Saturday, June 20, 2015

Celebrating Change And One Year Of Blogging

Guess what today is. Saturday? Yes, but no. 20 June? Yes, but no. It's the 1st anniversary of my blog! Woo! 

From thoughtsandpavement.com

One year ago on 20 June 2014, I uploaded my first ever post entitled "The Beginning". Now, I have people I've never met reading my blog. More importantly, I still love it. 

To celebrate I'd like to take a walk down memory lane. Shall we? 

8 September 2014, I went to City Stars for the first time. I took this picture. 



20 June 2014, I went to City Stars not for the last time. I took this picture.



There are several obvious differences. I'm a lot thinner, the lighting is brighter, my hair is longer, there are Ramadan decorations up. 

The difference between the girl in the first picture and the girl in the second picture is far deeper than physical things. 

While the girl in the first picture was smart and adventurous and brave and open-minded, she was also quiet and self-conscious and scared and kind of naive. The girl in the second picture is still smart, adventurous, and brave but she's more open-minded, confident, more outgoing, and less naive. 

This year, no doubt, has changed me. I've grown up a bit, I've gained more perspective and had more experiences. But it's important remember that I'm still Corie. I still like books and chocolate. I'm still goofy and have my dumb moments. 

You can change and change but there will always be constants. Things that can't change; things that won't change.

Change is scary, but inevitable. Sometimes business shut down, buildings go up, people are born, people die, and sometimes your family moves houses while you're living in Egypt. 

No one loves change, but we all deal with it. It's no secret that I'm scared of going back to the states. It'll be a change. 

I was talking to my friend the other day and she asked if I was excited to come back and I said "kinda". She was confused, then I told her that I thought everything had changed. I can't remember her exact response but it was something along the lines of: yes, a lot has changed, but you'll grow from it the way you grew from going to Egypt. You're strong and you'll get through it. 

The first time I read this, it intimidated me. Someone telling me I would need strength to get through going back home isn't exactly what you want to hear. But I needed to hear it. 

Change isn't always fun, but it's good for us. Living the same way your whole life would be boring. You wouldn't develop. Good stories involve good character development. Characters can't develop without conflict and change. 

Change broadens your horizons. It changes your outlook. And you know me I'm a big fan of a broad outlook. 



Thank you all for a great first year. Whether you've been here for a year or a day, thanks for sticking with me. 

I can't wait for another year of blogging and seeing what changes occur in the years to come. 

Thank you for reading and as always, learn something today. 

Byeeee 

Corie. 

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