Monday, December 31, 2012

Hello {2013}, Goodbye {2012}

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{here}

If you saw my year in review post, you know that 2012 was a huge year for me.  If there was one thing that summed up this year, it was that I grew up.  So many monumental things happened this year, both positive and negative, that made me a stronger person.  I credit this year to making me who I am today. I experienced death this year and it brought me to the lowest points.  Having a friend die of alcohol poisoning was a huge wake up call for my friends and i, but I think it brought us closer together.  It taught me that life is incredibly fragile, and that you have to make each day count.  I've always been incredibly attached to my dog, but I was surprised at how much her death rocked me.  I knew I would be upset when she died, but it happened so unexpectantly and so dramatically that I was numb for a long time.  I realized how much I am capable of loving someone else.

I would have preferred that each of these things didn't happen, but I think they made me a stronger person.  There really isn't anything like standing at the funeral of someone your age that teaches you about growing up and decision making.  I will forever wish that I didn't have to learn those lessons from the death of my 19 year old friend, but life never goes as planned.

On the other hand, I finally was able to return to a sport I have loved since before I could walk.  I realized the ups and downs of being a college athlete, and I'm beyond proud of how far I came this year.  From being injured with a GPA I wasn't so proud of to competing in college meets and having a GPA I'm beyond happy with, I think I came a long way this year and I'm proud of that.

I also learned to go with the flow a little more, so to speak.  A lot of things didn't turn out this year like they were supposed to.  I dealt with a ton of disappointment- a job I didn't like, being unable to swim, not getting into the sorority I thought I wanted- but in the end, it really turned out for the best.  I think the disappointment taught me that life isn't fair, but you have to make due with what you have.

If 2012 was big for me, then 2013 is going to enormous.  It'll be the end of my sophomore year/ beginning of my junior year.  On top of that, I'll be studying in a completely different country for two months without my family.  If that's not growing up, I don't know what is.
I'll be seeing the world (or at least bits of Europe) which has always been a life goal of mine.

2012, I'm going to miss you.  But, if I learned anything this year, it's that spontaneity is important and life doesn't stop for anyone.  In that case, 2013, let's go.  I'm SO ready for you! xo

from the bottom of my heart, have a wonderful {and safe} new years eve!  thank you all so much for being such loyal blog followers.  there are some BIG changes underway for the little blog and i'm so excited to share them with you.  xoxo 

2 comments:

  1. Yep, I definitely agree! 2013 is our year! Happy New Year!!!!!!
    xo TJ

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  2. So glad you were able to come out stronger on the other side of 2012! Enjoy your time in Europe this year.

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