New Chapters

“We cannot become what we want by remaining who we are.”

2014. What a year. I experienced new people and traveled to places I never expected I would see. New York City: the city of diversity, Portugal: the beautiful people, Summer camp: lasting memories I’ll cherish forever. I even took time to explore Kentucky, my own home. It’s amazing what you can discover when you just take the time to explore.

I seized moments that would otherwise be passed by without a second glance. I “embraced the season” and started this blog. I tried ballet for the first time, despite fears. I dove headfirst into things that I was skeptical and scared of. I took risks. I made bad decisions. People left my life and new ones entered. Senior year began, Junior year; with its ACT, ended. I learned an incredible amount about myself in 2014.

It’s amazing how just one year can have such an impact on our lives. A year can change you. I’m still the same old Hannah, but newer, updated, improved. Sometimes it felt as if I would take two steps forward and three back, but I made it. I finished the race. 2015 is a new chapter in the book of Hannah Marie Seaver. I have no idea where it’s going to take me. Maybe across seas, maybe not. But in 2015, I know one thing for sure is bound to happen: knowledge. I will learn a lot this year. This is the year I graduate high school, the first twelve years of schooling are finally coming to a close. Thank. God. This is the year I go to college. One door is closing and many are opening. The door I choose to walk through is my choice, and I can’t wait to go on this adventure we call “life”.

Embrace The Season

“Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.”

I ride the bus home from school every day. Ew. An hour commute instead of a quick, 20 minute drive. The worst part? When it’s 3 degrees outside and you have to walk a quarter of a mile home. Each day, when I walk home, I cross over a little creek in a “common area” behind my house. Usually I don’t look twice at it, but today was different. I almost felt childlike. Back to the frame of mind where your biggest worry is whether or not you get Mac-n-cheese for dinner.

As I went to cross the creek, I noticed it was solid ice. At least 6 inches thick. And you know what I thought as I was sliding across the ice? How we are always so rushed and concerned about our own pain, we forget to stop and admire how beautiful things really are. I stood there for a minute, contemplating how delicate and stunning the ice looked to me. How a simple thing–when given the chance, can be beautiful. I started to walk down the little ice path, and noticed some leaves frozen underneath the ice. Frozen in time.

I smiled to myself, and walked on. It wasn’t until I got home that I realized I couldn’t feel my hands or face. I guess I just had been too concentrated on other things besides my own worry/concerns. And guess what? No frostbite. One might wonder why I take the time to sit here and write about something so insignificant. But for me, I can see the purpose in it. It seems that for every single day of the winter, someone has something to complain about. “Why aren’t my kids back at school, I’m getting sick of them.” “It’s so gross and ugly outside.” “I hate this weather.” Etc, etc, etc. Well, I’ll admit it, I was one of those people. Especially once I got older. I couldn’t ever find the good in winter. It made me want to stay in bed all day. But this little experience gave me a different perspective on winter, God, and the seasons.

On winter- it’s beautiful, but only if you give it a chance, and stop awhile to see it. On God- just how powerful he is, and how he works everything out in detail. Nothing is an accident, and I’m so thankful for that. On seasons- embrace every “winter” in your life. Be positive about it, and know that it’s for a purpose. And hey, while you’re there, build a snowman!