Let me be unorignal and do a blog post the last day of the year, okay? This year has been one heck of a year. As many have said all over social media, it has been a roller coaster. Yes, this year has brought about many new aches and pains, but I feel like that's not something I want to be focusing on as I enter into the new year. So here are a few lessons that I learned from this rocky but mountainous year:
LOVE YOURSELF WITHOUT FALSE HUMILITY. Instead of trying to be "humble" and shrug off compliments or acheivements you've reached, (I'm talking to myself here too,) accept how others are praising you, and really receive it and own it. Don't let it consume you to the point of being conceided BUT be okay with being good at things, looking attractive, reaching goals, etc. It's way more than okay to really love yourself. Let's also be aware of loving others and praising them for their uniqueness. If we go out of our way to love others, it will spread quicker than you think.
BE OKAY WITH HAVING AN OPINION. I'm not going to make this long, but I did want to say that your voice matters. There has been A LOT to discuss this year, and I think things start to change and get beter when we find our voice and speak our mind. Remember to educate yourself and check up on facts. Then go full force to say how you feel, what you mean, and what you want to see done, while also respecting other's opinions and keeping love as your motive. Your voice is important.
MAKE NEW FRIENDS AND BE OKAY WITH LETTING GO OF OLD ONES. Now this isn't me telling you to make new friends and to leave your other ones in the dark. My point in this is to say that you shouldn't feel confined to be friends with that one person who you've known since the womb. If you are, consider yourself lucky and keep that friendship close. But sometimes, as we grow old, we grow apart and it can be healthy to let go of friendships that are not edifying you anymore. If they are causing you more and more stress as time goes on, maybe that season of your friendship is over. Friendships should not be stagnant just because you reach a certain age. Find those people who are going to love you well, who you can love well, and keep finding them as you go through life. You're going to need them for different things you face in life.
In addition to learning these lessons, I've fallen in love with a handful of new albums, artists, and songs. Add these songs to your playlists if you want to enter into the new year with some pretty rad music. (These are in no specific order, because it's just too hard to do that.)
1. Bon Iver - 22 (OVER S∞∞N) >>It's just genius. The whole album is. 'Nuff said.
2. Johhnyswim - Georgica Pond >>This song just hits you right in the feels.
3. I'm Glad It's You - Curbside/Time Capsule (I couldn't just choose one. Don't judge me, okay?) >>All you need to know is that this whole album will rock your socks off. And they're Redlands natives.
4. Josh Garrels - Hiding Place >>Just listen to those intruments and harmonies!
5. Hillsong United - Even When It Hurts >>This song is a raw represenation of life as a Chritsian. The live version is my favorite.
6. Tame Impala - Beverly Laurel >> You just HAVE to dance to that beat.
7. Balance and Composure - Afterparty >> It's just a good song, okay? No need to explain.
Praying for lots of love, new lessons, and a ton of a new music for the year 2017! Be blessed and peace out 2016!
LOVE YOURSELF WITHOUT FALSE HUMILITY. Instead of trying to be "humble" and shrug off compliments or acheivements you've reached, (I'm talking to myself here too,) accept how others are praising you, and really receive it and own it. Don't let it consume you to the point of being conceided BUT be okay with being good at things, looking attractive, reaching goals, etc. It's way more than okay to really love yourself. Let's also be aware of loving others and praising them for their uniqueness. If we go out of our way to love others, it will spread quicker than you think.
BE OKAY WITH HAVING AN OPINION. I'm not going to make this long, but I did want to say that your voice matters. There has been A LOT to discuss this year, and I think things start to change and get beter when we find our voice and speak our mind. Remember to educate yourself and check up on facts. Then go full force to say how you feel, what you mean, and what you want to see done, while also respecting other's opinions and keeping love as your motive. Your voice is important.
MAKE NEW FRIENDS AND BE OKAY WITH LETTING GO OF OLD ONES. Now this isn't me telling you to make new friends and to leave your other ones in the dark. My point in this is to say that you shouldn't feel confined to be friends with that one person who you've known since the womb. If you are, consider yourself lucky and keep that friendship close. But sometimes, as we grow old, we grow apart and it can be healthy to let go of friendships that are not edifying you anymore. If they are causing you more and more stress as time goes on, maybe that season of your friendship is over. Friendships should not be stagnant just because you reach a certain age. Find those people who are going to love you well, who you can love well, and keep finding them as you go through life. You're going to need them for different things you face in life.
In addition to learning these lessons, I've fallen in love with a handful of new albums, artists, and songs. Add these songs to your playlists if you want to enter into the new year with some pretty rad music. (These are in no specific order, because it's just too hard to do that.)
1. Bon Iver - 22 (OVER S∞∞N) >>It's just genius. The whole album is. 'Nuff said.
2. Johhnyswim - Georgica Pond >>This song just hits you right in the feels.
3. I'm Glad It's You - Curbside/Time Capsule (I couldn't just choose one. Don't judge me, okay?) >>All you need to know is that this whole album will rock your socks off. And they're Redlands natives.
4. Josh Garrels - Hiding Place >>Just listen to those intruments and harmonies!
5. Hillsong United - Even When It Hurts >>This song is a raw represenation of life as a Chritsian. The live version is my favorite.
6. Tame Impala - Beverly Laurel >> You just HAVE to dance to that beat.
7. Balance and Composure - Afterparty >> It's just a good song, okay? No need to explain.
Praying for lots of love, new lessons, and a ton of a new music for the year 2017! Be blessed and peace out 2016!