This past week was extremely busy! Fall semester was winding down and finals were on everyone's minds. End-of-the-year deadlines are swamping us at work, and lately everyone seems to run on caffeine and Christmas cookies. I think sometimes that I get so caught up in what is happening in a single moment and stress about what has to be done, that I forget to appreciate what has been accomplished.
In just a couple of weeks, we'll be bidding farewell to 2014. As much as I know that there is so much more for me to go out and do, I feel that this year has been my most productive, challenging, and eye-opening yet.The two biggest stresses I had this year were work and my decision to go back to school full-time. It was tough to balance everything, not to mention everything that had to be done at home and provided for a very loving but demanding four-year-old. It drains a lot out of you; it really does. And, sometimes you wonder just why you decided to take up everything in the first place. This past week, I realized that I could just say no. The best part? Everyone was okay with it. It was like they had been waiting for me to say no to a project, put something on hold, or just take a break.
I think the decision to go back and finish my degree is one of the most pivotal choices I've made. It's really opened my mind up to the possibilities that I never thought of career-wise. In a way, I feel rejuvenated and more motivated to finally finish what I've started and to go for my dreams. Corny, I know, but there is something about being surrounded by people who dream the same dream and are willing to help you accomplish it with them.
I'm lucky and so grateful to go to a university that isn't just filled with fresh high school grads embarking on the college experience. Instead, I've met actual peers my age who've gone through the real, true, and even cruel realities that this world has. It has been a tremendous source of encouragement for me to be able to share our experiences as we end the same unfinished chapter of our lives.Even with all of the craziness happening at school and work, I am so thankful I had the opportunity to travel throughout the west coast this year. It was a good way to destress and take myself away from the office and campus (Yes, I took my homework with me). Even if I was still obligated to do some work while I was away, it was nice to be able to do it at my own pace and with knowing that after I submitted whatever was due that day, I could lay out in the sun for the rest of the day. It was also nice that I had a few trips where I traveled alone. There's a lot that you can learn about yourself when you're traveling alone and having that time to yourself in a different city where you have anonymity.
All in all, this year has been an absolute dream. I feel like I've learned how to take a stand and really make decisions for myself, by myself.
Here's to 2014.
L to R: Entrance to my university's student union (AKA my second home); the view from my office; obligatory photo of airplane wing to show my Instagram followers that I'm traveling ;)
TLDR?
Basically, I stressed out about school and work, still feel grateful for it, and glad I got to travel this year.
A GRATEFUL HEART LINK-UP WITH EMILY (EMBER GREY)