Growing up you always fear the unknown and tend to stay in your comfort zone with no means of changing. A lot of the time we don't fully understand that we do this or mean to, it's just who we are. For me, I have always been the shy quiet one even though a lot of people who know me will say otherwise.
Throughout the years I have always been the kind of person who doesn't try new things or go to experience something new. Every year I wanted to change that and actually live my life outside of my family and comfort zone. I have started to enforce these change on myself when I turned 20/21. The beginning of the changes was when I got my first job as well as when I started line dancing.
1. Driving
I got my license when I was 21 years old. Yes, I understand that I was late however, I was never a big fan of wanting to drive. I only got it because I was now working and my coworkers were there to help me get over my nerves on driving.
2. Concerts
I have gone to a few concerts with my family. Now that I have been working for almost three years, I have been going to more concerts I ever thought I'd go to. A lot of which I have been going with one of my coworkers and I'm to call her a friend and concert goer. And I can't wait for those that we have coming up.
3. Dating
This may sound odd but I never really pictured myself dating anyone. Reason being my fear of being left like my dad left. However, regardless of my fears I have found the perfect guy for me and it was the help of him going in the Navy but my coworkers were one of my major supporters in dating my boyfriend. I am thankful to be dating my best friend.
4. Line Dancing
I honestly never heard of line dancing before my friend had introduced me to it and I couldn't be greater full. I have done so much because of the Mishnock Barn. I also have found many friends within line dancing that I never thought I'd meet, I have seen people I went to high school with there that I didn't think would be into a place like that. I am happy with the family I have found within Mishnock Barn.
5. Photoshoots
I have always liked getting my picture taken even though it did feel a little weird sometimes. However, I never thought I'd see myself willing to do photo shoots for my best friend. We go to different places and go on small adventures and just take pictures with whatever is around us.
6. Traveling
I have only ever been to Tennessee, New Hampshire, and Maine however, this was all with my family and that's it. It wasn't until I had gone to Ohio with my boyfriend and his friends to just enjoy time together and go to an amusement park. It was a bast and something new for all of us to experience together.
7. Camp counselor
I have friends who are counselors and my sister as well. I never thought I would ever be one myself, yes I have been around children and had to watch them, but that was for a family shelter. Being a camp counselor and a volunteer at that was something I was nervous about. I was lucky and grateful that I had my sister there with me and I can't wait to do it again.
8. Wearing dresses
I have and always will be more of a tom-boy than a girly-girl. I have always worn more jeans/shorts then dresses. It wasn't until recently when I started wearing dresses more. This is because I have been losing weight and I feel more comfortable in them as well as more confident.
9. Writing
I have always loved writing, okay ever since middle school. Ever since I have found my love for writing I have been writing none stop. I never thought I would be a writer even though it's what I want to do. I'm grateful I was introduced to writing for the Odyssey.
10. Getting a job
I understand that at some point we all have to get a job and work and a lot of us start when we are around 16-18 years old while in high school. However, I didn't get my first until I was 20-21 years old. I never thought I would actually have a job, I didn't work in HS because I was busy with soccer. Now I couldn't be more grateful for my job, I have found friends in my coworkers which I didn't think would happen.
11. Saying goodbye to old friends
I understand that friends aren't always forever, we do drift apart after some time. However, I never thought that I would have to say goodbye to some of the friends I had in my life. Sometimes you can tell when it's time while other times it comes as a surprise for both parties. I wish it wasn't this way, but sadly it is and it just helps us grow.
12. Dad's side of the family
I knew that growing up without my dad in my life was hard and I knew I had another family on his side. However, growing up I knew that I had a sister on his side I never thought nor knew of the brother I had. I have always wanted one and I am grateful to have in my life now. Although we all don't talk much or at all I do know that I have more siblings and I'm happy to have more people I could turn to talk to.
Although I never saw myself doing any of these things, I couldn't be more grateful for the experiences that life has given me. I believer in everything happens for a reason and even though it might seem crazy or stupid, just know that you are put in this situation or change for a reason. I have changed so much because of everything and I am glad that I am strong enough to go through it all and be okay. I am also glad to have people in my life now that won't let me go through it alone.
Christmas and New Year gift card
Photo by 
butter cookies on plate
Photo by 
boy holding Holy 
