Inner Strengths

I was blessed and fortunate as a young girl and young adult growing up. Any person would look at my life and say, “You had it all.” And they would be right. I had a family who supported me in all of my endeavors and loved me unconditionally. I had the most genuine and loyal friends. I had coaches and teachers that taught me how to be strong, work REALLY hard, stay focused and follow my heart. I was a good student, a talented athlete and a self-motivated person who had her entire life ahead of her.

I achieved things in my life most would only dream about through my swimming and had many opportunities because of this. I traveled the world. I had a full ride to college and I competed with the best of the best. I had so much dedication and inner-strength but at the time I didn’t realize how special and unique this was. I took it for granted.

As we all know when you become an adult many things can change. The crap in life just happens. Some of us know it more than others. Just like many of you, I’ve personally been through many challenges. Believe me when I say this, my challenges are nothing compared to most, but they were real and hard for me. Some of these challenges I’ve met with grace and guts but most I have failed miserably at getting through with any bit of dignity. I personally believe that because I never faced that many real challenges when I was younger I had no idea how to internalize and face these challenges in my adult life. I don’t know if this is good or bad, but either way I lost myself along the way. I isolated myself. I pushed things away and didn’t want to deal with anything. I gave up on myself and the people I care the most about. The worst part is, I didn’t even realize this until just recently. I have been getting by and not caring that I could be better.

I began a new journey in my life back in January and it is helping me re-discover my inner strengths that I put aside for way too long. It is the most liberating and exciting feeling in the world to wake up each morning with a new sense of purpose.  I am empowered on levels I forgot existed.

I still have the most wonderful family, friend and life and I’m thankful every morning for what I do have. Now I can just be better for everyone around me!