As I sit here and write, I am reflecting on my past experiences. Instead of focusing on the things I want to do, and have yet to do, I want to recognize what I have done.
Life is all about your perspective. I am choosing to be grateful for my past and allow those experiences to help me grow as I endure new things in my life. Even the littlest things I do, I am trying to remind myself how great they truly are.
The summer before my Freshman year in high school, I decided that I needed a change. I wanted some new experiences and I wanted to be able to grow up and out of my own skin. This meant I had to leave my loved ones, and those I cared a lot about. Yes, it was hard. No, I didn’t handle it in the best way. Yes, I hurt the people I care so much about. But if I hadn’t moved, like I knew I needed to, I wouldn’t be nearly the person I am today. I was able to learn how to put myself out there, which was a huge obstacle. By doing this, I met some amazing people! People I hope to never lose contact with.
An important thing to remember about the things you have achieved, no matter how big or how small, is that somewhere, somebody is hoping to do that very thing. The little achievement you had, is on their list, and that’s so cool. I needed to move to a new city, so I did. And somebody out there is wanting to do that same thing.
As I sit here 1,325 miles away from my family, and the love of my life, it’s hard to remember that what I’m doing here is great too. (I am a nanny, living with my aunt and uncle if ya didn’t know). And I am so excited for college, that I can’t even explain it. But something I am learning to do, is being happy with my life right now as it is. I can’t just let this summer slip away because I have something super exciting to look forward to. So instead I am creating things to be excited about now.
Such as: Exploring!
Once the kiddos go to bed, I am able to have some time to myself, and explore the city I will live in for the summer. And I can confidently say, I love it here! From what I’ve seen so far, and the people I have met so far, everyone here is so happy, and kind. Maybe I’m only noticing these things because it is new, but there’s a certain feeling about being here.
Learning to be responsible
This is a big thing that I’ve had to focus on; being away from my parents for the first time. This is my life now, and I have to fend for myself! Kind of a harsh way to put it, but I really do. From doing the laundry, keeping my room clean, picking up the groceries, and putting the kids down to nap/to bed on time, is a big deal. And not to toot my own horn or anything, but I’d say I’m pretty much thriving. I love the busy lifestyle I have here, and I feel as if I’m learning so many valuable things here.
Being Independent
Being on my own is something I’ve enjoyed from time to time, but being here, without my friends, and my family, my independence has sky rocketed. Of course, me choosing not to go out and meet people (yet) is my decision. And I chose to move out here. I’m not looking for your sympathy.
But being away from my boyfriend for 2 months is a hard thing to deal with! Yeah, we’ve been long distance since last September, but we aren’t just 2 hours away from each other anymore. Instead it’s 23 hours…by car. Something I’ve had to do is put my relationship with him on hold for the time being. We still talk, and I still love him as I did before, if not more, but I can’t sit here complaining about not seeing him. All I can do is focus on myself so that when we see each other again, I can not only be a better version of me, but in turn, have a stronger relationship.
All in all, I hope that you realize how important every small victory is. Be it, waking up for your first alarm and not snoozing it, or writing that paper you’ve been putting off. If you aren’t happy with your life right now, that’s okay. You just need to find things that can make you happy for the time being.
Thanks for listening to my Ted Talk.
Love, McKayla 🙂
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