For the last couple of weeks I've been on a "Reading Binge" by author, Lisa See.....her books are set in China and/or focus on 1st generation immigrants in the US. In my opinion, her writing is diverse...it's not "light" reading by any stretch of the imagination.
However, her books have made me think (something a 'good' book should do, I feel!)...and lately I've been chewing over the concept of "destiny vs. hard work". I feel that many times we are changed simply by what we are able to dream....no, I don't live by the saying, "If you can dream it you can achieve it." There are some things we simply can't overcome, no matter how hard we try! For example, I could never be (or could have become) a professional horse jockey...although I am short, I'm not short enough (or, light enough, I don't think--even in 'my day'). Likewise, I could have become a doctor if I would have had to drive to complete the training--to as long as I wasn't a surgeon (the thought of cutting someone open makes me want to faint--my husband, Chris, could never have been a nurse or doctor, he passes out at the sight of needles).... OK, maybe I couldn't be a doctor...I could do the book part but, not the needle or cadaver part. i believe "destiny" does play a part in who we are...however, I also know my Maker has given me the right and privilege to choose my own way--just as I equally know that the same Maker has 'changed my path' when I was walking toward, what I feel would have been total destruction (doesn't mean I had to change my path...but I was given the choice as the 'door' slammed in my face).
I do know that I would never have chosen, or even entertained the thought of getting into 'sales' if not for my husband. He is one of those 'natural born salesmen'.... I became one by default. I'm not as good as he is--it's not 'natural' to me. I could support my family if I had to, I wouldn't be happy doing it--but I could if I had to. However, it isn't something I would choose to do alone. Chris, on the other hand, thrives on the 'thrill of the chase'....
I see the differences in "destiny vs. hard work" in my home each day with my children... They are all so different, yet have common traits in all three of them. Two work VERY hard, one works twice as hard to NOT work--unless he knows he is at the end of his 'nonworking' rope, then he 'bucks up and gets it done'. I still pray equally for all three... and appreciate them all for their unique work ethic and personalities.
I do believe that hard work will take people places they never thought they could go...if they are willing to DREAM and step out of their comfort zones then, simply put a plan to the dream. (Yes, the "AND" is very important...a dream is worthless if not put into action by someone.)
If you are brave enough to put the dream to work there will be great times which the dream will be tested...however, anything worth having is worth climbing the mountains for...
So, my friends (that might read this)...what do you dream of doing?
What is keeping you from that first step?
Start dreaming and working friends! The mountain top is worth it!
It's been so long since I've been here....my life has been BEYOND busy. I still haven't caught up to myself yet...please check in for many other blog posts about my epilepsy, new thoughts and ideas...and my journey with my children and husband!
In July my husband and I found out the life we were working toward was based upon lies and deceit ...we had sacrificed two years of our marriage, family and finances only to learn an "Upstanding Businessman" was not what he appeared to be. At that point we knew our 'baby'...the company we had been pouring everything into (sometimes even slighting our family and definitely our friends) was nothing more then a 'business built on shifting sand. We had two choices... (1) Stay and compromise everything we believed in which is: HONESTY, INTEGRITY AND EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE BACKED BY A GREAT PRODUCT ...to 'get a paycheck'...maybe. or (2) Simply walk away and begin again.
We chose option number 2! (As if there was a question or doubt) One of the "Hudson family motto's is, "At the end of the day all you have is your word and your reflection to answer to...
So began a new journey.
I won't say it was easy. It wasn't. It has bee-- I believe--one of the hardest things I have ever done. With all my mind and spirit I wish I could say I greeted the days with an enthusiastic spirit and smiling face....I tried and pretended most day. ....in reality inside I was like a 4 yr old child having a fit! I was angry that all our dreams, OUR company, OUR hard work had been ripped away from us by a 'snake' and that and we were too trusting to see the reality of his past deeds.
However, I can see now that the whole time we were being protected...what was taken needed to be removed so that we would be protected for his "alleged illegal business deals" (no one has been charged in a court of law)....and yes, it does give me some satisfaction to know that the business is slowly dying a painful death.
ON to our new JOURNEY! It has taught me to be thankful for each new day and the 'little things' in life. I have learned how to use a wrench, barter for lower prices, that there are differences in bolt sizes and nuts come in all shapes, sizes and some even come with plastic inside so they can 'lock' in place. I have become thankful that I'm able to learn new things...and I get VERY excited about soap and showers! (A 'shop' or 'manufacturing facility' has it's own 'smell')... I began to count my blessings instead of my problems and quit grumbling that I shouldn't have to do this kind of work...reality is, if not for my husband I wouldn't be able to participate in any kind of work at and and would have to spend my days in bed or a nursing home so I could be 'watched'.... At least I was offered the opportunity to begin a way to someday support my family.
NO ONE can ever tell me I don't understand our product. The only thing I didn't do was weld! (As matter of fact-I had to hide because the 'flashes' on the walls made me seize). I can tell someone in great detail exactly how our units are made, the number of bolts it takes, the cost of the aluminum, size of the motor, how many amps are drawn on start up and every single thing about the cost associated with the machine...I even wired the new technology used in our units, motor and all!!!
If we listened to the 'naysayers' we wouldn't be where we are...yes, we have a few things left before we put them on the market and it will be awhile before we are able to begin to make a profit...but we are in control of our destiny!
Best of all....our kids and some wonderful friends jumped in and helped us complete the "Prototype" units for our big show.... Optimus Equipment, LLC is in business and will become a legacy our children can continue in the years to come...if they choose to!
A 'tragedy' has forced the Hudson family to overcome the impossible, dream again, and work hard to begin anew....this time on OUR TERMS!
