One of the Most Important Factors in my Life as a Writer and Enthusiast

As I continue to write about topics I love, I have to think about what got me to this point. Before July 24th, 2019, I would say my teachers. I have had many influential teachers in my life that have guided me through life and the crisis I faced on a daily basis. I'm lucky and grateful to all of the teachers I built strong bonds with, but two, in particular, helped me become the person I am today. Two teachers specifically helped me realize what I want to do with my life and I probably wouldn't have found my passions as early without them. These two teachers, who know exactly who they are, I expect to have as mentors for the rest of my life. But if I look at my life now I truly wouldn't be sitting here writing this article, or any article without one person.

I must stop and stress that mental health is a real thing. Everyone goes through their own situations and troubling times and there is no way around it. When you hit what seems like rock bottom it's almost impossible to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Now here is where it gets cheesy, something I try to run away from at all possible moments, but the light at the end of my tunnel was and still is my niece, Harper. Although she is only a little over two years old, she has done more than she will ever know. Harper saved me from some of the darkest times I had mentally gone through. Her effortless smile and constant laughter are something I will cherish until the end of time. It's something I will forever be in debt to, as it was one of the only things that could put a smile on my face. Harper has a way of being unapologetically herself even at the age of two. I know some of you must be thinking about how can a child be so influential in your life, but that must be the miraculous part about it.

I've always been a very realistic thinker in practical day-to-day activities, but when it came to my future and what I wanted to give and take to and from the world, I'm an idealist. I am an English major wanting to pursue a career in Human Rights law after all. I would go through times of intense passion and enthusiasm. I've always been a very...very passionate person in my thinking and now writing. When months went by where I lost that passion and enthusiasm I struggled with where I would get it from or if it was just truly gone forever. Then Harper comes along at the most perfect time.

A little bit about Harper is that she is a Leo. Whether you are interested in astrology or not (I can't say I know too much, but enough) this is pivotal in understanding her. She acts with an intense vigilance whilst knowing exactly what she wants, and what you want even if you don't know it. She is your typical toddler in that she's stubborn and believes her way truly is the highway, but she's so much more. Yes, I'm so biased but she is the reason why I got that passion back. 

The joy showed me that I needed to get back on track, if not for me, for her. I loved a lot of things in life but I never truly knew what love was until she was born. 

I felt this immense amount of responsibility for her and her future. Yes, I'm not her mother and my sister is an amazing mother to Harper (and my new nephew) but being her aunt fell on my shoulders as heavy as possible. I knew I had to lead a good path that she could see. I wanted to be this sort of influential role model for her as she gets older. So, I picked up my pen (for fantasy sake let's not say keyboard) and started writing again, started being enthralled with life again, started living unapologetically again.

I've never been sure I'll have my own kids, I mean why should I be thinking about that at 20, but I knew I'd be this cool aunt that gets to be best friends with Harper for the rest of my life. With Harper being my first niece, a very deep bond was created. A bond I would grow to be so thankful for because, in a way, we are so similar. Knowing I get to be there for her along her journey through life makes me happier than most things in life. So, why is this important to who I am? Simply put, Harper is one of my biggest inspirations. She convinces me to keep going and that life is so beautiful. Her innocent, youthful mind makes you feel rejuvenated and in turn young again. She lights a fire inside so many people and nobody can really explain why. She is so special to me but also to my journey. She inspired me once again when I thought I had lost it and she means more to me than anyone I have ever come across. Whether this is an ode to her that she will read again or not, I felt it was important to my journey writing. Having a blog means I must be somewhat transparent and with this post being extremely vulnerable, I felt it crucial in understanding myself.

Disclaimer: This is an opinion blog. Anything said here are my own opinions. Any facts presented have sources attached and included.