"I'm just fine here finding me."

By the way, that title comes from the song "Finding Me" by Vertical Horizon.

Reader, I just got done eating a plate full of Eggo chocolate chip waffles.  It reminded me of childhood and also of those times when my mom would dig out the actual waffle maker and make them from scratch.  That's been the entire week for me--throwbacks to childhood.  I drank 7up and ate popsicles yesterday.

I've spent the last few days struggling about what to write for this post.  Sure I could talk about what it feels like to be going back to campus in two days, but I won't. The only thing I'll say is this:  If last year felt like a timid dipping in of the toes into college life, then this year feels like a running plunge, complete with student activism and new opportunities.  Oh, and the water doesn't even feel cold. Instead, I'm going to talk about something else and something probably more broad.

Today marks the 3rd anniversary of the death of my aunt Mary, and I will always be thankful for her influence on my life, which shows itself now more than ever.  That's true with all the aunts on my dad's side.  I see distinct aspects of myself in each of them as I get older, but it comes not from intentional shaping on their part...

I don't exactly know how to phrase everything, but everyone needs the freedom to find their own way--that's not to undervalue good, strong guidance and influence, but that guidance should open doors to all sorts of life experiences instead of closing some off.  Maybe I'm naive in thinking that if people are not forced down a certain path and instead are left to their own devices, they will naturally gravitate towards choices that lead to their own brand of a happy and fulfilling life. 

I'm glad I feel like the latter is becoming more and more my reality. Certain influences are causing me to pursue happiness in my own way, not because they're consciously trying to, but because they're leading or have led by wonderful example and a sort of hands off approach.  You don't have to tell someone who to be, you just have to be someone they admire to make a difference in their life.

All of it has reinforced the idea in me that I'm going to be just fine if I'm allowed to live at my own pace and make my own decisions.

Peace, be well, be epic, and I'll probably be back to campus the next time you hear from me.

-Megan