Money, Mastery, Mentors, and Missions

In keeping with a theme taught by Mr. and Mrs. Logan before I became a teenager, if you don’t know what a word means, use the dictionary. I’ve since learned that some of the words I thought knew what they meant, the dictionary had a different definition. Let's lay a foundation before we build. Money is currently a medium of exchange. Mastery is comprehensive knowledge or skill in a subject or accomplishment. A second definition would be control or superiority over someone or something. Mentor is an experienced or trusted adviser. Missions are a strongly felt aim, ambition, or calling.

If you or someone you loved needed immediate medical attention, after calling emergency services, an ambulance would arrive at your place. The paramedics would do an assessment, then transport you to the nearest hospital. Next, an emergency room physician would assess once more and begin treatment. The paramedic and the doctor both have a mission, to render medical aid. But the doctor possesses comprehensive knowledge or skill as compared to the paramedic. During their internship and residency, the doctor was partnered with a more experienced person, a doctor who already completed their training. Someone who demonstrated superiority over something, the treatment of patients in emergency situations.

Both paramedics and doctors are in the medical field, yet oe possess mastery while the other does not. The average annual salary for one is about $50,000 per year, the other is more than seven times that amount, a little more than $370,000 per year. I’ve heard it said that ‘money follows mastery’ and if you needed proof, there’s one example.

I’m currently on a mission, to fulfill my purpose. Part of which requires me to master a few more skills. I will. If you leave your house without knowing where you’re going, chances are you will wander around aimlessly for minutes, hours or longer. You also need to know why you’re leaving home to begin with. If you know where you’re going and why you need to, little things like road construction, detours, and delays will not deter you from your destination. Those small inconveniences may slow you down, but they won't stop you. A good friend of mine says, “The what and the why are free…” and there you have it.

Today, Friday, April 25, 2024, I am grateful that:

Clarity is returning. I’m not normal yet, but things aren’t as fuzzy this morning. Speaking and writing with metaphors is something I do well. Being unable to do so before is a great indicator of how cloudy my thoughts were.

I discovered my mission or purpose years ago. The past six or seven years compared to the previous few decades is something I wouldn’t trade the experience of. Living and learning with a specific mission in mind has gotten me further along my journey than most other things combined.

Albeit small, I did receive a direct deposit today. It’s the last few hours on a freelancer contract, but every peso counts at this stage. I won’t complain about my lack of financial resources, but I will never allow myself to return to this place financially.

What’s your mission?

Which skills are required to accomplish it?

Which of t

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