As usual, every year - I tend to reflect and celebrate the prior year. This year - I decided that my 30th year was my best year I've had yet!
In my 30th I was able to shed off many fears and insecurities that had held me captive for much of my life and become the "me" that I really am. This past year I laughed (a lot), cried a little, experienced some great "firsts," had a lot of fun and was intentional about investing in and spending time with the people in my life. My focus (most of the time) was on celebrating this gift of life, trying new things and really embracing every opportunity.
My 30th year started with my car being stolen and even though that seemed "tragic," I learned a great lesson in humility and accepting help from my friends (and I have some amazing friends in my life).
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| A few of the friends in my life that have always been there for me! LOVE THEM! |
My two beautiful nieces were born! Dailey Lynne Morales and Kenzie Leigh Fink. Both are huge blessings to our family and both are the cutest most wonderful baby girls I've ever known. I have been an "aunt" to many kids over the years, but being a real aunt is indescribably wonderful and I miss those little girls every day!
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| Dailey and Kenzie |
My "little" brother got married to a beautiful woman! I was so proud to stand with them and witness their wedding - (and I gave a pretty great toast if I do say so myself) - but it was easy because he is such a great brother. ;)
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| Mo and Ashle! |
This year, I started this blog as a way to push myself to live life "as Rxd" - to not hold back anything.
As Rx'd: The Bible says that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God and to love your neighbor as yourself. When we are doing that - when we are truly loving God and loving people there is a sense of peace and freedom. We were made to love and to live for something greater than ourselves. That is what it means to LIVE "as Rx'd"...and I have experience that so much in this past year.
Additionally, health-wise, I have made some of the best decisions of my life. Accepting my body for what it is and taking the focus off of my weight, I decided to invest in my over-all health. I pushed myself beyond my limits which included participating in Tough Mudder and completing a half marathon.
There were many other little highlights throughout the year, but what truly made it the best year I've had so far is just the fact that I CHOSE to make it a great year! I stepped out in faith in many areas and allowed myself to be who I really am. I tried to throw off any pre-conceived ideas and expectations that I had put on myself (or allowed others to put on me) and just live! I screwed up, a lot, but I also experienced grace in a way I never have before. I learned how to forgive myself (and in turn forgive others), I took chances, had faith and decided to stop making excuses.
I truly have had a pretty great life, however, during my 30th year I would so often stop myself and just thank God and think about how incredibly blessed and joyful I am - even when circumstances weren't full of joy - I had joy!
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A lot of the times we just go through life and it is so easy to get caught up in the busy-ness and stress and forget to celebrate and be thankful for the many opportunities we've been blessed with.
I want to encourage YOU to think about YOUR experiences - REFLECT, MAKE A LIST, BE THANKFUL - for the good and the bad - because ultimately, life - all of it - is a gift and it IS amazing - you just have to choose to see it that way.
In my 31st year, my goals are to LOVE more, PRAY more, GIVE more, SEEK God more, take more chances and continue to have as much fun as I possibly can!
(I also want to sky-dive and buy a house)
(I also want to sky-dive and buy a house)
I challenge you to
Live and Celebrate YOUR LIFE!
Live and Celebrate YOUR LIFE!
