It is said that people come into our lives for a reason. This statement couldn't be more accurate. My friend Jen has been an amazing and insightful friend throughout the past few months. Although our friendship is young in terms of trival time, the relationship and honesty that we have is simply incredible. She is simply one of my best friends. She knows everything about me and accepts me for who I am. She has helped shape me, forming my identity especially in the past few months. By letting me be myself (something that can be hard to do at times when feeling pressured to be like others), it's encouraged me to accept myself for who I am, embrace what I love, and know that everything will be okay as long as I trust myself. Our friendship has helped me grow by teaching me that I don't need to put on a facade and pretend to be someone I'm not. Instead, I must own the skin I'm in and know that I'm wonderful just the way I am.

The second thing that has affected my life has been my friend in England, Suzie. She, conveniently friends with Jen, has helped me in more ways that I can even express. When struggling to see who I really was, she reminded me of the that values she saw and continued to encourage me in accepting them. She is simply amazing. Whether it be offering support across the pond or just sending awkward animals my way to make me smile, I am so grateful for our friendship. She has reminded me that at the heart of all relationships there must be honesty, sincerity, and a genuine care for others. And through our friendship, I have learned that friends are more than the people who smile and laugh with you. They are the ones who don't care if you cry into their Facebook inboxes or send long rants or simply stop in to say hi. They always care about you and want you to succeed. There is a simply honesty and beauty to our friendship that words can't even describe. And so for that, I am thankful. So although far away in England, she has a warm and open space in my heart.

The third thing that has influenced me in my life has been yoga. The practice of yoga is dedicated to rekindling the mind-body connection that is often suppressed in today's quick-paced world. Having started it this summer and plunged into a three-class-a-week schedule, I found myself coming to see the strength and power I already have. It has been so amazing to tap into that through the various yoga poses. The constant emphasis on breathing has led me to just stop. Breathe. And be. To let myself enjoy the life around me, instead of always wanting "more." It has been such a wonderful experience (something that I do get to share with Jen). We actally plan to attend this yoga festival. You should check it out here!