Recently I had a conversation with my dad. He has relaxed more as he has gotten older. He always wears a worn out University of Florida Gators hat. He and my stepmom just bought a house in Las Vegas to move to when he retires. He loves playing three card poker. We gave him the first generation iPhone and he can take a photo with it. He loves going to Costco to eat free samples and won’t hesitate to go for seconds.
However, he is very old fashioned. Growing up for us it was always study hard, make good grades , go to a good college (Ivy league would have been nice). Being a doctor was acceptable (that didn’t happen either).
I know my dad is from the older generation so his idea of life is straightforward. School, graduate, job, marry, family, continue working, then retire. That’s how he’s lived his life so far and how he expects ours.
He’s worked hard so we can have a better life. I truly appreciate that. He’s 69 and still working six days a week. He told me he doesn’t want to fully retire cause he’d be bored. He’d just like to not work as much.
Back in time
My parents have run restaurants ever since I’ve been walking. I’m 33 now. While my parents were working, my brother, sister and I would hang out in a little room with a television if we weren’t washing dishes or helping out.
They eventually sold the first restaurant. My dad went on to open an import business for a few years while my mom was a waitress in a chinese restaurant. Then 25 years ago my dad closed the business and they opened another chinese restaurant which is still open today.
In 1995 they both opened a Japanese restaurant which my mom now owns. (They divorced shortly after it opened.)
So it’s been my mom at the Japanese restaurant, where I work, and my dad at the Chinese restaurant. (If you ever come to Jacksonville, I can recommended a couple good restaurants).
Back to my talk with my dad…
That day I told my dad I don’t want to take over the Japanese restaurant. I’ve told him a little before. He didn’t agree with me (of course). He said I could work hard for ten years, make money and be done.
I told him I know I can make a lot of money if I took over the restaurant. More money than I could spend probably. However, it’s not for me.
I said money isn’t worth the stress of employees, payroll taxes, health inspectors, customers suing for slipping, and customers who complain they’ll never come back but do and more. I could feel my stress level rise just talking about it.
He understands it’s stressful but that’s part of the business.
I told him that’s how I feel. I don’t like it even now. There’s no way I’ll like it if I have more responsibility no matter how much I can make.
Then my dad asked me what I wanted to do. THIS IS WHERE I PAUSED. I know my dad. He’s about getting a real job. One where you work long hours doing manual labor. It’s putting in a certain number of hours a day. He’s done it all his life.
Though he’s an entreprenuer and self employed for more than 30 years, the idea of a job is one in the real world and not online.
It’s measured by hours put in and money made. Enjoying your work should be a distant third.
I know I could tell my dad I work 12 hours a day, making copies, shuffling papers, answering phones, doing boring crap, and he would be content. Full time hours….check. Paycheck…yes. I doubt he would be proud but he wouldn’t question if this was what I wanted to do forever. I have a job. I have a paycheck. Enough.
On the other hand, if I told my dad I only worked only fours hours today but I helped motivate a small group of people to take action to live a better life and wrote a inspiring blog post, he would think I’m crazy. Huh? Only a four hours? He wouldn’t focus on the the impact.
So I didn’t tell him my goals. I said just don’t worry and left it at that.
Don’t expect everyone to understand
If you’re going to do something unconventional with your life, don’t expect people to understand. These famous people knew people wouldn’t understand but kept going.
Those that don’t understand have a safe job, a salary, and spend a minimum of 40 hours a week doing stuff that only impacts the bottom line for the business.
Fun is suppose to be when you retire.
You know what my least favorite status updates are on Facebook? When the Monday-Friday employees write “Can’t wait till Friday”, “Is it Friday yet?”, “It’s finally the weekend!!”. Then it’s “I hate Mondays”, “Ughh another Monday”. Then it repeats again.
Lives are spent dreading Monday and wishing for Friday.
Should life be spent wishing the days would fly by? Of course not but they do.
I want everyday to feel like the weekend. I want to lose track of what day it is. I want to only know it’s Monday cause the kids have school.
Is that how you feel?
If you have relatives or close friends who also never understand, what should you do?
Follow your heart. Listen to your gut. Understand that you are the one that has to live your life everyday. You only get one life. No one else walks in your shoes but you.
Now go and prove them all wrong.
The world is waiting for you to do great things.
I totally get you. I feel the same way when talking to my own parents. My dad isn’t as old fashioned as yours but he just wouldn’t get online entrepreneurship.
Changing gears. I’m glad for people like you. And Srini, Reese, Chris Guillebeau, Adam Baker – all of you reassure me that I’m not the crazy one with my big hairy audacious goals. Keep it up Benny!
Thanks David!
I’m glad you understand. I’m sure many people understand that we want to do things differently.
I’m glad for those same people that you mentioned. They definitely inspire me to pursue these big hairy goals as well! Keep it up David!
Damn good post here Benny. Know exactly what you’re talking about. It’s funny, all of my grandparents owned their own businesses and therefore drilled it down my parents throat that getting a 9-5 job is the way to go. So then my parents both did the 9-5 thing and now I want to do the opposite and have my own biz. I doubt they’ll ever understand. Once very couple of months my parents ask me “why don’t you look for a good engineering job??”. Just sux when you can’t get support from your parents.
you should say, “because that would suck.”
…that should work.
Hey David,
I can relate to you totally. My dad did everything on his own. Built up his own businesses doing what he wanted. Now I’m trying to do what I want and I don’t think he’d understand cause it’s not a “traditional” job. My mom I can tell but she’s skeptical I can sense. We just both have to go out and prove that we can so they won’t second guess anymore.
But yes it sucks when parents don’t even support.
Yea, its just funny how both my parents were completely supported by self employed individuals and now they have such a problem with me doing the same. Like my Grandparents owned a corner store for years and my Mom would say thats more of a “traditional” or “secure” business than the internet. But if you think about it, my grandparents were robbed multiple times, held at gun point once, and even had problems with family members stealing from the store. But just because its a physical store front its better somehow…
It is funny. Sadly some of the older generation (our parents) don’t get the internet. Don’t get there are people who’s business is completely from the internet. It doesn’t make sense to me that owning a corner store would be more “secure” and better somehow. It’s just their view and it’s hard to change it especially at this age now.
I’m trying a ghetto standing desk today. So far not bad!
What do you think our grandkids are going to say about us?
Probably say we’re old and smell. I’m sure whatever technology they have will make what we’re doing look old.
Hey Ben,
I had to read this post to completion. My parents are old fashioned too and I’ve had my own struggles. It’s to the point where I don’t share my goals openly, as much as that sucks, I’m not ready to go through hours of discussion.
We should chat.
Hey Moon!
Heard your name through Kevin’s (Smart Income) blog. I completely understand. My dad is more traditional than my mom. It’s definitely a struggle. Sounds like your parents may be even more old fashioned. My mom knows I’m working on online businesses but she’s skeptical I can tell. My dad would be totally confused.
You’re right it’s not worth the hours of discussion from your parents. You know exactly what they will say I’m sure.
Reach out to me on Twitter or email me for sure!
My parents have always been super cool about me doing whatever it is I want to do. When I quit college to get married and renovate a house, my dad said “I thought you might do that, you know we won’t be giving you any money anymore, right? Hope it works out!”
My wife’s parents, on the other hand, live in a very nice neighborhood and everything has to “look nice.” So when their daughter dropped out of college to marry a guy that had dropped out of college…this was not good.
Years later, things have turned around because I’ve demonstrated that I can support his daughter and grandkids, but it took some work.
Now, incidentally, I’ve decided to go to medical school…haha!
Hey Graham!
What do your parents think of your going to med school? What about her parents?
Hope you’re enjoying your new MBP. 🙂
I am loving the new MBP, thank you very much!
My parents think its cool and are very encouraging.
I think her parents are beside themselves with joy, but trying not to be too over zealous about it haha.
Hi Benny,
It’s scary how much our family’s opinion can have on our decisions. I was so scared to tell my family that I was leaving to live in Costa Rica, especially because I came up with the idea right out of the blue. Now I have to deal with the fact that I want to stay here, NOT TEACH and try to write to survive. I actually don’t even think I am going to tell them that. Part of me is debating on lying and pretending I have a teaching job lined up so I don’t have to hear all of the opinions and fights it will cause. Like you, I am the only one in my family who has done something “out of the norm” and now they are a little more supportive, but that is only because they think I am coming “home”. The last thing I want to do is live in the town I grew up doing a job that has me stuck in one place.
I commend you for not giving in to the pressure and taking over the business. I can imagine how hard it is for you to tell your dad that you are not going to follow in his footsteps. It will be so much better though, when you can look back and say for sure, without a doubt, you followed the path that called to you. Congratulations! I can’t wait to see all the great things you will be doing 🙂
Hey Julia,
I completely understand that having that conversation with your parents would be tough. I know lying isn’t good but in this case it might not be bad. If you can support yourself another way to stay in CR and work on your writing, it might be best to not be completely honest.
I hope you can find a way to stay so you don’t have to go “home” so you can continue to pursue what excites you everyday. Going back home and being thrown back into jail isn’t fun for sure. 🙂
Thanks so much for your kind words. I look forward to continue to follow you on your journey as well!
Hey Benny,
I’m really glad you shared this insight because I know a lot of people our age who feel obligated to carry on the businesses of their parents despite the fact they want something totally different for their life.
It is very difficult to stand up to your parents and pursue what you feel is best for your life. There are so many emotions involved in that experience.
I think your story will inspire a lot of people in similar situations to have the courage to be who the want to be and design their life for themselves.
HI Marlee,
There are kids that easily follow in their parent’s footsteps for some reason and that’s great. Then many like me who don’t want to. I told my mom, if the business was something I enjoyed, I wouldn’t mind taking it over or even hiring good people to run it most of the time. However, even doing that for this type of business is so stressful. I could have stories for hours about it.
I definitely do hope this post inspires people and let’s them understand that they’re not alone in having parents not understand their big hairy goals.
Thanks for reading, commenting, and the RT Marlee! Triple threat. 🙂
Benny,
Your post are getting better and better every time I read them.
Well I too has the same concern.
I remember having this is a conversation with my mom and brother(two years younger than me)
In the car going home…
Mom:(Angrily) Why did you join that network marketing nonsense? It will only bother your studies and mess up with your brain.
Me:(Trying to control my temper) Because I want to help other people succeed and have better life. It’s more fulfilling than having a job.
Mom: Son, your crazy. This is the formula of life Graduate, finish school, work and think only about yourself. You don’t need to help other people succeed, just focus on yourself.
Me: But, it’s more fulfilling and I want to share what I know.
Mom: See what that foolish MLM did to you, that’s crazy thinking.
——END——
Afterwards, I never talked to her anything about my goals because it would turn into another heated debate.
Have a great day Benny!
Armand!
I feel your pain man. I know that conversation has happened just like that with so many people. I don’t blame you for not telling her any more of your goals. Obviously she’s not going to support them and it would turn into another argument. It is frustrating that our own parents don’t understand. They think they’re just helping us out and know what we should be doing. I know with my children in the future I’ll encourage them differently. Just do what you want. Be happy but be able to support yourself.
Keep your head up and moving forward. I know you are!
Benny,
I think you’ve hit the nail on the head on so many levels. My favorite part was about the facebook status updates of people writing “is it Friday yet.” I always tell people that they’re only living 2/7th of their life when they think life that. My goals are kind of insane and don’t make sense to most people. Surfing the world is not practical by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s impractical pursuits that got me to where I’m at, and it seems to be a road worth doing down.
You’re doing awesome Srini. From when you started your blog to now is an inspiration for people to show them that whatever kind of lifestyle they want, they can have. Yes those FB status makes me go “batshit crazy” when I think that they really want the week to go by to just enjoy a couple days.
To us your goals aren’t insane, to others, probably yes but we think they’re insane for grinding it out till 65.
Benny,
Dude, you’re killin’ it with this post.
My parents are cool. As long as I’m doing something, they are happy. I work two jobs, (Three if you count blogging – not getting paid yet, but it’s work) and still want to live stress free. It’s all matter of perspective.
You’re definitely one of the chosen ones who see the world for what it is and choose to live above the fold. Don’t worry about your pops, just tell him your a writer and philosopher. Our parents generation doesn’t understand how the online world has bridged it together to make it smaller.
Keep doing what you love and everything will work out. Your parents are proud of you no matter what is said.
Plus, you and I will soon be millionaires, so we have that going for us!
Thanks Brad!
I’m glad your parents are cool. That certainly is a bonus. I’m sure many of us who’ve left a comment here would love that too but that’s just the way it is. They still love us but just don’t agree on the path we’re taking.
My pops is still my pops no matter what. He’s just old fashioned. Not only about work but about so many other things (treating elders) that make me go crazy. But that’s how he is.
Thanks for the encouragement! We’ll be living large soon so yeah I’m looking forward to that as well!
The idea of “work” as sitting at a desk for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week is so antiquated. With the world as digital and global as it is now, “work” can take any number of forms, and it isn’t fair to judge the validity or worth of someone’s work based on where they do it, how they do, when they do it…
There is absolutely no need in this day and age for someone to feel compelled to join the 9-5 lifestyle if that isn’t what they really want. (And how many people who are in it right now DO really want it, as a sidenote?) Kudos to you for pointing out the disparity in the old notion of work and having the courage to work towards a life that really matters to you.
Hey Cordelia!
Yeah the old idea of work doesn’t work for us now. People who think like us are in the minority. There are still many more who work hard to find that office job and are happy to move up the ladder! Just not us.
I agree and think there are many who are in the 9-5 and wanna get out. They might think they’re the only ones. They don’t have anyone to understand. Hopefully they find people like us and others! We can show them that life is more than what they may have learned up to this point!
Thanks so much for your kind words!
YES! Screw working for the man; I want to go to Africa and become a basket weaver.
…maybe for like 2 weeks. But in all seriousness, I thought I was going to be a doctor, up til about my 3rd year of college. Then I realized I was studying way more than all my friends. Having much less fun. And I hated working in a hospital.
Changing career goals was one of the best decisions I ever had. I was a bit apprehensive telling my parents, but to my surprise, they were really supportive!
I think alot of parents just want to see their kids become successful. As long as you have concrete goals and a clear idea of how you’ll achieve them – they’ll be really supportive of your endeavors.
My parents didn’t know what a blog was when I started my site, and they probably understand less than half of what I write. But I still see them swell up with pride when they tell their friends what I’ve been up to.
Maybe you should invite your dad to read your blog and he’ll finally get an understanding of what you’re about.
Good for you Paul! When you make those baskets in Africa, I’ll be sure to buy one from you!
I did too think being a doctor was cool. It came from watching the TV show ER. LOL. Looked so glamorous. I remembered I read a book about the life of a doctor and had second thoughts. This was probably my first year in college. I also think I like the thought of making a lot of money being a doctor. However the hours are horrible.
I think when I’m able to support myself online, then he’ll be supportive. I’ll say “Dad, look this is what I do. I can pay my bills. I really enjoy it.” Then he may not question it.
Really your parents think your blog is cool? That’s awesome Paul! And to be honest, my friends don’t even know I blog. Is that weird? Maybe. But I’m pretty sure what I write about wouldn’t interest them so that’s why I chose to not say anything. If I wrote about sports, then yeah they would read. Or if i wrote about raising a child, then for sure that’s for them.
Thanks Paul!
That must have been quite a tough conversation to have. Great job letting him know the restaurant biz just isn’t for you. If we live our lives to fufill our parents dreams instead of our own we will end up unhappy and stuck with too many regrets. My parents wanted me to be a music teacher and although it’s a great gig for me to fall back on if I need it, teaching full time simply isn’t my passion. I’m too much of a nerd. Haha
Finding a job that you love is priceless and enjoying it so much you look forward to it every day is total awesomeness. How do you think we prevent ourselves from losing interest in our hobbies when they become our primary means of income though? I’ve heard that can happen when people quit their day jobs and turn their side “hobby” business into their sole income stream.
It wasn’t the easiest conversation. However I’m lucky my dad didn’t give me a whole speech about what I should be doing.
You’re right. Finding a job that you love is priceless. It eludes most people who get trapped into thinking a job isn’t meant to be enjoyed. It’s only meant to earn money. I don’t, nor do most people I’ve met here and on their blogs, want to go down that path.
I’m not sure if this is Sydney from Untemplater but whoever you are, thanks!
Yes it’s me Sydney. 🙂 i guess I should start including mu name along with Untemplater.
Hey Benny,
I’ve always been an unconventional kind of guy. Doing what is safe and secure is also dull and boring in my opinion.
Entrepreneurs do things their own way and set the path for others to follow. I can’t wait until I am earning a full-time living from my blog.
Chinese/Japanese food, that’s a tough decision because I like them both.
I hope you are able to have a full time living through your blog sooner than later. I’m rooting for you! I root for anyone who has that dream.
I used to think safe and secure but as I approached my 30’s I completely changed course.
Chinese and Japanese are so good! Much more flavor and variety than American food, in my opinion.
Thanks for sharing Justin!
This is powerful stuff Benny.
I too have very old fashioned parents. It gets even worse with my grand parents. They are all supporting the idea of putting your head down and grind for the next 10 years, make big bucks and then retire and have fun.
I just want to have fun NOW! Why wait for some point in time, it may never come.
I don’t want to only travel when I hit 50 and eating off my pension. I don’t want to be that old couple just yet. I want to be able to travel in my twenties and through my thirties and find a woman that wants to join me on my journey.
Allan,
I know we share the same goals and vision! Work hard and play hard but do work that excites us. Work we are proud to tell other people about. Work that makes a difference in the world. That’s what life should be like.
Thanks for sharing Allan!
Wow Benny, you wrote about something I’ve been thinking about the past year or so. There will be so many people that don’t understand the ultimate vision in your mind because they aren’t you and can’t think what you’re thinking.
Amazing post, keep up the busy living!
Thanks Matt! I wrote this cause I knew there were others who had parents/relatives/friends like me who don’t understand. I wanted to just say you’re not alone! Hopefully someone read this who have always been doing what others have suggested. Hope they realize that they don’t have to live like that anymore!
J-ville, huh? Sorry about the gator hat (Nole here).
I hear ya, if your job is so uninspiring and you dread Monday’s, what’s the point. Figure it out and do something you really enjoy.
I really like your: Follow your heart. Listen to your gut. Understand that you are the one that has to live your life everyday. You only get one life. No one else walks in your shoes but you.
I chose the safe route but it worked out that it was well suited for my personality and I have all the freedom I need. If I so chose, I would only have to come in the office first thing Monday morning.
Dad’s like secure; trust me, I have two recent grads. However, I do hope they find passion and hope they follow their dreams.
Good to see you Benny, hope you are having a great weekend.
Hey Bill!
Yes we bleed orange and blue in our family. I have many friends who are Nole fans. In Jacksonville, it’s Gator and Nole country and some Bulldog fans mixed in there.
Everyone has a different path for sure. Like you said, some find happiness in the safe route. I’m just glad when people are happy. No matter what they are doing.
Sounds like you’re a good dad to encourage your two grads to follow their dreams and passions! I sure hope they make you proud along the way.
Happy Father’s day Bill!
Benny,
This is why i feel like you are my brother from another mother. LOL. It truly is hard to break away from the teachings we’ve been taught since an early age isn’t it.
In our quest to live an alternative life, one with no regrets, we’ve also been face to face with naysayers. My own husband had a hard time swallowing the idea living like vagabonds with our 3 kids while we figure things out. He’s still uncomfortable with our unconventional ways but it’s getting easier. And it is hard to explain to others isn’t it.
My cousin last week asked me how much money i was making from my blog. And i said nothing. She said “so why?”. I smiled and said because i’m happier and i have a vision and a goal and it doesn’t involve working 60 hours a weeks for someone else and making a six figure income. I don’t want to go back to that life. It sucked.
lastly, I think people who say they would be bored if they didn’t work actually don’t have a life. They’ve concentrated so much on their jobs that they ignored their inner passions and true love.
I was bored too when i first became unemployed. But then i soon discovered all my forgotten passions and talents. The focus is me, my family and US now. It’s way more fulfilling. Now if i can only get this internet thing to work. RIGHT?
Hey my sister from another mother!
You’re right in that people who say they would be bored from retirement just focused on their job for so many years. They didn’t spend much time on hobbies or doing other things.
I bet your cousin thought you lost your mind. LOL. That’s why I couldn’t tell my dad what my goals are. He’ll think I’ve lost my mind. I thought instead of trying to explain to him, I’ll just say nothing about it.
That’s great you’ve taken control of your life and instead of saying how boring this lifestyle is or how much it sucks, you’re enjoying it for now. That’s awesome!
What’s up with the internet not being your friend? They don’t know what the internet in Virginia is yet?
So many dads have similar issues and it never seems good enough no matter what their son does. I try and not tell him everything to manage his expectations as they get unreasonable too!
Hi, Benny. Your posts always make me think. Sorry, I haven’t stopped by for a while. I’m spending some time with my child this summer, so I haven’t been blogging as much.
I know exactly what you mean about setting goals and doing things unconventionally. I quit my job working approx. 70-80 hours per week because I was stressed and tired of the daily grind. For me, Friday wasn’t the end of the week because there were always new projects to complete.
It’s a great feeling to have peace of mind (now) while meeting the goals I’ve set. Thanks for the post. It reminds me of the true blessings in life.
Ah, the dreaded talk. I bet it was one you have not been wanting to have and it sounds like you still didn’t. LOL!!!
I understand what you are saying in this post. Fortunately for me, my venturing online to create my own lifestyle happened after I lost my Dad which is another reason I knew the corporate world wasn’t for me. My Mom was unsettled about it because she’s a lot older than your parents and definitely from the old school. But she’s very supportive of me as well as the rest of my family and friends so I haven’t had those eyes rolling around and telling me to get a real job. For that I am grateful.
Like you said, stop worrying about what others think and do what’s right for you. I think that’s why there are so many unhappy people today because they are doing what was expected of them instead of what they truly want. I applaud you for what you are doing and have no doubt you will succeed at whatever you undertake. You are learning some very important lessons through this process that will only get you further in life. I can’t wait to hear what you will do from this day forward.
Thanks for sharing your journey with us Benny. Now enjoy your afternoon.
Adrienne
Benny,
I have a lot of family who didn’t understand the decisions I made. But now they get it. Sometimes we think we know what’s best for others, episodically parents, but only because we want the best for them.
This makes it harder for us, because we don’t want to let people down, but at the same time, we have to make the moves that our hearts tell us to make or what’s the purpose of living.
In time, everyone who doubts you and who is a non-believer will become your fan – just as I am.
PEACE
Thank you. Yes I do believe that in time non-believers will become fans. It’s just the beginning parts that they may not understand. Once you can prove you’re happy and a success, then they seem to be okay with it.
I understand parents only want the best for us but sometimes we just can’t listen to the parents. 🙂
Love this post!
I’ve actually had similar experiences, but funny enough, the “get a regular job” pressure has come from my peers and not from my parents/family!
My parents just want their children to be happy and do what they love/are good at..
But a lot of my friends (who I’ve known since our days at an elite college prep high school) sometimes look at me with confused bug eyes when I explain that: a) I’m studying the humanities and social sciences, instead of doing pre-med, business, or engineering… and b) I have cuh-RAZY plans to get the heck outta here as soon as I graduate and teach English abroad.
Some of them are much too influenced by their parents.
It’s awesome to hear your parents are happy with what you do. Peers are definitely a huge group that won’t understand your big hairy goals! To them, they probably think a nice job title and big salary is success. So you’re kicking conventional wisdom out the window but I’m sure you’ll be much happier doing that than most of them!
Thanks for reading and sharing!
Benny,
This is a hard one, one way or another, for each of us. We, as humans, want and need approval. I think it may just be part of our DNA or basic emotional make-up…I dunno.
When we come to the point, at whatever age or time in our lives, when and where we realize we are the only ones that can decide what kind of life we will live and what we will do to attain it.
I think that those of us that have decided that “here” is the medium we will use, and where we will leave our mark, know that it would have to be pretty hairy-scary to be left without our support group here on line.
Folks that haven’t taken that step through the door that led us to each other can’t understand it. Can’t. Not so much “wont.” When we lead them one by one to that door and show them how we can do business and make a difference to each other, human to human, all over the world, (WHILE DOING BUSINESS, DAD), helping each other, being good to each other, standing for each other…
Benny, times have moved on as they do and it seems always to be harder on those that are watching the world they helped form change on them and I am sure it feels like, leaving their day to day routines and self-accounting lines behind.
I am so glad I found you (all) and have been helped into this strange and wondrous life. I wake with a smile everyday hoping today will be the day I, (me, Amber-Lee, Alaska Guide, little farm girl from NY) can make a difference in someone’s life. Benny, you certainly have, and a few others I met here in this world have changed lives. Mine is one of those lives touched and changed. How powerful is that? How wonderful is that? How precious… Again, thanks.
Hi Amber-Lee,
Wow! What an amazing comment. I had to read it a few times to truly soak it in. 🙂
I’m glad you’ve found people online that have helped you in this “strange and wondrous life”. You definitely can make a difference in people’s lives. It doesn’t matter your background, your education, your income, or experience, you can make a difference in many ways.
Continue to wake up with that smile and spread that to others who you come in contact with everyday.
Thanks so much again!!