Most of you know that I spent this summer away from Westerville, away from Atlanta in a small town near New York City. The last 9 weeks I have been working at the Hangar Theatre in Ithaca, New York. During this time, I was housed at Ithaca College, and will be moving (tomorrow actually) to a house in nearby Lansing, NY. During this time away, I've realized some very valuable information about myself. To say that this summer was a summer of discovery is an understatement.

This summer, I learned things about myself that I wouldn't have ever learned had I not been away during this time. I pushed myself to the limit, growing in nearly every possible way. I reached a new level of emotional state through the constant time changes, work restrictions and other things that got in the way of every day life. This summer spent in beautiful upstate New York changed me for the better. It's opened my eyes to new possibilities, the growth of beautiful friends who help you through the tough times at work, and most of all, it's let me open myself up to more emotions.

Throughout my life, I've always heard about people going away and coming back a new person - and while I believe it's true for most people, I never imagined that I could ever be that lucky. I've always been the same - outspoken, a little bit shy, and sometimes rough around the edges. My friends say I have a heart of gold, and would do anything to help my friends in need. And while that is true, I've learned this summer that it's important to take care of yourself. That sometimes you need to take a moment to relax, to unwind and get away from the stress of it all.

And that's okay.

This summer pushed me to the limit, that's for sure. But I've also got a huge appreciation for travel, for depending on others when I need it, and for always taking a moment to recenter and reground myself when I need it. I've learned that even though times get tough, those situations only prove to make yourself stronger. That no matter what, there will always be people around to bring you back up when you're down. That a little laughter throughout the day can make your day ten thousand times a better - that it's never too early or late for a little Cat Party ;). That I can appreciate the beauty of a small town without having to sacrifice my love of a beautiful city.

And most importantly - that adventure is always right around the corner.