I turn 24 years old in less than 24 hours. My 23rd trip around the has been a whirlwind to say the least. Much like everyone else, COVID-19 truly threw me for a loop. I had so many exciting things lined up for 2020 that came to a screeching halt because of the pandemic. Despite this, I was still fortunate enough to travel to places I had only dreamed about visiting and earn a Master's degree, amongst a number of other accomplishments.
Typically, I like to use milestones and birthdays as a time of reflection. This year, however, I'm not really in much of a reflective mood. I honestly had to force myself to sit down and write this because I wanted my website to be up and running on my birthday. Now that I'm sitting here writing, I'm overwhelmed with gratitude because SO many people have suffered from major loss this year, yet God & destiny had it that my loved ones and I remained whole and healthy.
Nonetheless, this birthday still feels a bit weird. Yes, I am grateful to be alive, but the way that time is moving so quickly is honestly scary to me. It seems like just yesterday my friends and I were in 3000 bar celebrating my 21st. As I age, my world view continues to evolve. Sometimes I go to extreme lengths to hold on to things and avoid change, but for year 24 I want embrace change with open arms. During this 24th trip around the sun I want to:
be more accepting of growing pains
be more emotionally vulnerable
learn how to let go of people who do not respect my boundaries
develop a more consistent spiritual practice
launch my first business
complete my comprehensive exams
compete in my first triathlon (this year was cancelled because of COVID)
I'm actually kind of excited for my birthday now! I look forward to growing through this year and continuing this journey of becoming Dr. Rutledge.
xoxo,
Jaleah
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