“Shut up.”

(Not you.

Me.)

Sometimes I need to hear it. Sometimes these times are times when I’m by myself. So, sometimes I need to say it.

One of these times happened the other day. I was catching the infamous J.D. Campbell up on recent happenings. I happened to mention that there were a few things that I would change if it were as easy as wishing. For the summit of the “here’s what’s happening” sundae, I presented an optimistic “Overall I like where we’re going.”

As I pondered that, I began to see a world where great pursuits are seen as journeys with stops along the way. Sometimes you stop in a town that embraces you. Sometimes the town eats you up. But it always spits you out. And you always get back up.

Sometimes I think I’ve been there. I can never remember if I have or if I was dreaming.

If anyone asks, though, that’s where I’m going.

And I like it.

Do you like where you’re going?

I think you should.

Do you like how you’re getting there?

I think you should again here, too.

I also think that last bit of advice is for both of us.

____________

P.S. It’s what you do or don’t do today, not what you’re afraid might or might not happen tomorrow, that shapes your future.

P.P.S. The reason I needed to tell myself to shut up is because the teaching times don’t need me to cast them only as enemy. They give us our greatest growth, don’t they?

P.P.P.S. The “J.D” in “J.D. Campbell” stands for “Jordache Diamond.”

P.P.P.P.S. Ok, I’m done now. Really.