It Is What It Is

So how deep do we get... do we talk about why we are the way we are and what made us this way? It doesn't feel right to hold all of these thought, feelings and experiences in. Honestly, until you actually write it out you're story can never be told... and after everything you've been through... why not tell it.

Some people have had it really hard, others, not so much, but that doesn't mean they haven't experienced trauma or loss. This also doesn't mean that the people that have had a hard life haven't felt pure happiness and joy. Everyone's life plays out so differently and recently I've felt encouraged to tell my story and persuade others to do so too. My mom always talked about writing a book, she's an army brat so she's lived all over the world... she grew up in Germany, came to America in her high school years but had lived in Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia before that... she definitely has a story to tell....

One of my biggest regrets in life is that I didn't ask my grandpa enough questions about his life before he died. I didn't ask him about the war and how he got shot in the head and lived, but I did get The Purple Heart he received in the war tattooed on my neck when he left us. Come to think of it, my grandma passed way before him and I definitely didn't get to know her background because I was too young. Again, once I was old enough I got angel wings on the back of my neck in memory of her... and forever they will be together with me, keeping my head high.

Maybe that regret is why I feel like everyone should tell their story. At least write it out so they're never forgotten. Not that their loved ones could forget them but it's still nice to know what they went through. For those of us who are still lucky enough to continue on, we even have a chance to write about the future, not only the past...

My life may not be the most exciting, but I have always made the most out of every situation thrown at me and anyone that knows me would confirm that. I've lived in a few different states, some of them multiple times... I went to three different high schools... I've had my heart broken and I've broken more hearts than I care to admit.... I've educated myself all the way into a life long journey of debt and I've traveled because you only live once so might as well see what you can while you're here.

You deal with the cards you're dealt, some hands are better than others. I have been lucky enough to leave a fairly easy life... I have parents who love me, they ended up getting a divorce while I was in high school and that was a life spiral I wasn't prepared for... I was making bad decisions at the time and blamed it on their separation and that wasn't right... so slap on the hand for me. After their split I moved to two different states and started my junior year twice in the matter of two months... when I tell you I am a master at adapting to a situation, I mean it... you deal with the cards you're dealt.

I was born and raised a West Coast kid so when I had to move to the Mid West I was less than enthused.... because of my own decisions I was forced to complete high school and attend college in Ohio. A lot of good came from that experience but the best part about it was being with my mom. Even though I was a total ass to her in my younger years she became my bestfriend and still is to this day. I did feel like I was being held captive in a grey state for 6 years, but that's besides the point... I got over my bad habits, I acquired an amazing, loving, caring step father and got a college degree.... and left immediately after to sunnier skies as soon as I had my diploma in my hand.... you can take the girl out of the West Coast, but you can't take the West Coast out of the girl.

Being as I'm only 26 I still have my whole life ahead of me. I've made so many friends and am excited to make more. I've grown closer to my family and make it a point to talk to them often because I never want to feel like I missed out on my loved ones lives. I don't ever want to feel the regret of not being able to ask questions before it's too late again... and that is the best advice I can give.... love as hard as you can until you can't anymore.

Take chances, be whoever you want to be, dream big.... and love like there is no tomorrow. Take everything for what it is and make the most out of every situation. You are the greatest version of you, and never forget that.