It's the 3rd Quarter. It's Time to Win!

When the second quarter ended, and the teams went to the locker room, one felt victorious, while the other had decisions to make. Both teams were about to receive motivational speeches from their coaches and critical feedback on their mistakes. However, each team needed to leave the locker room with determination and an expectation to win. I feel like I am leaving the locker room and walking into the third quarter of my life, and I'm ready to win!

Each period or season presented new experiences, challenges, victories, and mistakes. I've fumbled the ball more than once, thrown interceptions, and missed field goals. But at every change of season, I would review where I lost momentum and work on developing the skills to overcome the next time.

In the first quarter, I had many hard lessons that could have potentially taken me out completely. Fortunately, I had people placed in my path at the right moment to guide me to my goals. I turned those life lessons into new experiences and challenges when I moved to the second quarter. Because I was stronger, seeing the challenges ahead was more straightforward. And even those times I was blindsided, they still didn't affect me as much as before. I understood my weaknesses better. Yet, complacency will always knock you down. That led me to a refining moment in the locker room.

While sitting in the room listening to the coach’s corrections, encouragements, and motivations, I returned to the beginning—the things I enjoy doing most and feel most confident in doing. Now I'm ready for the third quarter!

So, what were all these mistakes that brought me to where I am today?

- Failed marriage

- Absent parenting

- Poor choices in dating

- Bad financial decisions

- Allowing intimidation

- Eating with my emotions

- Ruled by perception and not facts

These are just a few examples. But what were the lessons learned?

- Acceptance of my role

- Asking for forgiveness

- Setting boundaries

- Living within my means

- Making healthy choices with every meal

- Walking in the truth of who I am and not what I think

Years ago, as I reflected on my life and my family's, the word "Legacy" came to my mind. I am so very thankful for the heritage I was born into, and I have always desired to continue through my lineage. The phrase "Just A Branch" was what I wanted for my children and me—that we were an extension of the legacy tree started by my parents. Although my initial idea never came to fruition, I used it for this blog. Now, it is my brand.

Just A Branch, LLC is my official company. I am excited to partner with businesses using Smartsheet to build solutions for their teams, help train production teams with Propresenter, and lead others on their health journeys. To learn more, please go to the Services section of the website and click on the appropriate icon.

Until Next Time,

DJ