Reflections on My 'Finally Made It' Moments and the Journey to True Fulfillment
As I sit here, reflecting back on the significant moments that shaped my life, one event stands out vividly from when I was 43 years old in 1993. I was Vice President of Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery in the heart of Washington State, residing in a magnificent house in Hollywood Hill that resembled a cathedral. Additionally, I held the position of City Fire Commissioner, a role I had always dreamed of as a child. My children were attending prestigious private schools, and my salary and bonuses were beyond any elephant's capacity to consume. However, despite all these external achievements, I felt utterly miserable. My anxiety over job performance led me to cry before work every morning. My personal and family life were in a tumultuous state, affecting my children deeply. By 1998, I was asked to resign from my position, but I chose to walk away with no further comment.
Fortunately, Walt Disney provided me with a second chance. After 17 years of distinguished service, I ascended to the position of Global Director for Corporate Alliances. My leadership in Paris for two years was a highlight before I eventually retired. The moment I walked out of my retirement party truly felt like 'making it.' But let me be clear: it wasn't about the money or the title. It was about having saved enough so that I might never have to work again, which is true 'making it.' And, as I now realize, the real success in life lies in God's love and true friends.
Transition to Vegetarianism and Veganism
There was a pivotal moment in my life that came to me much later in 1973 when I was just 7 years old and watched the movie 'Bambi.' At that young age, I had no idea that meat came from living beings. The harsh reality of hunting and animal cruelty struck me profoundly, and this experience led me to become a herbivore almost immediately. Although I had a preliminary understanding of animal cruelty in the dairy and egg industries, I couldn't bring myself to abandon those practices back then.
Life threw another blow when we moved close to a dairy farm. For four long months, I witnessed the heartbreaking cries of calves separated from their mothers, destined for a life as veal. This experience was a turning point, solidifying my resolve to embrace a vegan lifestyle. It was the best decision I ever made, and I've never regretted it. The love and compassion I extend to all living beings are central to my identity.
A Lesson in Perspective
High school was another chapter of my life that I recount with much introspection. I graduated from 8th grade in 1978, ranking 3rd in a class of 127 students. Our school had only one middle school and one high school, and we didn't have advanced placement or weighted courses. I followed the college prep track, which turned out to be a disadvantage by the end of my junior year. To compensate, I chose an "easier" senior year English class so I could focus on my harder subjects like trigonometry, pre-calculus, Spanish IV, and accounting II.
The moment of truth came during the graduation rehearsal, where the class was seated alphabetically. Although I maintained a respectable GPA of 3.55, barely missing out on the top 10, the real fulfillment came not from the ranking but from the offer of comfort and genuine friendship from classmates. Despite feeling sidelined by the alphabetical seating arrangement, a young man named Mike P. and Jamie P. offered me a respite and a deeper sense of inclusion than any ranking could provide. Their friendship has endured over the years, and their kind gesture has meant more to me than I could have ever imagined.
Conclusion
While external milestones can offer a sense of achievement, true success is more often found in personal growth, love, and meaningful friendships. As I reflect on my journey, I am reminded that a true 'I finally made it' moment is one where I find joy and contentment in the simple things, from my love for animals to the satisfaction of a genuine connection with friends.
Keywords
The importance of 'career fulfillment,' 'personal growth,' 'true success,' 'vegetarianism,' and 'friendship' in life.