16 Things 2016 Taught Me

1.      It’s hard to do what everyone thinks is right, because no one can agree on what is right. Do what you feel is right, and what God has approved and confirmed in your heart. When you have that confirmation, there’s no need to explain yourself.

2.      Family really is the best and most important thing in my life. I am so thankful for my family and my in-laws. Every year I get more and more overwhelmed with how the Lord has blessed me in this aspect of my life. 

3.      It’s really okay to not have the approval of everyone. (See #1).

4.      God has placed me in this season of my life to allow me to work on my patience. If you’re a close friend or part of my family, you know to what I’m referring. My patience is tested every. single. day. And honestly, it’s been a bumpy ride. But I’m coming out stronger than I ever thought I was.

5.      I actually *can* live without Mountain Dew! I made it the whole year without even a sip. Honestly guys, that whole ’21 days makes a habit’ thing is kind of a lie I think. I still crave Mountain Dew almost every day, I didn’t really feel a lot better about myself, and I didn’t lose any weight. LOL. Sorry to be a downer. 

6.      I was put on Earth to write. Not everyone likes my style, and hey, that’s fine. But when I sit down & let my fingers type, words pour out that I wasn’t even thinking about. When I write, I’m able to be vulnerable in a way that most people never see in person. I would say Jonathan, Mom and Dad, Ellie Grace & Morgan are the only ones who know me in person the way you all do when I write. When I write, I get confirmation every single time, in one way or another, that lets me know I’m fulfilling my life’s purpose.

7.      It’s okay to go out and have a date night every week. Jonathan & I don’t really have a specific night we plan, but sometimes we get home from work & decide to go out on a whim. Those are my favorite nights.

8.      Buying a house is the longest, most drawn out process ever, and I’m glad we don’t have to worry about that again for a while.

9.      God’s timing is impeccable, and He never makes mistakes. I didn’t learn this in 2016, but it’s something that proves true every year that I get older.

10.  People like to be negative. It’s easier to be upset than to radiate joy. But being negative never makes things better and NEVER produces anything positive.

11.  It’s not a weakness to speak up & ask for help. In 2016 I finally went to the doctor when my depression got to a really low point, and I’m so thankful.

12.  You get out of a relationship what you put into it. I’m not even talking about romantic relationships, although it’s true for that too. To have friends, you must be a friend. If you don’t put effort into your relationships, you aren’t going to have many strong relationships.

13.  When in doubt, wear black. Just kidding, I’ve always known this. 2016 just emphasized it over and over again.

14.  It’s always the right time for a cup of coffee.

15.  I have more of an addiction to putting things in my virtual cart online than actually carrying through with the purchases.

16.  Music still heals my soul. When I’m happy, sad, tired, depressed, angry, loving, all of the above or none of the above, I still turn to music.

Some of these things were just continued lessons, but another year always brings further realizations. I am blessed indeed. I am loved by a Savior, a husband, an amazing family & many friends. I have a roof over my head, food to eat, and a job that provides an income. I have everything I could ever dream of having at my ripe age of 23. Here’s to another year. I love odd numbers (add it to my list of quirky facts), so 2017 is about to be amazing. Happy New Year!