Full of Blessings

    

     If this weekend were to be summed up in one word, it would be blessings! I am definitely a Glass that lives a life full of countless blessings. At this time in my life, I have come to learn exactly how blessed I am. Yesterday, my parents threw my brother and I a wonderful party to celebrate graduation. Graduating high school is a big change, it is the turning of page in the book of our lives; the ending of one chapter and the beginning of the next. Graduating and moving on from high school can be a very scary times, but it doesn't have to be. It isn't scary at all when I count my blessings.

     Yesterday's party showed me just how blessed I am, when all of my closest friends and family came to support David and I. I was touched by the amount of cards and handmade gifts and letters that I received. It means so much to me to know that I have such a great network of supporters who will be praying for me and rooting for my success as I take on life as a Wittenberg student (and athlete... surprise!)
     This weekend was a time to celebrate our high school achievements, and prepare for even greater ones in college. It seems like the past few months have been endless motion, and continuous stress. Now, it's time to enjoy the ride, the blessings of past and present. Yesterday was a great time to let loose and to enjoy food, family, and friends (the three greatest Fs). The support and love of these wonderful people is perhaps the greatest blessing. The presence of loved ones is an incredible mood booster, almost as great as dancing!

 

     So the main lesson learned through this wonderful, fun experience was this: the future is scary, but it's unavoidable. When life seems to overwhelm you, don't let it. Take a second to count your blessings. Throw a party! Dance a lot, sing a lot, laugh a lot! Oh... and don't forget to eat candy :). Life is short, make the most of it, and fill it with happiness and joy!

 

Yesterday's candy bar, courtesy of my incredible creative mother :). Big thank you to all of my teachers, coaches, family, and friends who have loved and supported me throughout my high school adventure! YOU are a blessing to me!



The Courage of a Dreamer

    I've always been what most people would call a "glass half full" kind of girl, so it seems only fitting that my first blog be a reflection of the personality trait that makes me who I am. Through this blog, I will share all of the things this Glass is full of: happiness, energy, drive, humor, fun, and many adventures.
     The first thing that fills my life? Dreams. This year has been a crash course for me in achieving my wildest dreams, and I can't think of a greater feeling than doing just that. I've always heard that if your dreams don't scare you, they're not big enough. Last Spring, I decided I'd chase a terrifying dream, and I chased that dream 26.2 miles on May 5th, when I completed my first marathon at the age of 17.

     No, the picture above is not a picture of me finishing the Flying Pig. It is a picure of me finishing my first 5k race three years ago. There's an old Chinese proverb that says "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." While I didn't know it three years ago, that first 5k was the step I needed to make it to the finish line of my first marathon. The quickest way to achieving your goals is to just get started. Don't talk back. Don't worry. Don't think about it too much. Just go out and take one step towards achieving your goals, and the rest will fall into place. You may fail once or twice. You may get hurt or scared or upset, but along the way you'll discover yourself and you'll dream up dreams bigger than what you thought you could ever achieve.
    Notice one thing about the picture above: I am the only one on that track. Sometimes, when you have a dream, you have to start chasing that dream alone. As you continue to step closer and closer to your dream, you'll pick up more supporters. It's up to you to decide if your goal is worth it, and get started. If you hop into it with drive, with passion, and with a positive attitude, the people around you will be inspired. They will believe in you and support you.

 

     Now THIS picture is after I finished the Flying Pig. Sure, I look a lot worse for the wear than I did at the end of that first 5k. But what's different about this picture? I am not alone. My best friend is by my side. I started training by myself, and I started the race by myself, but in mile 21 when the pain was almost more than I could bear, I had a friend who was willing to jump in and stay by my side until the finish. Dreams like mine aren't achieved alone. No one can run 26.2 miles without knowing they have an awesome support system rooting for their success. So find your goal, get started, and gather your support! Start chasing all of your dreams, and know that when the waters get rough, there will always be someone willing to throw you a raft, or jump in with you and fight the storm.