While home for fall break, I went walking in my hometown's reservoir (there's a paved walking trail through the woods) and already a thin layer of leaves was on the ground and as I stepped on the multicolored leaves, I smiled as I heard the satisfying crunch beneath my feet. I listened to Michigan by Sufjan Stevens, a favorite album of mine to listen to in the fall. Just being outdoors and in one of my favorite places made me feel a sense of purpose and optimism. I really enjoy being in my hometown during the fall, one of my favorite times of the year to spend in my town, and I was felt really thankful for the lifestyle I've been able to live. I've had my own share of difficulties, like fighting with constant depression for at least the past 4-5 years - enveloped with a sense of hopelessness and worthlessness, but I've been trying to manage it by trying the best I can with any given situation (relationships, school, etc.) and trying to ask for emotional help whenever I need it.

It was just really nice to be home and to spend some quality time with my family and dogs. I made a lot of great memories - like going to Northampton, Mass for lunch followed by the Yankee Candle flagship store in Deerfield with my mom and niece. Although they can get on my nerves sometimes, I really appreciate my family being in my life

Below is a link to Sufjan Steven's song Romulus, one of my favorites off his Michigan album:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUwuT6m5roU

I have recently come to realize how comfortable I am being by myself. Prior to this and last year, I would always crave being around others, and sacrifice my own mental health to do things for others all the time. While my grades didn't suffer per se, my own happiness did. This year, I am focused on making myself happy and healthy through the toughest year of college. Being by myself allows me to look inward and be mindful of all my actions, as well as allow me to finish all of my schoolwork in a timely manner to help prevent myself from getting stressed out. While I still stress, and worry about doing well, it is less than it would have been in the past. In addition, I am trying to focus less on what other people think of me and communicating better. While these last two goals are more difficult for me, I will be persistent in them because it is important for me to be as healthy and positive as possible

New Year, New Me!

I haven't posted in my blog since January, and I figured that since the new school year started a few weeks ago, I would use this blog to mark my progress and personal growth, to talk about the good days and the bad, and frame my new posts in a positive light, trying to discuss how even the bad days are relevant to ones growth. I will try to post in this blog a few times a week

It's my senior year of college, and I couldn't be more excited because I can finally see the end in sight. It's been a long and strange journey and I couldn't have done it without my family, loved ones and friends.

The past few weeks have been a tough transition to get back into the swing of being in school, but I've been coping to the best of my ability. I'm excited that it feels like fall (finally!) my second favorite season next to winter. The air was brisk today and I ate apple fritters and picked some pumpkins

Thoughts of fall for me include layering clothes, sipping on some hot pumpkin spiced chai, cuddling up in a blanket and watching some tv or reading a book, stomping in the crisp leaves and listening to the satisfying crunch beneath your feet

Although I have to be stuck at school during my favorite few months of the year (the end of September through the end of December), I know how lucky I am to be alive, to be able to see the sun set, to know that I have a roof over my head and that I'm getting such a great education in the process. While I might not appreciate this stuff now, it helps by keeping everything in perspective

Until next time