Pioneer woman

I was on a retreat to dig deeper into my purpose and the biggest revelation was the word PIONEER.  I really resonated with that word.
Perhaps it is because my father came over from Italy when he was 15 years old.  His can-do, hard working experience must have rubbed off on me.  He courageously learned English, got a job, a wife, started a business and created a beautiful family.
As a first born, and immigrant's kid, I pretty much raised myself.  When it came time for college, I applied, got accepted and was the first on both sides of my family to graduate from college.  I packed up my Chevy Chevette and drove off to college, waving to my Mom, who was standing on the doorstep.
Although there were offers, I chose to work at the family business.  I took over the auto body shop at age 26 without really thinking about what I was getting into.  As it turns out, very few women manage, much less, own an auto body shop!
After having been married for 13 years, and with 3 kids, I did another thing that had never been done before in our family:  I got divorced.  My family of origin didn't know how to deal with that, so I learned on my own and braved single parenthood by working hard and always keeping the best interests of my kids in mind.
Now, looking back, I realize that all these actions were born of my pioneering spirit.  I trust myself and keep moving ahead.  As I meditate on the next pioneering move, I know that my life will always be interesting.