A Journey

A little over a year and a half ago, I learned that I had to have my hips operated on. I can remember how I felt. I had seen four or five specialists in several months prior, had had multiple X-rays, and MRI arthrogram, physical therapy, and a number of other treatments and attempts at providing me relief and a solution. I remember how devastated I felt when I found out that I had to have two PAOs. I was so confused. But I have learned and grown tremendously over the last eighteen months. My life has been richly blessed and my perspective broadened. I still feel pain sometimes, and when I've done too much, I walk with a limp. The last year has been long and painful, but if given the chance, I wouldn't let anyone take it from me. This trial changed my life.

I recently made a list of everything I learned in the past year. I found forty-three general things. If I were to break all of them down, I would probably hold the record for the longest blog post, and I don't think anyone honestly really wants to read that.

I am so thankful for all of the experiences I had and for who I have become and am continuing to become because of my experiences. It's funny what becoming helpless will teach you if you let it.

Here's the most important thing:
I have not discovered myself. I have created myself. And despite all of my remaining imperfections, I'm pretty happy with the process so far. I am so excited to see what the rest of my future will bring and how I will continue to create myself as I choose to learn and grow and let others into my life. Life is so indescribably beautiful and I am so thankful for the trials I have had. They have proven to be incredible opportunities and thinking about everything I have gained fills my heart greatly.

I am so thankful for a Heavenly Father who knows me and exactly what I need to create myself and become the person that I am meant to be. I am thankful that He allows me to experience hard things, and that His guiding hand is in every aspect of my life to help me achieve and conquer.

This journey has been a long one, and it certainly has not been easy. But it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.