I have spent the last month racking my brain trying to decide what the perfect Christmas gift would be for two people whose dedication and love for their family is immeasurable. Over the last year you have loved and supported me as I set out on a quest to start a new dream. This however isn't an attribute that is new for you. It is something that you have done consistently, not only with me, but with all of us. You continue to love and support us regardless of what direction we are taking our lives.
In my early 20's when I wanted to be a ski bum, you supported it. In my mid 20's when I finally graduated college and decided to forgo my hard earned degree and enter events, you supported it. In my early 30's when I decided to leave a well paying job and my family and pick up and move, to become an artist, you supported it. In my (almost) mid 30's when I decided to scrap it all and go back to school and get a Master's Degree in Teaching, you supported it. Never doubting me, always encouraging. Regardless of how far fetched or irresponsible my decisions may have sounded to others. I can't love and respect you enough for that.
Since having moved to Portland, an amazing thing has happened to me. With guidance and encouragement I have heard and answered my calling. But in that time and process, something else amazing happened, I learned who I am and what I am capable of. I have challenged fears, overcome adversities, found my voice as a leader, and discovered that I am capable of a many great things. My path here, as you very well know, hasn't always been easy, which is why my next challenge pleases me greatly.
This year, for Christmas, instead of giving you a concrete gift, I have instead decided to give you this, a blog from me to you. One of the many great things that I have discovered is that I am never done learning, or challenging myself. For the next year, I have decided to not only continue to learn but to continue to challenge myself, all dedicated to you two. In this blog, I will write about both my triumphs and not so triumphant moments, a chronicle of adventures, if you will. I have set up a series of challenges for myself that I think that you will be proud of. They challenge my fears and my desire to continue to grow and flourish. This blog will become a living and breathing representation of what I am doing here in Portland.
Just so you aren't sitting there wondering, what the heck is she going on about now, here are a few examples of some of the challenges that I will chronicle: One hike a month in a different place each time. Snowshoeing adventures as the weather allows. One race a month, regardless of the weather. I will finally learn to play that guitar. I will get a fantastic teaching job. These are just a snapshot of the things to come. As my path changes, so will this, but it will consistently be recorded here for you to see.
I love you both so dearly and I can't wait to see where my 2014 path leads. What I do know for sure is that if it wasn't for you two, I wouldn't be standing at this trail head right now, with the confidence that it takes to take this first step. I love you more than the stars and the moon,
Merry Christmas,
XOXO,
Nix.
