Have you ever been able to pin-point the exact moment where you realized how blessed you are?

I have. Many times, actually. I am in the middle of one of those moments right now. As I write this article I am sitting on the balcony overlooking the ocean, waiting out a rainstorm. I know what you are thinking right now… rain on a beach trip sounds miserable, but it has given me the time to reflect on somethings in my life.

A major blessing in my life right now is UGA.

Granted I might have a jaded opinion when I say it, but the University of Georgia is the best! I am beyond lucky to be able to call myself a student there and am constantly grateful for the experience. Sitting here I am reflecting on my freshman year; thinking of all the memories, struggles and the new friends that helped me through it all.

Another blessing I have in my life is my family and friends.

I would not be the person I am today if it weren’t for my parents. No questions about it. They have raised me to be the growing, independent-ish woman I am now and I am beyond thankful. They have also shaped me to be able to distinguish who is worthy of my time, which has led me to the absolute best group of friends. You know who you are. Thank you for all the memories and I cannot wait for many more.

A final blessing I have in my life is my faith.

Going to college tested my faith in ways I never imagined. During this time, I made mistakes, but I was able to use those trials as opportunities to grow and learn. Making me a much stronger person in the end. Going to such a big school filled with intelligent people can often lead to feelings of inadequacy. Without my faith I am not sure if I would have been able to get through my first year at school. There were many times I questioned if UGA was right for me, but I knew God would not have put me there if he knew I would not succeed.

Going on this beach trip has given me so much more than I originally expected.

As I near the end of writing this article the clouds are moving out setting the scene for a beautiful, picturesque sunset. This trip has given me nothing but good things (minus the sunburn)! I have been able to make new memories with some of the people I am closest too, and just really take a second to relax and 'smell the roses'.

Have you ever been outside and just closed your eyes letting the warm sun completely rush over your body? Warming you from the outside to your core? That is one of my favorite feelings. It is in moments like that I like to take deep breaths and take time to appreciate everything I have in my life.