Happy New Year!! This is my first official blog post of the new year and the new decade. I pray that you enjoyed your holiday season and were able to spend time with those you love. I’ve spent lots of time reflecting on life these last two months. As a result, I’ve decided to compile some of my takeaways in a new series. This week’s installment is all about Life Lessons from the last Decade.

1. Adulting is infinitely harder without Christ

Call me churchy, idc idc idc! The fact remains life would be much harder without Jesus Christ. I could eat all the gluten free, juice all the veggies, do all the pilates, say all the affirmations, buy all the crystals, burn all the sage and NOTHING would be as effective as the transformative power of salvation. Why? Because accepting Christ includes receiving the “helper” aka the Holy Spirit. The one who leads me and guides me into all truth. This means I always have access to peace, resources, healing, wisdom, & hope.

2. Apply for ALL the scholarships

I racked up so much unnecessary student loan debt in undergrad because I was ignorant about just how many scholarships were available to me. And the few scholarships my guidance counselors did suggest? I was too lazy to write the necessary essays to earn free funds. BIG mistake. In the days of old college was the place to explore, be curious, “find yourself”. Frankly, there are less expensive ways to discover your passion. If college is indeed necessary for your career, I suggest starting with a 2 yr community college first and by all means, get some FREE money!

3. FEAR is the root of Self-Sabotage

Procrastination has always been my biggest challenge. Many instructors from high school to college have said that I was an A student who would get C grades only because I procrastinated. This applied to both subjects I excelled and ones where I was failing. The fear of actually succeeding made me avoid certain work. Why? Because then I couldn’t hide that I was capable of more. Then there were subjects like chemistry where the fear of failing became a reality. I didn’t understand the material and was to stubborn to prioritize tutoring. Pride will keep you from asking for help. All of these behaviors are rooted in fear. Fear of failure AND success.

4. Growth is never Comfortable

The wisdom I’ve gained over the past 10 years is not a byproduct of time, because you can be older and not wiser, but a product of growth. The reality of life is that decisions are the building blocks of destiny. Some of the decisions I’ve made have produced good fruit, some produced bitter fruit, both produced newfound wisdom. We learn from our mistakes and then make better choices. Some things I was able to avoid all together thanks to God’s word, wise counsel, and witnessing another’s plight. The last 5 years especially were full of personal growth. They were also some of the roughest… but it was just the refining fire. The pruning of my leaves so I can bear Godly fruit. That growth may be uncomfortable because you end up in unfamiliar territory. But that’s where the magic happens!

I’m sure there are more but I wanted to leave you with these for now. Check back same time next week when I discuss love lessons! Xoxo

Top//HM , Skirt//Burlington, Boots//Go Jane , Bag//Warrior Princess Closet