About a year ago, I began to write this blog — well rather post more frequently than before. At the time, I wanted somewhere that was my space to write, and something that I wanted to really blossom into something big.
One year later, it is bigger than I could have ever imagined. 101 (102 counting the one that I am writing now) posts and almost 3,000 views later, it is safe to say this website is truly my corner of the world.
And, I ain’t going nowhere.
I’ve been thinking about where I was in life when I first started this blog. I was mending a broken heart. I was beginning to start my final semester of college. I was moving forward with my anxiety, and at last, truly getting better.
It’s been one hell of a year — one full of both ups and downs. The ups — graduating college, finding a job that I love at a local radio station, and surrounding myself with people who help me float. The downs– learning to forgive those who have hurt me, accepting the consequences of mistakes, learning about the right and wrong place to work, and jewelry and metals class. However, the truth is that I am truly happy with everything that is going on in my life — even if I don’t post as much as I would like.
A coworker once commented that I am always happy and smiling whenever he saw me. And I am. I’m happy to be at a place where I am truly happy. I am happy with my job. I am happy with the people who I surround myself with. And, I am leading a life that is balanced as much as humanly possible.
Two thumbs up, I must say.
However, over the past 365 days or so, I realized something. Life is full of highs and lows. As Aerosmith says in the song “Dream On,” “sometimes you’ve got to lose in order to win.” And, I fully believe that is 100 percent true. You’ve got to know how hard life can get, just so you can appreciate the good times when they come.
Furthermore, I believe the rough times in life — the times of doubt and confusion — are what defines your character. It doesn’t matter what hand you’re dealt with. What matters what your next move is. For me, it meant learning about how to take the wheel in my life. For me, it was about learning about what I wanted, and vocalizing it. For me, it was working my mental muscles to become stronger.
And, as for the anxiety, I think it’s better than when I first went down road two years ago. Anxiety will continue to plague my life, without a doubt. But, it’s up to me to let it define me. At the end of the day, I am not my mental illness. I am not a panic attack. I am Natalie. In fact, I gave a sermon declaring that very thing last November.
So, here’s to the highs. Let’s enjoy every ‘feel good’ moment and good vibe that comes my way. And here’s to the lows. In those moments, let’s remember that we can power through with a smile and a feel good attitude that we can get through.
And, here’s to us. You — the reader — and, me — the person sitting behind this computer blogging. Together we made one year of blog posts happen. We’ve also made a difference. Here’s to another year of doing exactly that.
thenutmegmillennial.com 