Of all the years thus far of my life though, I would have to say that 2013 has been the best one yet for me. I've been able to experience so many wonderful things. One thing I am trying to improve on is being more positive all around, whether it be with my words to others, myself or just in general. Being negative really has nothing great to come from it.... With that being said I began thinking... in the shower none the less- of some of the amazing things that I've done and accomplished but also been a part of.
Let's start with one of the most incredible in my head-- losing 70 lbs. This dream of mine was just that, a dream that I never thought would come to my reality. This time last year I knew something had to give--
Ya'll... I love these girls in the pic here above.. but the pictures from this night.. they told me what I knew straight up. It was time to make a change, time to stop neglecting myself, time to feel better about me and time to do what I had wanted for so freaking long. You all already know a lot about this journey.. it got hard, it got easy at times, it got infuriating... I cried, I laughed... the giant list of emotions I feel like in the past 364 days I've been through them all... and they haven't stopped. But it's been worth every single tear, smile, set back, laugh, run, and fall. I'm not done.. I'm no where near done, but I'm well on the way to being what I want to be and nothing and nobody will EVER hold me back again!
I also had some great journeys in 2013. It started by going to Vegas to watch a beautiful girl in Miss America, surely a chance I will NEVER have again. Thanks daddy for encouraging me to just go!
This has probably been the busiest year I can remember in a while, I journeyed to the beach a couple of times.. and got to make memories with amazing family and friends and my awesome sweet Elliot! Even more trips went down to Savannah and Charleston for bachelorette parties, and visits with friends. My best friend and her husband moved to Columbia so visits there happened to. I feel like I traveled a lot and have been "on the go" a lot. I got to travel to Gatlinburg also twice this year with my awesome friend Samantha and her sweet Aunt Susan who spoiled us like crazy!
I also received my Master's degree in 2013. I feel like it took me an abnormally long time to get this under my belt, but it sure was worth it when I did. Even my twin sister Hach got to come watch me walk across the stage with the 4 other people getting their Masters. It was definitely a day for the books...
Within my exercise and weight loss journey I started attending GRIT classes where I surpassed goals, beasted some major obstacles.. but most importantly learned to believe in myself and made some of the best friends that I could have ever asked for. These women and men have become so important to me. They have supported, encouraged, pushed and just listened to me at some of my highest and lowest times in this year. I could NEVER name them all. I am extremely thankful for Marie; she probably doesn't remember that text she sent me while she was running about 5 treadmills down last January, but it kept me going when I wanted to push the stop button. Her motivation and support didn't stop there and I am sure thankful. I ran 6 miles with the help of an awesome friend and motivator, Brie. I actually ran 6 miles twice in this past year. I couldn't have done all these things without Lauren, Samantha, Libba, Tracy, David, John, Valerie, Christie, Heather, Annette, Becca, Amber, Al and countless others I know. I had the opportunity to be featured in an article in our local newspaper, and air on a local tv special. I am so grateful for these outreach opportunities which I hope helped to motivate and encourage someone else.
Two of my closest friends found out they would be moms in 2013 and one friends sweet baby Grayson was amazing surprise and blessing for the year. Jessica and Heather will become mothers in 2014 and I can't wait to meet baby Emma and baby Mac! Aunt Jenny is excited to extend her love!
I also go to attend some beautiful weddings in 2013, Dave & Allison, Mary & Andy and my cousins Corey & Amber. It's awesome to watch to people who love each other so much join their lives together and know there is nothing to separate them. I am super thankful for the marriage of Corey & Amber. Amber has come to be one of my best friends and I love her dearly-- so glad Corey found such a great catch!
I could literally go on and on about this year and the great things I've done, learned, enjoyed and been a part of. And no matter how much I write I'm going to leave something out. Chances are, if you're reading this you have an important part in my life. I have gained so much more this year than I ever imagined. I lost a huge chunk of weight but found out so much about myself along the way. I found out who I really wanted to me and never realized how much I had really lost myself. This year I was able to make some of the best friends ever.. I know it's all been meant to be, Lauren and I have the same thoughts about 90% of the time, except when it comes to black eyed peas! If had never started this journey I might not have ever met her.
In closing, I am forever grateful to my uplifting family and friends who do amazing things for me and with me. It's not easy, but it's a little easier with these people by my said to know that "God's promises are bigger than my problems." This year I kicked some bad habits that kept me down, and allowed me to think less of myself and not give myself what I deserved and I'm learning slowly but surely better. I have faith in the unseen and I know that all the hopes and dreams that I have for my life God has them too, but ten times bigger. I'm thankful for all of you. Reminiscing over the last year has been more fun than I expected. I have high expectations for 2014 and I know I won't be let down! :)
Enjoy a little photo dump of some other fun times from the last few months!
