This is 17 year-old me, yeah the one not dressed up for Homecoming, on the right.

I don't share a ton about my high school experience, simply because it wasn't that great, but I have grown and learned a lot from it.

I was pretty typical, average grades, plenty of friends, but not popular.

No need to hash out the details, but my junior year, I had a rough end of the year, which eventually resulted in a diagnosis of depression and anxiety.

I sought counseling and medication, and got things all worked out.

I'm doing fine now, but it can be a battle to keep those feelings at bay sometimes.

The reason I'm sharing this information today, is because of where this layout started at.

In high school, I didn't date much. Had a few dates to a few dances, a random kiss, and lots of crushes. I often doubted I would ever find anyone to like me, let alone love me or marry me.

What I actually wanted to write on this page, I couldn't articulate well enough for just a few strips of journaling. I wanted to say, that if I had known in high school, that I would have married a man like you, I would have never believed it, but I would have been a little different.

I wouldn't have worried so much what other people thought.

I would have let go of the drama surrounding silly boys.

I would have spent more time preparing myself to be the best wife I could be.

This is a reminder to me, that I am one of the lucky ones. 

I got exactly what I wanted.

I need to appreciate that.

I need to worry less about the dishes in the sink and the laundry that needs to be folded,

and more about the sweet little girl and my husband, that I have been blessed with.

This Thanksgiving season has me in all sorts of reflection and perspective. 

Today, I am thankful for my husband. My wonderful, hardworking, understanding husband.