Whirlwinds (in the best way).

So apparently I lied when I said I was going to update this more often. What can I say? This semester has been hectic, but it has been a huge personal learning experience. So what have I learned this semester?

I have learned to never make plans. Make plans to break plans. The best times this semester have consisted of going with whatever comes, and for me, not planning things is a big deal. I'm a grade A planner. I love to have times, schedules, and any flaw that comes in between these said plans is devastating. Now I am trying to be more go with the flow.

Patience! I'm not going to lie and say that I am completely successful with this, but my progress should be noted. Life can't be rushed. Savor the moments that we have because it's the moments when you're waiting that make up most of life's crazy journey. Everything that is going to happen in our lives will happen, but they are going to happen when it's supposed to happen. It can't be controlled or rushed.

Friends are truly the family you choose. I have made so many new friends this semester, and I am blessed to know each and every one of them. Yeah, we may get on each others' nerves sometimes, but we are all tight. Especially when I thought that I was never going to get over homesickness at the beginning of the semester, my newly found friends got me through, and now I wish I was back with them all at Carson-Newman with them at this very moment. BUT I definitely haven't forgotten my dear friends from home either. They help me keep grounded and consistently give me the best advice ever. In other words, thanks (if you happen to be reading this).

Most importantly: Take chances. Don't live a life behind "what if's" and "woulda shoulda coulda's." You never know what's out there until you dive in and take a look for yourself. I'll be honest: I'm still trying to work this out myself completely. I'm a person who fears rejection with every fiber of their being, but there's a point when you have to realize that the best things in life are the ones you take a risk on.

So needless to say, this semester has taught me a lot about myself and who I am trying to become "when I grow up." People may not always agree with all the things I have done, but like I always say, only I go to bed having to deal with how I live my life. Therefore, if I'm not hurting anyone else and I am happy, then it's just fine.