Made for More....let's start at the beginning

 I've always said that I'm the glass half-empty girl, the one who is able to see the reality in a situation when everyone else is looking at the silver lining. I don't always appreciate that I'm this way, but I think it's important to have an honest look at life. Some of you may call it pessimism, but I prefer to think of myself as realistic. Several years back, I decided to write a semi-autobiographical novel, basically a long-winded, snarky version of a journal highlighting the significant moments that have shaped who I am. Writing has always been a form of therapy for me, and I think it's important for teenagers and young adults to find their thing - whatever that is, as long as it's not harming themselves or others, I think creative expression is so important as we figure out who we are and who we are meant to be. 

To hold onto hope, and look ahead to a brighter tomorrow, I've had to battle a lot of demons and come to terms with the fact that things are not always as they seem, and there isn't always a light at the end of the tunnel. My oldest kids have a biological father who hasn't seen them in years. He doesn't call, he doesn't text, he doesn't know what classes they take or what sports they play. He doesn't know any of this, and that sucks. But, they have really involved and loving grandparents, and a stepdad that shows up to everything he can and cheers them on, even if those cheers are quieter than others. He wants what is best for them, even if he doesn't always express that clearly. 

The trials and obstacles that I have faced in my own search for happiness have led me here. The pain, the heartache, the joy and the successes - they've all acted as stepstones to this very time in my life. 

So now I'm left wondering, was I made for more? Was I meant to do something bigger, to change the world, to make an impact on the new generation of world leaders and game changers? 

The short answer is, I'm not sure.

The longer answer is, I'm going to try to figure that out, one day at a time, one step at a time, one action or word or move at a time. 

Today is the first action. Writing this blog. Starting this forum. Opening up the conversation about all of us being made for more. How can I inspire hope? How can I embrace opportunities and show grace to the generation of teenagers who has not known a world without technology and cell phones? How can I open doors for those lost little souls who do not know what their next step is and even worse, don't have anyone to help them along the way in that journey of self-discovery? 

I thought for a long time that I was called to be a high school teacher. Now, I'm not so sure. I know my research in college, my area of focus in academics, and my own personal struggles as a teenager with depression and anxiety has led me to have a soft spot for teenagers. But I think there are more than a couple ways to make an impact, and this is my first step toward finding what mine will be.