2018 wasn’t a big year for me, and that’s okay.

I’ve spent a lot of time thinking recently. Critical thinking. Criticizing myself and comparing my achievements to those who I love and surround myself with. To be honest, they don’t fare well – and I’ve finally been able to admit to myself that that’s okay. From traveling the world, to getting married and having children, my friends are doing it all and for a while now, I’ve felt like I’ve been left behind in the dust. My year started off with no direction. Lost and aimlessly reaching for something to hold onto, I returned to my backbreaking warehouse job – until I could figure out who I am and what my place in this world may be. Working this job taught me how to squash my ego and that nothing is beneath me. After spending months flinging ice cream around in a freezer, I came to one conclusion: this isn’t me. I walked off the job and drove straight to Parkside to register for school in the fall to finish my bachelors. I still didn’t know what I wanted in life, but I knew what the alternative was if I didn’t figure it out. Finishing up the end of my first semester back with the highest GPA I’ve had since my first semester 5 years ago, I’m starting to shake the rust off and find some footing. I may not know exactly where I’m heading this year, but after reflecting on a mundane year, I know what direction I want to go. I want to take a moment to show some love and appreciation to those who are closest to me (you all know who you are). You all inspire me to do better and prove to myself – and you, that we’re all in this together on this crazy train called life.

2019 is going to be about living unapologetically me, and I dare you to get in my way.