Reflections on my life

Let me tell you about my thoughts. Call me crazy but I feel as if I have found the true meaning of life. Maybe not for you. But for me I feel that I have. As I sit at work on my lunch, high above in downtown Pittsburgh, I cannot help but appreciate life.

I have spent the last few months learning a new job, I resigned from the old bank in early July and joined the ranks of another much larger bank. There are times I miss the old bank, mostly the people and the good times I enjoyed but it was a change I had to undertake as the old bank was ... going down the crapper.

Not only did my entire perspective of the world change but my life plan or at least a brief blueprint of my life has come to me.

I want to live my life as a banker. A banker you ask? Well, bankers can make a lot of money, even in today’s challenging environment! A couple of years ago this would not have been my exact response. My response was be a teacher! Times have changed and now I want a good income, stable job, as I wrote that last line I realize in today’s climate banking is anything but stable. But we have to remember that life is not about money it’s about getting to the destination.

Money truly is the root of all evil but I still want my share.

Money is what keeps people in jobs that they hate for their entire lives.

Day in and day out people sit in their offices like zombies counting the seconds down till the next minute comes because they will be that much closer to being able to leave. However not for me, I like working in the office and banking is the path I want to take. I want to travel this entire world. I need to see everything and my career in banking will pay my way.

What will lead me on my first journey? In one word, it’s love. I am aware of the challenges but I embrace the challenge with open arms.

At this point in my life I am looking for exploration too. I know I am not ready to settle down but in a small way I do crave it. And I do not think that this is a bad thing.

My actions are not always great, but what can I do. For I am only human.

The girls I have hurt, the friends I have left, my family I have embarrassed. But for every negative thing I have done in my life I feel like I have done something positive.

I can make people laugh. I make them feel good about themselves. I do my very best to work hard.

So what do you think? Do you have a good grasp on what the heck is going on in this world? Honestly I might not have one clue but by keeping faith and living for something other than ourselves we will each find our own path. We will each figure out exactly what this world is about.

To all the freshmen: go out and meet new friends. I lived my freshman year in a cramped house with my uncle and aunt. Be brave. Use your courage and follow your heart. Everyone is in the same position. Not one person is better than another.

Sophomores: Use this year to hold on to the friendships you have made in your freshmen year. Find what you love and stick to it. We can change the world. Do not be lazy for hard work is the only obstacle in the way of your success and lack of hard work is the path to failure.

Attention juniors: Enjoy your life. Take a step back and look in the mirror. Look deep down into your eyes. Do you see who you have become? Is it not beautiful? Seize the day, each day. Live your life to the best of your abilities and do not hold back.

Seniors: As John Mayer said in the song, "No Such Thing," "There is no such thing as the real world." Do not be afraid to leave College. You are ready. You have put in the work and for that you will be forever grateful.

As I sit on this office I can not help but want to cry. Cry and love life. I want to thank all of you that have supported me in my efforts. For without you, I would not be anyone.

If I could give you one last word of advice from my moment of clarity. Hold on to your friends, hold onto your family and keep your faith.

My faith in God has been hiding but I know it will return. Without my faith, my family and friends have been my rocks. Go out and love. Love life. Love yourself. Love one another.

Do not settle for the minimum. Write down your goals and do not stop reaching for them until success is achieved. With a little heart anything is attainable. Even if at times you waiver just a little because life is not about the destination but the journey to that destination.