What are you doing again?

Me on top of Estes Cone in Rocky Mountain
National Park.  I went there with my friend, Andrew.

Two years ago today, I was saying goodbye to friends in Illinois and preparing for my move west.  A lot of people questioned my life choices at that time.  I had just gone through some major life changes, and the decision to move happened rapidly.  I did not think everything through.  I just did it.

Fast-forward to today, I find myself awestruck by how things worked out.  I met a caring boyfriend, who loves and respects me.  I met new friends; participated in new experiences; got admitted into a master's program that focuses on something I am passionate about; and developed a deeper sense of myself.

To quit my job, move out west, and take the risk that my plans would not work out, was not like me.  I always stuck to plans and expectations.  I thought that was what I supposed to do in life.  The spontaneous and risk-taking behavior was so unlike me that I am sure at least some people did not think I would follow through; but I did.

And I am glad.  Now, two years later, I see how much there is to learn in this world.  I realize how much I do not know.  I realize my tendency to be stubborn and rigid with issues of morality.  I also realize my tendency to over-think the little details.  And at the same time, I also learned to lighten up and loosen up every once in awhile.  I also gained a belief in change, and feel humbled and blessed with the life lessons learned.

Some friends, who I met in my graduate program, in Buena Vista.
From left: Laura, Erika, Rochelle, Margeaux, and Leah.

While everything could have easily fallen apart, they did not.  I took a chance, and it happened to work out, at least for now.  I wrote a blog entry a couple of years ago, answering a question that many people were asking me: "What are you doing again?"  At that time, I answered this by saying I was growing.  Today, I answer it differently.  The answer today is: "I do not know, but I know it is going to work out."  Things always seem to work out.  And, even though I do not have all the answers, I know whatever happens will happen for the better.

Thank you to all of my friends (there were soooooo many) who helped me out two years ago.  I appreciate you and love each of you and sooooo many people pop in my head when I think of that time; I, again, am humbled, blessed, and grateful.