The first 24

I was in the gym the other day when a sudden thought came to me. "How did I get to this point in my life?" As in, 'here I am at 24 years of age and this is what I am!?' Growing up, I always pictured my mid-twenties as a cool place in life where I would be someday. All of the good looking celebrities and successful people seemed to be in their 20s. It was just this time in life that I saw as far off. But here I am. It wasn't really a good or a bad thought. I didn't feel any regret or guilt. Perhaps it was the endorphins my body was generously releasing, but my mind was spinning and I experienced a moment of reflection.

I tried to recall the names of all the friends I've ever had. I went back to elementary and middle school and thought about people that I hadn't thought of in ten years. It's interesting to think about those people and how they were a part of your life at one point. When I was in elementary school, I was a part of a club called Odyssey of the Mind (at least I'm pretty sure that's what it was called). My mom could probably tell you what we did or were supposed to do, but all I can picture are the people in my group. I cannot even tell you all their names, but I do remember Allyson, David, Portia, Michelle, and Noah. I was definitely the shy girl, but I remember watching how outgoing and "brave" these kids seemed to me. I remember my friend Renn in middle school. She was probably the one who helped me get past my shyness. Not that it completely dissolved, but I came out of my shell a little bit more. Sports consumed most of my high school years and a lot of my friends were athletes with me. I learned a lot about friendships. Thanks to my good friend Leila, I also learned the art of sarcasm. We had a lot in common, but she was definitely the one with the witty comebacks. I'll always appreciate that about her. I went to college and met a whole new plethora of people. I lived in Australia for half a year and found out there are some great souls south of the Equator. It's one of my favorite things ever: to watch people from all over the world converge in one place. It's comical and amusing, extremely interesting and relatively easy, yet frustrating all at the same time. Beautiful.

Many people have come and gone in my life of 24 years. As everyone knows, people come and go in life. Some friendships form quickly and then dissipate as the seasons change. Others are solid and unrelenting no matter where each story leads. But I did not write this to regret the friendships I no longer have. What has become clear to me is that I wasn't just suddenly 24. Life happened. People came into my life. That is what matters to me. The friends and memories I have from elementary school until now are what I cherish. These people that cared for me taught me how to share life. I learned the ups and downs that are involved in relationships. Not that I'm done learning, but I was blessed. By only God's grace, I am who I am today. I cannot help but believe that He orchestrated every single person who walked into my life. Whether you were there for a week, a semester, four years or all my life, I cherish you. Your friendship- deep, casual or simple- impacted my life. I laugh at certain things because of you. I sketch hands because of you. I apply mascara a certain way because of you. I see sunsets a new way because of you. I expect great things because of your optimism. I love books because of you. I know what it's like to be lost because of you (or maybe that was me). I know what it's like to laugh so hard my jaw hurts.

You, my friend, are part of my twenty four years. I am grateful and blessed by your friendship.

"I have perceived that to be with those I like is
enough... I do not ask any more delight, I swim in it, as in
a sea." - Walt Whitman