Happy 1st Birthday Blog!
Exactly 1 year ago I uploaded my first blog post. A lot has happened since then – I competed in triathlons, I got a boyfriend, I lost the boyfriend, I cooked, I laughed, I traveled abroad. I made new friends & spent time with old ones. I became a mother!!! (to the most angelic, genuine little a girl could ask for). Above all, I got more comfortable being uncomfortable. I allowed myself to be unfiltered, sharing things without fear of being criticized. Welllll that’s only partially true. To be honest, I still have moments where I hold back parts of my personality, but in comparison to this time last year, I restrict myself far less.
I’ve thought for a while about which direction to go with this blog. A trip down memory lane would be fun, or perhaps a collection of things I’ve learned the past year? Maybe just a big catch up, since clearly, a lot has changed. Why not mix it all together and see where it takes us, shall we?
First things first, “About Me” page two truths and a lie: I’m pursuing a degree in Economics and Psych, I eat ungodly amounts of chips and salsa, and I curate oddly specific playlists. The first is now a lie, so I’ll revamp that page soon. I switched from Psych to International Affairs, and I’m lovvvviinngg it. I still eat ungodly amounts of salsa – we’re talking one jar in two sittings – and I still take pride in my oddly specific playlists. If you maneuver over the “Recipes” tab, you’ll see it says “coming soon.” When is soon? I’m not sure. I’m just a college girl who’s been slacking in the kitchen. I’m not going to make any promises I can’t keep, just know that the Foodfeed: Unleashed will be here as soon as possible.
Now, let’s bring you up to speed. I’m halfway through the fall semester of Junior year. Don’t ask me where the time’s gone, because I’m wondering the same thing. I frequently feel a deep sense of awe, wondering how the hell I’m 6 months away from turning 21 and a year-and-a-half away from graduating college. The awe is followed by that oh-so familiar feeling of missing a moment while you’re still living it. Besides my internal struggle with growing up, I’d say life has been abundant and fulfilling in more ways than one. I started training for a marathon (psychotic behavior, I know). I’ve built the most amazing friendships, most of which starting with a simple, “are you free for coffee?” text. School is fine too, I’m just lacking the motivation to sit and do any work for an extended period of time. Just kidding, that's just the mid-semester burnout talking… I’ll be fine in a week. The only boy updates I have consist of my flakey homecoming pair and my long-time forever crush that will only go places in my dreams. I’m trying to think of other updates, but my last two brain cells are struggling.
Flashback to a year ago, I was hung up on a boy that clearly wasn’t interested in me. I ghosted my sorority for a bit because I was overwhelmed with school and life. I felt too uncertain of myself to show up and put on a front that I, myself, didn’t even buy. It was the birth of EC Unfiltered that changed my trajectory. This blog served as an outlet for me to share my unfiltered and sometimes mutual thoughts. It was the catalyst for my revival, helping me defrost my personality, confidence, and creativity. Flash forward to now, I’m no longer hung up on a boy. I look forward to eating every meal with my best friends, and I’m comfortable enough to not only embrace, but share my truth so boldly, that the fear of being criticized suddenly dissipates. This blog has forced me to live daringly, act intentionally, speak kindly, and love fiercely. It has allowed me to sit with uncomfortable feelings until I gain the clarity to sift through them. It’s created a space for me to share my wins and navigate my losses. I want to write more frequently, about nonsense, and funny stories, and all the minuscule details. Afterall, it’s supposed to be fun!
That’s all I have. Kidding. One more thing. Happy birthday, blog! You’re so cute and I can’t wait to watch you blossom even more!
Much love,
EC
