24

One of my favorite things to do is reminisce. Sometimes it can be a dangerous thing; as we all know, not all memories are warm and fuzzy. I look back at this past year of my life, and I definitely have some painful memories. Recovering from damaged friendships, saying hard and all too permanent goodbyes, struggling through working in a position I felt was sucking the life out of me, and a relationship that I let define my worth way too much. Yet, somehow, I think back and I feel peace. If nothing else, I have learned that life is 100% unknown. So, in honor of turning 24, I’ve decided to share 24 of my thoughts on this life, and lessons that really sunk in for me this past year.

1.      Like I mentioned above, there is no way to know what is going to happen. The future is completely unclear. What I learned? THAT IS OKAY

2.      Some friendships are meant to be part of your life for a long time, some are meant for a short time. Each one still brings significant meaning. No matter the ending, make sure you find that meaning; it makes some of those closed doors a little easier to face.

3.      Some friendships will fade. Maybe not for any horrible, rough, terrible reason. Simply that life is busy, we are adults, and we go separate ways.

4.      Every once and a while, take the risk of letting one of those friendships back in. It will be worth it. Some relationships are truly irreplaceable.

5.      Take time to sit and drink the coffee. [Personally, I feel smelling the roses is a bit overrated.] Sometimes sitting in quiet revelry of our God and His blessings is the best medicine.

6.      Laugh. Laugh daily. Laugh often, laugh hard.

7.      If you feel the need to dance, PLEASE just do it. Stop caring if someone is watching or if you look ridiculous. People will forget. Or they will record it, and if so, please encourage them to share it. Reasoning? Point #6.

8.      Say thank you, always.

9.      Smile at strangers.

10.  Talk to strangers. I have had some great conversations with people I knew for about 30 seconds. Some deep conversations, sure, but some were just hearing about their lives or what they’re feeling in that moment. Maybe you don’t always get a life changing message from what they have to say, but you listening may change theirs.

11.  Dress up sometimes. Just do it.

12.  If you need to rip the band aid, RIP THE BAND AID. You know you need to do it, and closure and healing will come so much faster if you just get it over with.

13.  Forgiveness is not easy.

14.  Forgiveness is worth it.

15.  Hug the people you love. Tight. You never know if you’ll have another chance to do it.

16.  Sometimes the best way to comfort those who are grieving is just to be present, and to listen. There are never magic words that can take that pain away. Just grieve with them.

17.  Sacrifice some sleep to invest in the people in your life. Those late night conversations are some of the best you will ever have.

18.  Invest in good running shoes.

19.  Go running.

20.  Be thoughtful. Try to be aware of the feelings of the people around you.

21.  Apologize when you mess up. Own it, and move forward.

22.  As cliché as this will sound, tell those people that love you how blessed you are to have them. Because you ARE blessed to have them.

23.  TAKE RISKS. Sometimes it bombs, sometimes they are successful. Always worth trying.

24.  And, most importantly of all, STOP LETTING PEOPLE DEFINE YOUR WORTH. You are WORTHY. You are loved, you are adored, you were created to be exactly what you are, in this moment. No person, no situation, no materialistic item, no relationship can change your worth. YOU ARE WORTHY. No ifs, ands, or buts. WORTHY.

I am blessed beyond belief. There are good seasons, great seasons, okay seasons, horrible seasons. And every single season is continuing to develop me and make me into the Jesus loving, emotional, energetic, laughing, passionate, hot headed, driven woman that I am. And I am grateful. For every season. And grateful for yet another year. Life may not be where I would have imagined. In some ways it’s better, in some ways I may be “behind”. And that doesn’t matter. This is my life, this is where I am. And I love ever moment, every breath, every memory.

When I think back, I don’t just feel peace. I feel JOY. I love this life I live.