I just finished an intense two day workshop courtesy of MGM Resorts. It’s called Diversity Champions but that hardly does it justice. It’s more like “we go to any extreme to get you to come out of your comfort zone and see someone else’s perspective.” 

When I arrived home, I had a box with a surprise pair of Converse high tops inside with no card. Blew my mind! Who did this? I have a guess. So far, silence. 

So I was parading around and taking selfies with my new shoes when I looked in the mirror and thought, “Damn, I’m a catch.” And that sounds very egotistical but that’s how I roll. Because one thing I learned the last two days, is that you have to earn it. Earn it. And damnit, I earned it. 

I earned every pound I lost, every penny I have (few as they may be), every hair I didn’t pull out, and every punch I have been thrown. I earned it. I earned the right to love my job and have the greatest dog ever. I earned the girl who is prissy now (or so they say). I earned it. 

I don’t know if the people in my class will ever know my story or if they just see a smiling face. They may judge me. Maybe they think I’m so happy cause I have things easy. But I earned it. I always go back to “don’t judge the rainbow just because you missed the tornado.” Yes, life is beautiful now. The next chapter will come and be filled with its own hardship but for now I’m riding the wave of happiness.