Cruise Control – Throwback Thursday Post 04.21.11

While going down my list of bookmarked websites I visit on the daily, I came across the Tumblr of an old friend I had lost touch with. Her most recent entries consisted of her new life in New York as a pediatric nurse. And although I know this life isn’t perfect, it’s one she had planned since we used to kick it and I couldn’t be any happier for her.

About nine months ago, my other friend Charrie moved to L.A. to pursue her dreams as a professional makeup artist, and her progress has been pleasantly unavoidable on Twitter. She’s either tweeting about a new gig or a muse of hers is congratulating her on her latest endeavor, and I absolutely LOVE IT ALL.

Because the only thing better than creating a list, is checking shit off of it. The only thing better than planning, is executing. And the only thing better than having goals, is reaching them.

I love seeing deserving people succeed in general, but when it’s someone I actually know it’s even more inspiring. To witness them create a plan of action and set forth with it, and see someone take control of their lives right before my very eyes is absolutely amazing. And it makes me want to do the same. It makes me think, “OK, I know this girl. We hung out a few times. We like the same food. She’s human like me. If she did it, I can do it too!”

I’ve been blessed to have friends that are doing admirable things with their lives. Some are fashion and graphic designers that own their own business. Some are media planners and attend lavish parties for free and have their own personal assistants. Some are nurses putting their diplomas to use and saving lives. Some tricked their parents into believing that they were pursuing a government career, only to move across the country to be a successful digital producer. And some are fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters that are simply content and happy with their lives. They are all different people but one thing they all have in common is they’re all my friends. People who believe in me that I can talk to when I need motivation, encouragement, and most of all – a backhand of reality.

When it comes down to it, you are the captain of your ship. But the people you keep around you can make the journey that much better, so choose your crew wisely.