trick candles

So, I turn 26 years old in about a week. I am getting old. I know, I know, you say, it’s just 26, but really, I have lived for almost 26 years of life. That is amazing to me. As I near a birthday I always like to review the past year and rejoice in the joys, sorrows, failures, and successes. In the past year of life, I started and completed my second year of graduate school and thereby, graduate school as a whole. This marks 19 years of study to become an educated individual. I passed my licensure exam making me a licensed graduated social worker. An LGSW people! I have just started a full time job as a counselor at Bradford Health. Woah. This attests to the fact that I am, as I like to call myself, a normal, functioning, contributing member of society. Cheers!

In the past year, I broke my ankle by tripping on a pinecone while trying to become a runner. I am, ahem, no longer running towards that goal. I then spent the next two weeks hobbling around on a black ankle that I tried to convince myself and the world wasn’t broken just so I could ski for one day and hurt more than I thought a little ankle could hurt. I then spent the next three months in a lovely black boot autographed by my nephews in sparkly permanent markers.

In the past year, I met Brigid, my little sister through Big Brothers Big Sisters. We are just crazy about each other. I love her and her family. She has blessed my life beyond anything I have done for her.

In the past year, I did individual counseling with several people. They inspired me, assured me that I am in the right field, tested me, and taught me to be patient with myself. Hopefully, their healing continues even now.

In the past year, I joined the Church of Brook Hills. I feel truly blessed by this church. I have never craved worship like I do now. I long for Sunday morning.

In the past year, I said a painful goodbye and patiently and impatiently let my heart heal. I was then surprised by a glorious hello.

In the past year, I was reminded over and over again that God keeps His promises, every single time.

In the past year, I learned that there are more things I want to do, more people I want to know, more books I want to read, more places I want to travel, more hobbies I want to enjoy than I will ever have time for. I have to be selective in my interests.

In the past year, I learned that nothing terrible happens if you change your mind.

In the past year, I learned that I cannot keep everyone happy. Impossible.

In the past year, I have become sick of the presidential election process.

In the past year, I have learned that not every battle needs to be fought.

In the past year, I have learned that my emotions are real and deserve attention whether I think they are fair or right or silly.

In the past year, I have been reminded that life is a mere circle of joy and suffering.

In the past year, I have been reminded that there are few things more powerful than an apology, laughter, a good cry, and a good night's sleep.

In the past year, I learned that it's not selfish to take care of myself first. It is however, extremely difficult and takes time and energy and a good "no" every now and again.

In the past year, I learned that I can make a living doing the very thing I want and was called to do. God is faithful.

In the past year, I learned.