reflection

Wow! It's hard to believe all that I have endured over the past year, changes that I have made, and what lies ahead in my future.

I am just completing my first year in college, having earned good enough grades to be on the Dean's list and a member of two honor societies. It has taken dedication and hard work (some classes more than others!), but it is paying off. Who knew? Me? Really? I had NO IDEA I was capable, or dare I say, "smart enough" to be doing as well as I have done, and continue to do. I have surprised myself! Now that I know I can, it adds pressure to keep it up, no matter what the class is, and to seek help when needed.

Changing careers at this stage in my life, was not something I was looking to do, but something that was necessary. Although, I loved what I was doing everyday - painting, it was taking its toll on my body. I do like waking up everyday pain-free! I can walk standing up, not hunched over, I get around much easier, and am more active because of it. Now if I can just get the rest of the weight off! That is the next step. I need to get back to the gym!

I will not go into all the person things that have transpired in my life over the last year, but it has left my contemplative, reflective, and cautious. I think about myself more now and how things will affect me, instead of just going along with everything and everyone. I've re-learned that I can stand on my own, and know that I will not only be fine and survive, but that I can thrive! I have an amazing support system from friends near and far, new and some who have endured the test of time with me. Some have been my friend since we were five. I love them and thank them all for being there.

It's hard to believe that next year this time I will be graduating from the local community college with an associates degree and will be transferring to a university to complete the bachelor's degree. I am already contemplating continuing my education to get my masters degree. I know my strengths and weaknesses and am thinking of teaching at the collegiate level. Of course I still want to finish writing some books I started many years ago, and have several in my head that I want to write, as well.

I am starting to embrace the future and all the possibilities that lie ahead, many of which are unknown to me at this time. I wonder what I will post next year this time and how my life will change between now and then?

Until next time, I will continue to work on that bucket list, marking things off and embracing each day - challenges and all!

Minetta