awaken me

i've been asked many times what defines me?
when i graduate what will define me as a person?
what will i do to become that person?
what will change me?
these very questions stagger in my mind constantly.
i've pondered about them numerous times...but see i don't believe that a single thing or moment can really define you.
i believe that many can; thousands of delicate moments, one's that give us strength to keep moving, people and precious experiences. that's what  defines us
if thats what we are saying and believing it to be.
i just don't know...if i'd use that word, to me it just doesn't fit...
what awakens me? the inner me, my soul, my heart...the very thing that keeps me alive? 
yeah...that sounds more like it.
what are those things: my family, my rock, my sweet, encouraging, humbling family who support the things i'm passionate about and say's "i love you" after each conversation we have. my jesus, my graceful, immeasurable and selfless creator who loves me unconditionally despite my many faults. who has this incredible plan for my life that i see unfolding right in front of my eyes and i couldn't be more blessed and thankful . my closest friends, the heartful people that i can rely on, who i can cry on, laugh with, make life long memories with, the very people i can trust with everything that i am, who know me. my burdened heart for others, to help those who are in need, my urgency to be apart of something bigger than myself. my love for the younger generation to be apart of their path, to inspire them, to mentor them, to watch them grow...

i sit. and i ponder. and i'm thankful... incredibly thankful for what makes me...

"so again; what define's you ashley?"...it's not what define's you professor

it's what makes you whole...it's what awakens you from the inside out.

these very things do so to me...

picture: via