7/8 + 2017

To be honest, I don't think I can adequately describe this year or semester. 

Both have been..well, a lot. 

At times, it felt like the news had nothing else to report besides another shooting, natural disaster or even more death

I wanted to ask why there was so much evil in this world and why can't we do anything to stop it 

But then I remembered there is light, pushing its way out of the darkness..

And there have been good moments, even if it felt like I had to fight for them sometimes.

This year, I:

finished my junior year of college

landed a summer internship

fell (even more) in love with Broadway

gained confidence in myself

started my senior year of college

read more books than I could count 

became more intentional about living away from screens 

traveled to places I'd never been before

and fell in love with the city that never sleeps. 

It's been 3 years since I wrote this post about finishing my first semester of college and now I'm about to start my last. WOW. This year's been very different with highs and lows, but that's life, I guess. I am very excited to welcome 2018 with open arms and enjoy each day. 

Graduation will be here before I know it, so I'm going to try and enjoy every single moment over the next 4 months. I want to be present for this last semester of my college career. I can't wait to see what the future holds, even though there is so much uncertainty. Before I know it, I'll be living a totally different life, and it's scary. I have no idea where I'll be or what I'll be doing, but I know it's going to be okay.

To end this year, I'll leave you with a quote from my favorite musical, Dear Evan Hansen. 

Because today at least you're you, and that's enough.

2016

Yay! New year - new list(s).
I can't wait to start using this book/journal!

Like the quote from A Tale Of Two Cities says, "It was the best of times. It was the worst of times."

2016 - what a year.

Thankfully, the good has (almost) always outweighed the bad.

I spent more time offline - and more time IRL with those whom I have meaningful relationships.
I fell in love with musicals (specifically, Hamilton).
I finished my sophomore year of college.
I was captivated by the Summer Olympics held in Rio this year.
I started volunteering at a local non-profit, which opened my eyes in a whole new way.
I cheered on my favorite football team(s), the presidential candidate I hoped to win, and those on my college journey.
I realized how much I truly love to travel. Wanderlust is real!
I finished my favorite semester of college (this past fall).
I traveled to new + old places with friends and family alike.
I learned how to maintain balance with my schoolwork and social life.
I learned to appreciate and understand the food I eat, and why an exercise routine is important.
I started cooking/baking again, and made time for things that make me happy, like reading books.

The bonds with my family and friends have been strengthened more than I ever thought possible.
I learned how to appreciate every single moment and take each day as it comes. 

I am thankful for all I've learned, and even more grateful for realizing that the best things aren't things - they're people, places, and memories.

I've loved and cried and laughed and had my heart broken more times than I can count.

From spending time with those less fortunate for weeks on end to filling my brain with new and exciting information in my classes, this year has been one for the books.

My hands have been covered in flour.
I've filled my phone with photos.
And my heart has never been so full.
I lived this year. Really, truly lived.

It's amazing to see what all one can accomplish if he/she steps away from the screens that seem to captivate our every waking moment.
I stopped wishing, and started doing.

There are so many other wonderful things that happened this year with a few not so great mixed in, but all in all, this year has been amazing.

Thank you 2016.
I'm ready to welcome 2017 with open arms.
Here's to the new year!

P.S. Also, check out this list and another here. I think they're pretty awesome!