Not only is it not fair to myself, but constantly comparing myself to others is exhausting. Not to mention inaccurate. Frankly, I've led a pretty damn good life thus far, and have already accomplished and experienced so many things. Since I'm currently in a really great mood, I have decided to come up with my checklist of why my life is already awesome. So when I'm in a salty mood, I can come here and give myself a reality check. This is for me to remember that just because I may not be exactly where I want to be in my life right now, I've already gotten pretty far. And this just proves that since I know I've accomplished this much, I have plenty of years ahead of me to accomplish everything else I want to.
- I've gotten to do a decent amount of traveling, and mostly because of school. I've already visited:
- Memphis, Birmingham, Selma, Montgomery and Atlanta on a Civil Rights Pilgrimage. I learned more on that trip than all my years of schooling and got phenomenal, once in a life-time first-hand accounts of the Civil Rights Movement.
- Oklahoma City on a week-long Habitat for Humanity trip. This week was so rewarding and gave a lot of things a new perspective.
- Hawaii, which was by far the most gorgeous place I have seen so far. Absolute paradise
- New York City, Washington DC and Chicago
- I've been to music festivals like Rock Fest and Summerfest on multiple occasions, which allowed me to see countless concerts and try new foods.
- I've been able to see my top five favorite bands, most of them on multiple occasions.
- Actually, I've been to quite a few concerts in general
- I've known I'm a writer since the third grade. I didn't have to struggle with a major or focus in school. I already knew.
- I graduated with my Bachelor's in Writing with a Women's Studies minor in four years and with honors.
- I've gained a lot of confidence in the last few years.
- Although my self-esteem has been shit for the better half of my life, it's building. I'm learning to appreciate and respect myself. A big part of that has come from encouragement from the wonderful people around me. I'm gaining confidence in my abilities and am learning there are some things I am really damn good at. And it's ok to say it.
- Speaking of people surrounding me, I have the very best friends I could ever ask for. And I'm pretty sure they're better than yours. Even though my closest friends are the farthest away, I know that they are only a call or text away if I need them. Even if I just need a good laugh, I can count on them.
- I found the love of my life at a relatively young age.
- When my scumbag ex cheated on me and therefore ended our engagement, I didn't think I would ever love again. Never mind that I was merely 21 years old and tons of people that age haven't even had a boyfriend yet. I never wanted to feel that gut wrenching pain again. Luckily for me though, I was able to find love again. A much better, more honest and true love. I fell head over heels in love with Man Friend and knew it after only three weeks together. And I have fallen even more in love with him every single day since. Accepting his date offer was one of the best decisions I have ever made. (Ok, sorry. You all have permission to vomit now.)
- I experience the joy of volunteering every week. Giving back to those kids has changed my life and taught me so much. I look forward to seeing my Little all week long, and I anxiously wait for Y events to be a part of.
- I have a car to myself that's in good condition. It's reliable and perfectly nugget-size for 5'2 me. It's no Mustang, but it sure as hell isn't a junker either.
- I've been able to move out of my parents house. I got to experience living with my best friend for two years and now get to live with Man Friend.
- I've been able to attend two Packers games.
- I've been camping, which I found out I love. It may not seem like much, but to someone who has never been outside city limits or living, it's a big deal.
Until next time, my friends, enjoy your lives.
