I'm officially 33 years old today.
The day has been pretty good, mostly because people took time out of their day to wish me well and I decided I was going to eat whatever I wanted to (really not any different than the last couple of weeks, but now I had an excuse).
But I found my mind wandering a bit, thinking about this time last year and what has happened since.
September 24, 2012: I had made a decision to let go of something very dear to me. It's funny what happens when you know it's going to happen, but you accept it. I was preparing to have my heart broken and lose something I loved. I lost my place and didn't know what else to do.
I had just started my master's program and at this point, I had run a few 5K races. I had been at my new job for about three whole months (!) and learning what the heck I'd gotten myself into.
Since then: This is going to turn into a list of things that have happened and that I've learned.
- I started training for my first half marathon (and ran it!).
- I found out who my real friends are.
- People will make things up about you no matter what you do. Be yourself.
- Karma exists.
- Being a student and working full-time takes a lot of work.
- I have saved money from driving less (well, not really).
- I made my first trip to Washington, D.C.
- I ran across the Mackinac Bridge.
- I started training for my second half marathon.
- I ran my first 10K.
- I did the Warrior Dash.
- I've been inspired by others' actions.
- I am a nerd at heart.
- I'm finally starting to feel comfortable with what I talk about at work (you know, like I've actually learned something).
- I'm still learning things at work and love my job.
- I've learned to let go.
- Some people can be pretty horrible human beings, but...
- That doesn't mean that all of them are - in fact, most people are good.
September 24, 2013:
As I start my 33rd year on Earth, I am happy to report that I'll be participating in my second half marathon and have raised about $4,700 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society through Team in Training. I'll be halfway through my master's program by the end of this year. I'm still learning lots at work.
I understand that despite how other people act, I am in control of my feelings and actions. I realize that when things no longer serve me, that it's time to let them go. A level of stress is acceptable, but overwhelming stress isn't.
I am not perfect. I am not 100%. But over the last year, my journey has brought me to a place where I am glass half full and letting small things go. I feel happier without the stress of negative people in my life. I am happier being the full-fledged nerd that I am.
I had to fall hard emotionally to understand that other people do not determine my worth - I DO. It took dealing with those emotions to see that I'm meant to be a positive force no matter what I do.
Thank you to everyone for your well wishes today and for all of the amazing, positive, incredible friends and people that I am honored to know. You have more of an impact on me than you know.
I only hope to be able to return the favor sometime. Namaste.
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