Hello Twenty-two.

I realize now that turning twenty-one caused a major problem. Anything before that age felt like a step to "the best age to come." Every year felt like a stepping stone into the direction of complete freedom, adulthood and of course unlimited opportunities (to drink). I fantasized so incredibly about that birthday and the year to come after that. Now, turning twenty-two feels consequently unexciting.

At least that's how it's felt.

The excitement feels over as if there's nothing exactly to "look forward" to. I've felt stuck in this funk of not exactly caring about my birthday anymore. It's my birthday, I can cry if I want to. Right?

Well, I've decided that I won't waste this birthday with the feelings of insignificance. I've decided to reflect and design my hopes for the year twenty-two.

I hope this year brings motivation. I feel like I've pushed myself to levels I honestly never thought myself capable of with school, my career, and my relationships. But I find myself feeling tired and losing the energy I need to push through. I hope I can find the fire I need.

I hope this year brings opportunity. Opportunity for publications and for career opportunities as I approach graduation and begin job hunting.

I hope this year brings adventure. With twenty-one having brought my first adventure to Europe--London, Paris, and Amsterdam--I hope for more traveling. I am craving new adventures and having the chance to meet new people and new places.

I hope this year especially brings clarity. Oh clarity. I feel it's good to not exactly know what I want, or where I want to go or what I want to do. But I hope along the way I begin to understand unexplored aspects of myself. Clarity on what I think I believe in, clarity on how I feel, clarity on who I want to be.

I truly hope for a year of happiness, understanding, faith and progress. I hope twenty-two brings me expectations that I can try to exceed.