When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.

John Lennon (via help-n-quotes.com)

I wish people could just say how they feel like ‘Hey I really don’t like when you do that to me’ or ‘Hey I’m in love with you’ or ‘Hi I really miss you and I think about you all the time’ without sounding desperate. Why can’t everyone be painfully honest and just save people the trouble.

Unknown (via help-n-quotes)

The LORD is gracious and merciful; slow to anger and great in lovingkindness. (Psalm 145:8)

To “soul search” about ourselves, to “find adventure” outside God’s will, and to “follow our hearts” with every desire will only lead us to greater confusion and disappointment. We have to realize what we’ve seen: year after year, season after season, without God’s grace, finding happiness and being content remains at a draining distance.

Being blessed and joyful comes from knowing Christ Jesus.

If we put our trust that God is gracious and merciful, we will be able to look beyond ourselves and receive joy that will enable us happiness at any circumstance. What we have to work on is our walk with the LORD, walking with Christ Jesus, trusting that He is slow to anger and great in lovingkindness. We struggle to believe what we don’t choose to grow in. Choose to grow in the knowledge of God’s Word this 2018.

Last year has taught me that despite how naturally it may come to you to give your all to each person you come across, the harsh reality is that not everyone is going to replicate that and sometimes you need to practice self care and reign it in; to only give effort to those who do the same for you or else they will continue to take advantage.

Last year has taught me not to give your heart away so easily because not everyone means every word they say like you do and besides, you are the one who deserves your affection first and foremost. The best decision you could ever make is to learn to love yourself because not only will you feel the full strength of someone else’s love if it should happen but be so content in your own damn skin that if you should have to spend the rest of your life with yourself alone, it will not phase you.

Last year has taught me that romantic love should never be the center of your universe even when you are madly in love because it can fall apart as quick as it came together and although tragic, you’re going to need other support systems- whether it be your friends or your art or running until your lungs are on the verge of collapse- to build you back up from the ground that you will spend many nights on rocking your teary eyed self to sleep.

Last year has taught me that you cannot be broken. The bad days will come around more often than you would like and are sometimes so paralyzing you forget what it is you are living for but yet, here you are today- alive, breathing, hoping; optimistic about the new year because while yes, it might take time and effort and sometimes tears, you will always bounce back after hitting the ground but it is up to you to make that commitment and vow to keep trying.

Last year has taught me that constant conversation is not necessarily communication. There are people who will understand you with a single nod or even in your silence and then there are those who will never pick up on how close you are to crying despite how many times they have looked into your eyes or how many times your wobbly voice has been on the verge of collapse while trying to choke out sentences.

Last year has taught me that the early hours of the morning can be your best friend or your worst enemy. While late night TV wrapped up in blankets talking to your favourite person can be heavenly, the nights you will lie in your bed as your brain throws rocks of ‘what is my purpose’ and 'why am I even trying’ at your face tend to happen just as often. Either way, a cup of hot chocolate can go a long way; add extra marshmallows when in desperate need of a hug.

Last year has taught me that your worth should never be defined by your body or your brain because both have the potential to be changed by powers outside of your control. The next time you find yourself pinching at your hips, frowning at the number on a scale or beating yourself up for having a bad day, remind yourself that you are human and it is impossible to not only be perfect but to be at 100% every single day. We all need a break from the constant climb that is life and it is okay to walk if that’s what your body needs. Most importantly, remember that your body is just a shell and who you are will always reside outside of that.

Last year has taught me that friendships can be just as tricky, intimate and heartbreaking as relationships. There are good times and bad times but you need not worry about the severity of what threatens to break your bond because if it’s destined to last, the times you go long periods without talking to one another will not break it and nor will much else. Although the distance can hurt, have faith in the fact that when two people want to make something work, no distance can ever divide your friendship.

Most importantly of all, last year has taught me that life is all about change and the more you try to fight or control that, the more you will disturb your inner peace. Let people go as easily as you let them come because those who are meant to be by your side will always be drawn back no matter how far they wander or for how long. In a world where the only constant we can rely on is the rising and setting of the sun, make sure to wake up each morning with a huge smile on your face regardless of whether you are about to face the best or worst day of your life because someone once told me that “life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you deal with it,” and I have never looked back since.

❤️Jenna❤️