Milestones…

It is wonderful how life spirals around and around.  I like the image of a spiral, as it is open and growing.  There are always points along the spiral we can recognize as times of growth, or change in our lives – Milestones…I have had many such points along the way; two I would like to share with you.

Fast-track back to May 3rd 1990…the first day of my apprenticeship and journey into Midwifery.  I remember driving through the night from New Jersey to Virginia to be there for the morning start of the apprenticeship.  It was a new beginning, a big point on the spiral.  I was willing, open, excited.  One year later, in May 3rd, 1991 I completed my Traditional Midwifery apprenticeship, graduated and claimed my title and role as a Midwife. I greatly appreciated the growth, confidence and experience I had gained. 

Fast-forward to May 3rd 2011 – the day I graduated from Florida International University with my Master’s Degree in Public Health (MPH)!!!  What a milestone!!  It all started 3 years prior, my decision to return to school to get a Master’s Degree.   First I tried to talk myself out of it, I am too busy, too old, cannot afford it, etc, etc.  Then the voice deep in my life said…. when have you ever let your age, or time or lack of money STOP you from doing ANYTHING!!  So I listened to that voice, applied to graduate school, got accepted and the journey began!  It was long and hard.  The last semester and my master’s research project was my biggest challenge.  But I triumphed!! 

I submitted my request to graduate, all grades completed, request accepted and was done.  I danced with relief and joy.  I did it!!  I completed graduate school and now had my MPH!!  A very real and personal accomplishment.  

I was told to apply for graduation ceremony, which I did but had no intention of attending.  I did not want to sit through 2 hours of speeches and “hoopla”.  But I was encouraged by my family and friends to attend the ceremony, to see the importance of this ritual, to honor myself and all the hard work I did….to bask in the glory!!  

So I applied to attend graduation ceremony and found out my discipline (school of Public Health) was to walk on MAY 3rd!!  I could not believe it!!  What an auspicious day (May 3rd is also a special date in my personal spiritual practice).  I was elated.  No coincidences in life.  So…. twenty years later, another major point along the spiral…another milestone…Sheila Simms Watson, MPH!!!  Life just keeps getting better and better…