Anne

I was in somewhat of a tumultuous place in my life when we first started this blog. Those chaotic days have settled, and I have since discovered a strong degree of self-possession. Of course, that doesn't mean that I'm not continually growing, processing, and questioning, but I do think that I have a much stronger awareness of who I am continually called to be.

I've been a bereavement counselor for UnityPoint Hospice for 6 years now. In our migrant culture, I know that it's a bit of an anomaly to be at the same position for 6 years. My career in grief support, however, is one of the most consistent aspects of my life. I cannot tell you how fulfilling it is to see people explore new possibilities and hope after stumbling around the brink of darkness. Moreover, my job has so much variety in terms of tasks, location, and schedule, that I am never bored. I can always create new methods and programs for supporting humanity in our multitude of losses.

I still love to play almost more than anything else in the world. I do take life seriously- and actually, because I take life seriously- I'm continually looking for ways to imagine, create, banter, pretend, and satirize. I do this in every aspect of my life, including my career. I refuse to change who I am and what I value simply because I'm in a different context. Of course, some of my vocabulary and antics are slightly different, but the personality trait remains remarkably consistent.

I'm incredibly active in aerial arts; I belong to a gym called "TGR Fitness" in Ankeny. I refer to it as my "church" and my "home away from home." I love that I can always challenge myself to grow and learn new skills; this is particularly salient in aerial arts because they are so darn difficult. Seriously, I'm still working on my aerial invert. I also love that my gym encourages play alongside this incredibly difficult art. We are always dressing up in costumes for shows and finding ways to express ourselves, and whenever I go there, it always feels like coming home.

I've built a strong community in Des Moines, and I love that I am surrounded by so many amazing people. It definitely suits me to live alone and have time to charge my very introverted self, and yet, I am continually given the opportunity to connect with so many amazing people. I'm thankful for family, friends, coworkers, students, clients, etc. that give my life meaning and vibrancy.

I try to live life with abundance. Sometimes, that means abundant joy, and sometimes, that means abundant sorrow. Sometimes it means abundant adventures, and others times, it means abundant anxiety. Regardless, the abundance signifies that I'm embracing this life that I was given, and I continue to co-create alongside others and God.