greetings pals,
It’s incredibly hard to reflect on what has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding semesters of my life.
But in trying to be as authentic as possible, I don’t want to minimize the hardship that came with the immense joy.
For all the smiles, silly selfies, and dancing that I put out on the internet (and in real life), there was also a lot of venting to God and whoever else would listen, with so many doubts and concerns about what was to come and if what I was doing was really making a difference for myself and others.
There was a lot of healing, a lot of growth, and a lot of me not listening to my friends who know me well.
There was a lot of complaining and comparison.
It was powerful and overwhelming to continue to relive and tap into the dark and broken pieces of my story in my dancing, writing, and conversation. And with all of that and more, I can’t help but feel grateful, even when I’m not.
What I keep reflecting on is how there is beauty in brokenness and imperfection, and strength in weakness.
On how I can’t do life, or college alone, and I wouldn’t want to. That it’s okay to slow down and take breaks and time to relax in an exciting place like Nashville. That there is beauty and meaning in my mess, even when I don’t always see it.
There’s beauty in taking the time to watch the sun rise over Central, or through a window in Rand. There’s beauty in holding on to fortunes from fortune cookies, movie ticket stubs, and sweet notes from friends. There’s beauty in my attempts at art in dance and on paper, and in my literal and metaphorical stumbles through life.
This semester was another Carlee-style trip for sure. It was unexpected and crazy and fun and hard and remarkable and glorious all rolled up into one strange sequence of events.
Who knows what all comes next, but as long as I’m still dancing through life, I’m pumped.
so much love,
carlee 
CARLEEM 