This is 32

If I could sum up this past year in one word it would be: Challenging. Not just because of everything that's been going on lately in my personal life. But also because of what's been going on at work. Parenting lately has also been really...trying. My health has been up and down this year as well. I actually had a second blood draw this morning in hopes of having clearer answers. This has also been a year of unlearning. Unlearning the negative thoughts about myself. Doing things on my own and being OKAY with that. Sitting still and being comfortable with feeling lonely. And it's been a challenge to let go of what I had hoped my future would be like. Instead, I'm having to embrace the blank slate that's set before me.

If I could describe the past year in one word it would be: Blessed. There's so much out there that I know is good. I have people in my life who truly care about me. People who love me. My daughter is happy and healthy. She's doing well in school. And our bond is so damn strong. I'm blessed to have her and her unconditional love. I've also been able to nurture friendships that I hadn't really tended to in a while. Each of us busy with our own lives, but finally taking the steps needed to get back in touch. My parents have been a huge help and I have no idea what I would do without them. And I'm learning more about myself each day. What I want out of life and in a career. The kind of people that I want to surround myself with and the ones that I don't. I'm doing my best to be a practicing Catholic and really listen to what my faith offers. I'm doing my best to stay positive, even when life is handing out some real doozies. I'm doing the best that I can to take it all in stride and with a grateful heart. 

And now, here's hoping for more adventures. More writing and less time on my phone. More friendships and quiet moments. Enjoying the little things and hopefully getting some much-needed balance.  Here's to finally being able to start putting money away for my "international travels" trip that I would like to take one day. And finally getting my passport. Here's to more days filled with family and laughter. To making some boss lady moves and learning more about myself. And here's to 32. To what comes next. Because I know that there's so much more waiting for me in this life and I'm just getting started.