by Emelia Rose

Created on: November 11, 2008   Last Updated: December 12, 2008

My entire life was built around obstacles. Born into a poor family I didn't have any support from my parents, they themselves were clueless to success. Being told practically on a daily basis that I would never amount to anything. Well, that was the inspiration I needed to at least try and make a success of my life.

Times were tough and I had no idea which direction to turn to better myself. It seemed every plan I had would just be crushed by money, family members, friends, and men. I tried several ways to financially get ahead, to no avail I would always wind up short. The career path I had chosen just didn't work to my advantage. In the medical field for twenty-three years and I was in no better position since starting out.

I did the best I could being a single mother of three. One obstacle after another always hindered my way. From the broken down trailer I lived in to the two vehicles that were reposessed. Would I ever get a break? It never stopped me. I had to keep on going and I convinced myself that my time would come.

I worked two jobs for several years and a full-time parent to my children. Not being able to provide for my children the way I would have liked only made us stronger as a family unit. They respect me for all that I have done to put food on the table and a roof over their heads. Even if the roof leaked when it rained.

Finally, I made a smart decision and the obstacles seemed less prominent. I made a career change, the best decision of my life. Who would have thought retail would outrate the medical field? Not me, not in a million years. But the truth is, I'm happier and more secure with my finances than I had been my entire working life.

Now I live in a nice home where the roof doesn't leak and the kids have their own rooms with working doors and lots of closets. Let's face it a trailer certainly has no closet space! Of course there are still obstacles. They are not as big, or so they seem, since my success has and continues to change. I am not finished yet. I plan on climbing further in my career, I have the potential, I will get there. There is no obstacle that will stop me. It may slow me down but I know I have the potential to go all the way to the top. It takes a lot of determination and will power to get through life's obstacles.

When you get to the point where you tell yourself "nothing will ever change" just remember, it won't unless you do something about it. It took me twenty-six years of working to realize that obstacles are a way of life. You have to tackle them one-at-a-time and do your best. It will pay off in the long run.

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