A Stroll Down Memory Lane

 Have you ever taken a stroll before? Have you ever taken a walk through a park, nature trail, the neighborhood or perhaps your own backyard? While you were on your stroll, did you stop to take in all that was around you? Did you stop to appreciate the sights and sounds? Perhaps you were walking with other people. Did you stop to appreciate the time you were spending with them? Here we are, near the end of 2021 and a lot has happened! There were rough days, but also really good days and bright spots. Today, I want to take a few moments to stroll down memory lane of my 2021. As you take a stroll with me, I hope you are encouraged to take a stroll down your 2021. 

• At the beginning of my 2021, I took my last class for my Master's degree. It was the student teaching/internship part. I spent January- April of this year hanging out with the coolest 2nd grade students I know 😀. I learned so much in that time and had a lot of fun! I saw growth in myself over those 3 months. I'm grateful that when I see those same students when I'm out and about now, we still talk and check in. These are connections that I will always cherish. 
• For the first time in April, I volunteered at the local community blood drive and enjoyed doing that. It's always good when you can help and serve in your community.
• In May, I attended a virtual graduation ceremony online at Grand Canyon University because I graduated with my Master's degree! After 3 and 1/2 years, I graduated with my Master's degree in Elementary Education and finished with a 3.89 GPA! I also became part of the Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society. Through every challenge, heartache, loss, frustration, long days while all working full-time, I made it with God 👏!! God is so so good and I am grateful!!
• God helped me to secure a teaching position for the 2021-2022 school year before I graduated. I am now a homeroom teacher and teaching 6th grade English for the first time ever!! It has always been my dream to teach English and now it's a reality. I enjoying teaching English a lot 💗!! Now it does come with its share of challenges in these times of the pandemic and I have gone home exhausted many days, but I have been learning and growing through it all. At the current school I'm employed with, I went from being a teacher assistant to a teacher. It did not happen overnight, but I didn't give up (even though many times I wanted to!) and here I am. What a journey and thankful for all the people I've met and things I've learned along the way!
• Along with teaching comes taking certain tests. Tests scare me if I'm honest! However, I'm learning to do my part to study and be prepared the best way possible. Over the summer, I passed most of my teaching tests on the first try, which was a big deal to me 👏! Praise God! Now I didn't pass all of my tests on the first try and had to try again on 2 of them. One of them, I passed the 2nd time. The second one I still have to conquer, but I will pass it! 
• In July, my brother and I did our 1st brother/sister movie outing together since before the pandemic. It was only right that we go see Space Jam 2 😀. We loved the first Space Jam and had to go see the second one. We enjoyed our movie and outing! I'm glad we still stick together as siblings. I am grateful to God for him! 
• July also kicked off the beginning of my regular visits to the nail salon to get a manicure and/or pedicure. I try to go at least once a month now and get one or both. It's all part of my self-care and I love it 💖!!
• In my single season, I have gained experience in practicing communicating with male friends and have learned a lot about me and the opposite gender. I have experienced heartache, frustration and disappointment as no serious relationship has happened yet. God has still been with me through it all. While God hasn't allowed my God-sent who will be my future husband to be revealed yet, I do believe he's getting closer. I have to remind myself not to compare myself to those around me who "seem" to be further in the relationship area of their life than I am. I have to be thankful for the progress I've made because I have come a long way in this area 👏. I have to keep being me and walk in my purpose. I have to take the lessons and keep going. The right one will love all of me and be able to lead me properly. 
• October- December brought amazing travels and wonderful new experiences! With my cousin, I was able to visit the beautiful mountains of Massanutten and Roanoke and it was so much fun. It was so beautiful and peaceful there! I have been able to see new sights and experience new restaurants. New has been good and looks good on me 💗. I am definitely ready to continue to travel and enjoy more new experiences in 2022!
• I experienced firsts without Momma here, such as going to a wedding, afternoon church service at a local church and riding the church van. She would have been there for it all if she could have. I also recorded a few encouraging videos and posted them on social media for the first time. It was stepping out of my comfort zone for sure, but I enjoyed. I need to get back to those, so stay tuned for more motivational moments coming soon😀. 
• Both sides of my family were able to gather for happy occasions in person for the first since the pandemic💖. Both were lovely! On my Mom's side, we were at a birthday celebration for one of my Aunts. On my Dad's side, we celebrated Christmas dinner together this past weekend. In between those happy occasions, I was able to see family members more and more and that was wonderful.

My word for this year has been wholeness. I definitely tried my best to do things that were good for my mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Am I perfect? No. Am I progressing? Yes I am 😀. I'm proud of the woman I am becoming. She's still here and has come a long way! You go girl! Yes, I have had my share of disappointments, heartaches, challenges and frustrations this year. But, I've also had my share of new experiences, blessings, lessons, joys and victories this year. Thank you for taking a stroll with me down memory lane. Thank you for your support, encouragement, shares, and prayers. I really appreciate all of you 💗. I am truly grateful and can't wait to make new memories in 2022! Here's to a happy and healthy new year for all 💝!!