One Year Later

Ok so it has officially been a year since I came to Chicago and so much has happened in the last year that all in all, moving here has probably been one of the best decisions in my life.

Lets recap a few of the great things that I am proud of in the past year:

1. I actually made an effort to apply to grad school and got into all 4 school where i applied. I will be attending the University of Chicago for my Masters in Social Work. This is the number 3 school in the field and has a tremendous reputation. I am actually incredibly excited about starting school again, which is really strange. I have never really been excited about school or about learning, but I can't wait. I recently got a book in the mail that I have to read before orientation and for the first time in my like I wasn't annoyed about a summer reading book... I actually wanted to read it.

2. I managed to keep my job for the entire year, which I was not sure was going to be possible around January. I came very close to quitting many times but stuck it out and was strong.

3. I am now about to sit in a room by myself and not want to kill myself. Before this year, I was very dependent on others and hated just having me time or being alone, but now I enjoy me time a little. I feel like emotionally I have grown up so much and Im pretty proud of myself. I am now confident that I will be ok. I may have my days, but I will be ok and I will survive regardless if I have someone by my side or not.

4. I have learned that its ok to be me. I will tell you what I think and stick up for what I believe no matter how you feel about it. Ive realized that by sticking up for what I believe, I could be having a positive effect on others.

5. I completed a half marathon. I trained for 12 weeks and was able to run 13.1 miles. Granted it took me 3 hrs 14 mins... but i finished, which is more that 96% of this country can say.

6. To date I have lost 45lbs.


These are just a few of my accomplishments and the things I have learned in the last year. I am strong and I can do whatever I put my mind to.

With that being said, today starts round two of journey to grow and be happier with who I am. I have realize in this year that things do not happen over night. It is a process, and the only way for the process to work is if you keep up with it and stick to a plan. My plan now is to continue what I have been doing!

My new goals for this coming year:

1. Lose another 45lbs.
2. Run at least 2 more 1/2 Marathons in the next year
3. Work out at least 3 times a week.
4. Join a club/ Become involved in a service group
5. Complete a triathlon
6. Learn from my past and just be me!

In the spirit of Chicago Endurance Sports (CES)... Its all about the Journey!

My journey is not over yet, it is only beginning! This year has been great, but the next year will be even better!