A Year in Review; Lessons Learned

Almost exactly a year ago, I made the decision to move here to Utah.  I did not  want to leave my family.  I did not  want to leave the friends I'd made over the three and a half years I'd lived in Austin.  I cried all the way home from my last day of work there... but now looking back (even though I still miss all those Texans sooo much), I would do the whole dang thing over again.

'Cause I've learned some pretty impactful lessons in the last year;

1. An upheaval of your entire life can actually be the best decision you ever make.  Sometimes following impressions to make even what seems like the least logical decision (like moving to Provo, Utah as an unemployed, single, 25 year old...) can be the greatest thing you've ever done.

2. The best way to take a road trip (for example, one from Texas to Utah), is to listen to the Harry Potter books on CD.  I was so engrossed in them, that even after my 20 hour road trip, I was not ready to stop driving; I wanted to keep listening so bad!

3. People in Utah are pretty darn awesome.  Well, shoot. #mythBUSTED

4. Dating in Utah is practically an Olympic sport.

5. I absolutely love  to love people.  There is no better feeling.  Human beings are decidedly fantastic, and it is glorious to acknowledge their substance, magnificence, and brilliance.

6. Kids are the most superior version of people.  I've met a whole bunch of kids this last year, and they're just the best.  No matter what physical, mental, emotional, or circumstantial obstacles are put in their way, they refuse to let it get the best of them.

7. I have embarrassingly wimpy upper body strength.  I did like 7 assisted pull ups at the gym once, and honestly could not straighten my arms for the rest of the week.  I've gone back to my yoga poses on strength training days for the time being...

8. The best type of patience is a proactive one.  It's surprising how having to wait for something, starts a fire under your butt to be exceptionally enthusiastic about what you are currently involved in.

10. I hate the snow, but spring and summer up north are breathtaking and inspiring!

11. No matter how old I get, or how old they get, or if we live thousands of miles apart, I will always take the role of "oldest sister" very seriously with my siblings.  Sorry cute brothers and sisters; I will keep telling you how cute you are and giving you embarrassing hugs and smooches... or  telling you when you're being dumb when you need to hear it... probably for the rest of my life.  Love ya!

13. Watching "What's Up Doc?" can turn my worst days right around.  Also, I'm not sure I'll ever lose my aspirations to be Barbara Streisand.

14. I am addicted to sticky notes, note cards, and my planner.

15. Giving in to joining Pinterest was simultaneously one of the best, and worst decisions I've ever made.



Grateful for:  Decisions to make!