In 2016 I learned…

...how to let go and truly let God. Amidst my fighting pride to “handle it on my own”, many situations in 2016 rendered me into a more humble and trusting follower of Him.

In 2016 I learned…

...how to put others first before myself though the same might not be reciprocated. I learned no matter how I was treated good or bad, it wasn’t going to dictate the kind of person I wanted to be, the kind of friend I wanted to be.

In 2016 I learned…

...my own boundaries and how much I can handle. From friendships and relationships, to work and school, and even the “caught in between a rock and a hard place” moments, I learned that it’s not the “situation” that defines my life but it’s the way I react. I can only take so much before I need to take a break, refresh, and lay it all before the Lord.

In 2016 I learned…

...that I need to put God first no matter what. Without putting Him first, I risk unwanted heartbreak and disappointment. When I did put God first, I saw my relationships flourish; I had constant joy, and I kept a level head through stressful times. I need to take care of my relationship with Him first, and the rest will follow.

In 2016 I learned…

...to take everything day by day. No matter how many times I’ve planned for the future, nothing turned out exactly the way I wanted. Having goals is good; it’s encouraged. But, when I started to think of hypothetical situations and develop expectations, that’s when I became overwhelmed and stressed. I learned I need to slow down, focus on the task at hand, and be humble enough to ask for help when I need it.

In 2016 I learned…

...how to appreciate the ones who care for me the most. I learned that it’s ok to want to go home after a long week at school to be rejuvenated by the presence of loved ones. We’re not meant to do this thing called “life” on our own. Whether that rejuvenation time comes from family, friends, whatever one chooses, it’s such a powerful and motivational reminder of why I want to reach and achieve my goals in life.