When I woke up this morning it was just like any other day. I brushed my teeth, combed my hair, ate my breakfast, packed my lunch, played with Gunner and left the house at 6:21 for work. But when I parked my car, Facebook reminded me that today is a pretty special day. Today is May 22. One year ago today, I graduated from college. One year ago today my life finally started.

Looking back it is hard to believe it has already been a year yet at the same time it feels like a lifetime ago. I had been so ready for this day to come. I had been crossing off the days on the calendar ready to take that next big leap. Yet when it actually arrived, I was scared. Here I was graduating from college, literally hours away from walking across the stage, with no plans other than moving in with my parents. This wasn’t how it was supposed to happen. I was graduating summa cum laude. I should have a job lined up, ready to start Monday morning, but I didn’t.

The day flew by and before I knew it, I was outside on the campus lawn with a diploma in hand. It was bittersweet seeing Wartburg in the my rearview mirror, not knowing when I would see it again, but that was the day I started finally living my life. That was the day I decide to stop worrying about living up to other people’s expectations and finally start living for me.

One trip around the sun later and I can say that everything really does happen for a reason. I accepted a job offer a few weeks after graduation. I bought a new car. I met the man of my dreams. I went on countless adventures {Colorado, Nashville, California}. I adopted the cutest little rescue pup. I moved three times. I am in the best shape of my life. All because I started putting my needs before everyone else’s expectations.

I have been blessed with so many wonderful things this past year and I can’t wait to see where Post-Grad Life: Year 2 takes me!

To celebrate this great day, here are a handful of my favorite (mostly iPhone) photos from the best year ever 🙂