What One Year Can Do

It's recently come to my attention that I have finally lived in the wonderful state of California for a year. Of course my family moved almost two years ago, my decision to attend UNLV for a year has made it so my time here has only been a year. I've been looking back at this last year realizing how much it has honestly changed my life.

I went from a girl who had no idea how she was going to get through college and how she was going to keep certain friends to a girl who now knows how difficult school is and how easy it can be to make and keep friends.

I joined a soccer team knowing nothing about anyone in California or anything about California. I joined a YSA ward knowing only that they would teach the same true church I knew from Vegas. I taught primary for months enduring stubborn kids and absolute sweethearts. I met people who, unbeknownst to me, were answers to silent prayers.

I can't say I had no idea who I was or who I would become when I moved here, but I know that moving here has helped engrave that idea into my mind. Life is a struggle but it is a beautiful one and I've learned to take that struggle one day at a time. It's okay to be sad and it's okay to be angry. Just don't forget to stop and smell the roses through it all.

I've learned a lot about myself in the last year. How much I can take and who I can open up to. I know my breaking point and I know who can help pull me out of the dust when I've hit that spot. I know that no matter what I do and that no matter what happens to me as I go through life someone loves me. Someone will always be there.

I've learned patience. And long-suffering. And enduring through the struggles of life.

I've learned the power of prayer and the power of friendship.

I've learned the importance of family and forgiving those you love.

I've learned how much I truly love California, and not because it's California, but because it's filled with those I love.

I'm not perfect and I am no where near that, and that's okay. It's okay to have bad days, to have good days, to have days where you hate the world, and to have days where you love everyone. It's okay to rely on those The Lord has placed in your life when you're upset and when you're not. It's okay to cry and to be weak, as long as you get back up. Maybe not today, and maybe not tomorrow, but when you are ready and gain the strength.

It's amazing to look back on life and see what time can do, even just one year. It's been an amazing year and I can only hope this next year is filled with as much love and learning as was in past year.