As the holidays start, I reflect on the past year and all of the memories, blessings, and changes that have come my way. Being in your twenties means that the year goes by faster and the changes become bigger. These last couple years have given me the best blessings and memories I could ask for. I hope you enjoy my list for this year.
Education
I used to be the girl that hated school. I regretfully admit that I received a D+ in Spanish 2 because I didn’t get it, I didn’t see how it benefited me, and I felt like I had better things to care about. Now that I am in college and I am paying to be educated, I think about it a little bit differently. I have realized that there will always be those difficult classes or the classes that truly are pointless. However, I have learned really where my passions lie. I have learned where I need to grow and learn. My classes, professors, and classmates have made me see that I am not alone. I have a passion for writing but not writing essays. I have a passion for photography but not enough to open a studio. I enjoy logic, music, and sharing with others. I still have a lot to learn but this year I have learned that I could not fit in a better major than Communications.
Marriage
As many people can understand, this year I started my biggest adventure yet. A.J. and I met many years ago as two awkward High School sophomores still trying to figure out who we were. Many times we talk about how much we have grown and changed since then. We even joke that our relationship, had it started in high school, would not have worked. It is so true but to be honest, I would not have changed how we fell in love. The best way to sum up how it all happened was, we fit. I always think back to our first date where we sat in the Chinese restaurant for hours talking about life, friends and family. It was easy conversation and because I felt like myself I did not question it. Then on the walk back he held my hand, at first I was weird-ed out and I did not know what to do. I also had the thought, “This actually feels kind of nice.” Now I could give you a million reasons why A.J. fits me like a glove, but it all started with his hand fitting mine and both of us not wanting to let go. We have a lot ahead of us, we are only in our twenties. But believe me when I say, I feel invincible with him by my side.
Family
Now more than anything I am grateful for my family. My parents have been there since day one and I came first, so naturally I’ve known my siblings since their day one! They are my “built-in” best friends and I could never trade my childhood with them for anything else. They taught me how to laugh and how to say “I’m sorry” and mean it. My parents taught me about music, love, faith, and hope. They also taught me how to be strong and to plant myself in what I know. They have been my safety net, my therapists, my doctors, my financial consultants, and my “I don’t know what to do” go-tos. They taught me to work and fight for good. I am who I am because of what they taught me. I am also so blessed to have my family expand. To marry into a family with more laughter, more smiling faces, more love, and support. I have learned especially this year, that family is not just blood. It goes beyond birth and marriage. I am grateful for all of those who have joined my family! It has so much more to do with support, love, and memories.
All we take with us when we leave this life is what we have learned and the relationships that we have. Cherish your knowledge, your experience, and your loved ones.
Always,
Reach for Roots 