Journal Day!

So, I decided to join in on the fun over at Danielle's blog, Sometimes Sweet, and post my own little journal entry. I always tell myself that I'm going to do it too every time she posts a new prompt, but I never do. So, this is the first, and maybe sometime I'll go back to and the others. :)

Looking at all of the life you've lived so far, can you pinpoint one time frame or instance that you feel truly contributed to your growth as a person? This may be a turning point, a positive or negative experience, a moment or collection of moments that stand out in your mind...something that changed you as a whole.

I moved out of my parents home at the end of June, and even though I was 20 years old and living on my own, I still felt completely dependent on my parents for everything I needed to help me get by. It was an awful feeling.

The first few months of living on my own were absolutely awful. Nothing was working out the way I planned at all. I moved out on a Thursday, and started my new job on Friday morning. I was an in home aid for old folks that were still independent. Within a week, I had already gone to the main office, making a crying fool of myself telling them I couldn't handle this job.

I was completely unemployed all through July. The only thing that got me by was my paycheck from that one week of working, and money from a painting I had done for someone.

I interviewed for a job at a clothing store, but after 3 interviews, and zero phone calls back, I didn't get the job, and was still super unemployed.

I was calling my dad every week to ask him to buy me gas. My grandma bought my groceries. My mom (and her amazing couponing skills) bought me all of the necessary things you need for a home. So I was living on my own. But still depending on my family for every single thing.

Halfway through August, I interviewed to become a nanny for a family not far from my town, and that night I was offered the job. About a week after I started, I was out getting gas, and as I pulled away from the gas station, I realized, "I just paid for that. I filled up my car, and I paid for it myself." The next day, I went grocery shopping. And I paid for my groceries all on my own. I had never felt this much independence in my life. For the first time ever, I felt like I could actually take care of myself. I was so, so proud of myself.

I never would've guessed that something as insignificant as paying for my own gas would make me feel independent. Although the first couple of months on my own were less than desirable, I am so thankful for the experience, and even more thankful for the job that I have. I am so blessed to not only be employed, but to have a job that I actually enjoy.