One Year Later

October 16th, 2011
Photo #365
Wow. I'm not sure I really know where to start here. One whole year later I begin to write my last blog post. Where one entire year has gone I just couldn't tell you. It really doesn't feel like one year has came and gone. One year ago today, I was sitting in Ithaca, NY coming up with the idea of this little 365 project. A way for me to chronicle one of the most pivotal years in my twenties. Now, I sit in my room in Nashville, TN looking at Photo #1 which now sits beautifully in a frame on my dresser. A reminder of where I've been, where I'm going and who I am. I don't think its possible to recap an entire year. So much has happened, so much has changed. I've loved, I've lost. I've left things behind, yet gained so, so much more. I grew up so much within this time span its crazy. I've gained the power to be on my own, support myself, and have the means to find all the things I want out of life. I've landed my dream job in the music industry working for one of the most success country acts in the business. It's still a dream come true every day, but I never stop thanking those who got me here and I never forget where I came from. I've established a new home in a new city that I couldn't love any more. I've met some of the most incredible people, and discovered the true ones who will be in my life forever. What have a I learned? Oh goodness way too many things. Don't pull out of the garage without looking or the mirror gets ripped off. It takes at least 20 minutes to get to the office so leave the house with that much time as to not be late. Don't drink tequila on Thursdays, that needs to be saved where an entire day of recovery is available the next day. But enough about the don'ts. Never hold back what I'm feeling. Always stand up for myself and the ones I love. Fight for the things that are important, but learn to let go when the timing isn't right. Stop looking for the answers and the perfection, they come to us when we least expect it and the beauty in them is unmatchable. Call your parents and tell them you love them. Embrace every moment and soak up each little detail because time flies by way too quickly, clearly. Savor every memory I can. And most importantly I've learned, today's photo (thanks to my beautiful sister for this one) "Let the beauty of what you love be what you do". If you practice that intention every day, I don't think you can go wrong. Even if what you love isn't what others consider loveable, still love it and still do it. Do things for yourself and then the rest will come together. It seems and sounds like a selfish act but the balance of what you do for others falls into place when you do what you love for yourself. A part of me knows I am such a different person from the girl who started this blog just one year ago. But there is the other part of me that is still just me. A big dreamer, with big ambitions who never stops reaching even after the goals have been achieved. Still a red head (for those who know me it's amazing I've had the same hair color for a year, but I'm sticking with this one). Still a hopeless romantic. Still a lover, friend, yogi, feminist, weirdo. All combined together in a crazy beautiful sort of way. Over the past year I've definitely been on that journey to find out all these things about myself. And you know what, I'm not going to solidify that knowledge in just one year. But this has been one hell of year. I wouldn't trade one laugh, one tear, one broken heart, one drunken night, one stressful move, one ridiculous fight, one way too long of a road trip, one inappropriate action, nothing. It was all perfect in it's imperfections. And, one year later, I am where I am supposed to be. This is only the beginning. The most pivotal years of my life are now just approaching my sight, and if they are anything like this past year, I cannot wait to dive right in and breathe in every ounce of beauty.


Xx
-E




Ps: An immense thank you to all those amazing individuals who read this gem on the regular. You're kindness and support has never gone unnoticed, as I'm sure you have shamelessly made a few posts here and there. You are all too wonderful and have, and always will, a special place in my heart.