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Notes on Life

My name is Rod. I am an engineer/techy geek, by trade/education, which means I am a creative type/problem solver. As with most analytical thinkers, we believe and think all equations and problems have an answer and are solvable. I found out sometimes in life there is just a problem or equation you cannot answer, solve, or balance.

In August of 2006, my life took an unexpected change in direction. The path and future I thought the rest of my life would take had suddenly shifted 180 degrees, and there was not a single thing I could do about it. I was at 'the crossroads' in life and had to decide which way to go. At the young age of 47, I was embarking on a new journey in life not knowing at the time it would be the best thing that ever happened to me.

I've been documenting the journey for the last 2.5 years by way of a life journal, a gratitude and gratitude intentions journal, a living document called my Notes on Life and a daily email/blog called the Thought of the Day. I've learned so much about the differences between boys and girls, communication, relationships, spirituality, inspiration, people in general, and just a new philosophy on life. Sources include of 100s of hours of counseling, 1000s of pages of reading, watching every DVD on self-improvement I could get my hands on, and many encounters and conversations with new people. I say hi to everyone that crosses my path now. I find inspiration in everything I do. There is no official format and there are probably tons of typos and edits needed, but I just write it as I feel it.

I certainly do not have all the answers, but I do have more than most. The purpose of the document is get people pointed in the right direction, and make them think a little. If I can turn that light on just a little brighter, then my job is complete.

There have been so many along the way that helped me. Thank you Shelley for seeing the improvement opportunities in me and bringing them to my attention. Thank you Lord for pointing me in the right direction, giving me inspiration, and getting me on this new journey in life. Thank you Jamie Leonard (my counselor and friend ' I highly recommend her) for listening, being my guide, providing wonderful feedback, and being my friend. Thank you Laura and Johnny for providing inspiration and positive energy on levels that escape even my words. Thank you Larry S. for seeing and acknowledging the changes in me. Thank you Joel Osteen for giving me words of inspiration and making me think every week. Thank you Nora for helping me grow by applying what I've learned (and continue to learn) to your life and seeing that it really does work (validation is a wonderful thing), and to my family for reminding me who I am and supporting me on this journey.

There are three things I do every day to help me continue to grow and spread the goodness. I encourage you to try it.

1. Make a Difference in Someone's Life. It can be something as simple as a smile, a hug, a kind word, a handshake, or a hand out.

2. Learn at Least One New Thing. Life presents so many opportunities to learn. Just keep your eyes open and listen.

3. Meet at Least One New Person. Say hello to a stranger. Ya never know what you will learn from that chance encounter.

Story was submitted anonymously