The Winds of Change

In case it isn't entirely obvious from our reputation of severe weather, tornadoes and being the land of "Ahhhhs" (which is the sound you make when you finally get inside out the gale-force winds), Kansas tends to be a bit on the breezy side.

As Kansans, we have an innate ability to lean into the wind, lower our chin, squint, and head into the storm without a second thought.  We have things to do even if the weather isn't going to cooperate.  A little bit of grit in our teeth is simply a reminder of the grit within our soul.  

We're not easily sidetracked from the tasks at hand.  We have a job to do and no matter what mother nature says, it has to get done.  It doesn't make much of a difference to us if it is a physical wind or a metaphorical one--we can take it on with the same determination either way.  

My little place in the world has had to endure a lot of wind lately, but my Kansas roots have prepared me well.  Now, in the past few days, I've encountered some of those metaphorical winds as well--the proverbial winds of change.  I wasn't sure how to prepare, except to just pull my hat down, put my collar up, and lean into the wind.

Sometimes, though, when you charge into the storm, you find yourself on the other side a lot sooner than you expected.  Sometimes the winds aren't nearly as fierce as you thought they would be.

If you're reading this, wondering what the heck I am rambling on about, let me simply leave you with this one sentence: I love my new career.

I still have many winds to face and a long road to charge ahead before my tasks are complete, but this--my first charge into the storm--has renewed my faith in the old adage that everything happens for a reason.  It has renewed my faith in positive thinking.  It has renewed my faith in the capacity for people to be good and caring and loving.   It has renewed my faith in myself and my ability to be so much more than my circumstances have dictated.  

After all, I am a Kansan.  I know how to face a storm.

~J