Another beautiful year...

Tell me it's been a year and I'll tell you to get lost. A year to the date, and possibly to the minute, that I watched the sun set on a beautiful chapter. Where I sit now is significantly more beautiful than my surroundings during that time. Not necessarily visually, although that does play a huge part. Mentally, I sit here a new woman. Notice the ease of which I use this "w" word, like I own it. That's right. No more of this girl crap; life has finally given me the 'okay' to proudly call myself a woman. However, I've only taken the responsibilities that come with the word and have left behind the image of a conventional 'woman'. You know, always properly put together, always scheduling plans, and always...I don't know...baking. In fact, I've taken the responsibilities and the strength that come with being a woman. Most of my other qualities seem to still fall under 'girl' and you know what, I might just keep it that way for awhile. Or forever. I'm not sure that I'll ever be able to give up my ability to act like a young girl. And since no one will ever take that from me, I will just keep it tucked safely in my pocket. This "w" word has also given me better posture; I will say that. Suddenly I'm walking taller, speaking clearer, and thinking purer. So thank you, past year of my life, for bringing me to this new state where I now sit...this time watching the sun rise on my new life.

What can really happen in a year? This year that seemed to zoom past so quickly. It's hard to believe that anything actually happened. You mean I wasn't just sitting on my couch sipping coffee, watching it fly by? Apparently not. But that is what I am doing now. Letting a year's worth of life sail in front of me, taking note of the significant days, weeks, months. There are too many to count and certainly too many to write about. From the lowest to the highest, and every little detail in between. A sad goodbye to my best canine friend and a warm hello to the little person that calls me Auntie. A huge accomplishment as I crossed the education finish line, and a monotonous two months full of love as I tried so hard to put that success to good use. Monotony was followed by thrill as I made another huge leap...this time, with the man I call my best friend. From skyscrapers to silos, and back again. This leap was followed by nearly two months that would laugh at the word 'monotonous'. Instead, the word 'exhilarating' is embraced and used on a daily basis. 

After all, isn't that what life should be...exhilarating? Whether it's a small moment in your day, or a huge feat in your life. There should always be time to simply step back and say, "Wow". 

Which is what I am doing now...and will most likely do tomorrow. 

After a year, I still enjoy a warm cup of coffee in my hand.
And smiling...I enjoy that, too.