itsdaniriley

Well, here I am!

I honestly did not think I would ever get my first blog post written. I have been thinking about it and wanting to start sharing my journey for about a year now and I have always come up with excuses not to. But not anymore. I am finally taking that leap and I hope, I really, really hope that this page turns out to be as impactful as I pray it will be.

Let me start off by introducing myself a little bit more. I’m Danielle and I am a week away from graduating with my Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and finishing up my college coaching career (I think).

Before attending grad-school and being a graduate assistant lacrosse coach, I went to undergrad at Merrimack College where I played 4 years of DII women’s lacrosse while studying religious and theological studies and social justice.

I am from a small town in New York where I had the blessing of growing up around my (very big) family and growing up with my childhood/life-long friends. Family is such a huge factor in my life and I would not be half the woman I am today without their love and support along the way. My two brothers have become my two best friends and my family has gotten me through some of the darkest days of my life. I can’t wait to tell you more about these people!

I’ll be turning 24 this June and to be honest I used to think that was old. I used to think that I’d be planning a wedding by then, I would finally know what I wanted to be when I got older, and that my entire life would be figured out. However, today I feel like I have nothing figured out. How did I ever think 24 was old?! Anyways…

Transitioning out of college was really tough for me. That’s when I really began to experience the biggest struggle of my life. While leaving a place you grew to love and considered “home” for four years and entering the “real world” is hard in itself, I went through a lot of personal changes and struggles. I feel like I was hit with the reality train starting my senior year of college and that it has not been since recently that I have been able to (kind of) get some footing. I am going to share with you my journey in dealing with my mental health.

Faith in God has played a indispensable role in my life. Especially over the past 2-3 years. I don’t think I would be here today If I did not have God to fall back on. His love is amazing. I cannot wait to share with you my journey of growing in my faith and in my relationship I have with God.

Throughout these 24 years of life I have learned a lot about life and faith(and how much I love coffee and lattes..just saying). I wanted to create a place where I could come and share my experiences and my faith with those who might feel like they are the only one going through whatever it is that they are going through. I am not sure yet on how often I will be posting. I feel like now is a good time to start since school is winding down and pretty much the only big responsibility I have is job-hunting.

So, there is a bit about me. Just so you know, I’m no English or writing major, as you have already read. I will try my very best to stay organized throughout my posts and make them easy to follow just for you! I cannot wait to share some of my life’s biggest hills and lowest valleys with you.

God is GOOD!