Two year anniversary

So here I am my last day in the internship program. Two years ago today I started a new chapter of my life. Again, two years later, I am starting another new chapter. I start my new job tomorrow as a web assistant.

So what have I learned in two years? Hmm where should I begin.

1. Everything happens for a reason - even when it seems like it is the worst possible thing that could ever happen to you
2. It is better to be alone than in a relationship that makes you both miserable.
3. Hanging on only serves to hold you back in the past
4. That taking a risk can bring you things you never thought possible
5. That you really do appreciate things more when they are gone and therefore learn to appreciate them while they are still present.
6. Love given, is never a mistake.
7. That a positive outlook only brings more good to your life
8. I can handle anything life throws at me because no one is going to handle it for me
9. That the key to life is the ability to constantly adjust to your changing surroundings
10. Change must be accepted. To deny this only holds you back from reaching your true potential.

When I left home two years ago I was certain of my decision despite my parents constantly asking me if I was sure. Staying didn't seem to be an option at that point. I felt like a stunted plant. I really felt like I'd outgrown my pot and needed a much bigger pot if I was going to grow.

This was the best decision of my life. I will not downplay the difficulty of this decision. It was Hard. It was Sad. It was Scary. It was Challenging. There were times I wanted to quit. There are times I cried myself to sleep at night. There are times I thought I'd die of lonliness. But the things I have gained from this choice far outweight those difficulties.

I have made amazing, true friends, I have a job that pays me what I'm worth, I have no lack of new places to discover and photograph and I have my independence. I have so many good things in my life that I could never be more thankful for it all.

The most valuable lesson I have learned is not to let fear paralyze you. Of course I haven't conquered all my fears but I certainly am refusing to be mastered by it. You gain nothing by staying hidden in your safe little hole. You don't grow and you don't learn and you certainly don't reap the rewards. "A ship is safe in the harbour but in time it's bottom will rot out."

I have had serious ups and downs over the last two years. Some things left deep scars that every so often flare up in reminder. I have a deep appreciation for the lessons those experiences taught me. I no longer wish to go back and change anything. I can also say with confidence that I would rather continue to go forward and see what is around the corner rather than go back and live in the past. Things up ahead are far too intriguing.