August 2025 Blog Prompt: As a child/youth, who was the greatest influence on the adult you are today and why?
Contributor of the prompt: *Cindy Rose Ferguson

I did not have an influence growing up. I never really thought about this until this question came up for this blog. Thinking back, I do not feel that perhaps I was not surrounded by anyone that really inspired me to change the direction of my life. Things that influenced me were my adventures in life. Moving to different states in the USA and working in different jobs in these moves. Really seeing how to live a different way of life that was shown when growing up.

Not having a solid education for instance, no 4 years of college, only graduating high school. I never thought about things like that. I was fascinated with technology and more so by others around me (family) that said I could not do such things. I had always thought this to be true, until I stepped out of my comfort zone and applied for a job that I knew I had zero qualifications for. Crazy enough, I got it. I worked hard to learn the ins and outs of the company while also meeting some unique people. What I mean by unique is more people with many different interests that I was exposed to growing up. I found it fascinating to have great conversations about so many different things that people did.

It was not until my late 40’s and 50’s that I started to look at some people that I did admire. One person that sticks out and still does is a dear friend of mine that was in the Air Force, she was the 1st Air Boom Operator that I ever met. She was a 3rd generation Air Woman in her family, how remarkable. She traveled the world and would send me postcards and share with me of her adventures. Truly inspiring that woman can do any job that a man can do. She was not married, and perfectly fine with her being single to live her life and travel without having to leave kids or a husband behind. I was brought up to have someone there to support you as you would never make it. How interesting to think about. We are still close today and still share our experiences in life with one another.

If I could go back and look or be inspired by someone, I would have found Tony Robbins much quicker. Life would have definitely been different and I may have stumbled upon my new Floral adventure earlier. Its never too late though, no regrets. Things happen when you are ready and the right people and experiences will all happen when that time is meant for you.