Geez, where did this year go? I can't believe that we're saying sianara to the year 2011 and hello to 2012! I seriously felt like time flew by in a blink of an eye and we're just about to celebrate and welcome a brand new year. WOW! All I can say is "What a year!" As I sit here in front of my computer, I can't help but reflect back to how far I have come and grown. From finishing up my last year in college to giving birth and now a mother! These are my top 5 moments I'm most proud of for the year 2011:
1. The Birth of my Baby Eden
I can't believe how much Eden has changed my life. She has opened my eyes to the wonders of life. Before I had her, I felt as if my world was in black & white. I was so sure of everything and had all the answers.When she came into this world, she brought the color back into the television set. As cheesy as it may sound, she reminds me of the scene in "The Wizard of Oz" where Dorothy is at that magical land over the rainbow. The place that is illuminating with beautiful color and you know you're in a good place. Since having her, I realized that maybe I don't have the answers to everything and you begin to realize how vulnerable you really are. It's been such a learning experience and motherhood takes you to places where you are greatly challenged and tested. I've realized that I have to trust my intuition to come out strong and do what's best for me and my baby because that's what I live for.
2. Graduating UCLA
I did this for me, not my parents; though they would have been proud either way! The day I walked at graduation was one of the best days of my life. Pregnant and wobbling on end, it was such a personal accomplishment to be able to say that I was able to finish in 4 years. It was an emotional roller coaster and life changing. I learned so much about myself academically and how far I could push myself. As gruesome as it was, it was well worth the investment. I made life-long friends that I would die for and amazing professors that changed my perception on a lot of issues. I'm not done yet though. I have many more years of studying!
3. Let the hair be gone! Locks of Love!
This was by far one of the most significant event I got to be a part of. I donated my hair before in high school but this time it was a special for me. I had the opportunity to meet a cancer patient at the hospital prior to cutting my hair and she allowed me into her life. I will never forget the moment that I got to talk to her and how she trusted me. I felt the bond and the energy she was radiating to me. I learned that she was undergoing chemotherapy and she expressed to me how afraid she was of leaving her family. At 30 years of age, she had everything to lose if God told her it was time. She wasn't going to see her kids graduate or get married. It broke my heart. Though I didn't realize the magnitude of what she meant at that time, I know now. She taught me how valuable life truly is and to live every moment to its fullest.
4. Landing my first REAL job post-college Ca-Ching!!!
Makin' the benjamins, BABY! I never knew how good it feels to earn a "valued" dollar. All the hard work you put in and earning the money in the end makes it so worthwhile. I appreciate it so much more now that I realized how much everything cost (caring for the baby). It definitely adds up and gets expensive. Being able to work and provide for myself and my baby is by far the most rewarding. I've become so independent; something I was afraid I would never be able to do. Being on my own has really showed me what I'm really capable of doing and has pushed me beyond my own limitations. I am Eden's sole provider now and I can't let her down. She deserves the best in life and I'm going to give it to her! On the plus side, I absolutely love my job! My job allows me to travel, to build relationships with physicians/nurses, and help others. I'm getting paid to do what I love. Nothing gets better than that!
5. Nursing for 6 months and STILL GOING!!!!
I can't believe I've made it to my initial goal of 6 months! This is by far something that I will always remember in the year 2011 and on. It takes serious dedication and a lot of sacrifices to be able to keep nursing. There were so many times I wanted to quit and I've asked myself, "Is it even worth it?" For instance, you're exhausted at work and have a break, what do breastfeeding mothers do, you pump. Middle of the night, you wake up to pump or keeping track by labeling your bottles. It's a lot of work! To tell you the truth, I could have easily quit 2 weeks in because I was getting frustrated and didn't have the support to keep breastfeeding. I see how easy it is to mix formula in water and I yearned for the "easy" button. However, I kept at it and had to remind myself what it is I wanted to achieve. I wanted my baby to be healthy. Since breastmilk contains the antibodies and complete nutrients that allows her to grow strong, I wanted her to get the best. Most importantly, it's the mother-daughter bond that really pushed me to keep at it. At one point in my life, I could tell you how milk letdown works backwards and forward but it's been a while. Any of my PhySci peeps want to give it a try? LOL Essentially, I knew the benefits of breastfeeding outweighs all the hardships. It raises IQ, protect from diseases such as asthma, diabetes, and obesity and keeps mommy healthy as well. I'm going for the whole 12 yards and I've been gun-ho about doing so. Its been one of the greatest accomplishments I have achieve and I know I can do it! At the end of the day, I think of my baby girl and what she deserves to get me through it.
I urge you to reflect back because it does prepare you as to what you want to achieve in the New Year. What are your greatest accomplishments in the year 2011?
