2nd Annual Emily New Year
Welcome to the second annual anniversary of "Emily New Year". When we first met a year ago, I was in the middle of figuring out what transpired the year before, and how my life has changed. As much as it would seem, this is not a April Fools Joke, it's just that this is when my new year happens to fall.
And so it leads me to think of the Shawn Colvin song, "One Small Year". :) It's amazing how quickly a year can go by. It seems like only yesterday that it was April 1st.
Life has certainly had it's ups and downs. I've come to think of my life as a rollercoaster, because it certainly has it's share of twists and turns. There were small hills and excitements throughout the spring into summer, which were certainly exciting. There was a high from September to October, until there was a sudden, crashing downslope at the end of October and turn of events. From there it was a slow build up to January and the rollercoaster of life was exciting again. But then like all good things, the bottom falls out again, and I'm left wondering what else my life will throw at me. I wish I knew what to expect anymore. But I guess that's the fun of it.
I can't believe I'm in my second year of teaching - there are days where I can't stand it, and days I love it. But I think it's something I'm going to stick with -- I better, with all the tuition money I've spent!
I've definitely solidified some of my previous friendships and founded new ones. I've come to rely on my friends so much - as a sounding board, as a listening ear, and as people to have fun with. I have the best friends in the world, and I wouldn't trade them for the world. I'm disappointed that one of my closest friends from the past year is moving away, but it just gives me more excuses to road trip. I've also offered the olive branch for a few friendships that have fallen by the wayside, and am waiting for the olive branch to be extended back. It's only a matter of time, I hope.
And outside of all of this, like last year, I know I've grown as a person. I've grown up more, gained a new sense of self, and have gained more self-esteem. While I still have issues (like everyone else), I'd like to think if I met my 22 year old self when I graduated, I would not be the same person. There are the physical changes of cutting my hair short, and now wearing glasses instead of my contacts all the time. There's the keeping off some weight, and always striving to lose more. However, I'd like to think I've gained patience, wisdom, love and understanding. I'd like to think I've also gained grace, perseverence and satisfaction.
I'm worried that this year will being my "quarterlife crisis" even more into full swing. I think it's already started, but to keep on the earlier rollercoaster metaphor, I might as well enjoy the ride.
I know this is fractured and splintered, but things needed to be said.
So once again, it definitely hasn't seemed like a year in the sense of growth - it's been a very small year. April has snuck up on me, but it's been good that I haven't been dwelling about another year, and another chapter starting in my life. I'm happy about this. It's been an educational year, and I'm only hoping the next year will work out just as well.
So, make a toast.
Happy New Year.
And so it leads me to think of the Shawn Colvin song, "One Small Year". :) It's amazing how quickly a year can go by. It seems like only yesterday that it was April 1st.
Life has certainly had it's ups and downs. I've come to think of my life as a rollercoaster, because it certainly has it's share of twists and turns. There were small hills and excitements throughout the spring into summer, which were certainly exciting. There was a high from September to October, until there was a sudden, crashing downslope at the end of October and turn of events. From there it was a slow build up to January and the rollercoaster of life was exciting again. But then like all good things, the bottom falls out again, and I'm left wondering what else my life will throw at me. I wish I knew what to expect anymore. But I guess that's the fun of it.
I can't believe I'm in my second year of teaching - there are days where I can't stand it, and days I love it. But I think it's something I'm going to stick with -- I better, with all the tuition money I've spent!
I've definitely solidified some of my previous friendships and founded new ones. I've come to rely on my friends so much - as a sounding board, as a listening ear, and as people to have fun with. I have the best friends in the world, and I wouldn't trade them for the world. I'm disappointed that one of my closest friends from the past year is moving away, but it just gives me more excuses to road trip. I've also offered the olive branch for a few friendships that have fallen by the wayside, and am waiting for the olive branch to be extended back. It's only a matter of time, I hope.
And outside of all of this, like last year, I know I've grown as a person. I've grown up more, gained a new sense of self, and have gained more self-esteem. While I still have issues (like everyone else), I'd like to think if I met my 22 year old self when I graduated, I would not be the same person. There are the physical changes of cutting my hair short, and now wearing glasses instead of my contacts all the time. There's the keeping off some weight, and always striving to lose more. However, I'd like to think I've gained patience, wisdom, love and understanding. I'd like to think I've also gained grace, perseverence and satisfaction.
I'm worried that this year will being my "quarterlife crisis" even more into full swing. I think it's already started, but to keep on the earlier rollercoaster metaphor, I might as well enjoy the ride.
I know this is fractured and splintered, but things needed to be said.
So once again, it definitely hasn't seemed like a year in the sense of growth - it's been a very small year. April has snuck up on me, but it's been good that I haven't been dwelling about another year, and another chapter starting in my life. I'm happy about this. It's been an educational year, and I'm only hoping the next year will work out just as well.
So, make a toast.
Happy New Year.