What makes them so significant to me?  The fact that initially I didn't think I could do either of them!  I just didn't have the confidence that I had what it took.  Regardless, I took the necessary steps to embark on the journeys.  Literally, leaps of blind faith!

 

Along the way, there were many moments in which I felt hopeless that the goals would or could be achieved.  It was just too hard!  Giving up would have been much easier!

 

But I kept moving forward.  Some days felt effortless, but others felt like I was traveling through thick mud.  Worse yet, some days felt like I was headed in the wrong direction altogether!

 

Then, the end became closer and more visible.  In both instances, I remember feeling a little bit of disbelief that I might actually accomplish my goal!  I also felt a little bit scared of what comes next. 

 

The most important part for me was that I never gave up!  Even when I REALLY wanted to!

 

My deepest hope is that I can now teach my daughters about the value of perseverance.  Perhaps I've been teaching them all along? 

 

At the end of that long road, is definitely the sweetest of rewards!

 

Tell your kids about your own difficult challenges and the wonderful benefits of STICK-TO-IT-IVENESS!