One Year

Well folks, it's June 13th. Do you know what that means for me? It means I have lived in Flagstaff for one year. A year ago today, I left Mesa with all my stuff, and moved into my apartment in the Meadows. It's been an interesting year. A lot of learning. A lot of growing up. A lot of...becoming. Becoming more Beth-ish. Discovering more about myself and who I am - the good, the bad, and the ugly. I have discovered some amazing things about myself. But I also have come to realize many of my faults and weaknesses, and it's a constant battle against them.

In this past year I've:
*Held hands with a boy for the first time (don't judge...I'm a slow mover and pretty much stayed away from relationships in high school.)
*Learned what it means to do something hard, something that hurts you a bit, because you care about the other person more than yourself.
*Payed all my bills pretty much without assistance from my parents.
*Survived living with 4 roommates, and have in fact enjoyed it greatly.
*Taken a class that I really didn't care about and decided that it wasn't worth killing myself over, thus earning myself my second B in the history of my educational career.
*Had me testimony strengthen on tithing and fast offerings.
*Learned how important it is to fully rely on the Lord.
*Learned why it is I am here in Flagstaff.
*Made friends with people who I can now never imagine my life without. Friends who quickly became a vital part of my survival up here, physically, spiritually, and mentally. (By physically, I mostly mean by feeding me.) Friends who are now some of my best friends ever. And who I will make an effort to stay in contact with for the rest of my life, even to the point of quite possibly annoying them.
*Finished my first year of college. With a 3.9 GPA.
*Taught lessons in Relief Society - which is an AMAZING calling. I love it.
*Seen miracles.
*Drifted from my Heavenly Father
*Grown closer to my Heavenly Father, after drifting.
*Come to understand the connection between scripture study and my happiness -I am happier when I study my scriptures.
*Been at my happiest, and also at my saddest.
*Despite my age, and how little I feel I know, learned how to be an adult, and to handle my problems. I may act immature at times, but that's because that's what I do to keep from going crazy.
*Learned the importance of play. There must be a balance. I can't just keep running around being perfectly responsible. It's important to take time to play. Or to color Sesame Street coloring books. Or to be with your friends and laugh yourself silly.

This has been a fantastic year. My first week up here, I wasn't so sure how things were going to go. One year later, I treasure all that has happened and all that I have learned. One year down, a lifetime more to go!