Family has always been such an important aspect of my life and over the past year we have gone through some major changes. Moving changed a lot when it came to the dynamics of our family; we all hate change. I was pretty surprised how smooth the transition was, from a huge 3 story house to a 3 bedroom apartment, we still managed to gel so well together. The past year has taught me a lot of things, especially the value of my siblings. We may have a huge age gap separating us but it really didn't matter in the large scheme of things. Never would I have thought in my 23 years, my little 15 year old sister would be such a strong support pillar in my life. I guess, for all these years I've taken her for granted, mind you being the oldest I took a lot for granted. She may be 7 years younger than me but she has surpassed my expectations with her words of wisdom and comfort. We may be a lot alike but we are also so different. I lead with my heart, I'm a doubter, I'm spontaneous and irrational while she is stubborn as hell, a tad OCD and a perfectionist, however regardless of all our differences, she knows me best. As for my parents, they have finally learnt to be the silent pillar of support, the nagging has been cut to a minimal and I've very glad because they have finally realized I need to make mistakes in order to learn. I'm forever grateful to my family and now more than ever, I realized I'm nothing without them.
"Family life is full of major and minor crises -- the ups and downs of health, success and failure in career, marriage, and divorce -- and all kinds of characters. It is tied to places and events and histories. With all of these felt details, life etches itself into memory and personality. It's difficult to imagine anything more nourishing to the soul."
-- Thomas Moore
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Friends - the last couple of months have really tested my patience on the definition of friendship. I'm quite of a hermit when it comes to the social scene and making friends isn't the easiest thing to do for me. This year, I'm not going to deny that I've finally learn what defines true friendship. I've come to revisit a lot of my friendships this year and also met a lot of new friends along the way however regardless of the time I've spent with these people, each of them have taught me valuable lessons. While one person taught me not to trust so fast, another taught me not to hold all my burdens in, each person that has come into my life over the past year has left their footprints behind and for that I'm thankful for. I finally realized who my true friends were and surprisingly they were found in the oddest places. I do surround myself with a very tight knit group of people but when it comes to being thankful, I'm truly thankful to one individual.
This one person was the reason why I've changed so drastically over the last couple of months. I was left to rebuilt myself but most importantly, I was taught to depend on myself. I've learn to be a better friend, a better listener, a better person because of her. Never had I've been burnt so hard and still managed to be happy that it had happened. You made me a better friend.
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St Alban's - my new family. I don't have much to say but I love these people to death. Y'all have seen me at my best and worse and still loved me regardless. Never have I felt so blessed to be working with such amazing and supportive people.
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T. We were meant to fly.
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I've learn a lot of life changing lessons this year but one thing still holds true. Regardless of the months that do fly by us, I vow that I'll try everyday to be the best friend, sister, daughter, girlfriend or whatever that I could be because everyone that I've surrounded myself with, only deserves the best that I have to offer.