So my sister Jenna has inspired me to start writing on here again. I signed on and realized the last time I posted was OVER A YEAR AGO.
As I read the post I realized how much I have learned and grown in the last year and a half. I've had some of MY biggest life defining moments during that time.
I joked with some friends last night that I should write a book. I feel so inspired lately. I haven't seen them in several months and I began to tell them how I wasn't the same person. I have learned SOOO much (I realize I keep repeating that). I absolutely hurt going through some of the things I did but I cannot say definitively enough that I am so very grateful for everything I went through. I am not the same person. I am so much better for the things I have learned. And I've never been so happy.
Here are a few of the thing I have learned:
1. I REALLY like me. I know that sounds weird and/or conceited. But I had lost sight of who I was over the last few years. I am really an amazing person. I'm comfortable in my own skin and I've had so many comments from people who have known me over the years that they've noticed my glow is back. I LOVE that. I am social. I am involved. I am friendly. I am confident. I am goofy and funny and pretty dang hysterical. And just pretty :)
2. I can do hard things. I mean this with trials but I also mean this with my running. I have run two half marathons since I last wrote. My dad challenged me to run one and I worked my butt off and ran my first half last June. It was one of the most spiritual experiences I have ever had. I cried at the finish line seeing the people who loved me cheering me on. I ran my second one with my sister Rachel in DC in March. It was a great sister moment for us.
3. Life is hard! We all go through things. But guess what...if you're going through something hard you have two choices: have a negative attitude (which just adds to the crappy situation) or be happy and positive and make the situation at least a little better! I have been amazed at the power of good thoughts. Now...I am about as real as it gets. I am NOT suggesting that you don't have days when you just think "I CANNOT do this anymore" but give yourself some time and then get up and move on.
4. We are given trials and experiences to help those around us. We can take two things with us when we leave this life and one of them are our relationships. We should constantly be looking out and lifting those around us. I have been amazed at how many people I have helped by sharing lessons that I've learned in the last year. I'm not saying you share all the personal details. But listen to the spirit and ask the right questions and share the right amount and you're bringing hope to others.
5. Find time to do stuff for YOU. Maybe this doesn't apply to everyone. But I have found that I am happier as I pursue worthwhile things that interest me. I think forgetting this resulted in me losing sight of who I was for so long. I love my running. I love reading. I love cooking. I love gardening. I love trying new things and have done a LOT of that recently.
At the end of this past year and a half...I look back at March 2012 Carly and I think...wow girl. You are gonna cry harder than you knew possible. You're going to be uncomfortable. You're going to pray like crazy to get through certain situations or days. But man...given the right attitude you are going to rock it. And you are gonna LOVE who you are on August 26, 2013.
Here's to more of those uncomfortable defining moments. I hope I have many more to come :)
