With every trip around the sun, I grow a little older and learn a little more. My eyes are opened to new things about myself and the world around me. The 365 days encompassing the time between my 30th and 31st birthday were some of the hardest in my life. Relationships ended, job searches stalled, feeling personally fulfilled was a challenge and there was way too much death. As I look back on these moments and my 31st year of living, a single over arching lesson was learned; the power of family. 

It took tragedy and loss for me to fall back into a deep and unconditional love for my family. Our ability to rally together is something I will remember and cherish for the rest of my life. They made the moments of disappointment possible to overcome. For all my lingering thoughts of being a self made man, a new realization was born this year; no one makes it on their own. Your family is and should be your first cheering section. While we may not be the best at displaying our affection, I have never felt more loved and supported. 

A trip around the sun should also reveal new challenges. For me, a simple thought; how do I give back the love that has been given to me while still chasing my dreams? I want to be more present for the big moments in the lives of those that I love. I want to do a better job letting them into my world. I want to love deeply. I also want to continue chasing this dream of being an executive director for an international nonprofit. These two things may seem at odds, but where my physical presence may be lacking, I promise to do a better job at picking up the phone, writing cards and when I can, showing up. I've always been told half the battles in this world are won just by showing up. I plan on winning those battles. 

So, here is hoping the days leading up to my 32nd year of living are filled with more smiles than tears. Even if they aren't, I have learned I can get through anything with the family and friends who have my back. For the first time in a long time, I don't know where I would be without them. 

Thanks for entering my world, 

-Nathan