Following in the Steps of the Circle of Life

Something I've noticed over the past couple of months is a consistent change in my personality and how I choose to view the world. Growing up, it was never that easy for me to see the brighter side of things, due mainly to the atmosphere of the home I was raised in. I always felt like there was a negative weight holding me down and keeping me back from reaching my full potential, but it wasn't until this past semester that I really learned how to let go of the past and stop it from continuing to drag me down. I've also been able to identify a couple of people in my life that I wasn't so compatible with, as well as a few that are really quite amazing to be around and that bring out the best in me. So life has definitely taken a turn for the better.

The new semester of classes begins next Monday, although for the computer lab staff, that doesn't make much of a difference (seeing as how we're on campus anyway). It does prove to make the transition from one semester to another much easier, though, because we've already been back in the swing of things for the better part of the last three weeks. Thirteen credits, five classes, and twenty nine hours of work this coming semester are going to cut my stress levels down considerably compared to what they were in the fall. I'm also slightly reeling from the shock that this is my last semester here at Idaho State University, even though I've known that it's been coming for quite some time. You start to reach a point where you realize that the steps you are taking in your life are decided by the choices you make and your choices alone. The next chapter in your life is going to be written by your own hand and by the fork in the road you decide to take. I think I made this realization this morning while I was listening to Pandora radio and I came across this old song from my childhood. A lot of you will remember sitting in front of the television watching this movie:

For the past couple of weeks, I've been looking back on experiences I had as a child and how others used to view me, compared to how I am now. I am not the same person I used to be, but I think that can be attributed to the circle of life, growing up and taking the next step. I'm proud of the person I've become, but my biggest accomplishment is having learned from my mistakes. It took me a long, long time to realize that there were certain aspects of my life that I needed to change, and I am proud to say that I've won this battle.
The clip I've posted below was another of my favorite movies as a child and I hope it inspires you too:

I don't know what the short-term future holds for me, but I know that as long as I keep working towards my goals and keep on striving for wit over measure, there is nothing out of my reach.

Until next time!