And to some, that doesn’t seem like much. But to me, it means a lot…especially considering that at one point, I didn’t even know if I would live to see 30.

Over the past couple days, I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting. I’ve been carefully analyzing myself, those around me and just life in general. Although I have accomplished quite a bit, there’s still so much more out there. So much. In the past, I was (by my own admission) a person who was afraid of really taking the reigns so that I can better control my life and the situations surrounding. I haven’t perfected that but I’ve noticed that I’m getting better. I’m less afraid of change and actually welcome it.

Since starting the blog and using it as a “profession,” I’ve learned that there are truly some miserable people out there. I noticed it before but it becomes a bit more obvious when you have such a public platform. I use to try and fight all these folks (both online and off) with sword and shield in hand but once I recognized that I was spending MORE time being miserable over who was going to say what next and how, rather than appreciating the fact that I have (silently*) accomplished so much, I had to find a way to bury it.

I wish that I had some type of emotion for people that I’m leaving behind but I remain emotionless. I’ve noticed that there are people who hang on to your boot straps to enjoy your ride…but they do absolutely nothing to encourage it, nothing to support it, nothing to commend it. But if you have something at some point that they feel will be beneficial, they’re at your neck like leeches to fresh blood. I’ve done a way better job over the last year or two at picking my associates but I’ve also failed at thinking that those who called me theirs were indeed there with good intentions. Not always the case, unfortunately.

Additionally, I’ve learned that things change, people change. By the time you’ve hit 30, you should be leading somewhat of a busy life. But I’ll never be too busy to reach out to the ones who love and support me to say “Thank you,” or even pick up the phone every once in a while (be it text or phone call) and let them know I’m there. I laugh at people who say they “have no time” b/c they’re “super busy.” My opinion? If you make time to eat, sleep and shit, you have time to show your appreciation. I’ve learned that.

I don’t know what life has in store for me. I know what my own plans are but I’ve also heard that if you want to make God laugh, you should tell Him your plans. I’ll continue pressing on with becoming the person I’d like to be and patiently make adjustments for the person God wants me to be.

Entering another part of my life. I think I’m ready…

* = I hate people who brag. Check your persona life, join Twitter, follow a few celebs (pseudo and otherwise) and you’ll get what I mean. It’s one thing to speak aloud your blessings because you’re grateful; it’s something totally different to speak as though you’re somehow better than the rest. Learn it.