The tide is turning.

Life is such an inspiration. Vague, I know. But there are a variety of things we can pull from the many different branches of life, it just depends on the decision.


As I sort through the bundle of thoughts in my mind, I'm coming across memories - both good and bad - that have all attributed to the woman I'm working so hard to be.


At first, motivation was a very foreign notion to me. The years 2006 through 2009 were not very productive years for me, however, they were years full of experiences that pressed and pulled, stretched and molded me into who I am today.


Those years I was not at all clear about my ambitions. Who would I be in three years? I didn't know. I was falling in love, singing in front of hundreds - being carefree. Who wouldn't enjoy that life? No responsibilities ( or so I thought), no enemies (once again, so aloof to the truth) - and I was the "new" girl being catered to and judged by who I appeared to be, not for who I truly was.


I was soaking it all in. Not for long.


Next on my life's checklist was a series of not-so-carefree moments. I found myself clinging to fraying friendships and losing myself in others. I didn't know who I was by MY standards because I had, for so long, been basing my identity on THEM to validate my worth.


The fading sanity of my grandmother and my grandfather's broken heart is felt throughout my home. I found my home life becoming increasingly unorganized and disheveled. I felt like I was losing grip.


Somehow, though, I was inspired by this harsh reality. To see how fragile and short life can be and how fleeting happiness is nudged me to do something with my life. This motivation was inspired by another major factor in my life.


At this time, love is what grounded me. He was, and is, my supporter and confidant, never ceasing to encourage me to find myself. To be independent and passionate about something in life. His persistence was not in vain.


These past four years, we've fallen deeply in love and both of us were able to find who we were. Life wasn't easy then- it never really is - but we've been able to overcome. And now, here we are - engaged and planning our future!


As far as my singing goes, I cannot deny others the opportunity to step up and experience everything I was able to when it was my time. Truth be told: to everything there is a season.


I'm not sure where I will end up in two years but one thing I am sure of: I will marry my best friend and love of my life. My philosopher, my muse. Our lives will change drastically but I can hardly contain the thrill of starting my life with him.


I am excited for the next adventure of my young life. We will never know for sure where we'll end up, but I trust that with diligence and faith we will make this adventure worthwhile.


V