My Family, My Friends, My Work, and My Faith.

I’ll admit…I’ve slacked lately on the personal posts. But suprisingly enough, these past few weeks have been absolutely amazing! Granted, like anyone…I’ve had some rough times recently yet I’ve always come back to being thankful.

Seriously, life is crazy. But not the crazy…mad crazy, like wonderful crazy! Just think…here we are, all of these people, on this earth with a million/gazillion (<–I think that’s a word) ideas, thoughts, feelings, emotions, stories, and dreams. Yet, together we make these incredible interactions, we develop relationships and we affect each other.

My Family.

In the past few weeks, I have really been taking time to appreciate things. I’ve been appreciating my family…WOW. TOTALLY…don’t deserve such amazing and inspiring people in my life. My oldest brother inspires me with his humor and ability to take life in stride…to always find things to laugh about. My other brother and his wife are in the process of opening an orthodontics office and I’m just blown away by their ambition and determination to make their life their own. My parents, where do I start? They’re the most loving, genuine…and supportive parents possible. Through the ups and downs, I truly believe that God couldn’t have given me anyone better to follow.

My friends.

I think this is the time of our lives where we figure out who we are. We’re making big decisions, taking big risks and starting the lives that we have always hoped and dreamed of. Sometimes, things are great and sometimes they’re hard. But it’s sooo wonderful to see everyone taking their own paths. I’m not gonna lie, I used to have difficulty with change. I hated when people moved, or met new friends, or changed in any way. I think it’s because I had a hard time making my own moves. Now…I am on my own journey. 🙂 I am making moves and strides in my own life and am not only appreciating others growth but being inspired by it. In the past few months my best friends have opened businesses, moved to places they’ve always wanted to be, and even turned away from paths that weren’t what they wanted in life. FOR REALZ. You guys truly amaze me and I’m lucky to have such wonderful, kind, thoughtful, and considerate people in my life.

There are also others that I’ve learned to just enjoy time with…without expectation. 🙂 Just pleasant surprises!

My Work.

I mean…really?! Is this my life? I wouldn’t go as far as to say that I was MISERABLE in architecture school, but there was always a part of me that felt like I didn’t “fit” or it wasn’t where I was supposed to be. And now, I feel FREE. I feel happy and I SOOOO privileged. I wake up in the mornings and still can’t believe that every day is a new opportunity for me. I’m able to grow, to challenge myself, to learn, and to reach goals (my OWN goals!) And it feels amazing. I am so thankful for this chance to be a part of so many wonderful peoples’ lives, documenting and witnessing so much love, variety, and unique relationships. It has opened my eyes to all kinds of relationships and made me realize what life is REALLY about.

My Faith.

At a very young age, I came to know God. And now, for some reason….at this point in my life I am more aware than ever of him working in my life. I know that he has a plan for me and that he loves me. Just like any relationship, I feel like it has grow and changed and I am just thankful for my faith and for the ability for God to lead me to where I need to be.

I know this post was longer than normal…but so many things have been happening SO quickly lately that I KNEW I needed to just S.T.O.P. and appreciate. I love to blog because I can always look back and remember. So, here’s to remembering this feeling: This feeling of PURE happiness and gratitude. Yes…there will be bad days. But it’s ALL good. Because those days are what make me appreciate this feeling, this deep inner emotion of bliss because I’m pushing through.