Reflections, and looking forward to change....

I went for a really nice run/walk tonight. I brought my Ipod full of Jack Johnson, Joss Stone, and Jason Mraz, and I stopped by a playground at Columbia school on the way, just to swing on the swings and be alone with my thoughts. It was a very reflective experience. I thought about life, love, friends, relationships, and childhood. Being at the school made me think about Bev, the music teacher who I student taught under in my 2nd year at Columbia, who was killed in a car accident this past December. I looked around at the playground equipment and thought back to the summer of grade 5, when I spent literally every day at St. John's park, playing with Nathan Heroux and sometimes the Abramyk kids. That was the summer that Nathan and I "fell in love," as much as two 11-year-old kids know how to do. I remember that Nathan was one of my first kisses, albeit a "dare" kiss. I remember coming home from a long day at the beach, the one day that I didn't spend at St. John's with him, and rushing to the phone to see that I had missed a phone call from him. I remember the feeling of excitement that came along with all of that. I remember what it was like to be young and carefree. It was a beautiful time of my life.

Now, as I reflect on my childhood, and my life up to this point, I realize that every stage of life is beautiful in its own way. Each stage is meaningful and worthwhile, just different from the last. Now, at 22 years old, life is still a fantastic adventure, although I feel like I have much more responsibility than I did when I was 11. Now I'm responsible for taking care of myself, for getting good grades in university, for preparing myself for a career as a music educator. I'm responsible for my own well-being to a much higher degree than I ever was before.

So, all that being said, I've made my decision to take better care of my physical self. I've had trouble with this recently due to recurring knee injuries, but I'm determined to get back into shape. I plan to do this by engaging in enjoyable outdoor activities, even if that means just walking with my Ipod and playing on playgrounds, reflecting on life and childhood. I came to the realization that New Zealand would be a gorgeous place to spend time walking around in. If I can make a habit of walking and/or running for 30-60 minutes a day when I'm living in Lower Hutt (and before then too, of course), I could really surprise myself after 4 months. I just need to get a new knee brace - my old one is too tight, as I got it when I was 14.... looooong time ago now. I don't need any knee injuries holding me back this time.

So all in all, tonight was a great night. I had some nice quality Lauren time, alone with my thoughts, my running shoes, my Ipod, and a playground swing. Life really is beautiful, and tonight was just another one of those nights where I thought to acknowledge it, and not to take it for granted.

In fact, today has just been one of those generally feel-good days. I woke up to a text from Hannah saying "You're the best! I'm so grateful to have you in my life!" - I LOVE that girl. Then I scrolled to the next text I had, and it was one from Quenton that read "When I think of you my smile lasts forever! Hope your day is good, I'll call you later." What a sweet heart. I really am so lucky to have such amazing people in my life.

Enough reflecting for now. More thoughts will come later, if I feel so inclined. Much love.

- Lauren :o)