In the past few months, I've been on a journey of self-reflection. I've discovered how crucial it is that I learn about who I am, so that I may evolve and grow into the best version of myself. Embracing the good and working on the areas in which there can be an improvement. On this journey, I have had to be brutally honest with myself. One of the parts of me that I have had to come to terms with is that I like control. I like control in the sense that I am scared to let go, scared to trust others, scared of the unknown. For when I am in control I feel safe knowing that I am the one who is deciding my future. I often get teased by friends and family for being fearful of rollercoasters that too many seem harmless, yet for me, I see a situation in which all control is lost. I have no idea which turns, loops, or dips will occur, leaving me to put my trust in a ride,  which makes me quite uneasy. Yet, on the other hand, there’s part of me that wants to ride that rollercoaster because I see others having a great time.  I believe that if I let go of the control I could have the same experience. Life is a lot like a rollercoaster. It's unpredictable with drops, loops, and sharp turns, but at the end, you find yourself with a smile on your face having enjoyed the thrill of it all. I am learning that if I don’t let go of the control, I will never be able to enjoy the thrill of life and all that it encompasses. I can’t change the ride, but I can learn to let go and embrace it.

Daneisha Kirksey