The End??

I'm actually tearing up as I write this entry. I can't believe this amazing year has come to an end. I can't believe what a journey of self-discovery, self-acceptance and love it has been. I am so so glad I did this and that no matter the bumps, I kept moving forward, being forgiving, and laughing at myself along the way. And thank you so much for coming along on this journey with me! Even though, sometimes, I feel that I'm talking into the abyss, I always know at least one person is along for the ride.

As in, what has two thumbs and has been along for this ride.

And even if it were just for her, that would still be ok. But I've had so many people share their support for this project and I'm so thankful for that.

The year did not go or end up as planned, but I think that it went exactly the way it was supposed to. When I started out I was very focused on molding myself into the most perfect physical specimen that this body could muster. But instead of finding happiness through physical perfection I found it through self-discovery.  And there are a lot of things I still hope to master one day.

This being the main one.

But look how far I've come! I went from the crashing crests and troughs of depression to even-keel; I gave up things I thought I needed (internet, netflix, a TV) and then kept on going;  I sold most of my stuff, moved out of my much-missed Burbank apartment and booked flights to Peru and Ireland to begin my world travels; joined the Red Cross and applied to the Peace Corps; got some articles published; became vegan; gained a lot of knowledge; but most importantly, learned how to be my own friend. It sounds funny to say it that way, but friendship encompasses the compassion, forgiveness, companionship, give-and-take, and love that I've discovered along the way.

So is this the end of this journey? Of this blog?

Obviously the journey does not end. I hope to continuously set challenges for myself, jumping for joy when I achieve them, and giggling like a guilty child when I don't. As for this blog, we shall see. But I have started a new blog for the next chapter, the world travel chapter.  So I hope you'll join me there!

http://bethanyfoundwandering.wordpress.com/