Hello all!
Happy 2013! It's hard to believe that the break is almost over, and that in a couple days students all over the nation will be back to textbooks and early mornings. Early-ish mornings. Lucky me, most of my classes don't start until after noon.
As mentioned in one of my last posts, this new year is bringing with it a brand new bloggity blog. It's not up and running yet, but soon! So be ready for that.
Also, I've decided to start a new blog for myself. Over the break, I realized that I haven't been entirely honest with myself this semester, or with the people around me. I've been excellent at putting on a brave face, but the truth is that if you are reading this, I care about you and you care about me. I probably need your love, support, and prayers as I try to figure out this chaotic, crazy thing called life.
Being back in BC has made me realize just how much I cherish this province and the people in it. Christmas and New Years was fantastic - there has been so much love and laughter. My time spent here in Abbotsford has been a celebration of the many personalities, passions, and quirks present in my family and friends. If I didn't know how much I loved them all before I left, I sure know now.
And these MOUNTAINS!
This was the first year I strapped on a snowboard with zero trepidation. I'm usually nervous for the first run of the season, but this year I was too electrified by the beauty of the hill and the anticipation of the run to feel anything but exhilaration. Many thanks, as always, go out to Matt T and Allan for patiently teaching me how to board over the past couple years!
Something about being home has made me realize what I've been missing for the past 4 months. I've been missing myself.
Often times in London, I felt consumed by homesickness. I lost my motivation to do well in school, as well as any passion I was feeling for the subject I was studying. I know that in order to flourish, to be the best version of myself that I can be, certain changes must be made to my daily routine.
I don't really do new years resolutions, for two main reasons:
(1) In my mind, resolutions and obligations are way too similar. I don't want to make chores for myself. Any changes I undertake in my life must come from a place of love - love for God, love for others, and love for myself (in that order).
(2) I truly believe that sustainable change cannot be forced. The desire and will to break bad habits, to adopt new practices, and to step out into the unknown comes entirely from God.
By His grace, I will know what changes need to be made in this upcoming semester. By His strength, I will be able to adapt and grow.
With that being said, January is a time for new beginnings. It brings hope. Even though I am not really looking forward to returning to London, I am hopeful. I don't have resolutions, but I have a desire to learn more about myself, about nutrition, and about where I see myself in the future. No doubt a time will come to sit down and compile some specific, measurable goals.
The gears in my brain are already moving!
What is your goal for 2013? Whatever it is, I encourage you to pursue it with passion. In February, your goal may no longer seem so attractive. Persevere, even though you no longer feel like it. In March, you may hit a roadblock. Work through it, never hesitating to ask others for help. In April, your priorities may change entirely. Be accepting, flexible, and know that God has a plan.
So Happy New Year! Thank you to all the people who made my break so flippin joyful.
Keep following! My personal blog is going to be making a jump to a new format, at the recommendation of a friend. If I like it better, there it shall stay! I'll keep you posted ;)
