This Past Decade

Today, well technically yesterday by like an hour, I turned 20.  I have 2 decades under my belt and that is mind blowing. Today I found a picture of me from my 10th birthday and I almost got emotional just thinking about all the things I've done and said and experienced and accomplished and felt and seen in the last 10 years and how I look pretty much the same on the outside but so much has changed on the inside both good and bad.  I've decided the picture is necessary to share so here it is.

It's me, just mini sized.  This is honestly my favorite picture of me from my whole life and I can't help but compare it to my 20 year old self.  I see so many differences between me now and then.  There is a youthfulness and innocence in my eyes in this picture and I feel like I've lost a little bit of that.  There have been bodily changes.  There are highchairs in the background that have since been replaced with additional adult chairs around the table.  There's a different house in which to celebrate birthday number 20 from number 10.  There are many more candles this year.  There is worry on my face at times these days.  There are so many more responsibilities now.  There are so many more experiences and stories to tell now that I've had 10 more years to live. 

Despite the differences, I've recognized many similarities that me and my 10 year old self share.  There's a joy in my eyes and a contagious smile.  There is an absolute love of life.  There are insecurities that keep me humble.  There are big green eyes that see everything.  There's a birthmark on my face that my whole life has been mistaken for chocolate or a tear drop tattoo or even a drop of blood that I love none the less.  There's a desire to be loved.  There are habits patterned to this very day.  There is a love of chocolate.  There's a family who loves me so much.

It's me. It is all me, and I pray I am blessed with another day to live this beautiful life.