I decided to take the advice of an old friend and clean up the photos folder on both my phone and computer.

Let’s just say that was exhausting, but I ran across the featured photo.

A picture that I took about 6 years ago while visiting Richmond, Virginia.  It was before I began my first year as an intern, and I was taking in historic sites during a weekend getaway.

This picture reminded me of no matter how beautiful we think the path is, there will be a level of uncertainty along the way.

Even though the view at Maymont was absolutely immaculate, I had to reflect on the road that it took me to get there.

Seven months prior to visiting I was in a hospital bed attempting to process a grease burn accident that could have ultimately ended my life.  The road to recovery wasn’t easy, but in order to get back to my old self it was going to take some hard work.

Road blocks can pop up at any time on your journey.  That particular road block came in during my second semester of graduate school.  There were plenty of do overs, but trust me I needed the extra time to get myself together; mentally and physically.

In my own journey I’ve experienced loss of money, resources, and loved ones, but I’ve gained an awareness of self, strength, and a degree.

The road leading to what you truly want is never easy.  The main thing is that you continue on the path to achieve what you want out of this life.  You know the easiest thing to do?

QUIT.

I’m not here for that option though, and you shouldn’t be either.

I spent most of last year preparing for when those moments get shaky, or uncertain, cause trust me those moments will come.  That’s when you tap into the strength, and resources that God has blessed you with to keep chugging along.

We may have setbacks, road blocks, and detours but we can all learn a thing or two from, “The Wiz, or Wizard of Oz.”  It ain’t EASY, but man it is worth it.

We all must seek our own yellow brick road.  No matter how hard it gets you have to keep going.

Here’s to something beautiful at the end of our own yellow brick road!

XOXO,

RJ