The year I was twenty-two, started in the midst of a budding global pandemic. It was celebrated in a quite kitchen with tacos and wine on the roof. A quarantine night with my best friends was all I needed. A month and a half later, I left the sunset city that I’d spent four years learning, growing, and loving in. Driving away one last time nearly broke my heart. I cried on the four hour drive back to my parents house, sad to be leaving my best friends and terrified of the sudden unknowns.
The year I was twenty-two, my mantra was an Oprah Winfrey quote; “You get in life what you have the courage to ask for.” It landed me in Virginia Beach, a group of friends, a job. This mantra played through my mind as I approached people and opportunities. When I look back at 22, the big, bold, beautiful stand out moments – a camping trip, a movie-worthy night, a plethora of new people – stemmed from a spark of courage and a question.
The year I was twenty-two, I moved half-way across the country and built a life more vibrant than I ever could have imagined. It makes me laugh, thinking back on how terrified I was. A simple LinkedIn message landing me a group of friends, roommates, the kind of support system that I hope everybody has. New friends to camp with, laugh with, dance with. A friend who let me crash with him when I needed somewhere to go, friends who changed their lease so I could move in with them, friends who would pick me up when I didn’t have a car. They are the reason I made it here, the reason I chose to stay and make VA my home.
At twenty-two, I became a climber. I joined a climbing gym that quickly became my safe haven. I got a job at the gym and it changed my life. I was brought into an incredible community. I challenged myself, climbing routes that scared me. I felt in awe of the support and patience of my coworkers-turned-friends who cheered me on. I felt powerful and strong. I met so many incredible and inspiring humans. I thought, ‘how lucky am I, that my life story gets to include this community, this space?’
The year I was twenty-two, I learned a lot about self-worth and relationships. How complicated two people can make things. How simple it should be. My heart got shattered but it also found hope. I went on the worst first date of my life and the best. I met guys who made me feel empowered and guys who made me feel degraded. I walked away; refusing to settle. I learned to find peace with that because at twenty-two, I knew what I deserved.
The year I was twenty-two, I officially felt like an adult. I bought my first car. I got my first “adult” job. I got laid off from said job. It was hard. It was stressful. It was also a blessing. I learned to roll with it and trust that magic is always around the corner.
My twenty second year was the year I felt most alive. It was the year I felt everything. It was the year that my life started to unfold in ways I’d always wanted it to. It started to unfold in incredible ways I’d never imagined.
The year I was twenty-two was wild and wonderful. It was nothing like I expected but everything I needed. Here’s to twenty-three.
Hugs,
