7:34 PM

As I write this, Gwen Stefani's Cool plays repeatedly in my ears and for the first time in a long time, there is a sense of calm and quiet as I clank away on my computer unaffected by the many worries of life.

To say that it has been a busy couple of months would be an understatement. In the past year alone, I have traveled to more than three cities (not that big of a deal for today's millenials but a pretty rad deal for a twenty something with a 9-5), had my first relationship, had my heart broken, lost friends, regained them, switched jobs, fell in love with the one who was meant to be my first, got engaged, got married, paid off debts, and most importantly, discovered myself, my faith in a way I wouldn't have if all of those things didn't happen.

My life prior to August 2015 was uneventful. I was known to stick within the lines delicately refusing to do anything beyond what was expected of me. It led me to the life I've always wanted (or so I thought) but I lacked depth on the inside. I was a Stepford wife minus the wife title and I was drowning without me knowing.

I was lost and confused but the best part was that I didn't know that I was. I thought I knew what I was doing but I didn't. 

You've heard the story and here I am, a year later with quite a different life from what I imagined. People used to tell me that life doesn't quite turn out the way that we planned it and I always refused to believe them until I look at my life today.

My life at 28 is radically different from what I expected it to be. And while there are days where I question it, I have learned not to. God, as often reminded by my brother, doesn't give us what we think we want but blesses us with what is necessary.

I still don't know where life would lead next but through all of it I have come to realize that no matter what life throws our way, we ultimately have the power to overcome all things and in realizing this, we get to enjoy life outside of our box and move forward in faith knowing that our courage is enough.