Life is Like a Box of Chocolates…

Run Forrest Run

“My momma always said, ‘Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.’”
-Forrest Gump

Generally speaking, I have to say I agree with Momma Gump. I don’t necessarily believe in destiny.  I think people have the ability to choose their path in life.  Take me for instance.  Who would have ever thought that I would be “destined” to start a company that makes athletic gear from “trash” and organizes people to go out for runs and pick up trash?

Don’t get me wrong; I absolutely love what I do.  Being able to start a company around things I am passionate about (an active lifestyle and the environment) is a dream come true.  But I question if it was my destiny, or at least I used to.

My mom recently shared a picture with me that I drew when I was about 8 years old.  I was not at all surprised to see it was a scene of people running.  I used to draw sports pictures all the time – from running and soccer to baseball and basketball.  What really caught my attention was the fact that I added a trashcan near the race finish line of the picture.

The Fine Art of 8 Year Old Jeremy Litchfield

As I reflect on this picture, I have few questions:

• How did I pass the 3rd grade with these drawing skills? (Although, I was a much better drawer at that age than I am now.)
• Why does the little dude in the back have such big feet, but such little arms?
• Did I know when I was 8 that my future would combine running and trash?

I don’t have answers to the first two questions, but maybe the answer to the third is something like this:

“I don’t know if Momma was right or if, if it’s Lieutenant Dan. I don’t know if we each have a destiny, or if we’re all just floating around accidental-like on a breeze, but I, I think maybe it’s both. Maybe both is happening at the same time.”
-Forrest Gump

I would love to hear other people’s stories of destiny, floating breezes, or both.

P.S. My very creative mother turned the picture into some great note cards that I use for hand written notes.  If anyone is interested in custom note cards, I highly recommend her services.  Leave a comment and I will make the connection.