My first post..

Well, I guess after having this blog set up for ever, it's time to start posting.
-but where to start? I'm still sitting here, staring at this mostly blank screen and I'm beginning to remember why it's taken me 8 mos to even open the page. *deep breath* Here goes everything...

This last year has been one huge test of endurance for me..in the form of our second military deployment. While I'm thankful it's almost over, I can't help but recognize that I've learned more about myself and what I want out my life, more than any other time before.

• I've learned that being strong doesn't mean you're not weak.
• I've learned that you can still love and be loved through even your ugliest days.
• I've learned that love comes in all forms and sometimes when you least expect it.
• I've learned that inside this stormy rock-n-roll heart, gentleness still lives.
• I've learned that sometimes you just have to shut up and be quiet for a while.
• I've learned that old friends can become new again if you just let it happen.
• I've learned that sometimes the words are enough and sometimes they aren't.
• I've learned that I can love many people, in many different ways and there's nothing wrong with that.
• I've learned that sometimes when I'm waiting on a phone call to get me thru the day, it's better to make a phone call..someone else needs the same thing.
• I've learned that independent isn't a bad word and I actually love it.
• I've learned that sleeping alone isn't as hard as I thought it would be.
• I've learned that a drive with the windows down and the music up can still clear my head.
• I've learned the importance of sleeping in and never changing outta sweats at least once a week.
• I've learned that my ability to forgive gets easier as I practice forgiveness.
• I've learned that being lonely doesn't always mean being alone and being alone doesn't always mean being lonely.
• I've learned that the world won't end if I don't answer a call, a txt, an email or the door.
• I've learned that my capacity to love is more than I ever imagined.
• I've learned that even at my strongest, I still have and always will, a porcelain heart.
• I've learned that the first few moments of my morning can set the course of my day.
• I've learned that there can always be a reconciliation after even the most heated argument..you just have to want it.
• I've learned that I seeing myself through other's eyes is priceless.
• I've learned that some relationships have an expiration date and I'm still learning to let go.
• I've learned that one of the hardest years of my life has turned out to be one of the one of my best...I know more about who I really am than I did a year ago and as a searcher, that's invaluable.

These are just a handful of the lessons I've learned this year and I've learned to be thankful for all of them.