I can remember almost a year ago when I was counting down the seconds till 2017 turned into 2018. I told myself that "this was going to be my year," and that "nothing could stop me!" Little did I know of the plan that God had in store for me.
Over this past year I have done many things: made new friends, held the door open when people walked out of my life, added a major and two minors, fell in and out of love, and even transferred schools. I had no idea that all of these things would happen--falling in love I could see coming, but everything else had been a mystery.
God put me through some of the most difficult situations I've ever been in, but he was right beside me through it all. I've had to learn 18 things "the hard way" this past year, but God showed me that each of these helped me to become the even stronger woman I am today.
1. People are brought into your life for a reason.
Laken Pritchard
God puts people in your life for a purpose; whether it's to help you learn something or someone who will turn out to be your best friend in the whole world.
2. Loving yourself is a priority.
It's easy to get lost in the craziness of our world, but take time to really put effort and care into yourself. You'd be surprised how much easier life will be.
3. Becoming closer to God can only benefit you.
Getting closer to God--the one thing who loves you more than anyone else--could never be a bad thing. He'll guide you to becoming the best you can be.
4. Family is the biggest support system you have.
Laken Pritchard
Being able to turn to the people you are closest with is the most important thing. Your family loves you, cares for you, and would do absolutely anything for you. You never have to be afraid of asking them for support.
5. Loss is a part of life.
Laken Pritchard
This is a lesson I'm continuing to learn, each time someone leaves this earth. The people and things you love are headed to a better place with a better life.
6. Sometimes you just really need to cry, scream, or both.
Whether it's school, relationships, family, or any type of stress, just let it all out.
7. Hold the door open for people who don't want to be in your life.
Why would you want someone in your life who doesn't want to be in it?
8. Learn to let go when someone isn't right for you.
No matter how badly you want it, God will show you just how much better life will be without them.
10. Staying up late and talking about random things is one of the best memories you'll have.
You never know just how close you can get to people with these late night conversations.
11. Love will come to you after you've given your love to God.
Finding someone who loves God just as much as you, now that's special.
12. If you aren't happy, find the courage to change it.
It's a lot easier said than done, but once you finally find the courage, your whole life will change for the better.
13. You can still taste bananas even if they are blended in a smoothie.
They'll tell you otherwise, but for all of my fellow banana-haters, you CAN taste it.
14. Weddings are really, really fun.
Laken Pritchard
Love and laughter fill the air and you're surrounded by your friends and family, belting out Sweet Caroline.
15. And so are Christmas parties.
Laken Pritchard
Ugly Christmas sweaters, an entire bottle of Tito's, Memaw's cooking, and Scarlet (the dog) in a Christmas sweater? Absolutely fantastic.
16. Making time for God is easier than it seems.
I went from praying at night, maybe once a week, to praying and thanking God every free chance I got.
17. Friends are just as important as family.
Laken Pritchard
You never realize just how important your friends are until you need them most. Sometimes, they're closer than family.
18. Tomorrow is always a new day.
Tomorrow will always be a new day. Don't ever forget that--it's what always gets me through the tough days.
Life changes in crazy ways, but God will always walk hand-in-hand with you through it.
Being at the lowest point in my life and at the highest point all in one year is not what I expected 2018 to be, but I've learned more about myself and put more trust in God than I ever had before.