What I Learned on a Girl’s Tripfeatured

I used to think I was one in a million. That everything I was and stood for was unique. That I built my life and everything in it on my own. This could be because I was always spoiled but I never wanted to be. It could be because I always needed help but I just didnt wan’t to admit it.

I had a spa days with the girls the other day. We reminisced about all the people we dated, sorta dated, or simply just were in “contact” with. I took a step back in time and saw myself as I was in college. So broken yet so beautiful without even knowing it.

As depressing as it sounds, I almost cried. Wierd, huh? Here we were enjoying a beautiful day and there I was remembering the girl I used to be.

The thing is, there are many broken girls. Many broken people. I am not the only one who went through a questionable phase. And beneath it all, I was just trying to prove to myself that I didn’t need anyone even though, in the end, I needed every single person that came into my life.

Even the questionable ones.

When I was broken I thought I was the only person that could put myself back together but I was so damn wrong. I am and have been who I am because of the people around me.

Because of the humans that raised me. Because of the humans who came into my life throughout all the different chapters of me. Because of the humans that taught me that I am more than an empty body but an etherial being.

I owe my whole life to every single person in it. I am a sum of all my parts. Every experience with every person has shaped me, unapologetically and beautifully.

I am not special. I am not original. I am you. You are me. I cry, I fall, I break, and I put myself back together again. With help, with guidance, with the support of all those who love me and also all those who don’t. You make stronger, you propel me toward greatness.

It was when I felt so datatched that I so often drowned my sorrows in others that found themselves in the same condition that I did. I would often wake up more broken that I was before. Confused and grasping for something deeper than those fleeting insignificant moments.

Now that I know otherwise I realize I am greatful to all the people that have created the woman that I am today.

The one that is turning 30 in less than a week who appreciates every encounter she has ever had. If you have met me, in person or through this blog, I want to thank you for creating this gratitude within my soul. For shaping my character and my resilience. If we have never met, please trust that I am just like you. I am forever a work in progress and I am who I am and who I will become because of you. And you. And ESPECIALLY you.

Love Always and Forever,

Karen