Thanks to everyone for the comments and feedback! I totally agree that being willing to push through tough times but also be helped along at other times is what makes a period in life truly memorable and beneficial.

Secondly, I think that one of the things that we are younger professionals struggle with a lot is the idea of not only asking for helping, but also accepting opinions we don't want to hear. I mean, really, we've been brought up in a “you're a superstar, you can do anything you want, everyone gets a medal for participating in the soccer game” environment for much of our lives. So now when we hear those reality blows or the challenges on ourselves we are sometimes ill-equipped to deal with it. That's if our friends and family can even step out of their “roles” enough to push us outside of ours. Congratulations on taking the steps necessary to start to set up the life that you want for yourself!

I feel like this is exactly where I was last year — trying, trying, trying to go, spinning the wheels, yet still standing in place. You describe it perfectly. Sometimes it really does take others to show you your way, and sometimes it takes a little bit of self-guidance as well. I love this take on appreciation! A great post.

And I'm intrigued — what is this Cake Batter Oreo of which you speak?

2.) This is a great point. I've discovered two things very much along these same lines. I really appreciate people who will put me in my place. And sometimes those people aren't necessarily who you expect. I think too often are closes friends and family just want to support us and let us know we're doing good. Sometimes it takes someone you're friends with, but not TOO close to you or the situation to tell you that you're being unreasonable. They might not be 100% correct, but the important thing is that they give you a different perspective that you can take, and learn from.

Thanks for sharing James!