Weeks later, Brian was at work, and was called to the business office during his shift. He was worried as he walked to the office. Was he in trouble? He couldn’t think of anything that he had done, but with his supervisor, he didn’t know.

Brian went into the office and talked with the person at the desk. She was nice and told him to have a seat. He waited only a short time when a well dressed woman walked in and called him back to her office. Brian followed her and sat in the chair across from her desk.

She introduced herself and told him that she was processing his request for the manage program. She said that she had talked with some of the managers and people that he worked with and felt that he would do well in the program and wanted to know if he was still interested.

Brian sat quietly, listening as she talked. He had trouble processing what she was telling him because he didn’t think he would be accepted. She could tell that he seemed surprised, so she talked about skills that she felt he had that would work well with the program.

Brian managed to say that he was still interested, and she provided information and a packet for him to read through. The packet would provide information about the program, the classes offered, how it would be paid for, and how long it would take to complete. She encouraged him to read though everything and return with questions and a decision about whether he wanted to proceed. Brian agreed, gathered all the paperwork, and left the office, stunned by the opportunity.

Brian spent the next few days looking over the information and talking to Stan. Stan encouraged him to do it. He felt that it would be great for him and open up new opportunities. Brian talked with the person in the office to ask questions and decided to start the program. If Stan and Sarah believed in him, he thought he should try it.

Things took off when he started classes. Brian’s confidence increased as he worked on assignments and did better than he thought he would. He continued to work at his job, taking classes outside of work.

Brian was working a regular shift at work when he found Sarah in the break room. He went over to her and asked if he could talk to her. She agreed and they made plans for after work.

Brian and Sarah went to a place they used to like when they were together. They sat and caught up on small talk, but Sarah eventually asked him why she was there.

Brian started by saying he was sorry. He explained that she was right. Her eyes got big as he admitted he should have listened to her. He told her that he had started the management program, and was feeling good about it. He admitted that she helped his decision to do it and he thanked her for believing in him.

Sarah’s eyes had tears as she told him that she was proud of him. They talked for a while more and parted ways, agreeing to get together again soon. Sarah kissed Brian on the cheek and told him it was about time. Brian smiled as he walked away.

By the time summer rolled around, Brian was well into his studies and doing well. He and Sarah were talking more, and she was even helping at times with his classes. She was even thinking about the program.

Brian woke one morning in the fall, opening his eyes, but staying still as he looked around. He was amazed by how much had changed in the course of the year. He was feeling more hopeful about the future, and about his relationship with Sarah. He still worried that it would all go away, but he wanted to fight for it now.

He laid in bed for a while and then got up to work on some assignments. He had a new purpose and options he didn’t have before, and he was going to do his best, as he always did.

So many people are like Brian, feeling stuck or frustrated. You are only as stuck as you make yourself. There are always options, you just need to find out what they are. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Don’t be afraid to reach out for support, from people you never thought might be there to help. You can change your path, but not if you don’t change your footing. It’s all part of being happy, for life.