Dad's on board

When your planning to leave your job and follow your dreams (with no idea as to the specifics or how it's all going to come together), telling your Dad becomes the most daunting task of the process. My father (an amazing man) just retired from his job at the same company he's been working for since July 1, 1970 (dad: "39 years & 16 days...but who's counting?!"). Both my parents, for that matter, have worked at the same job for 30+ years, and plan to retire and live out their glory days in the same house I grew up in....which we moved to at the ripe age of 4. Both relish in the dependability and comfort of the tradition and status quo, and grew up in a generation where all your major life decisions were made by the age of 24.

I've been dreading having the "follow my dreams" discussion with my parents, but more specifically my Dad. My Dad is simple man, who believes in hard work, an honest man's pay, and practical living. We've been at odds over the years for some of MY life choices, simply because many of them included moving, trying something new...and leaving a job/apartment/salary that was, in my father's eyes, honest and practical. I've moved 20 times since 1998, and this upcoming move will add another notch to that belt. After my last adventure of moving across the country and back, I'm sure he'd hoped that was done moving...forever!

At the end of the day, I think his change of heart came more from his own happiness from recent events, than a true desire to actually understand me. But...whatever it is...retirement, the new puppy my parents adopted...their upcoming trip to South America...or the fact that he believes in the choice I've made, I'll take it! Especially when, at the end of the day, you have your father sitting across from you with the biggest smile and wide, open-arms of support!

In the beginning...

“YOU’RE CRAZY!”

“In this economy, you should be thanking your lucky stars you have a job…that you get a paycheck. Not everyone is soo lucky.”

“What…How…When…Where…WHY?”

____________________________

November, 2009, in one of the worst economic periods our country (and even world) have ever experienced, I have decided to take on a challenge that many have said is stupid, crazy, and down-right INSANE! At the end of January, I Cynthia Beard I will leave my job in higher education, working with fraternities/sororoties, student organizations and leadership…to pursue my dreams with a career in the wedding industry. Since making such an enormous decision, I've experienced a myriad of emotions that seem to come and go at will, without any regard for my strong desire or passion in making this work. Some moments I've felt as if I’ve made the best decision of my life…pursuing a passion that’s been the cornerstone of my creative existence since I was 5 years old (I remember buying bridal magazines as soon as I was old enough to ask, and even then getting crazy looks from my parents, who were probably wondering what the heck a tiny 5 year would want with a 300 page bridal magazine).

Other moments, my insides are screaming…. “CRAZY!!!“ ….along with everybody else.

But…the journey WILL begin, and my job WILL be left. And, in an attempt to lasso in the universe for support, my journey WILL be shared here.


At the end of the day, we are forced to look ourselves in the mirror and answer to the choices we make day-in & day-out. This choice…the choice to pursue my dreams…becomes, at the end of THIS day, not so much a choice…but a solid answer to the utlimate question from the mirror: “What would you attempt to do today, if you knew you COULD NOT FAIL?” :