Hi hi, lovely people! I’m coming at you having completed 50% of my finals, so the finish line is in view! It’s honestly crazy how quickly this semester has passed; I’ve been feeling pretty nostalgic about it ending actually because I honestly just enjoyed it so much more than I ever expected.

I wanted to look back on this past semester because I think it’s easy to forget all the amazing things that happen to us, all the things we accomplish, over a period of time. Sometimes, especially in a busy season of life, we find that we’re not stopping to pause and really see how far we’ve come or to think about all the lessons life is teaching us.

One of my biggest projects recently and going forward has been being more present. Whereas before I would basically never sit still and would always either be working on something, or hanging out with others, I am now making sure to have time in my day when I’m just still. Maybe it’s choosing to take a walk without music or a podcast. Maybe it’s taking a bath with a cozily scented candle. Maybe it’s baking or cooking a fantastic meal and really letting my mind wander.

We learn so much about ourselves when we are really present and allow ourselves to think. That’s where we get our best ideas, where we truly get to know ourselves. I know that when I make sure to include those mindful, technology-free moments in my day, I feel so much more centered and at peace. Life happens outside the screen, as enticing and addicting as all our social media platforms can be.

This is just one of the lessons this semester has taught me; stay tuned for the others!

Without further ado, let’s look  some things I’m grateful for this semester.

My Friends

This may sound pretty cliche, but my friendships are actually the number one thing I am currently overwhelmingly grateful for. As in, looking up at the sky every day and wondering what I did to deserve these wonderful people who love me and care about me and GET me.

I’ve mentioned before that freshman year wasn’t too easy for me in terms of finding people I clicked with, and it wasn’t until the latter half of the year that I began to feel that maybe it was possible after all. This year completely exceeded my expectations, in that I made a couple totally new friends I hadn’t expected to, but I’ve also gotten much closer with some people I never thought I would.

One of my absolute favorite things is when you become friends with someone who has been in your life for a while but who has always been kind of a stranger. And then it takes just one special conversation where you connect over something, and all of a sudden, you’re super close. It’s magical.

My friendships honestly keep me sane, and I can’t even describe the difference in my attitude and mood this year just because I feel so connected.

Studying for finals this semester is so much more bearable and dare I say, enjoyable, when I grab a friend with me and go someplace off-campus. Maybe it’s just that misery loves company, or maybe I just like having the option of taking breaks by talking to each other, but studying with a buddy is just so much better than solo studying.

If you are currently struggling in the friendship department, just know that the right people will come into your life, as long as you remain open and stay true to who you are. It may take some time; it may take some soul-searching, and getting really comfortable with being alone, but it will happen. Promise.

Georgetown

This year, I’ve taken some pretty awesome classes with some wonderful professors, who I definitely want to keep in touch with going forward. I knew this last year, but since this past semester has been much more enjoyable overall for me, I’ve been so much more appreciative of the various opportunities Georgetown has given me.

For instance, I took Intro to Journalism this semester, and for our final project we had to write a feature story on a topic of our choosing. For mine, I chose intuitive eating (duh), and I got to interview amazing inspirational ladies who have been my role models for ages (Anne, Davida, Sarah).

Plus, I’ve always been pretty dismissive of D.C. and I tend to sometimes compare it to my beloved NYC. Like, why does everything close so early here? Why does it feel like you’re always at a loss of things to do? But this past semester, my attitude toward this city has taken a 180. I’ve visited several fantastic museums for free, walked around the beautiful monuments at night, and found so many hidden gems from coffeeshops to bookstores to boutiques. And I know there is so much left to discover. So I’m feeling pretty grateful for having the opportunity to spend four years in this dynamic and multifaceted city.

My On-Campus Job

I never expected to have the job I currently do. I may have mentioned before that I work for Campus Ministry on the Ecumenical Team, which basically just involves planning events with the different religious communities on campus.

I should mention, I am not religious at all, but working at this job has been a godsend (heh, get it?) I was mostly drawn to it because of the people; it just seemed like a much more vibrant and welcoming community than the other job I was deciding between.

At this job, I’ve gotten to meet some wonderful fellow students, but what was most unexpected was connecting with the religious officials on campus. You guys, they are seriously some of the coolest people you will EVER meet. Like, our priest wears leather jacket and burgundy skinny jeans and talks about Star Wars. Yup. Takeaway here? Sometimes, community can be found in the most unexpected places, so don’t be afraid to try something totally new.

This Blog and You Guys

As cheesy as it may be, this is a perfect opportunity to say thank you for stopping by this little space and commenting or sharing or just visiting in general. I’m so grateful and in slight disbelief that you guys actually care enough about what I post to keep coming back, and I hope you know that I love and am here for each and every one of you.

Please drop me a comment or send me an email or a DM; I think the blogosphere is absolutely magical in its ability to bring together people who have similar interests but who otherwise might never have met. I think that’s one of my favorite parts of it all.

The other part of it is just that starting a blog was something that was on my mind for quite a few years, but I just never felt ready or good enough. I’m so glad I finally took the plunge last summer and did it because it’s been one of my best decisions.

This blog has introduced me to so many awesome people, but it also is an amazing creative outlet for me and gives me a voice in topics I feel passionate about. Who knows what the future holds, but whatever happens, I know I was meant to create this space. I hope you’ll stick with me as I keep figuring out the ropes.

And as for some lessons I learned:

1. The right people will come into your life as long as you stay open and genuine

2. Savor the little things: the perfect latte, a cozy rainy day, belly laughing with a good friend…

3. Be present every day; put away your phone and all distractions and just be with yourself for a little while

4. The best thing you can do for your body is to treat it with respect and listen to what it needs

5. Sometimes there is nothing better than late-night dessert with some great conversation

6. Coffee is a gift to humanity, and iced almond milk lattes when prepared well are pure magic

7. What you put on your body is just as important as what you put in it; green beauty is totally in

8. Walking is amazing and absolutely counts as a workout

9. The best things in life are unplanned; take risks and follow your heart

10. Never ever be anyone other than exactly who you are

I love you all so so much; have a great rest of your week!

 

Any lessons you’d like to share that you recently learned?

What are you grateful for from this past year?

Linking up with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud