One year ago, I decided to retire from the fire department that I had served for more than 32 years. I desperately wanted to expand my growth potential and fulfill my dreams. One evening, a Google search for "Training Chief Jobs in Charleston" yielded me two results. When the process was complete, I moved 700 miles away to Hanahan SC, beginning the long-awaited chapter in my life. Never mind stepping outside of your box, I ripped up and threw away my old box and got an entirely new one. As I look back on my first year with my new department, I recall many challenges and frustrations. The first few weeks, I did not know how to navigate around my new city, I was attending unfamiliar meetings with individuals I did not know, I often was on the wrong bank of tactical radio channels. Failing spectacularly, what nonsense is this? T.S. Elliot said, "What would you do if you knew you would not fail". Let that sink in for a minute. Starting a new chapter in your life is not easy and it takes support from your family and friends as well as lots of planning and critical thinking.