5 years

I laid in bed last night thinking of the last 5 years and from then to now what has changed. I feel that prior to 5 years ago I am who I am now. And I spent the last 5 years re-building what I already knew I had but had to fall in order to appreciate it.

I believe that you must lose what you have in order to gain it back and appreciate it even more. See, 5 years ago I was running away from a violent relationship that ended in court dates and orders of protection. I was running in to the arms of someone else that I felt could "save me" but in the end he finished off what was already crumbling.

That is what compelled me to go become the person I knew that I was. Crying on the phone to my best friend she asked me what I wanted, and what I wanted was my MBA and my freedom. And that's exactly what I received. I didn't need anyone - especially to "save me." All the while he lie preying on my feelings and emotions - I thought that he would always be there.

5 years later - he is not beside me - nor was that ever his plan. We have all moved on and grown. Both strong entrepreneur's in our own industries - we run in to one another from time to time. He remembers the good and the fun - I'm reminded of what I was escaping from.

It makes me reflect on the possibility of me ever affecting someone and I think nothing of it and they do. Isn't that always the case? People touch our lives in different ways and some we keep and some we don't but they are a part of shaping us to the people that we are today.

I envision that in 5 more years I will be on the cover of Inc. Magazine - as one of the most successful entrepreneur's of the year - with a top design firm in Arizona and very sought after. I believe that that particular past of mine will be old and very over - seeing him will only be a distant memory left in the vault of "Life's Lesson's Learned." I will say I owe my success to my father and to Angel. To my family for putting up with all my long hours and workaholic personality. And most importantly - grateful of surviving a bad time in life and overcoming it.

Some people think I'm crazy that I'm that open about such a time in my life. I'm not ashamed of it, I don't hide it. Truthfully, I don't know where I would be or who I would be without that particular puzzle piece to my life - therefore I embrace it and hope that others learn from me as well.

So to the next 5 years and beyond that. We can't change the past but we can shape the future. I know where I will be in 5 years - how about you?

Angelina Gonzales
Phoenix Graphic Designer
NThreeQ Media, LLC