One Year Anniversary « Adventures with Jasmine

At 11:58pm on Thursday, May 5th my phone flashed a reminder of my one year anniversary from graduating from Central Michigan University.  Wow, time flies! I still remember how I felt around this time…stressed and nervous.  I was far from happy because I wasn't even sure if I would graduate the next day. I fought tooth and nail (wasn't going out without a fight), and thank God everything smoothed over.  I was able to receive my B.A.A. in Apparel Merchandising with a minor in Retail Management and Advertising.

I have come a long way in one year. In 2010 I was still trying to get comfortable in my new skin, and become more confident in my abilities and talents. I was going through what I call a pruning process, so that I could become a better me. I remember sitting in a class one day feeling empty; like the world around me was black. I quickly came to realize that I had no identity or personality. I needed a change quick or I would be stuck like this for the rest of my life (what a waste). 

I believe that knowing who you are from the inside out is a beautiful gift. It takes a lot to get there, but the grueling process is worth it.

I made a list of the things I didn't like about myself and started to take steps on changing those things one day at a time. One thing that stuck out to me was the fact that I didn't have a good set of solid friends; girls that I could rely on and exhale with.  I decided to change how I associated with the people around me.  Day by day I grew out of my tunnel vision and started to notice the people who were in my life. I made myself responsible for being a great friend to them. Not to seek something else in return, but to gain the characteristics it takes to keep a good friendship going.  

If you have been keeping up with my entries (and even if you haven't) you will see that my overall theme is change and transformation. Changing and transforming has a lot to do with living your life to the fullest. If you never grow you will never have the capacity to experience more.  This is what I have learned in one year. I am glad I went through those hard times so that I may enjoy the good times and the benefits that come with it.

Going through a pruning process is a great way to gain a tolerance, patience, and an understanding for others you may encounter going through the same thing.

No longer do I care what others think of me. No longer do I stress myself over people being flakey, or not choosing better for themselves. No longer do I let go of my ambitions, standards, boundaries, beliefs, or morals for anyone.  I am ten times more of a people person than I was before (kept to myself a lot). My ability to be a great friend has been accomplished (I love my girls, they are the best!). On top of all of that I am ready to learn more in the year of 2011 (I have already started).

I am shouting CONGRATULATIONS to the new graduates of 2011. May your next steps be filled with purpose and ambition to be better than you were on this day, so that you are able to look back and say "Wow, look how far I have come." Facebook