It was one of those peaceful afternoons where school was a breeze, the weather was calm and I was lacing up my shoes for my second long run of the day. I loved those days where I got to cruz the campus at UNLV and just take in the sights, smells and let all my stresses in life escape in the wind behind me.
I often get lost in my thoughts while running. I guess you can say running is my yoga.
I was twenty years old, in my third year of college, an athlete at UNLV majoring in Elementary Education with a full class load, living with my then boyfriend (now husband) Brad in a small apartment and working at night as a hostess at a fine dining restaurant. I had a lot on my plate.
As ran across campus, keeping a steady pace, I was reflecting on my past and pondering what the next ten years of my life would be like. I could see myself graduating and being a teacher; however, that thought was terrifying for some reason. I could see myself getting married to Brad and I knew we would buy a house. Beyond that I couldn't even imagine what having kids would be like or anything else for that matter. Marriage and a career were about all I could take on in my mind at that time. I looked down at my watch and realized my pace had sped up dramatically. Thinking of your future is exciting and scary at the same time. Ten years feels so long...but here I am.
Chapter:29
Now that my 30th birthday is approaching, I find myself sitting here reflecting on my twenties. I am a little overwhelmed as I review the last ten chapters of my life. I am thankful, proud, and have no regrets. Everything that I have endured has shaped me to be the person I am right now. Every path I walked down brought me strength, and every new soul that came into my life has brought me knowledge and a bigger heart.
In my twenties: (no particular order)
Ran track and cross country at UNLV
Got engaged
Got married
Honeymoon
Earned my right to legally drink
Worked as a hostess at AJ's Steak House
Worked as a life guard at HRH and at a county pool
Worked as a food server at the HRH pool
Moved into our first home
Endured a few heartbreaking, devastating, and unspeakable events
Lost myself
Found myself
Traveled
Had many many many fun nights with friends
Graduated with my bachelors in Elem Ed.
Began my career as a first grade teacher
Graduated with my Masters as a Reading Specialist
Had two children (currently on my third)
Started my own business as a photographer
Made some poor choices
Made some great choices
Had my gall bladder removed
I might have had an identity crises at some point
Met some super awesome people
Met some not so awesome people
Made some new friendships that I know will last forever
Went to my 10 year reunion
Ran two marathons
Ran the Tough Mudder
Ran the Las Vegas Ragnar
Ran many 5k's for fun
Got a new car ok two new cars
Got in two accidents (non of which were my fault)
And....well I am sure there was a lot more but this is what I got for now.
Overall, my twenties brought me amazing things. Although some of those moments were ones I wish sometimes I could forget, they were moments that shaped my life. Through those moments I realized I am a strong person who can overcome hardships. I learned that I can accomplish the goals that I set for myself and will never stop making new goals. I found that while being a mother and a wife is hard at times, I love these titles and strive to be the best that I can. I accepted that everyone looses themselves at times (yes multiple times) but with the love and support of those I surround myself with, I will always find my way back. I keep my plate full because I want to get as much as I can out of this life. I want to make my husband, kids, family, friends and myself proud. After all, these are the people that have inspired me, encouraged me, and supported me through EVERYTHING. I hope I have had same effect on and at least one person.
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These 29 chapters were eventful. I feel like as I look ahead to the next ten chapters of my story, the plot will thicken and the story will get even better.
I can't wait to share what happens next...
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