Goodbye 26

~Oh Hey Family!! I pray you’re all making peace with the decisions of your past. How have y’all been? I’ve missed you all! What’s new? How have you grown in the last two weeks? No, seriously, tell me in the comments section! As for me? Well, let’s talk about it! Are you ready to explore? Let’s do it!! Indulge and Enjoy!!~

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As most of you know, I turned 27 on May 27th. To close out my 26th year, I’ve done an overview of the most impactful moments during this past year of life. I wanted to answer the questions most people intentionally avoid. Questions that tend to be too difficult, emotionally, to want to explore. I wanted to force myself to explore the good bad and ugly of this past year AND except every challenge I’ve faced.

Take a look at some of the difficult questions I’ve forced myself to reflect on…

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What was the most drastic change of age 26?

One of the most drastic differences that occurred halfway through this year would have to be, making the decision to remove myself from my Church community. I can’t really say they did anything wrong. It’s just difficult to be yourself when you have no idea who you are.

This community tried so hard to push me to see my potential! They saw me when I didn’t see myself. They helped me start to pick up the broken pieces of my life, and made me aware of what God’s love can do IF you trust Him.

There, was the first time I genuinely felt God’s presence and actually heard His voice. This place started my growth process and forced me to admit the depth of my brokenness. Being honest, I miss them so much! I just don’t know how to return. I also don’t know if I’m really ready to go back.

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What did you learn about yourself?

I’ve learned SO much about myself this year! I mean, I found my true beauty for starters! I’m able to look in the mirror at any time of day and see a level of beauty and happiness beaming from my soul. Some days, I find myself wondering how I was never able to see all of this prior.

I’ve also learned, it’s okay to trust people. Going so many years not trusting ANYONE around me was torture! I was constantly in defense mode. I even had moments where I was alone and couldn’t trust myself… How crazy is that? It feels amazing to not worry about when the next time someone will lie or hurt me will be.

I’ve been reminded, my power is in my words! For years, my words were silenced. I couldn’t write anything, keeping everything bottled up. I feel my silence was a major contribution to me being so lost… I firmly believe God gave me Beautiful. Passionate. Love. to not only find myself, but, to also find my way back to Him.

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What are your age 27 goals?

Now I can’t give y’all ALL the tea, however, my greatest goal for age 27 is to continue to blossom into the beautiful young woman I am! I’m so eager to learn myself on an even greater scale.

I’m not really a fan of the whole “dating myself” term, especially at the level I’m exploring myself on. This feels more like a marriage, a lifetime commitment to never lose myself again. Have any of you heard of the show ‘Married at First Sight’? That’s how I feel. I married myself not knowing ANYTHING about the real me, and I’m enjoying every day of learning my likes and dislikes.

One goal from age 26 that will definitely follow me throughout age 27, and beyond, is Beautiful. Passionate. Love.! I love you guys, and I love sharing with you each week!

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I am so grateful for everything I have experienced in my 26th year on this earth. You all had a glimpse of the last 7 months or so! WOW! Beautiful. Passionate. Love. is 7 months old already?

It’s been a while since I’ve taken a moment to thank you all for journeying with me each week. I am so eternally grateful for you!

Is there anything, from a previous post, I’ve mentioned that you’ve been wishing I’d discuss more in-depth? If so leave it in the comment section, I’ll see how I can work it into a future post.

As always, feel free to ask questions and/or leave feedback in the comments section.

(All new post will be uploaded Saturdays by 12:30 EST)

I am BEAUTIFUL. I am PASSIONATE. I will LOVE.