My life. My struggles, my blessings, and my gift...

A friend murdered by an even closer “friend”. Depression that became physically dibilitating. Debt. Switching schools multiple times in fear of my life. A serious accident resulting in years of monetary and legal struggles. Surgeries, one of which almost took my life. Broken relationships, lost friends, a life changed by a move cross country. And now... A family stronger than ever. A career path I never saw myself taking. Relationships teaching me so much about life. Meeting and interacting with sports celebrities and corporate big-wigs. Growing up and learning to manage my finances. An opportunity taken resulting in a big girl job, car, and house of my own. A once in a lifetime trip to Europe with my best friend. Memories and tears of happiness that are priceless. Blessings beyond belief. I have made a conscious decision to start taking more time for me and writing, documeting my journey more often. Having something to reflect on down the road is one of the most healing and rewarding feelings; being able to remember the challenges I've been faced with and seeing how it all worked out is incredible. My life has been jam packed with the highest highs and lowest lows, and to put all of that into words is impossible. But I so try, and not for anyone but myself. On occasion however, God has given me the opportunity to use my story to help inspire others, and as of lately, I think I have found my gift. I truly feel as if I have been given the gift of inspiration. That is a gift that I think everyone has in them, but few use wisely. And I want to use my gift to uplift others. I have been given a carreer in which my every day consists of something as simple as serving coffee. I see an average of 300-500 people a day; most regular faces that I love getting to know. And seeing that many people, one wonders, whats their story? Everyone has a testimony-a story of the path that God has placed them on. Few see it that way, but I want to open peoples eyes to the beauty of life. Being blessed with all that I have, I want to give back. I want to inspire people to pay it forward and do the same. There is one man who comes into my store every morning for his grande nonfat, no foam, extra hot latte. He is a spunky and vulgar redneck man who drives a big truck and lives on a farm. He doesn't have much, but the little he has he uses wisely. Every single morning, when he comes in to get his $4.36 latte (even though I know he doesnt have the money to be spending on Starbucks), he turns to the person behind him in line and asks what they are having this morning. Every morning he purchases coffee and breakfast for a random stranger out of the goodness of his little redneck heart. I can't help but wonder-what if every single person did this random act of kindness once a day? Whether it be paying for someones coffee, letting someone go ahead of them in a line, opening a door for an elderly or handicapped person, or even putting some genuine-ness in the question “How are you doing today?”. So you wanna change the world, what are you waiting for? We all have that power in us, what if everyone started acting on it? I think my newfound passion for inspiration has been brought out by a new and dear friend of mine. Let me tell you a bit about this amazing woman.. Ever since I have moved out to NC, I have been praying for a good, wholesome and uplifting girlfriend to spend time with. I left a handful of amazing friends back in California, and although I have met some incredible people out here, I've yet to find anyone that completes me like my girls back home. A couple months ago, I got to chatting with a new customer about moving, family, and God. I couldn't tell you how it came up, but something about this woman was so different and it was as if her heart was out there on her sleeve. She asked me if I was hiring, which coincidentally I was at the time. Her neice had just moved cross country to live with her to attend ministry school and needed a part time job, so I told her to send her in for an interview. When this girl walked in the door, I already knew she would be perfect for our team. She had a smile and enthusiasm for life that is so rare to find these days, After sitting down with her for an interview, I was completely sold, and hired her onto our team that day. As I have gotten to know this girl, everything about her is what I want in a friend. She has such a passion for life and the Lord, a servants heart, and a story that would give her every reason to be mad at God. And yet, she sees the beauty in everyday life and in every person that she comes in contact with. After spending some time having incredible heart to hearts, I am convinced she is a long lost sister of mine. We clicked instantly, and I love the time I get to spend with her. We have the same views on life, on God, on relationships. We both get super excited about the littlest things and can laugh at ourselves and our blonde moments. I know I may be taking a big risk hanging out with a coworker, but we both have work as our first priority and keep our work life and personal lives seperate. This girl is one of the most inspiring people I have ever met and makes me want to be a better person, I cannot tell you what a blessing she is in my life. As I sit here on my beautiful comfy new couch in my perfect little apartment, I couldnt be happier. My life is crazy insane, and has been full of hurt and depression, as well as blessings and happiness. I think it takes going through hell sometimes to make you appreciate the littlest things. Such as my growing strawberry plants...I have raised those little suckers for the past few weeks and they are starting to grow and turn a little red. Such a small thing with huge symbolism-my strawberries are much like my life and my relationships. A little nurturing and work, a big reward. And so here I am, I've been beaten and broken down, and God has lifted me up and is now molding me into the woman he wants me to be, and I am ready and willing and excited and inspired to see where life takes me. “For I know the plans I have for you...” Lord, I cannot wait.

ch ch ch changes!

WOW. The past 6 months have been the most incredible of my life thus far. So much has changed, I cannot even begin to explain the extent of the blessings I have experienced...but I will try.


I got out of one relationship and back into another with Blake. He is on his way down to Florida at the moment to relocate and get some work experience under his belt since opportunities down there are better for him right now. He is my best friend and I have no doubt he will succeed if he puts his mind to it.

I got another promotion-am now a store manager of a starbucks! Never saw my life going in this direction but as long as I am here I will work hard and keep moving up the ladder! It is a very stressful and busy position but I am loving it. Never a dull moment!!

Moved into my adorable apartment on the lake in January...I absolutely love it. I love having my own quiet space, the view, decorating, cooking...I am a lil domestic diva these days and I couldnt be happier!

Lindsi comes out to visit next month which I am super excited about. Miss that girl like mad!

Other than that I have been putting a lot of time into organizing volunteer projects...Next month there are two saturdays where my team and I will volunteer at a childrens home, Barium Springs, do some beautification, paint, garden, etcetc...I am very excited about that!!!

My life is crazy, up and down, never sure what changes are going to happen next. Our regional vice pres is visiting my store next week which is INTENSE and exciting. Hopefully he will like what he sees! Lots of cleaning and re organizing to be done today...and the setup for Starbucks 40th anniversary which launches tomorrow! (Try the new tribute blend, its awesome!)

I will try to blog more, havent hooked up internet at my house yet so it may be few and far between for a bit...love to you all and hope all is well with you!

xoxo
britt