It's funny, I never planned on having a gap year going into college. Then when college hit me like a ton of bricks, I knew I needed it. I was dreading school daily, procrastinating homework, overworking myself, and the unhappiest I've ever been. Taking a year off from school not only taught me life skills, but it also allowed me to find myself again.

My gap year was simply me moving from Wisconsin to California to be a nanny. That job quickly turned into a family assistant job where I would be helping with both elderly and children, managing projects in the house, and cooking for a family of 7 now and then. Wow was I busy, juggling the infant, seniors, dogs, and everything in between. I had so much fun getting to know my new family. The job was not what I had imagined I would get moving out there but it is exactly what I needed. I have learned countless things about myself and life while allowing myself to break social norms and follow my heart. It was incredibly hard to narrow down the list to only 5.

I could go on for hours about reasons why this year has changed me in so many ways. Nevertheless, these five reasons are what I believe to be the most important of them all.

1. It's Okay to be Independent

Not going to lie, I was independent before this year but moving across the country into a house with strangers taught me so much more. I knew absolutely no one near me except my boss, how awkward. I had to do everything by myself until I met friends. Things like getting coffee, hiking, road trips, dinner, and movies were done solo, it was freeing. Don't get me wrong it was sad at first and I thought so many people were staring at me. Then, I realized how strong I was, and I shouldn't care what others thought of that. Throwing myself into having to do everything without help allowed me to grow more than when I had support.

2. Your Happiness is WORTH IT.

Let's read that again, YOUR HAPPINESS IS WORTH IT. Not anyone else's, happiness, you matter just as much as the person next to you. I constantly put others before myself and that's fine I like helping people, but not at the expense of my happiness. Moving away and not having others around allowed me to focus only on myself. I found things I love doing that I would not have even tried before, embroidery, reading, morning walks, and day trips to a new place. Being happy should be number one on people's priority list, it's now on mine.

3. Passions are Worth pursuing

I was a twenty-year-old who was unhappy. That should not happen, so young, that is what's wrong with today's society. So much pressure was put on me in high school to go to school, even a technical school. I was always told college was the best option. Which may be true... for people who are pursuing their passion. I was not, which led me to become very unhappy. Allowing myself time to become happy again, find my passion, and be young was so important. With many people going to school in areas they are not passionate about and then regretting it later, I wondered if they even considered a year to think before deciding a career. This year has allowed me to explore so many careers that I ignored before. Considering all them, I realized I have a passion for helping others, teaching them practical skills, and being around kids. Without taking this job, I would not have found that passion.

4. You can make FOREVER FRIENDS

I was forced to make friends, but I always kind of knew this place would not be forever, so I tried to keep some distance. That blew out the window when I met someone who worked for a summer in my (smallish) hometown. Quickly, we became friends, which turned into hanging out her their friends, my new friends. For that, I am forever grateful. What I am trying to say is that just because you have not known people since kindergarten, like back home, does not mean diddly squat. Friends are everywhere, you simply must have the courage to say hi. Pushing myself to meet people was a struggle, but I am so grateful I did it.

5. Not going to College is OKAY.

Since forever, everyone kept telling me college was the best decision for after high school. When I would say, I don't know what I want to do people would simply recommend taking generals, and you will know after that. Funny thing is I still didn't know after generals, a few business classes, or a CNA certification. When I chose not to attend school in the fall I almost felt as though I failed, I was not doing what the social norm was telling me to do. It was so hard to tell people "oh I am not going to school actually." Most would give me a funny look and silently judge. I see you, and I would just like to say this year was the best thing that has happened in my life. It proved healing, rest, renewal, and most important some time to better understand myself.

If those reasons were insufficient for you this post in general, is a reason to take time to allow yourself to grow. Last year if you would have told me I would be writing a blog and posting it for others to read I would have dropped to the floor laughing. Now look at me, I have stopped caring what others are going to think about this and instead just want to share my feelings to whoever wants to read it.