As the summer days fade away, I look back on it and all the memories I made. I also look back at all the personal growth I have had as well. I didn't expect to change so much in such a short period of time, but I did. After graduating, I spent many well-deserved days celebrating all of my accomplishments, as well as my classmates. I attended many grad parties, went to the beach with friends, and spent time with my family. They all were so incredibly supportive during my entire grade school career. Then I was hit with something that turned my world upside down. In the moment, it felt like my world was was on fire. I didn't know what to do, it felt like I hit rock bottom. During this time in my life along with becoming a college student and multiple other situations created an overwhelming "stressed out" feeling which took over my body. Luckily, I have been blessed with the most encouraging friends and family a girl could ask for. Within minutes I had two of my closest friends by my side, comforting me with the warmest hugs and the sweetest smiles. I can't count the number of times I was called and texted to help push me through this. I was guided in the right direction, and now have a fully comprehended understanding of what happened. I now know that this was best for others and myself in the long run. Needless to say, friends and family can have so much of an impact on your life. Loved ones are the people to lean on during all seasons of your life. I am a very independent young woman, so learning to sit back and let others help me was hard. BUT.. it was so worth it because I would not be where I am today without them. I hope everyone has someone to turn to in times of crisis. If you don't I hope you find them, and I hope you never lose sight of them. My support system helped show me my worth, and reminded me of how loved I was. One of my best friends left me with this, and I feel like it can be applied to any hardship you might face in life, she said: "You are no less of a person because of what happened to you, and you can't let them take any part of you away." I truly believe this is something to live by. Time heals all wounds, so eventually I was ready to hit the ground running. I told myself "Taryn, live it up this summer, enjoy it, and do all you can". But... I would be lying to you if I said I never looked back. The past can be hard to forget, and some days I want to go running back to it more than anything. Sometimes I still do. In all reality, this experience shaped me into a more determined and passionate young woman. I can truthfully say that I am a happy person. Throughout this summer I have learned to enjoy all of life's little blessings, and big ones too. I guess you could say my appreciation has changed, because it has grown into a deeper appreciation for life. From peaceful nights sitting on the deck in EI, seeing Britney Spears in NYC, numerous days spent with friends, singing my heart out at the Keith Urban concert, savoring late night ice cream on the tip of tongue, movie nights every night with my family, breakfast with my precious grandparents, and family dinners full of belly aching laughs have made this summer incredible. I've grown in more ways than I could have ever imagined. I have grown in my spiritual relationship with the Lord. It can be hard to trust in God's timing, but you have to. He has a bigger plan than we can see. I have faith that one day I will understand why God puts us through all he does. Everything happens for a reason. I have also grown because I learned to love myself a little more. While I recognize my flaws and try to grow from them, I also recognize my strong points as well. I encourage everyone to find the good in not only themselves, but others as well. As the seasons change, so will you. Others will too. Do I wish somethings hadn't changed? Absolutely. Change can be extremely hard to cope with. Always remind yourself that change and growth aren't always going to bring negative outcomes. While they can bring challenging and trying days they can also bring out so much potential to help you walk into a new season of life with a much sweeter disposition.
"Seasons had to change, and flowers they bloom and wither away." -Kelsea Ballerini
