A year of growth

March 16, 2008 I looked like this: Happy-go-lucky, training with great friends in California (but living in Pensacola, Florida), loving life, confident in my ability, and excited about my race season.

Then, on March 17, 2008 (as many of you know), this happened: Believe me - it's a good think I'm NOT showing you scar pictures from a few days after the crash. I like the PG-rated version much better.

Then a year went by...

Lots of things happened...

A lot of growing occurred...through some hard times, some sad times, some downright depressing times...

But with the support of Nathaniel, my family, friends, people who read my blog, total strangers who had heard of my story and wished me nothing but the best, I grew. I got better. I became stronger, healthier, and in the long run, a much happier person.

I figured out more about myself than I had ever though possible, why I feel the way I do, how my thoughts and ideas affect my psyche, and how to let go of the things that were holding me back. (FYI: I've also discovered this is a lifelong process - one that requires constant attention. For example - if I have a bad feeling or bit of self-doubt, I need to FIGHT that belief and immediately think of something positive. It used to take a lot of effort, but now I've become pretty much used to the process. Do I still have negative thoughts? Absolutely - but I have a much better understanding of why and subsequently how to deal with them.)

It wasn't always easy, but I was reminded that sometimes we have to through some tough times before we see the light at the end of the tunnel. In the end, it's through our journey that we learn the most. Once I figured out that it was the process NOT the result that I was going after, life became easier and I returned to my (generally) happy state.

Lots of things happened...

Even more growth occurred...

And I made even more friends than I thought possible. There are simply too many to thank. I will forever be grateful to all of your love and support.

March 14, 2009 I looked like this:Happy-go-lucky, training with great friends in Arizona (but living in Carlsbad, California), loving life, confident in my ability, and excited about my race season.

But so much better because of where I've been, the family and friends that I have, the support I've received, the journey I've taken, and the knowledge of who I am (and what makes me happy).

Thank you friends.