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From An Open Heart...

Thoreau has a quote. Well actually, he has many quotes but my personal favorite is this: 
"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you imagined."

This quote is the inspiration for my life, my choices and the title of this blog. 

I originally started this blog when I had just moved away from home. Home: the place where most of my family lived, where all my memories were made growing, where I had the most secure friendships. Home. I went from being comfortable at home to moving 2,000 some odd miles away to a place that was completely new, Austin, TX. I barely knew the people, except my roommates and a few friends I met the summer prior, I barely knew the fastest routes, I didn't even have the comfort of my closest friends and family. I ended up spending two years there in pursuit of my dream of being a professional ballerina. As I wrote on this blog while there, my love for words, connecting with others and sharing my heart grew. This blog became a place where I shared what I was learning and what God was teaching me and I truly believe it's been a light for some others. 

Although I am not in Austin, TX anymore and my goals and dreams have somewhat shifted. I am still confident in the ideas that started this blog. I am confident in that I am valued, I am known and I am protected by my loving God. I know He has a plan for me, whether or not it aligns with mine, He has the most beautiful plan. That brings me comfort. I am also confident in my dreams. My dreams, although they have shifted in the how since the start of this blog, still revolve around bringing God the glory in every aspect of my life. To use the gifts his given me, the life He's helped me to pave and the people he's given me to further his kingdom. I believe in life we must takes chances, take risks, take opportunities so I have taken a few since the launch of this blog. I knew in these risks that there would and will be struggles but it is my hope that I can find the joy in confidently following the directions of my dreams which will shine brighter than the darkness I may face.

 All of that leads me to the continued purpose of this blog. This blog allows me to share my journey and keep those who chose to follow up-to-date with my life. This is my little piece of the internet. One that shares my trials, my challenges, my joys and my success. Beyond my goal to keep all of my friends updated, I also hope to share some of the things I learn throughout this adventure with you all. My journey may be similar to yours or completely different but either way, we are all on a journey. It is my prayer that my open blog may be an encouragement, a light, a distant friend or a similar heart to you and your journey and that you will chose to go confidently in the direction of your dreams. 

 xox,

 Kayla 

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