A few months ago, I was looking for somewhere to express the things that I had been writing down for years. Writing had always been something I did behind closed doors, but I was ready to finally share it with people. I wanted to see if what they said was true: write what you feel and it will find the eyes to read it. I wanted to see if I could make someone think, feel, love, confess and most importantly, feel inspired. I didn't know how long I would continue to write or what I would find myself putting on paper, but it turned in to an incredible process of growth, vulnerability and change.

Unfortunately, the time has come for me to sign off from the Odyssey. The real world has hit hard, and that leaves not enough time to publish articles at the caliber I want to on a weekly basis. This is a hard string to cut, but ultimately my articles will always be out there and I am excited to continue to read the amazing words that my cowriters will continue to write.

To my EIC's: thank you for putting up with my inability to do much on time or participate like I should have. Your patience, encouragement, and dedication have been inspiring, comforting and for lack of a better word: extraordinary. You are truly amazing people, who I know will continue to go on and inspire people with not only the words you write, but the support you give to all of your writers on an hourly basis.

To my fellow writers: thank you for your feedback, your support and your constant push to write what I was thinking without a filter. You are all extremely talented and it has been a privilege to be a part of a group like this.

To those that supported my writing: from reading every article, to sharing them, to texting me about something I wrote and listening to all the articles before I submitted them, THANK YOU. There will never be enough words for how grateful I am for the support system that has encouraged my writing and this new outlet that I have found.

The Odyssey is truly an incredible community, and it has been a privilege to write for it. I have truly enjoyed every minute of it, and am truly going to miss it. I'm not done writing though, and have begun a blog, the next step in this crazy journey of expression: www.operationpati2nce.wordpress.com

So this is me, signing off, with one last article, one last thank you and one last wish for all the above mentioned. I wish you constant inspiration, success, and enjoyment in whatever your journey is, whether it is writing, leading, reading, starting a club or whatever other chance comes your way. If Odyssey has taught me anything, it's when you're given an unexpected chance, no matter how scared you are to take it, close your eyes and take the leap; you never know what amazing can come out of it. I hope that I have inspired one person through my writing, but if not, that's okay, too, because I know that I have grown through my writing and put myself out there in a way I never thought I would.

Thank you and may you be shown many unexpected opportunities and embrace each one that comes.

This is Erica, signing off.

To follow my journey through the next step of the journey, surgery and the comeback to follow my dreams, follow my blog www.operationpati2nce.wordpress.com