There are certain moments in life that cause people to reflect. Birthdays are one of those moments.
I recently had my 22nd birthday. Yes, I am feeling 22 and yes, I did hold up the double deuces for an instagram pic.
It’s weird because I so perfectly remember my 21st birthday. I was camping that weekend, I hadn’t showered in four days, I was sunburnt, I had doughnuts for breakfast, a Casey’s gas station cup of coffee, and it was my day off from running.
I never would have imagined the next year to follow. I loved cross country. I loved coming up social media posts for student government and the school newspaper. I studied abroad for a month in Ireland. I applied for 102 jobs (yes, I have the spreadsheet to prove it), but in my defense it was the 82nd job I applied for that hired me. I traveled to the east coast and visited a coffee shop I had been fan-girl of for about a year. I signed my first apartment lease. And as another birthday passes, I can’t help but wonder what this next year will bring.
Since turning 22, I have 4 jobs (three part time and one full time – yes, it was an accident and yes, I am crazy), I got told I was the best dressed person in the office (I know that may be hard to believe for those who had morning classes with me in college … or afternoon or night classes), I only have one more week of long distance with my boyfriend who is on the island of Jamaica, and I have eaten more yogurt than ice cream thus far and I am not sure how I feel about that fact.
The year after my 21st birthday was better than I could have imagined. There were hard times and bumps in the road and nights I cried more than I care to admit, but this past year left me realizing how much bigger my hopes and dreams can be for this next year, and the year after that, and the year after that. This birthday has caused me to set life goals that are nearly impossible. But I’m setting them anyway because if I at least strive for them, I will be better because of it.
Cheers to birthdays, adulting, life goals, and big dreams!
Courage, dear heart.
Lexi
My Life as a Friesen 