E C H O E S .

A million thoughts. 
A thousand voices. 
A hundred questions.
One answer. 

I'm fighting a battle and i'm searching for your presence.

A rock and a hard place. 
A boat lost at sea. 

I'm swimming to the surface, following the sound of Your voice,
shaking the anchors that weigh me down. 

Surrounded by chaos and echoes. 

The waters rise and fall and i'm floating towards the sun. 

Lost again, You save me. 
Lost again, You found me.

Color Me Danville.

Sadly, I lost most of my photos from this awesome event but thankfully Danville Parks and Recreation did an awesome job of capturing the moment with these photos and the ones included in the link (excluding the snapchat selfies.) That weekend in Dan-vegas' Ballou Park was three days of great music, local vendors, cool artwork and photos and family-friendly rides and games.

This was not only my first color-run but my first 5K; but in that moment I never felt more alive. Breathing deeply. Feeling the soles of my shoes kiss the pavement. Being blasted with pounds of color and dye. Being cheered on my my best-friends. I was complete. Happy. Home.




Go out & see the world.

This past weekend was basically a giant family reunion; my big brother Marley came down and my alma mater kicked off graduation season. To the all my friends who graduated this past weekend and I am super proud of all of you guys, Averett or not, one-to-one. All of the hardwork and late-night studying you put in during the last few weeks was completely worth it. It’s a bittersweet experience watching this family you've created part and go on different paths but cherish the laughs, the tears, the memories and stories you made. Remember the values that kept you grounded over the last however many years and most importantly choose the path that makes you happy. Keep in contact with the ones that made a difference and go out and change the world. 

#forevergoldandblue #averettstrong #cougarnation 
#classof2015

Seasons of change.

The month of May is bringing some big changes: graduate exams and applications, rooming with my brother tanner, graduation after graduation, my first color run. I’ve noticed God has brought me through different seasons lately; seasons of dormancy, seasons of purging, seasons of growth, but I’m excited for this new chapter He is showing me: a season of change and transition. It brings me joy watching my friends and brother Justin transition into new stages and begin to write new chapters in life.

as i wait to see what is to come in reference to acceptance letters and new chapters in my life, i sometimes feel myself becoming impatient, He speaks to me,

“For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.”Jeremiah 29:11

“And surely I am always with you, even into the end of time.” – Matthew 28:20

Immediately, I feel His presence and i am relieved; with a blank page and open sail, I let Him guide me and I take to the open sea.


Thank you: an open letter.

“And I want to thank you for giving me the best days of my life; oh, just to be with you is having the best day of my life.” – Thank you, Dido.

Averett University and Danville, Virginia. Thank you for helping me find a place to call home; in my two years at Averett, i grew as a student, a writer, an artist and a friend. When I first arrived on your campus, I was a scared and anxious kid who had no clue what i wanted to do or where i wanted to go in life. But I met some amazing people who helped me find my roots and create an amazing college experience. After graduating, i couldn't wait to see what else Danville had to offer. It wasn't long after finding a job and place to stay, that i began to fall madly in love with the city. Leaving here will be one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever done but for now thank you for the laughs, the memories, the tears, the adventures and the stories I’ll tell and cherish.

The Danville Family YMCA. 
Thank you for transitioning me from the college life to the post-grad world and for introducing me to the Danville community; this was the greatest job I’ve ever held. You guys are more than just coworkers. You are my family. I’m glad we keep in contact and that i can turn to you guys for anything. I’m proud to have been part of an organization that gives back show much and promotes such healthy values. Thank you for helping me influence the lives of others while bringing positive change to my own.

Pleasant View Housing Development. I can't say that i had the greatest experience there but i learned quite a bit while working there. I discovered that community service and counseling wasn't the right career path for me but I’m grateful for what positive change i could bring to the community in my time there. From playing in the court after school to helping you guys with your homework, I’m glad for the time i had to watch you all grow and learn.

My brothers and friends. To my homies. My buddies. My pals. The ones who have had my back from the beginning. To the ones who have made it this far in the journey, i express the highest gratitude. Although, I have two biological brothers I’ve adopted so many brothers and friends along the way. Older or younger, you guys have played a major role in my life. thank you all for the advice you've given, the shoulders you've offered in my weakest times and the listening ears for my constant complaining; I hope continue you to make you proud.

My old best-friend. You guided me through my anxiety and taught me so many valuable life-lessons. We had some pretty great times and made some great memories. I hate the way things ended and wish we could have found a solution to our problems but until we resolve things, best of luck in the future. I’m here if you need anything.

The old Corey. Let me start by saying you are a conqueror. A fighter. A winner. After three years of battling, you have defeated your depression and anxiety issues. Three years ago, you were a nervous guy with a messy head and an open heart, searching for your purpose and roots. Well, you've finally grounded yourself; you've seen the best and experienced the worst. No more living in the past. You have a head full of good intentions, a heart full of passion and a pocket full of stories. And who knows who you'll kiss in ten years or where you'll be when you're twenty-three? You are ready. You are prepared. You have the tools needed to take on the world. Go out and change the world. And keep that smile, kid. It means a lot to people.

Finally, to my followers. Congratulations, you guys are the first ones to see me fully at my best and my worst. It’s an honor to write for you guys; to open up and show you guys the monsters in my head and the flowers in my veins. It brings me such joy to share my life experiences with you all. I couldn't ask for a better outlet. Thank you all for loving me and allowing me to love you back.



I'm taking my GRE's today in Lynchburg, Virginia; prayers and good vibes appericiated!

Hellogoodbye.

In the past few weeks, I’ve been pulled in so many different directions. Studying for GRE's, ruminating over old friendships, work frustrations, general anxieties and jitters about the future. I’ve felt far from myself, unable to think clearly; in a state of mental vertigo. But in my breaks from studying verbal reasoning and quantitative analysis, I ran across this post:

Today is the day 
to stop pretending 
that you are okay 
with not being okay.

Yesterday could 
have been you 
the day you lied 
your last “I’m fine.”

Tomorrow could 
be the day you
actually mean it.

If you do not 
pull the weeds 
in your garden,
the flowers 
will never grow.

Twenty-eight days. It took me twenty-eight days to realize as much as i hated losing a good friend, enough was enough; no more trying to mend things too broken to repair. No more living in my head. No more trying to change the past. No more sacrificing my happiness for those unworthy of it. Instead, it's time for more running. More writing. More art with Tyler. More smiling. More books. More coffee. More chasing sunsets with Taylor. More rooftop jam sessions with my brother Tanner. more volunteering. more photos. more living. more happiness. 

“Dear you, 
you’ve forgotten yourself. 
you give everyone love 
but neglect the void 
you have in your heart. 

focus on that. 
heal first, then give.