1. Gratitude- A word that I hope to put into action every day.
An action that I hope other's feel in my presence.
A feeling I hold so deeply and give out so freely.
A gift that I am, in and of itself, grateful for.
Going to Santa Monica Pier today, exactly a year since the first time I'd been, I
was overwhelmed with gratitude. While my company was different, it was in no way
less meaningful. The weather was warmer, but in no way was last year less beautiful.
The Pier was just as crowded, I (completely coincidentally) brought the same exact
food to picnic with, and my smile was just as true. The reason I was there was still the
same... to enjoy life to the fullest; and the reason I was enjoying life is all in thanks to
the same people with the addition of a few more.
One year ago I was celebrating the life that I had found for myself in the heart and
soul of California as my final goodbye (or so I thought in that moment). Did I want to
leave? Absolutely not. But it came time to prove that I wasn't running away from
fears, rather that I was truly ready to begin again in the place that I came to love. On
the same day that I said goodbye last year, someone close to my heart told me that I'd
be back in a way I least expect... and by all means, she was right.
Today I'm back home and I'm staying. I wouldn't change a single thing about the past
year as up and down and left and right as it was because I ended up exactly where I
am meant to be in this moment. There's nothing I'm more grateful for than that.
2. To bring light to the path that has led me to the same place I was on this very day
twelve months ago, I think it's justified to list the twelve things that period of time has
made me most grateful for...
1. The unconditional, unwavering, unrelenting love I've received.
Forget about physics, love is what makes the world go
'round. Personally, my world is fueled by the love I carry, which could be nonexistent
if it weren't for the love of others. The reason my goal is to "spread the love" is to give
back what people gave to me, while continuing to hold my own. Love is being
annoyed to no end by someone but still having just as much space for them in your
heart at the end of the day. 💜
2. Facing fears.
What I got out of it? A new passion, a chance to live where I love, many lessons
learned, a soft spot for burritos, a full time job, and a voice.
3. Curiosity.
In my mind, it's the one value I never fully lost sight of. Regardless of the direction
that each day took me, I remained curious as to where I would end up next. I
remembered in most instances (usually after some initial reluctance) that you never
know until you try. I couldn't be more grateful for giving each day a fair chance.
4. The Bachelor.
… making all of my bad days better and all of my relaxing days more dramatic
circa Chris Soules' season. But really, I appreciate having something to catch up on
and a beautiful mansion to drive past every so often. I can only hope I find that
someone who will jump a fence for me (@Colton).
5. Family.
From my biological roots to the ones I've added along the way, I'm so grateful for
the people who not only make me the person I'm becoming but also for their ability to
accept the craziness. I'm no walk-in-the-park, and to those of you who know that from
3. experience, I love you endlessly. You'll always be a part of the Ohana � . (and bless
your soul lol I'm a wreck sometimes)
6. Reconnecting with Faith.
This one comes with two meanings: First, I'm grateful to have had the opportunity
to connect with my personal beliefs after letting my focus drift for years. Some of the
best, most eye opening days this past year were the ones spent singing and praying
alongside people who share in that faith with me (you know who you are!). Second,
finding faith in the process that I endure because I've seen others do the same. There
are so many people in this world going through a struggle, hidden or apparent, but
they find the faith to fight. They see the light at the end of the tunnel and have given
me the strength to hop on board. Thank you.
7. Change.
It's the one thing I can say I dread the most but don't regret in the slightest. Change
is the only constant, and I wouldn't be standing where I am today (literally) without it.
Although I'm standing in the exact same place, oh so much as changed in order for me
to get there. Accepting that change is, in a sense, loss --- as it is losing routine --- I'm
ambivalent to it every time; that's when #3 comes in to save the day 😉.
4. 8. Writing.
More so grateful for the people who read and/ or hear my words, but nonetheless for
the artistic form of getting my jumbled up thoughts out on paper. Writing has
connected me to new people, it has made my voice louder, and most importantly it has
connected me to myself. A journal entry a day keeps the doctor away... well not
exactly, but they do encourage it. 😁
9. Cooking.
The creativity that lies within this art is something I've known for a long time, but
never gave myself the chance to explore. Coming from the girl who won the Most
Creative superlative as a preschool graduate (my most prized possession) it may
sound hard to believe that it took me so long to throw flavors together into some form
of beautiful disaster, but there's no better time than the present! My favorite part about
cooking is the joy I see on people's faces after they take a bite, and knowing I could
bring that smile to their face.
10. Fresh Starts.
My bud says it best, every day is a new opportunity to take a step forward. The
good, the bad, and the ugly alike, all days are steps in the right direction as long as
you see them as opportunities for growth. "It'll be, better than before. Yesterday's
gone, yesterday's gone." Who said it best, Fleetwood Mac or my best friend?
11. Football.
5. Sure Oklahoma lost in the college football playoffs, but you know best I was
ringing in the new year with football on the beach. Football taught me that I can only
control, well, what I am in control of... and I wasn't about to let an(other) Orange
Bowl loss set me up for a year of losses. Playing two- hand- touch- turned- tackle with
my favorite people on New Year's Day? I'll count that as a win.
12. Fate.
I'll keep this short and sweet: it brought two people back together who met in the
least likely of ways to begin with. Don't mess with the flow of life, it knows what it's
doing. 💙
This life is so good. The people that are in it, even better. The opportunities that lie
ahead? I cannot wait to find out.
Be grateful for your days.
Be curious.
