I write this reflection on the heels of Christmas dinner, one of my favorite family traditions. While the gifts were truly giving #thoughtful and #myfamilyknowsme, they aren't why I love Christmas so much.
At my Grandma's house, I stood holding hands with a dozen of my closest family members, overlooking a table abundant with food made by each of us. Before leading our prayer, I paused: "This may never happen again," I thought. Even though we've met for Christmas dinner every one of my 20 years on Earth, that circle has always changed.
People coming and going: long-distances, diseases, divorces, death. Consequently, I never forget that any of us could be here today, gone tomorrow. When I looked at my family, my heart pounding in my chest as I anxiously blessed our gathering, I affirmed why I took a semester away from school. This gathering, these people, this unshakeable feeling of grounding. It was precious moments with my loved ones—moments just like this— that I needed.
I ended my Spring 2022 semester in one of the darkest places of my young life. I made regretful decisions, hurt people I loved, was sick multiple times, burnt out, and just…lost. But, through the summer and especially this Fall, I slowly (re)discovered myself.
I rediscovered why I go so hard at school and work: to honor and eventually provide for my family.
I rediscovered why I founded Your Better Four: for students, for friends, for my past self (who was clueless half the time 😂)
Most importantly, I discovered that sometimes, a step back is truly a step (or two) forward.
What have you discovered this semester/first half of the school year? Let us know in the comments 💙
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