One Year
August 30 marked one year since I moved to Kamloops. And I think I have grown more as a writer, girlfriend, daughter, friend and a person in the last year than I have any other year of my life. It was a hard year, but it was also rewarding and fun.
A new school year, possibly MY last school year, is beginning soon so I want to take the time to reflect on the last 365 days and how much I have changed and grown since moving far away from home for the first time a year ago.
Here’s a few things that stand out for me:
I spent six months getting around by only foot and bus; something that seemed impossible before.
I started running and ran not one but TWO half-marathons and three other races.
I got an internship when it seemed like there were none out there. I wanted to give up and quit looking, but I didn’t.
I was then offered a part-time job at my internship; launching my career and my first “grown-up” job.
I grew so much as a writer. I learned a lot my first year in J-school; but writing on a regular basis through work, freelance, blogging has helped tremendously.
I’ve developed so many new relationships and friendships; from my school friends to my running friends to my blog friends. I would not be the person I am right now without all of these different people/relationships in my life.
Part of the reason I’ve grown so much is because I was thrown into this brand new environment; I had no life, no friends, nothing and I had to make a new life. So I did. It took a full year but I’m finally feeling happy and content with the life I have now and I think that I’m a better person than I was before.
Maybe sometimes it takes a bit of change or shaking up someones life to bring out the best in them. I know that a year ago when I first moved away I was feeling sad, depressed and homesick. I NEVER thought I could be this happy down here, never ever. Now, I’m extremely excited for my fourth year of University and the things that are coming afterwards!
When you look back over your life, what year or time period stands out in your mind as one of great personal growth?
I really can’t think of one….it’s been more of a gradual process for me. Probably the biggest shock was when I moved out of home (I was only 16, just turned 17) and was still in high school, and shortly after broke up with my now-ex. Every so often I look back, like you, and marvel at how far I’ve come, and how much is still ahead of me…
Sounds like quite a year you’ve had. You’ve really accomplished alot!
The past 2 years (since starting my weighloss journey) have been that of change. I’ve certainly grown up a lot and learned tons about myself.
just so you know — it’s only the beginning. Each year, you’ll see yourself grow, change and get to know yourself a whole lot more, hopefully for the better!
I have to say i’ve had a couple turning points — the time I found out i had usher’s syndrome (8 years ago!) That whole year was literally a slap in the face for me…i went through so much, but what changed me was my nephew coming into my life. Such a life changer.
and the summer i lived in NYC was also a life changing summer, it let me experience NYC and taught me that I didn’t want to live there, so I moved back closer to home, and I’m happier for it. cuz if it wasn’t for that i wouldn’t have met 2 of my close girl friends whom i lived with for 3 years!
For me it would have to be the year I graduated college, 2004 when I was 22. I had a lot happen to me personally that forced me to “grow up” right then. I moved away out of state for the first time and learned to live on my own and support myself!
you accomplished so much in this year! congrats! I hope this next year is even better and full of more surprises and growths as a person!
xoxo
Lo
There have been lots of periods of my life that have been huge ‘growing experiences’ for me. The two that stick out most in my mind are:
1. When I studied abroad in Australia. I went by myself to the other side of the globe knowing absolutely no one. It was scary & exciting at first, but it forced me to get out of my comfort zone. I met so many amazing people and made so many great memories. I am still paying for the loans from this amazing trip, but it was worth every penny spent.
2. The 6-9 months after my break-up with Ryan. I was a wreck. I would call my mom, sobbing and barely had the will to live. But I think hitting rock bottom made me stronger person. It forced me to figure out what makes me tick. I sometimes feel like I am still healing from that break up or at least learning from it, but I can now say I am a happier, healthier person that I was before dating him, so even though going through that break up was hell on earth, it really was good for me. I can now say I am so happy w/ myself & that I absolutely love my life – and I could not have said that when I was with Ryan.
Sometimes you have to walk through a little fire and experience a little pain so that you can become a better, stronger person, I guess. I am actually planning on doing a post about this next week!
Hope your week is going well!!
Congratulations on all your accomplishments throughout the year, good for you for facing everything head on and your success. This last year has definately been an uplifting one for me as well
So far, my biggest change has occurred in the last year (since September 08). I was living in NYC, just moved to a new apt, broke up with C, and was still freshly coping with my dad’s death. I also started an internship, completed my last year of grad school, and moved back to Texas. I feel like I’ve grown tremendously in the past 12 montIt was a rough year, but I’m so happy with how everything has turned out. And I agree with Erin, this is only the beginning!
Sorry, my computer is acting weird this morning. That comment was supposed to say “the last 12 months. ” Oops!
WOW you’ve had a great year!! That’s awesome!! And yes it’s only the continuation of the life long adventures coming your way
I would have to say it was the year before I met Steve, I was single for a year and was living by myself (first time since I left home). Literally completely alone in this huge house, I always had someone living with me in the first 4 years I left home. It was AWESOME having the house to myself!! I loved it. I had to do everything myself. I’m by no means helpless and can do everything lol on my own. But the little things like grocery shopping by yourself….it was weird at first……I always had a sidekick to keep me company. I’m so glad I had the chance to experience it, there were some lonely times of course but there were more care free crazy times. It was a year of hard decisions, one after the other kept hitting me, probably the hardest year as of yet. I made it through everything and never looked back.
The next point in my life was meeting Steve, now my husband!! Cheesy, but everyday since the day I met him has been glorious! I’m at the happiest point in my life right now and looking forward to all the new adventures!
I think it’s awesome how much you have grown in one year…it sounds like it has been ONE GREAT YEAR. Reflect on how far you have come when you approach any difficult times ahead and you will power through!!!
Um…when I got married I would say that was when I had the most personal growth. But not just right when I got married…for like the next 4 years after that. I moved to a city where I didn’t know anybody while my new husband went to school and I was unemployed. When I was employed i worked with a catty bunch of women. Then my husband up and moved me BACK home for 3 months so he could work while we lived with his parents. Then he brought me BACK to Lethbridge where I was unemployed AGAIN for 6 months…once I finally started to enjoy it there, he brought me BACK home AGAIN to live with his parents for about 18 months until we bought out first house…only then (after almost 4 years of marriage) did we finally feel like newlyweds…I grew up a LOT in those years, and continue still.
Great job building something new
It’s hard!
This past year has been a good one of growth for me, but the biggest one was the year I took off from college and worked at CC full time. It was a really HARD year with car accidents, demise of friendships, being broke all the time and other whatnot…but I did it and went back to school after that.
This time last year I was JUST starting my Internship. now I’m 3 weeks into my first Real job and actually getting paid in a week! still seems kind of hard to believe – especially since, 365 days ago, i had NO idea I would move into a city and start my own thing.
glad you’ve grown too! it’s interesting to look back….
I’ve had a few growing up periods in my life; probably my junior/senior year in college when I officially lived on my own, paying bills, dealing with grocery shopping, cooking, and learning how to be a grown-up. And then again in 2006 after a break-up that left me broken, I learned how to be my own person, build my own life, do things I wanted to do and that I would indeed be okay. I’ve learned a lot in my last year as well since it had been ages before I had bee in a relationship about how to be a girlfriend again, how to adjust/compromise change and etc.
I am so proud of you Amber
I can’t remember how long it’s been since I started reading your blog…almost a year though, that’s for sure 
And in that time I have so enjoyed seeing all the new things that have happened to you!
As for my own personal growth…Your question got me thinking! Ironically enough, I think it has been after breakups…So let’s hope this time around it works that way too
I always like to take stock every once in a while and truly reflect on the past year or so. I am so glad that you feel happy and much more content with the live you’ve made for yourself in the past year. As for a period of growth in my life, I am going through a big one right now. Nothing too serious or earth shattering, just a different attitude and way of viewing the world.
You’ve grown a lot and learned a lot in a year! I’d say it was a great year for you, good job!
I think that NOW is a major period for me. I’m living alone, away from family and friends. I still don’t know what my next ‘move’ is though and that scares me.
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