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2018 has been a year of incredible growth in my life. I am proud of how far I have come, but I also know that I cannot take the credit for how far I have come. The credit goes to God, and God alone. For I would not have had the strength, determination, or the peace of mind that I did without Him. 

Here are some lessons 2018 taught me:


- It's okay if you feel like a mess sometimes. Sometime's we're all a bit of a mess and that doesn't make you any less worthy, any less loved, or any less valuable. You are loved even in your mess. Show yourself grace.


- Some people will come into your life and walk all over you if you let them. Don't let them. 


- I am not as strong or as "good" as I thought I was. My strength comes only from the Lord, none of it is mine. On my own I am completely and utterly weak. I am fully dependent upon God for my strength. For when I am weak, then I am strong.


- Having a fulfilling life is not a destination, it is a life-long journey. 


- Comfort zones are where joy, dreams, hopes, passions, and fulfillment go to die.


- Change, pain, and the impending unknown future are inevitable. Growth is optional. Choose to grow intentionally.

- Complaining will get you absolutely nowhere. Stop venting, and start praying. You do not need sympathy, you need strength, peace of mind, and a refreshed outlook.


- The most unexpected people can have the biggest impact on your life. Do not ever judge someone by their age, their status, their job, their past, their present circumstances, or by anything that the world sees. Get to know each individual with a spirit of understanding, kindness, love, grace, and vulnerability.


- Life can still be amazing and wonderful in the moments of pain, struggle, temptation, and heartache. Choose to dwell on the amazing.


- Stop caring so much about what other people think!!!! I wish I didn't have to say this because it is so basic but so many of us need to hear it. Stop worrying about what anyone thinks of you. Focus on being the best version of yourself possible. You WILL make mistakes, you will disappoint yourself sometimes, but you will also learn and you will grow. Growth is a process. Love yourself in it.



And for some more lighthearted lessons:

- Freshly washed bedding will greatly improve your sleep and coziness


- Praying before bed will relieve your stress and give you peace. Let it go, and let God handle it.


- Choose one way to push yourself out of your comfort zone every day.


- Be someone who cares. Ask people how they are doing. Encourage people. Uplift those around you. Radiate love.


- Eat better = feel better.


- Read more books, watch less netflix.


- But sometimes it's perfectly okay to stay in your sweatpants and watch netflix for five hours in a row.


- Always, always, always remove your makeup and wash your face. Trust me. Just do it.


- Dry shampoo and coffee will do you wonders in life. Absolute must haves.


- Don't be afraid to laugh at yourself. Be you, unapologetically.



*****


Have a happy New Year, everyone!


xo


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