Thoughts on an arrow.....

Recently, a very good friend of mine (in fact, I consider her a sista from another missus and mista) celebrated a birthday. She spent the day with her very best friend, doing all kinds of best friend stuff. Before calling it a day and returning to her ‘stomping ground’ (which is in fact the amazing tavern, Lizard Creek Tavern, that she is the general manager of), she and her friend got tattoos. Each of them got the same tattoo that symbolizes their friendship. And then, my dear friend took hers one step farther. She had a single arrow tattooed between the middle and top knuckle of her left ring finger. I found that to be a bit odd until she said something to this effect, “An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward. When life is dragging you back with difficulties, it means it’s going to launch you into something great. So just focus, and keep aiming.” (mind you, that is not HER quote, but a quote she used) She finished off the explanation by saying, “I’m shooting forward, baby.”

That seriously got me thinking. In fact, I have not stopped thinking about what it means and how important the message is since seeing it last Friday night. It truly made me step back and think about the obstacles that I have faced throughout my life and the obstacles I continue to face each and every day. I’ve struggled with being an outcast in middle school, becoming a teenaged mom in high school, college life, grad school, work, death of loved ones, the critic within myself and all the insecurities that come along with being better than Siskle and Ebert. And then I couldn't stop thinking of where I am today. Where my arrow launched me to and where I can still be launched towards. I couldn't believe how accurate and true that quote really was and what a great reminder it could be for anyone. When you set goals for yourself and then keep in mind what all the obstacles, the struggles, and the heartache that will occur will eventually lead to, the only way to go is forward into greatness.

I encourage anyone who is holding back because of fear, lack of money, or a busy work schedule: Make time for the things you have wanted to do or have been afraid to do. Once you make it through all those pesky obstacles that life always manages to present, you are truly launched towards something great! Complete awesomeness is always waiting at the end. Like the arrow, you will be pulled back, but always remember that you are then launched forward and the distance you go is entirely up to you!

Until tomorrow, my friends……

Think Thankfully!!!