Reasons and Seasons

One week and one day away from the book release, and my anxiety is starting to get the best of me.  I have spent so much time focusing on the release that I am just now starting to realize that this is only the beginning.  The book release and signing mark a start to a journey that begins now and ends only at the end of my life.  I am taking a chance, making sacrifices, and attempting to live my dreams come success or failure.  And with that being said, I am starting to realize that it is not meant for everyone to come on this journey with me.

The old adeje that some people come into your life for a season, but everyone comes into your life for a reason is the exact sentiment that I feel at this moment.  The reality is that I've reached a point where I live and breathe making my dreams come true, and anything that coincides or takes my energy away from that is reaching the end of its season.  I have loved and I have lost more than times I would like to recall, but I am more than resilient enough to endure anything that is being thrown my way. 

In the past, I have allowed adversity to detour me from my main goal, but I am more than blessed to say that the person that I once was is becoming someone that I "used" to know.  Unless you are apart of my support system, you are really a non-factor.  My concern is no longer with nurturing friendships that should have been dead or saving relationships that should have expired three seasons ago. 

My indifferent attitude may come off as a snobbish callousness and disregard for the feelings of others, but in reality, I care enough to let go and allow people to grow outside of me.  At this moment, I really don't have anything else to give to anyone else, because everyday it is a struggle to not succomb to my fear of failure and remain content in my current state of being.  I am supposed to be great, I will be great, and I can not continue becoming the person that I am supposed to be without putting my focus on solely me. 

While watching "my" Miami Heat secure the championship yesterday, I happened to meet a stranger that said some things that blessed my life.  He spoke passionately about always being yourself and was vehement in the fact that he sees success in my future.  It is these kinds of conversations that spark my desire to continue pushing.  And he even bought a book on the way out the door (my first book sold to a complete stranger). :)

And with all of this being said, it is now time for those in my life to answer that tough question:  Are you here for a reason, a season, or a lifetime? Whatever your decision may be, no hard feelings, and I wish you the best- I guess.

-Tonia


People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
When you figure out which one it is,
you will know what to do for each person.
When someone is in your life for a REASON,
it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty;
to provide you with guidance and support;
to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend, and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,
this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
Some people come into your life for a SEASON,
because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it. It is real. But only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons;
things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person,
and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.