I'm the type of person who intentionally walks into the eye of the storm....I stand at the shore's edge as a huge wave approaches me....it's bigger than I am, intimidating and threatens to knock me down and pull me under.
I could turn and walk away, but I don't. That would be too easy, and what would I learn? What would be accomplished by that? My life would remain the same, and that's not what I am here for.
Something inside of me feels it is right to stand my ground.
Then the wave hits, crashing over me ....scaring the bejeezus out of me! I fill with self-doubt (I'm not a strong swimmer! I'm not strong enough for this current! I can't breath! There are sharks!)
I lose my bearings, don't know which way is up - but I stand my ground - keep fighting against the unknown.
My arms and legs brush against something, and something grabs my wrist - and something else wraps around my shoulder! I reach out and discover there are other people here, and I put an arm around one of them, too.
Together we are stronger - the waves crashes around us and finally recede. It's quiet now, and our eyes adjust and focus on each other.
The silence is broken by the sighs of relief, shouts of joy and victory, and praises of thanks and encouragement.
I am surrounded by some of the world's strongest, most dedicated and compassionate people. We are all crying, because we are also weak and exhausted.
What we have just experienced, what we have just survived has shaken us - but not broken us. Most importantly, we have found strength in numbers. We have found each other - more crazy people to intentionally and willingly walk to the shore during a storm.
I have given birth not only to a new company, but to a new way of life. It's intense - the research - the service work I am embarking on - the connections I am making - is not for the faint at heart. I am way past my comfort zone and depending on the day (the hour) I pass from joy to fear to strength to weakness. I am now, not alone. I've found others just as crazy and committed to the same ideal. You know who you are, and I am proud to stand on the shore with you.
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