God Help Me Grow: I felt like a princess.

I realize that my posts on this blog seem to be far and few between these days, however I hope you all understand that this is an extremely hectic time in my life. As I have mentioned in previous posts, life's events seem to be hitting me all at once. College preparation, AP exams, graduation, prom, dance recitals, and countless more events are quite a bit to handle at the same time. It is a juggling act, I tell you. And juggling is not exactly my forte.

It is exciting though! I am in no way complaining at all. In fact, I am enjoying life more than ever at this moment in time.

Now, on to the real reason I am here. Last weekend was my senior prom. I am just going to come right out and say that it was one of the most wonderful nights I have ever experienced. Definitely one for the books. I had a date, a lovely group of friends, and practically zero food anxiety! It was magical.

Leading up to the big day, I only had one fear. I feared that I would be as miserable on prom as I was last year. I decided I would compare this year's prom to last year's, because I want you all to see what it is like to actually live.

Prom 2013 (Last year):

I was nearing an all time low, both physically and emotionally. I was weak, depressed, angry, and felt nothing but emptiness. I went with two "friends" (neither of whom I speak to anymore) and I ended up leaving early. I restricted the entire week before. We went out to dinner before, where I ordered a caesar salad. While my friends enjoyed their meals chatting excitedly about all of the wonderful things that were going to take place in just under an hour, I sat in the corner picking the pieces of lettuce out of my salad. I had woken up early so I could go to the gym that morning, danced all night only to burn calories, and all so I could enjoy a few measly bites of a McFlurry after the dance. Then, instead of going out after and having a sleepover at my friend's house, I went home exhausted from the lack of fuel I had provided my body with. I was a walking ghost.

Prom 2014 (Last weekend):

Words could not begin to express my excitement. I could not stop the thoughts from racing through my head. How should I wear my hair? I can't forget to pick up my dress tomorrow! What if my makeup doesn't turn out well? I hope I don't spill anything on my dress! I really need to practice walking in those heels. Should I do my hair or makeup first? The list goes on. However. Did anyone else notice that not one of those racing thoughts had to do with food, meal times, or calories? That is because we as humans are not supposed to stress about such silly nonsense! While I may have been full of anxiety as the days until prom grew fewer, I have to say I would much rather be thinking about how I should wear my hair than stressing over when and where I will be eating.

My date picked me up at 5 and we went to my friend's house for a barbecue outside with a big group of all our friends where we all enjoyed tri-tip and fruit salad. We took pictures by the beach, and I truly felt beautiful. I had a wonderful time with my date and friends dancing the night away for fun, and afterwards we stopped at In-n-Out and got hamburgers before heading to a huge after-party. My date and I left the party early (it was boring ;)) and the two of us ventured into the "secret spot" that only my friends and I know about. We sat outside in silence for hours overlooking my small town, underneath a sea of stars until the sun started to rise. At that point, the two of us slightly panicked as we knew we had to get home before our patents woke up and realized we weren't home. He treated me wonderfully the entire night; opening doors, lending me his coat, paying for food, and tolerating my awful dancing skills. (We are only friends though, promise!) He dropped me back off at my house at 5:30 a.m. and I immediately crashed until nearly eleven that morning. I awoke with a smile on my face reminiscing about the previous night and all of its festivities.

Now, let me ask you, which night would you rather experience?

Still can't decide? Here, maybe this will help you.