If you’ve been a subscriber for awhile, you’ll recall the story I shared a few months back, telling you of my experiences working in the world’s most dangerous job as an Alaska commercial fisherman, and the near brush I had with death.
I also told you how my wife filed for divorce when I made the decision to quit fishing and start my own business (back in 95).
It was a difficult time for me, both personally and in business. In fact, it still hurts when I think back on those days.
I was so devastated by my wife’s decision to leave me, that I vowed to never get married again.
Funny thing is, I grew up in the church and always believed that when I got married, it would be for life. Unfortunately, Vickie (my now ex-wife) didn’t have the same beliefs.
As a result of my divorce, for the last 9 years I refused to let myself become attached to another woman.
I’d been hurt in the past, and by God, it was NEVER going to happen to me again. I wouldn’t let it!
Oh sure…
I had a few relationships here and there, but nothing too serious.
But over the course of the few months, I’ve been taking a close look at my life, and I’ve discovered some things that I had to share with you.
The most important thing I’ve learned is that we can’t let our past experiences stop us from living a life that’s fullfilling.
In all honesty, I’ve deprived myself from a ton of happiness and wonderful experiences that I could have had over the last nine years, if I just wouldn’t have been so closed minded.
In my effort to prevent another woman from ever hurting me again, I missed out on the joy of having a close, intimate and personal relationship in my life.
Late last year I was talking with my good friend Dave, telling him how I’d always admired the relationship he and his wife Diane have.
I told him, “I sure would like to have that kind of relationship in my own life”.
To which he responded, “Kevin, all you have to do is be open to it, and it will happen. You can have the same kind of relationship, if you want it”.
I thought to myself, “That makes sense”.
For the last nine years I had literally closed myself off from having a rewarding relationship, with ANY woman.
I had basically guaranteed my failure in this area of my life.
So, I decided to make a change.
Right then and there I made the decision to open myself back up to the possibility of having a rewarding personal relationship.
And you know what?
It worked!
Here’s what happened.
Right after Christmas last year, my brother’s girlfriend (her name is Tami) called me one day out of the blue. I could tell right away that she was excited about something.
She began to tell me about this girl Lisa, who was her neighbor.
Tami went on, “She’s a great girl and you’ve got to meet her Kevin! In fact, I think you should come over to our house for dinner this weekend. Then I’ll casually invite Lisa over for a minute”.
“What the heck”, I thought to myself.
The following Friday evening, I went over to my brothers house for dinner. But of course the real purpose of my visit this time was to meet Lisa, and I was actually looking forward to it.
Tami had invited her parents over for the evening too.
After dinner, we were all sitting in the living room when the doorbell rang. Tami immediately jumped up and announced, “It’s Lisa”!
I thought I’d feel just a little bit nervous about the whole situation, but I wasn’t, not at all.
I will say this though…
When I saw Lisa for the first time, my first thought was WOW!
She was beautiful!
I tried to maintain my composure as I picked my jaw up off the floor. The whole time praying that my reaction wasn’t too obvious.
Lisa was in a hurry and only stayed for a little while, but that was long enough. She’d caught my attention and I wanted to know more about her.
Tami escorted Lisa back to the front door, and you could hear the two of them whispering. They stood at the door for at least ten minutes.
When Tami came back to join us, I looked at her and said, “Well…”
Tami then handed me a piece of paper with Lisa’s phone number and said, “I told her you’d give her a call”.
The following evening (Saturday) I did just that. Lisa and I talked on the phone for more than three hours.
Before we hung up, I asked her if she’d like to go out for dinner the next evening, and she accepted.
To make a long story short, we’ve been together ever since and now have a fantastic relationship.
As I look back at the last few months of my life, the first thing that comes to mind is how rewarding it’s been. And because my personal life has improved so much, it’s carried over into every other area of my life.
In comparison to the last several years, it’s a night and day difference.
What I’ve shared with you today is just the tip of the iceberg. The last few months of my life has been a whirlwind of incredible life changing events, and you can have the same results in your own life. In the coming weeks I’ll show you how.
I can honestly say that by trying to protect myself for the last nine years, I missed out on a wealth of incredible experiences that were rightfully mine.
Perhaps you’ve done the same.
Maybe you’re in a similar situation right now.
We can’t change our past, but we certainly can change our futures for the better.
I realize that you may have come to know me as “The Mold Guy”, and while I’m definitely qualified to help you in that area, I truly hope my story prompts you to make some positive changes in other areas of your life as well.