Sometimes we have a very clear vision of what we want out of life. Then something unexpected comes along and changes everything.
I’ve always loved the outdoors and the environment as long as I could remember. I was fortunate enough to grow up on land with many pets, playing outside until dark. As I entered college, I knew I wanted to pursue an education in environmental science. I graduated with a degree in Natural Resource Conservation and loved every minute of it.
During my senior year, I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. I was devastated. After just my first flare up, which lead to my diagnosis, I knew I wasn’t going to be able to work out in the field like I had hoped. I had a new course for my life that was unexpected and unwanted.
Since then, I’ve done several different things trying to “find my way”. I’ve learned a lot over the years about what I like and what I don’t, what’s important and what’s not as important. Ultimately, it’s made me a stronger, more resilient person.
That’s not to say things are easy- they aren’t. I’m still navigating this life I was thrown into. When I’m in the midst of a flare up, it’s such a reality check. I can’t enjoy the things I did just the week before; I can’t leave my house; I’m in a tremendous amount of pain and absolutely exhausted. It’s then that I’m reminded of what’s really important in this life. Spending time doing what you love, with the people you love. It doesn’t matter what kind of car you drive, how much your home costs, what brand of shoes you wear, or any other materialistic thing humans use to judge one another. If you don’t have your health, none of the other things matter. ❤️
Wild Violets 