Okay, 2012. Time to stare you down and just accept the fact that you happened.
This was, by far, the hardest year I've ever had to endure in my 22 years of living. Just for context, I believe a close second would be the year 2009. It's not like life gets harder with each progressing year. A lot of hard things happened this year:
1. I discover I have anxiety and depression. I still need to be healed. I've seen psychologists, but then when I start feeling better, I stop and then things get bad again.
2. I get dumped three times in one year -- and they were hard rejections. That was probably the hardest part of this year. Trying to pick up pieces after a two-year-long relationship that had a ton of issues in the first place is something I would never wish on anyone. I remember crying every night for two weeks straight and feeling so sick I vomited. Then there were two one-month spells that began great, but crashed and burned for no explainable reasons. I'm still not over any of it. I still wonder what the heck is wrong with me. Heck, I'm still here mourning over ones that got away years ago. Two of my exes are now happily married. I very well could have been the bride at one of them. Don't know what you got 'til it's gone, I guess. Ugh. Regret. What a bitter feeling...
3. I lost my three best friends in a matter of days. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't still be standing today if it weren't for them. But the minute I get back from Cali, they're gone. Moving. Leaving me alone. Suddenly I found myself living on my own at a vulnerable time and that was really tough. Sleeping in a silent apartment with depression for two months was hell.
4. Sometime during that period, I develop an eating disorder. That's never fun to go through, much less to simply admit.
5. I have been in school for over a year straight. That's a little crazy. Sure, I had some small vacation moments, but really, this whole year has been about buckling down and getting back on track with graduation. I'm technically "caught up" now, but having a 5-year undergrad still isn't great. How I managed to get through five semesters straight without stopping is beyond me. Perhaps it was my refuge. Just one sight-singing assignment, one lesson plan, one practice hour at a time. That will get me through the pain...
BUT...
... with all this grief and hardship and strenuous work, I MUST analyze my successes. And there are quite a few of them. I forget sometimes when times are tough how blessed I am -- and how capable I am! Check out this list:
1. 4.0, baby! Not joking, it always feels good looking at your report card after a hard semester and seeing A after beautiful A looking back at me. My shrink says it's a crutch, but at least it's one that will give me good standing for grad school. Really, I'm just happy that I have mastery over something in my life.
2. I got to go to California to see my wonderful old roommate get married to the man of her dreams. To be a part of a wedding party -- to be picked! -- is such an awesome feeling. I got to help make someone else really happy, and I got to get out of Provo on top of that. San Diego was beautiful. I got to wear some of my favorite dresses and there are some awesome pictures of me up on Facebook now.
3. I also got to make a visit to my dear home in Minnesota at the end of the summer. That was a much-needed break. It got me away from my boy troubles and I got to spend a lot of quality time with my family. Then there was the awesome road trip back to Utah with my mom and sister.
4. Heck, I got a car this year. That's awesome right there.
5. I also moved this year. Just at the very tail end, a few days ago. I'm living with my grandparents now. No rent. New ward. Own room. Awesome company. I needed to get out of that old apartment so bad. There were just too many memories attached to that old place. And having to pay such an exorbitant price every month was burning a hole in my wallet. Now, I feel free and safe. This is good.
6. BYU Singers. As much as I am not enjoying going these days, I really do think this has been a blessing for me. Again -- getting picked. I was selected to be in this amazing choir because I earned it. That's always a wonderful feeling. And I have made friends! My alto friends, some boys, and of course Dr. Staheli. I don't know what I would do without him.
7. When it comes to my relationships... In a way, I'm pretty excited about them. Yeah, they didn't last, but heck, I got them in the first place! It was a great month of May. And an even great month of November. It's funny: Every man I've ever really wanted, I've gotten... At least, for a short while. And I pick'em better every time. As much as I wish things worked out, it's still nice looking at this guy or that and be able to say to myself, yeah I DID kiss that face. And it kissed me back. Makes me feel dang sexy. If I can get my idea of superman not once but twice in one year, I can do it again! And next time, I won't be as stupid. Next time, it will be for keeps. For good. Eternity, maybe.
8. I have not worn the same outfit once all year. I almost have had enough clothes to wear something different each day. I also acquired two suits, two wigs, Fame, and Juicy Couture this year for nearly nothing. My clothing and my matrix have really seen an upgrade this year.
9. I was in an opera. That's pretty important. It led to a pretty worthwhile relationship and a ton of other friendships that I hope last.
10. I'm actually performing songs now. I went to an open mic and that led to me performing at small restaurant venues this semester. I've written a lot, too. And finished a lot. I've also helped out some friends of mine in their musical endeavors, which is a good thing. Music has been such an important release. I couldn't have survived a lot of my trials without it.
11. Friends. That's been the biggest blessing of my life. The friends I've had. Especially the friends I didn't know I had. God puts people in your life for a reason. I'll never forget the love and support I have felt this year from the people around me.
The most important lesson I think I learned this year is this: I am worth it. I'm worth the $80 Fame fragrance that I've always wanted. I'm worth the awesome home teachers I've had. I'm worth the 20 minutes of stage time I get to perform my originals at a sports bar. I'm worth the late hours with Nyquil and chicken soup if I'm sick. I'm worth the spot in BYU's top choir. I'm worth more than a douchebag who doesn't respect me. I'm worth more than an apartment that won't fix my swamp cooler. I'm worth more than 200 calories a day. I am of infinite worth, and for the longest time I have been selling myself short. I've been settling for less than I deserve. This is such an important revelation. At first, this new discovery led me to believe that I deserved to treat other people badly and to not trust anyone. It led me to be angry and bitter towards everyone who's treated me with disrespect. But now, at the end of the year, with a few months of therapy, experience, and just plain time behind me, I think I'm moving back into balance with my life. I can have high expectations of myself and others without being cold and vindictive towards myself or towards others. I can take myself seriously... but not too seriously. I think my New Years Resolution this year will be something along the lines of this:
I resolve to seek true happiness in my life. And if I don't get it right away, I resolve to be happy anyway.
And with that, I end my post on a joyful note.
Listening to: My man Pitbull. "Don't Stop the Party"
Blessings: No school. No work. Trips to Minnesota.
Learned: Alexander McQueen's 2004 and 2005 lines aren't nearly as dramatic and awesome as his earlier stuff. However, his Fall 2005 season was based on the 1960's, particularly the iconic Marilyn Monroe. That's become one of my favorite seasons.
Things Going On Today: I go to a performance at Muse tonight. Move all my stuff over. Maybe stop at work for a short time.
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