Axel Del Cid

Tonight is a quiet night in my house, finally some peace. As I sit here getting my mind ready to work on a design for a client I am feeling nostalgic, nervous, excited, scared, and happy all rolled into one. I am really not sure as to why, but the more I think about it, the more it makes sense to me.

It's a new year to begin new things, take on new challenges, and start fresh. Everyone deserves a second chance, or another go at a failure. Success is measured by reaching a goal, while failure is measured by giving up on the goal. Which one are you? I know which one I am because I've made that choice. I grew up learning that the good things in life are never easy to achieve. I've always wondered about that, and as I get older the more I fully understand its meaning. You see, the thing is, it's not really about the end result of reaching a specific goal, say for instance a financial goal, but rather the journey in reaching that goal and seeing who we become in the process to the end. Life is an always learning experience and we must appreciate every aspect of it. I've never been of the pessimistic mindset because you may lose out on certain things that you would not have been able to see or appreciate in a closed mind state. Sometimes I am walking outside to my car in the cool brisk air for example, and I stop, hands in my pocket, I close my eyes and breathe slowly in and then out. I then remember that I woke up that day, ready to fulfill my days responsibilities, but also that I am yet alive still. It reminds me of the grace of God and his mercy for letting me live on this wonderful earth yet another day. I know some people are not believers and I'm ok with that. It is ones own choice to believe in whatever they choose to, this is just who I believe in. As I stand there appreciating that moment of tranquility and peace, I open my eyes and look around and up to the sky, appreciating in awe the beautiful surrounding I am in and taking in the sight with the sun over my head, jacket over my shoulders, reminding me to stay humble and carry on.

I have grown up learning and wanting to be able to help people. I've never really considered myself to be selfish in any way. I must admit though I may seem to be cocky or overly confident at times, but that is not from really being conceited or arrogant. NO, it's not. I am the way I am because I remember who I am. I am a son of God, and as such, I have value in myself, and in life. In knowing so I cannot let others put me down or disregard my value. All of my life I have been very self conscious, shy, and intimidated at times. In recent years, I've learned to deal with such feelings. I still am at times all these things, but then I remind myself that stepping outside my comfort zone can really do wonders. I've made some really great friends and have had awesome opportunities open for me because I stepped outside my comfort. I've challenged myself to do something different, to no longer be the scared little boy, but rather a man with confidence, humility, and tenderness. I can be stone cold at times, depending on my mood, and other times I can be full of warmth with others around me. I often ask myself why the polar opposites in my moods. I will come back to that eventually, but for now I will keep growing and learning.

Something changed in me the day I finished reading the book Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki. It was late junior year in high school when my dad introduced me to that book. He told me he had heard great things about him. At the time, I was lost in my thoughts, I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life, I had no goals. I read the book, and my life changed, my mind changed. I then realized I had purpose, and I found something within myself that I had not realized was there. I had connected the dots of my life to a moment of serenity. I knew from that moment on, that my purpose was to help others, but before I can do that, I needed to show myself that I can reach my goals so that way I can teach others to do the same. You cannot teach others to do something that you have not done so for yourself. So that's what I set out to do. First I setup my goal. Find a way to retire by age 40, so that I may be able to dedicate my time completely to my family, my church, and everyone around me. Now some may wonder, well why worry about my own financial well being first before others, but what some may not realize is that on my journey to becoming financially free, I will be helping others do the same. That is the beauty of it. I am often judged and asked why is everything about money in my life, and to be frank, it's not. I am working hard now, so that I may be able to live a life that many others aren't willing to.

I know that in my journey, I will not only succeed and help others, but the grace of God will be with me, helping transform lives. You see, my goal isn't just monetary, but also spiritual. I have many people tell me that money isn't everything in life and that I need to focus on my spiritual life. I agree with them. Money is not everything, and that I should focus more on my spiritual self. The thing is though, as I pass through these hurdles in life I know I will be transforming my spiritual self as well as guiding others to do the same. I am not alone in this story, and I am comforted by that. Some days are tougher than others.

Almost two years ago I partnered up with a network marketing company, and it has literally changed, and revolutionized my life. I have yet to come close to reaching my financial goal, but that's not what matters to me most. Many people mock me still that I have yet to reach my goal. What they don't see are the changes in me that have already started to change not just my mind, but others around me. I believe in the company I work with, not just for their great compensation plan, but more importantly to me, their vision. What the company wants to do is help the world, one person at a time, and that runs literally parallel to what I've set out to do. I remember the day I made the choice to partner with them. I was so excited and scared all at once. I was excited to start a new chapter in my life, but I was also scared because I knew it would not be easy, but I'm ready for whatever life has for me because nothing can bring me down and stop me. I have never been a person to give up easily. I have been told I have a lot of heart, and that is what I want to share with others. I want to inspire others to be better, to do better, and to do the same with others. In reality, it is not something hard to do, but so many people complicate it with their own actions. If only we can learn to work together can things really be done and accomplished. I have met some really incredible and inspirational people so far, and I have many more to meet. I still meet a lot of negativity around me, a lot of nay sayers, a lot of pessimistic minds still surround me, but I don't let that bring me down, instead I let it force me to keep working hard. Let's be honest, money isn't everything, but it's right up there with oxygen, and that's a fact. Money is not evil, the love of money is. Having money only means that life presents itself with more options. Options to do the things we want most, to spend more time with the people we want to spend time with, to explore this wonderful earth we live on and really appreciate the beauty that God has created for us. You see, I am not setting out to be rich just for the sake of being rich. I am set on my goal to help others, to transform my life and my family's, and in the process, I know that I am doing God's will. Thank you.