So, on Sunday I turned 26! Yes, four more years until the big thirty, ugh! Over the last week of being 25, I sat and pondered on the first quarter of my life. I thought about the good moments, the bad moments, and all the moments in-between. I then broke it down into 5 words that made Chapter 25 everything and more.

1. Restart

I’m usually a private person. I keep all my emotions, life’s problems, and feelings to myself. In Chapter 25, I exposed more about myself and how I dealt with things. I allowed myself room to make mistakes and reminded myself that it was okay. I had a few setbacks in my life; a failed marriage, lost self-image, trying to figure my purpose and so much more. In Chapter 25, I gave myself permission to start over. I took time and discovered myself. I let go of the past and started everything on a new page.

2. Grace

It’s true, we are our worse critics. If you looked up the word perfectionist, you would find my picture next to it. I critiqued everything I did, from my school work, to my career, to my love life and everything in between. Spending alone time with God and his word, I realized and accepted that He didn’t create me to be this perfect person I imaged myself being. He created me to be perfect the way I was. Perfectly flawed. His grace was there to fill in where I fell short.

3. Jump

In Chapter 25, I took some big jumps. I shook up my current nanny business by branching out into homeschooling. I jumped again by starting a health and wellness online shop. And at the beginning of 2017, I started another stream of income! I have gained so much knowledge, wisdom, friends, and build bonds that I never would have imagined. Looking back, I am glad I did not let my fear stop me from jumping. It wasn’t easy but it was so worth it in the end.

4. Love

In Chapter 25, I restored my faith and belief in true love. I started dating again, but I did things a little differently; I loved myself first. I took time to date myself and make sure that I felt loved in every way possible. I showed others love and because of that new friendships blossomed. Mr. Right didn’t find his way to me but it’s okay. I am loving filling my life with amazing people.

5. Breathe

One of the biggest things that defines Chapter 25 is breathe! Many times, I have taken on so many tasks that I become so overwhelmed. When things would get to be too much, I would stress out. Not this year! I learned to simply breathe and take things day by day, task by task. I tried simple steps like organizing my schedule better, not taking on so much, and learning to say no.

Chapter 25 taught me so many lessons. It gave me so many memories; good and bad. I wouldn’t change anything about it. I am ready to take on Chapter 26 and see what stories, adventures, memories, and lessons are in store!