Today at work we were asked to do a ton of self reflection on our teaching: where we have been, where we are, where we want to go, why Fred Jones qualifies as king, etc... As I completed this reflection today, I realized that this was incredibly applicable to the current point in my life. So, here I am with a bit of reflection as the hours of being "twenty-something" fade into darkness.
My journey has been a complicated one. Often it has led me through blind tunnels, horrifying grades, off road climbs, and hairpin turns, however it has continued to reward me with unconditional love and support, crazy adventures, and new mountains to explore.
Beginning early in life, I didn't "match" the other kids; I was raised by a hellion of a father, a saint of a grandmother, and a mess of a brother. My mother (by all versions of the definition) would enter my life when I was two and drag along with her my sister (by all versions of the definition); neither would leave and both will become an integral part of my existence.
Beginning early in life, I didn't "match" the other kids; I was raised by a hellion of a father, a saint of a grandmother, and a mess of a brother. My mother (by all versions of the definition) would enter my life when I was two and drag along with her my sister (by all versions of the definition); neither would leave and both will become an integral part of my existence.
Later, my parents culture shocked my by moving me from "The Big City" to Greenacres. I learned to drive a tractor, love the quiet, and hike over a mile to my bus stop. This would mix with my big city upbringing and create the crazy concept of who I am today.
Next, I would grow up quickly due to some crazy chaotic moments in my teens. These would be known as "The Dark Ages", and suffice it to say that I learned a lot, grew a lot, and became stronger mentally, emotionally, and physically because of it. Without those 18 months, I would not be who I am today, so for that I take with me what I gained and try to remember that I made up most of what I lost.
Then, would come the years that I think blurred together about 4 years ago! I would move to Georgia with my high school love, buy a house, finish college, get my first dog, deal with an ongoing sickness, gain new friends and now inseparable parts of my life, watch my baby sister go through the loss of her mother and then father, lose old friends, put down my first dog, run, gain a niece and nephew, understand that high school drama belongs in high school, say goodbye to my grandmother, get my first teaching job, complete a 5k, travel out of the country, complete a 10k, and get married.
Most recently, I have watched my journey fork in many directions and truly choosing the "path less traveled". It has been these forks that has made me excited for turning thirty: flooded house, deal with continued sickness, house remodel, move across country with 2 dogs and 3 cats in 1 moving truck, get a new job (x2), spend more time with relatives I haven't spent enough time with in recent history, complete another mud run (2 more to follow soon), meet amazing relatives my husband barely new he had, pick up a snowboard, be apart of a news worthy Christmas display, say goodbye to my mother-in-law while watching my husband fade at the loss, hike, question faith and continue talking to my grandmother no matter what I believe, run, move again, commit to a better and healthier lifestyle even with my illness, move my brother across country, and learn to let go a little more.
Life is about the unexpected journey; embrace it. Take on the idea that eventually you have to choose whether you are living life or letting a series of circumstances create your life. I still get caught up in the circumstances, but I am learning to live on my own terms. As I close the gap to thirty, with hours to spare, remember to reflect on your journey and make decisions for you. Enjoy this trip because there is nothing else like it; vow to take a step in the direction of living life as often as possible. I plan on making my thirties that absolute best years I can; I wish each of you, no matter where you are on your journey, the very best and hope that you will commit to make a change one step at a time to changing something in your life. Here's to a continued search for absolute serenity!
Life is about the unexpected journey; embrace it. Take on the idea that eventually you have to choose whether you are living life or letting a series of circumstances create your life. I still get caught up in the circumstances, but I am learning to live on my own terms. As I close the gap to thirty, with hours to spare, remember to reflect on your journey and make decisions for you. Enjoy this trip because there is nothing else like it; vow to take a step in the direction of living life as often as possible. I plan on making my thirties that absolute best years I can; I wish each of you, no matter where you are on your journey, the very best and hope that you will commit to make a change one step at a time to changing something in your life. Here's to a continued search for absolute serenity!
