It is not easy to push yourself emotionally, spiritually, academically or physically but the rewards can be so satisfying. The phrase "Open Highways" has followed me through the age of 5. I was a 1st grade student when a group of seven classmates were placed together in the “lowest” level reading group. Many jokes were made and feelings hurt because of the labeling placed on us. At the time the group was established we were embarrassed to be placed in this academic circle. However: we seven students formed a unique bond and today we still refer to ourselves as the "Open Highways" reading group.

  I started journaling for the first time after my cancer surgery seven years ago. It was a secure place to put my feelings and fears for my emotional sanity. The fear of the classroom followed me throughout my adult life, as it was a secret I had carried around for years. When out of the blue, I was told by my employer, I must return to the college classroom and finish my undergraduate degree to keep my employment. After dealing with thyroid cancer I decided I had to face my classroom demons head on. So many obstacles were occurring during those three adult "college" years that I found emotional peace through writing. It was my safe place. Then one day I learned I needed six hours of writing to complete my undergraduate degree. My little journal slowly took on a life of it's own. My simple words with grammatical mistakes combined with an unpolished writing style slowly developed into a non-fiction memoir as the book displayed to the reader my twisted sense of humor and determination.

 There I was self-publishing my story from the heart for all to see. When a few people surprisingly took me back to the struggling years of my lower school days. Since the self-publication of my journal "Hurdles" in 2010, I am often amazed at the comments I received from the many critics. I found it interesting of a "friend" who immediately pointed out the 31 mistakes throughout the book. Or another friend who constantly reminded me and shared with others the many errors they found throughout the manuscript.

 It was heartbreaking to hear them continually focus on the uncaught slip-ups instead of the message of the book. The harsh remarks immediately brought me back to the circle of seven chairs, as I felt compelled to reveal to others of the embarrassing errors.

 This blog is titled Open Highways because of two reasons. It reminds me of my childhood reading group and what we can overcome with hard work and determination. The second reason for this title is because the sky is the limit and the road is endless. We can do it all with God’s grace and self-determination. I challenge you to be a better person than yesterday with a loving heart for yourself and for others.

  I tell people all the time "my book has thirty-one mistakes in it and if you are an academic snob then don’t read it." My writing is from the heart. My style is simple which makes the reading experience easy to follow. I love to write and explore my feelings on paper. What you read is what you get.