If you read that sentence without knowing any of my back story, that sounds so simple. Like maybe it's not worthy of celebration. But it is—I can say it after living it, it definitely is worth celebration. There was nothing tiny about it at the time. For a 20-something, living in the south where everyone was getting married young, for someone who had always been co-dependent and started dating at 14—it was a big freaking deal.
And you know what? I made it.
It hurt, it was painful, but it was wonderful and I wouldn't take back any of it.
Now at 32, life looks completely different.
I'm married. We own a house. We're talking about having kids—who am I? I don't think at 26 I would've imagined I'd make it here. But here I am.
And now being on the other side, the only thing I can think about saying in regards to this anniversary is...
On to the next challenge!
And really what I mean is just be prepared as best you can, because once you’ve overcome one challenge, there’s another waiting just behind it. That’s life.
Every season has a new challenge. Whether it’s singleness, work, family, being a mommy, or anything else, you are never done learning and growing.
Don't get me wrong—life isn't JUST about challenges. It's beautiful, it's about having fun, it's about enjoying who you are as a person and those around you and all those many experiences that life provides, but growth is a constant factor. You want to be one of those older, wiser 80 year women or men you admire when you see them out at a diner or in a store? Well, keep learning, growing, and not backing down from what life throws at you and you'll get there.
Learning is constant. There is always another challenge waiting to knock at your door. Don't run away from it. Pursue it and be determined to come out on top.
I thought being single was the hardest thing I'd ever have to go through. And then 2013-14 happened where I lost myself. Everything that happened could have been a perfect plot for a telenovela, y'all. And even on the days I felt like giving up—and even on the super painful days where I cried out loud, "I give up!"—despite those moments and declarations, I got up the next morning and pushed through the pain.
This post is a reminder for me (and for you if you need it like I need it) that some seasons of life aren't typically beautiful. The beauty part may come afterwards, and even though you can't see it in the midst of everything, know that it is coming. You just can't give up.
Looking at my old blog I found this picture (circa 2011). I remember taking it, editing it and posting it. It is just as much a reminder now as it was then... Do not give up. Even when you want to, even when it's difficult to keep going, keep going.
Don't get me wrong—life isn't JUST about challenges. It's beautiful, it's about having fun, it's about enjoying who you are as a person and those around you and all those many experiences that life provides, but growth is a constant factor. You want to be one of those older, wiser 80 year women or men you admire when you see them out at a diner or in a store? Well, keep learning, growing, and not backing down from what life throws at you and you'll get there.
Learning is constant. There is always another challenge waiting to knock at your door. Don't run away from it. Pursue it and be determined to come out on top.
I thought being single was the hardest thing I'd ever have to go through. And then 2013-14 happened where I lost myself. Everything that happened could have been a perfect plot for a telenovela, y'all. And even on the days I felt like giving up—and even on the super painful days where I cried out loud, "I give up!"—despite those moments and declarations, I got up the next morning and pushed through the pain.
This post is a reminder for me (and for you if you need it like I need it) that some seasons of life aren't typically beautiful. The beauty part may come afterwards, and even though you can't see it in the midst of everything, know that it is coming. You just can't give up.
Looking at my old blog I found this picture (circa 2011). I remember taking it, editing it and posting it. It is just as much a reminder now as it was then... Do not give up. Even when you want to, even when it's difficult to keep going, keep going.
