Life Is About Choices: Choose Happiness

In the time since I’ve been home, I’ve seen so many missed friends and family members. I ate at my favorite restaurant, Chula’s Restaurant and Cantina. I hiked to the top of our city viewpoint, Spencer Butte many times. I snuggled with my family dog, Maggie. I started a new job and bought my first car. I also got to watch my best friend graduate from college and celebrate being back together.

Celebrating Casey’s graduation from Oregon State University

Every milestone helps me to better understand what is important to me and where I see myself heading in the near and distant future. I am working on building a sustainable career path. This is currently my most prominent goal, and it is quickly changing as I continue to garner new experiences. Every opportunity brings me closer to a dream I can’t quite touch. Here’s what I know.

I want to be a positive influence for anyone who knows me. I will surround myself with people who I can learn from and who I can give back to. My daily life is fueled by change and diversity rather than routine. Each day I do my best to choose one thing to celebrate. You can always find joy if you choose to seek it out.

My happy place is anywhere with these four-legged friends

I have realized how important it is to take care of myself first and I feel renewed. The Madi I choose to be is outgoing, passionate, and unafraid. There was a time when I felt hesitant about being myself because I was nervous that I wouldn’t be accepted or affirmed by the people closest to me. My current goals require that I know who I am and what I want out of life so I choose to let God break my chains and open my heart to love and freedom!