Here I am.
Lounging on my brown suede love-seat, with my petite tablet resting unsteadily on my crossed legs. I'm being hugged by my fuzzy robe, because let's face it, I'm alone. But it's not a lonely alone. It's an alone that is much needed. Having time alone was never something I thought I'd cherish before college. But I'm never not alone, and that thought alone, is enough to cherish the time I do get alone.
This time by myself is what gets me back on my feet. This is the time I get to reflect on the time when I'm not alone. I, like a majority of the population, like company. I like having my roommate, best friend, here to decide what movie to watch, what to eat, or just to chat about life with. And that I cherish. But without this time alone, I forget what it means to have those relationships. I forget that as much as being alone is necessary, having a support system is also necessary.
Not only is this a time to reflect on the important people in my life, but it's a time to reflect on me. This alone time is me time. It just so happens that this me time falls at the beginning of the year. I get to analyze what I did right the previous year. What I did wrong. What I want to improve. What I want to change. I get to think about what I want to be in the new year. I get to focus on myself and decide how I can become a better me. As cliche as that sounds, I love that I get just a few seconds where I'm not overly stressed about school or work or my social life. I get a few seconds where I can take a deep breath and say this is who I am, this is what I've done, and this is where I'm going.
That's not to say that I'm not stress-free during this time. And that's not to say I'm not busy. Because lord knows, I'm the busiest I've ever been. I'm working full time (7:30am-5:30pm) every day of the week. And I'm taking a night class every day of the week (6:30pm-9:30pm). That leaves 9:30-11:30 for homework. I'm busy.
But it's been a week and I'm still alive. I'm working towards what I want the most. I'm saving money to go to Italy this summer after graduation. And that's why I'm taking a class. So I can actually graduate. That's a year early. I don't say this to boast, because I don't think it's even boast worthy. I say it because it's what my future looks like. It's my reality, and it's not better than anyone else's.
Ultimately this is what my life is for the rest of the month of January. I don't know what the rest of 2017 entails, but I know I have this time to think about it. To plan for it. I'm taking my final CSET on Monday. The last test of a set of three that will get me to my teaching credential.
2016 was one of the most amazing experiences. I'll highlight just a few...
- I passed my first and second CSET
- I kept up my grades and am on the Deans Honor Roll
- I went to the superbowl
- I made some of the most amazing friends
- I WENT TO IRELAND (and met SO many amazing people)
- I visited my big and grandbig in LA
- I got TWO amazing littles
- I still have the most amazing best friend (who is also my roomie)
- I've stayed in contact with most of my high-school best friends
- I got closer to my brother
- I developed a new sense of appreciation for my parents (and love them dearly)
- I became the president of PAWS (an animal club on campus)
- I worked at the preschool as much as possible (and love how they've become like a second family to me)
- I'm happy
But in 2017 I plan for more.
- I plan to graduate in May
- I plan to go to Italy this summer
- I plan to get a teaching job
- I plan to make more time for myself
- I plan to stay healthy and get over my own health issues
- I plan to travel more
- I plan to continue the relationships I've made
- I PLAN TO HAVE THE MOST EXCITING 21ST BIRTHDAY ;)
There are exciting times ahead, and even though right now is comprised of work and school, I'm happy. I'm happy to have time to blog. To read for fun. To reinvest in my motivation. To set goals for myself and to achieve them.
Here's to 2017, may it be the best year yet.
Thanks for reading! Leave me questions or comments if you have any. :)
