A Year and a Half

A year and a half ago yesterday, I went to another school’s prom with a boy I barely knew. It poured rain on us as we scrabbled to find parking; hair subsequently flattened, and slightly damp, we made it after walking a block away.

A week later we found ourselves at my prom, on a somewhat sunnier day – a week into our relationship, strangers starting to get to know each other. I had no expectations, really; just an open mind and heart.

I can’t really find the words to describe the past eighteen months. They’ve been nothing short of turbulent, exciting, scary, fun, wonderful, for so many different reasons. I’ve grown up, in some ways; in others, I’ve grown younger. I’m more confident, more calm, more passionate; I’m still insecure, but I can recognize it and it no longer defines me. I’m more comfortable expressing myself and I know my limits. I’m still just as excitable as I’ve always been. Happier? Considerably. Lost? Of course – but I have direction and focus and finding oneself is half the fun anyways. 😉

In the past eighteen months I’ve learned a lot about things like friendship and love and hard things. I’ve learned a lot about myself and about relationships – those worth the effort and those that should be let go. People I barely talked to in high school are now among my closest confidantes, and others have drifted. I started school and travelled and started to work with myself rather than against – and this has made a world of difference.

Yesterday, I spent the day with my best friend. We’ve had a year and a half to get to know each other, and that too has made a world of difference. My mind and heart are more open, and more full. I guess that’s what happens when you chance upon someone who brings out the best in you. 🙂