bottle of wine! ;-)) you’re not going to remember how stressed out you were about it. Because unless you become a Mathematician, it’s not going to be a conscious part of your day.
How did you know I had a bottle of wine in hand?? 🙂
I’m relieved this will never be a part of my day. It’s not terrible, but I have no passion for it. Got an A on that first exam, by the way!!
Congratulations, that’s excellent!