Me, early 2010.

One year ago, I was staring down a path of uncertianty and dimise. One year ago today, my military career ended. I faced the unknown, I was full of anger and regret. I thought that I had done the best that I could do, but even my best, at that time, was not good enough. So I was forced to start over. I came home to Pensacola, to my family and friends. I took some time off to relax, to think, to get myself together.

Perhaps the first of a series of turning points was reconnecting with my best friend. With her, I feel like my life was reborn and I had finally put behind me the troubles of my past. She gave my life new purpose.

After reconnecting with Victoria, I got a new job, ironically thanks to her. Over the course of the summer, I focused on building a foundation for a new life. I focused on trying to enjoy life and move forward. There were times that I thought I was going backwards or just spinning my wheels. Sometimes, I feel like I still am. Slowly, however, I pulled myself out of the mud hole that I had sunk myself into.

I am not there yet. I still have much to do to complete the turn around. I am now, though, one million times better than I was one year ago. I am happy. Life is hard in many ways, but the joys of life far exceed the hardships. I am in a place where I have friends and family that will bend over backwards to help, and I would do the same to help them. I know with their help I will continue to get better. To be better.

Life is good. I am blessed. I am loved. My my my, how my life has changed from one year ago.