This time last year I was sitting here on my bed with tears in my eyes thinking "Where am I going in my life? What the heck am I doing?" . I felt like I had hit a dead end. I had just recently graduated from college and didn't have a job lined up or any plans to live anywhere except home. Since I had graduated early, I was knocked all out of wack because ever since I was a little girl, I had told myself I would be graduating from college in 2013 and I had graduated in 2012. Yes, it was definitely exciting to graduate early, but I didn't have anything to look forward to! At least, that's what I thought at the time.
2013 has been one hell of a year. I worked four jobs at once, fell in love, was told I might not ever be able to run again, bought a car, fell out of love, drove cross country solo (twice), lived in San Francisco (and loved it), worked for a startup, was "homeless", moved home, ran the New York City Marathon, turned 22, got a dream job, then another one...so bring it on 2014. 2013 has had it's ups and downs but it has been hands down the best year so far and I think I know why - it's because I had no expectations for 2013. I got comfortable with being uncomfortable. It was my first official year in the "real world", but it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. Yes, paying for student loans and my car stinks, but I feel like I've accomplished something when a paycheck comes in and I can pay my bills.
On the whole falling in love / falling out of love thing... it happens to all of us at some point. I've realized how much I value my boldness and independence. If I was "tied down" earlier this year, I would NEVER have taken the leap I did to the West Coast. I would never have accepted a job in San Francisco on a Tuesday, said goodbye to my closest friends and family over a span of 3 days, and then pack my car and head west by myself that Sunday. That cross country drive out to San Francisco was one of the most eye-opening experiences I've ever had. Just me, my car, and the highway. I loved every minute of it and I really enjoyed my time in SF. I can't wait to get back on the road!
Running the New York City Marathon was one of my favorite parts of 2013. There really are no words that can accurately describe the experience - who knew running 26.2 miles would be so breathtaking? If I could run it every year for the rest of my life, I would.
2014. Bring it on.
