Sophie (Chanko) Dare

It's my birthday!

I've been on this earth for twenty one years.

I've been out of high school for three years.

I've been out of community college for one year.

I've been in my relationship for a year and a half.

I've been at my job for two years.

It's really strange to look back at how much of my life has already seemed to have gone by.

I know, I know, it's silly to say that I'm 21 and I feel like I've experienced so much of life already.

I still have yet to move out on my own, to get married, to finish school completely, to get a full-time job, to have children, to travel the country, to grow up, to discover who I am.

My life has changed in the past year in ways I never thought possible, and I'm not saying that it was all fun or easy. But I've learned that change should be welcomed, and that I look forward to the ways my life will continue to change and evolve over the next year, and each year after that.

By my next birthday, if all goes to plan, I'll be beginning twenty two:

Moving out of my family home and living in an apartment close to downtown with roommates.

Engaged.

Preparing for marriage emotionally, financially, and spiritually.

Working a new job and/or internship.

Learning more every day about living on my own, becoming my own person, living with people who aren't my family members, developing my skills and advancing my career, and rooting myself in my beliefs.

But for now, I'm beginning twenty one in the middle of an uncertain world. The near future is just as unsure as the future far down the road. Come what may, I'll always know that I'm always learning and growing with each new day and each new year.

Thanks for reading!