Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Shh.... I have something to tell you


It's a secret, do you promise not to tell anyone?
Ok, here it is I secretly love Ohio. Yes you heard me correctly, this place that I have pretended to detest for the past 13 months has slowly found its way into my heart. As I have spent many countless nights and days feeling completely and utterly alone, I have come to the realization that this time I am spending in Ohio is a time to discover and learn about the working world, relationships, and myself. The growth I have experienced due to uncomfortable, awkward, and often challenging situations have been just as life changing as any other major turning point in my life (all though it has not been as fun as China or Spring Summit). And while leaving the comfort zone is not enjoyable the growth I have experienced from the uncomfortableness of it is a necessity of life (and much like my Mormon speed dating experience it is much better experienced just once in your life.)

The year 2012 has been much kinder to me than 2011 (which tends to happen when your belongings do not get stolen as you move across the country in the second month of the year).  After spending many unhappy months and lots of tears trying to fit in at church, I decided to shake it up a little bit and try the young single adult branch in Akron (same religion, different people).**Disclaimer: I am not saying there are not wonderful people that are in Cleveland branch, because they are amazing people, it just was not a good fit for me at this point in my life.** Not only has the 45 minute drive been a huge blessing as it has given me time to reflect on what I should be doing with my life but the people I have met there have filled a gap in my heart that has been present since the moment I said good-bye to my dear, sweet, friends in Utah. I have a long way to go before my confidence and self-worth are at the level they were several years ago, but with a few encouraging words from those I love and a few listens to "Firework" by Katy Perry, I will be well on my way. I feel like a completely different "Tiffanee" than even just 3 months ago and I could not be happier!