Words by Allyson

I don't think it's really a secret that moving here has been quite an experience for me.  Things I thought would be a cinch gave me some trouble, and the things I expected to be challenging lived up to my expectations.

But one thing I can say is I have definitely had to keep being Brave.

Participating in class.  Making friends with the other people in my program when some of them are more than twice my age.  Making friends with anyone, really.  Wearing my high-top sneakers without feeling silly.  Really owning my personality and being completely confident in who I am.  Trying to drive anywhere more than 3 miles away.  Being vulnerable and honest about this whole thing.  And being persistent through all of the discouragement.

At this point, I'm realizing that I could not have picked a better year to start being Brave.  I'm not sure I could do this without it.

Also, I have to say that taking these pictures was ridiculously fun.  Shout out to little Rachel for her mad photography skills, and to Virginia for being so gorgeous.

So I think that November is my favorite month. 

It means that Halloween is over (hallelujah). 

It means Christmas is coming, and I get to go holiday shopping.  Which is the best kind of shopping.

My parents' anniversary is at the end of the month, which makes me all warm and fuzzy for some unknown reason.

Thanksgiving, which is delightful.

Veteran's Day gives me an excuse to listen to patriotic music all day.

And especially now that I live in Virginia we're full into sweater weather, which I love (although I hate that song).

And I know we're only 5 days in, but I'm thinking this is going to be pretty great.

image via