They lasted for more than 50,000 miles, but with the tread worn and fear of hydroplaning, I decided it was time to replace the tires on my car last week. Busy removing old tires off my car, the mechanics at Discount Tire laughed when my husband jokingly asked them if we got our money’s worth. Did we? At 20,000 miles beyond their rating, mathematically, yes we got our money’s worth. But in life, how do we measure if we’ve derived the appropriate amount of value out of each day, week, month, or year?
Fifty thousand miles takes me back to fall 2007. From then to now, I recall travel markers in time that have brought immense value to my life. First, my current marketing & communications company budded from an idea to a thriving business, as the rubber wore along Middle Georgia’s roads. Around Town – North Macon in 2007, then the addition of Around Town – Warner Robins in 2008, and today MyTown Monthly magazine. What started as a small community publication grew to a five-county-wide community magazine, and today I also work with businesses to fulfill their marketing and communications needs.
Founding my company came first chronologically, but two dates forever changed my life and will be fondly remembered for my lifetime: June 22, 2008 and September 10, 2010. From The Grand Opera House, to The Armory Ballroom, and resting at the 1842 Inn, we rolled smoothly along the streets of Macon as Kevin and I became husband and wife on June 22, 2008. Then, on September 10, 2010, after the night before anxiously peering out the window and taking in passing scenery on our way to the Medical Center of Central Georgia, I gave birth to our daughter. Along the roads from Georgia over to Texas and up to Pennsylvania, unforgettable memories were created between 2007 – 2011 as the days reliably passed and the wheels beneath us unfailingly revolved.
Value in tires is most often measured by mileage, with gradual wear observed by depth of tread. Whereas tires lose their depth with increased wear, I think the process works the opposite in humans. With increased wear, depth is gained. In approximately 50,000 miles, I budded professionally, made a life-time commitment in love and dedication to my college sweetheart, and grew a family with bringing new life into this world.
Last week, the tread was reset and my opportunity for growth renewed. I said good-bye to my old tires and hello to a new set of adventures ahead. Let’s see where the next 50,000 miles takes me.
by Jennifer Bucholtz at Navigating the Journey
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Tags: life value, personal growth, tires, travels, tread
