- There is never a wrong time to eat Chick-Fil-A
- Having a regular sleep schedule will increase your mood like nothing else (don’t I sound like my mom?)
- Usually, my mom was right (don’t tell her I said that)
- If you won’t say it about a friend, don’t say it about yourself
- No one has ever gotten a “great clip” from Great Clips—invest in good hair cuts
- Respect is a two-way street
- Your mental health is important, and if you need a therapist there is no shame in getting one
- Giving up makes life boring
- Be patient with yourself and the people in your life
- Sometimes the friends you thought would be in your life forever end up only being there for a few years, and that’s okay—just don’t forget to value those who do stick around
- There is never a bad time to watch The Office
- Two Advil can fix a lot of things
- I’m convinced Fleetwood Mac was the greatest band of all time
- Road-trips are better with good friends
- Pale people should never forget sunscreen (boy do I have a couple stories for you on that topic *cringe*)
- Apply for internships
- If there’s something you want, go for it—you’ll only regret what you don’t do
- A handwritten letter is one of the sweetest gestures
- Money comes and goes but memories and experiences will last a lifetime (especially if you have great photos of it all!)
- God is faithful, always (I’m reminded of this when I look at my brother—I prayed for eight years for a sibling, and after what felt like a lifetime, God gave me the best answer to prayer!)
- Sometimes we go through dark times to have a better appreciation of better seasons of life. Or, sometime, we go through those dark times to help others. Share your story. God never wastes a season of hurt.
A year and a half ago I was in a dark place. I felt extremely stuck in all areas of my life, which spiraled into high-functioning depression. If it wasn’t for a couple close friends who saw beyond my facade of “I’m fine, I’m just really tired, ya know?” I don’t know where I’d be.
I came close to giving up—on everything—a couple of times. And I can’t even tell you when it changed. I just look at this photo and truly see that I am not who I was that year and a half ago.
Bethel has this song, Goodness of God, and I remember the first time I heard it a couple of months. I bawled my eyes out like an absolute baby when I heard the words, “You have led me through the fire // And in darkest night You are close like no other.”
His goodness and faithfulness and mercy is what has brought to me where I am now. Being on the other side of that now, (and don’t get my wrong, my every day life is NOT always rainbows and butterflies) I have a better appreciation for His love and I’m a little more patient with myself. I see now, even though I still don’t understand why a lot of things happen, that sometimes we have to experience these really painful seasons of life to prepare us for better seasons. I look back and I see His hand leading me through it all, and I just wish I could back in time and truly believe all of His promises because I do desperately needed them.
If you’re in a place like I was, take it from me, it sucks. I know. It’s truly awful but you are loved and known. There are people here to help you. Seeing a therapist was one of the best choices I’ve made. And there’s no shame. and let me add, I clung to this promise and still do—Deuteronomy 31:8.
I’ve also learned that vulnerability opens you up to greater friendships and experiences. Which is why I’m sharing all of this with you. Two years ago, I would have never though of sharing this, but I guess that’s growth for ya. 😉
Oh, and I’ve also learned that the whole “Freshmen 15” thing is real, so find a good gym buddy!
Until next time,
