Alternate Universe

Day 14:  In an alternate universe, what does your life look like?

• In an alternate universe, I was a CHA cheerleader all through my junior high and high school years, and I really loved it!
• OR I was seriously injured trying to master the tumbling, or humiliated when I tried out and didn't make the squad.
• In an alternate universe, I never endured Bells Palsy.
• OR my smile never healed and came back.
• In an alternate universe, the feelings were mutual, and I'm a very happy wife and stay-at-home mom with three lovely daughters, living in Virginia Beach.
• OR I really miss my family and I'm a little bored and lonely and navigating how to rebuild my own identity after years of merging/disappearing behind the pedestal.
• In an alternate universe, I ran the Nike Women's Marathon, and I'm rocking that Tiffany necklace "medal."
• OR I collapsed midway through on the rough hills of San Francisco. lol
• In an alternate universe, Malori and I are lifelong besties, and it's been uncomplicated and fun and meaningful.
  
• OR trying to maintain that friendship turned me into a version of myself that I don't really like or respect.
• In an alternate universe, counseling was all that I hoped it would be, and I'm building my own successful walk-and-talk therapy business.
• OR I'm trying very hard to build a business, but the stress and liability are taking a toll.
• In an alternate universe, I am a sharply-dressed, realtime-certified Federal court reporter working from home  a couple days a week and making around 200k per year!
• OR I'm drowning in transcripts, stressed about realtime jury voir dire, and hating tracking all of my hours.
• In an alternate universe, I am a single mom with a great supportive community happily raising my 3-year-old biological child after a successful IUI procedure in 2022.
• OR I'm experiencing the high stress and loneliness a lot of single moms experience, questioning all of my decisions and struggling emotionally.
• In an alternate universe, I have joyfully announced that I am pregnant with a beautiful biracial adopted child through embryo adoption - people are celebrating this with me, and baby showers are being planned by friends and family.
• OR I am suffering physically and emotionally, quietly mourning a miscarriage on my own. 
• In an alternate universe, I moved to Broken Arrow in February, and I am over halfway done with my required hours for candidacy, learning a lot and working alongside Marla as an elementary school therapist for CREOKS.
• OR I regret moving, I hated that job, and I feel like I took a step backwards falling back to the Creek County CR role.
• In an alternate universe, I have published several memoir books and gradually become a New York Times best-selling author!
• OR I published my very first book and got harsh critical feedback that felt crushing.
• In an alternate universe, we are still a party of 9 at family dinners, and our family has experienced far less brokenness and trauma.
• OR our lives were drastically altered because Mom and Dad were killed in their car wreck on this day 14 years ago.

Yeah... life could look very, very different.  And it can be interesting to think about the various branches where life might have gone in another direction... there are literally thousands of them in all of our lives, for better or worse.  But remember to frame it with some realism and gratitude.  Adele is right - "Sometimes the road less traveled is the road best left behind."  Truly, through all the twists and turns, God is protective and caring.  He directs and redirects our steps, and we can trust Him to work in all things (tragedy and trauma included) for our good and for His glory!!  ❤

Okay, in other news, here's a quick Photo Friday catch-up:

Jace's basketball team after a very dramatic and exciting last-second win last night!! =)

Kenzie and Rach chatting it up post-game =)

Gideon, TJ, and Jaceman!

Preshface Parker Elizabeth feeling cute at her CFA breakfast with her awesome Dad!

A lot has happened in my life this week - job offers and big decisions and God being very kind and protective.  I'm grateful, and today's verse of the day feels appropriate!!

Happy Friday, friends!

❤ ❤ ❤