Stories from Somewhere Else

Because I was afraid. I think I still am afraid, but at least I can recognize that for myself, now. These past four years, I've anchored much of my identity in my activities and skills. This especially ramped up senior year when I practically had to sell myself to colleges and private organizations to make myself an attractive candidate for acceptance and scholarships. Thankfully, this over-exertion -- that I'm disturbingly used to -- paid off, and, by the grace of God, the two jobs I've had this summer have been used primarily to save up for personal expenses since I never want to gruel over buying bus tickets to come back home (My parents are going to forget to scratch Lily's favorite spots. She needs me). However, I think I thrust myself into two jobs the day after graduation (I'm not kidding) because of another reason that I've never wanted to admit. I don't think I really know who I am. If anyone asks me to tell them a little bit about myself,

It's been nearly a year since I posted anything. If that doesn't give you any indication of the absolute whirlwind that was my senior year in high school, I don't know what else could. I've been graduated for a total of five days now, and while I don't feel all that different yet, after my graduation party on Sunday, and after going through gifts on Monday, I had a huge epiphany... and I mean, huge. (Just a disclaimer, this is not going to be a standard post about a new chapter in life or all the things I learned in high school, because I have nothing long and profound to say other than 1) don't procrastinate and 2) make time for yourself. See? Simple.) I try to be intentional with everything that I do. I don't enjoy allowing myself to fall into the rut of just going through the motions without being attentive to what I'm doing. I'm definitely not an expert at this, but a mindfulness lesson during AP Literature class and a reading of The Practic