Seems Like a Lifetime Ago

I recently bumped into some photos my best friend posted of me right before I moved to Seattle. We made this big road trip from Denver to Seattle. Apparently she took some pictures I had forgotten about.

I was shocked.






I was 28 years old, and this was a major down point of my life. I was moving to Seattle to get a fresh start.

This was 2003. I weighed 160 in these pictures. No job, no boyfriend, and seemingly insurmountable debt.

Who was that person? Seems like someone else.

Upon moving to Seattle, that person discovered farmer's market fresh vegetables and fruit. Parks and trails within walking distance of her apartment. Bought a mountain bike. Learned to kayak and ski. Got a job I initially hated, but it allowed me to pay off my debt completely. After that, I got a better job that I love, and people I enjoy working with. I met my fiance in 2006.

While looking at those pictures, I didn't feel ashamed. I didn't feel like I should destroy them. I felt accomplishment. Getting to where I am now was no easy task, and it didn't happen overnight. It happened because I wanted a different, better life for myself, and I pushed through the bitter, unpleasant parts.

This is me now. The me that I am. Who I want to be.