Here’s To 2008

It’s a beautiful day on the mountain–the sun is out and the weather is breezy. It’s my last “day off,” but I am really excited to be going back to school Sunday. I know it is my last semester at Piedmont, but it doesn’t feel like it. I think it’ll be a good semester, though, since I’m taking a few hours less than my 20+ norm. I plan to use some of my free time to work on my senior work, and also to visit departments.

The next few months will be exciting, stressful, happy, and sad. I hope that I can truly enjoy every moment since these will be the last before my next transition. I know I’m an “adult,” but I don’t really feel like it and I don’t know when I will. Sometimes the details of everyday life get in my way and can become slightly overwhelming, such as thinking about where I’ll live, how I’ll pay rent, or if I’ll have a “real job” someday. It’s kind of a scary feeling because I know that I should feel prepared and with it, but, many times, I lack confidence when reality comes knocking. I know that it is just something I need to work on, and I plan to work on many of these things in 2008. I will probably be teaching next fall and I need to be confident, not only for myself, but for those that I will have the chance to reach through my job. I will have others looking to me for guidance and leadership, and I need to believe in myself before they can believe in me.

I don’t know when or if I’ll ever feel “adult” and “with it,” but I am a work in progress. There isn’t a day that goes by that I’m not molded or changed in some slight way by those around me, and I need to be thankful that my life it so terribly sweet and good. I have a wonderful family, quirky though they may be, and great friends. I have all of the material luxuries that a girl can dream of, and so much more than I’ll ever deserve.

I think my biggest goal in 2008 is to become a more grateful and loving person. And also to feel more comfortable in my own skin. I try to remain humble by playing down my accomplishments, but I now realize that I can be proud of my past without being boastful. I have definitely done my share of work (there, I said it), but I have also had the most amazing supporting cast in the world. I see my accomplishments not as just my own, but also as a product of my parents’ love, my family’s support, my professors’ patience, and Jeremy’s faith in me. I believe that God has His own reasons for all things that occur in my life and that I should learn, grow, and evolve with every triumph and defeat. He has given me so very much, and I know that He expects much from me in this life. I am only human, and I will always be flawed, but I can use my faith to become more for Him.

I look forward to 2008 as a year of laughter, learning, and as an opportunity to grow in my faith. I want to keep my attitude positive despite challenging circumstances, which will be a challenge in and of itself since I am prone to melancholia and depression. But I know that I am strong, that I’ve got some great people working on my side (The Big Guy included), and I should cling to this like a lifeline.

Here’s to 2008.