Stepping into Chapter 34
the lessons that quietly, and not so quietly shaped me
Who would we be without all the lessons that make us exactly who we are?
The lessons that change us from the inside out and make us question everything. The ones that leave us breathless, the ones we never asked for, yet secretly need more than anything.
The ones that leave us awake in the middle of the night, holding silent tears for both gratitude and pain. Wondering who we would’ve become had things not happened exactly the way they did. And somehow, finding gratitude in the realization that a “no” or a “not yet” might’ve saved us from even more heartache, especially if we got what we thought we wanted.
With every birthday that passes, I find myself more and more thankful for the gift of time.
Even when it feels like time suddenly stops, only to start moving again at a pace that feels impossible to keep up with. Or when we find ourselves holding on to a moment we never want to end, because we know the next one won’t be the same as the last.
Each year I’m evolving, changing and growing into the person I’m meant to be. And isn’t that the point of life, to lean into change rather than shy away from it? To strive to be better than the person we were yesterday, even if it’s only one percent better?
I turned 34 last week. And while every year comes with a little more reflection, I took a moment to pause. Not only to appreciate where I am, but to remember every place I’ve been.
24-year-old me wouldn’t believe the path I’ve walked the last 10 years. I still find pieces of my past scattered in the life I’m currently living, and while I’m not 100 percent where I want to be, I thank God I’m not where I used to be.
No matter what age I’m turning, there’s one thing that continues to hold true: I don’t know what’s waiting for me next.
But I do know there’s more power than we realize when we believe in our strength and trust our resilience. Because they’ll always carry us through to the other side, no matter where we end up in life. & there’s so much beauty in a story that’s still being written.
So, here’s to chapter 34, and all the life lessons I’ve learned along the way:
treat each moment like it’s a gift, because it is
no amount of worrying will change the outcome
be okay with not having all the answers right away. “there are years that ask questions, and years that answer”
rock bottom isn’t meant for destruction, it’s a solid foundation to rebuild
you can’t control how others treat you, you can only control your response
we heal by confronting, not avoiding
life is short. spend it with people who make you feel grateful just to be alive
happiness is found when you release the grip of control
not everybody has your best intentions in mind. take the opinions of others lightly (or not at all)
time teaches us that some things can only be understood by looking backward
never forget what you currently have while waiting for what you want
keep moving forward, even if it’s only one small step at a time
even in seasons of pain, you’re being prepared for what’s next
sometimes you have to be willing to let go of people, even when you aren’t ready to. not to hurt you, but because their purpose in your life is fulfilled
a 15-minute walk outside will clear your head more than overthinking ever will
you can’t make the same choices over and over and expect different results
stop focusing on a timeline. your path isn’t their path
your worth isn’t conditional based on your circumstances
separate how you feel from what you know to be true
grief loops, it doesn’t stop. it’s not something you get over, it’s something you learn how to move forward with
every single decision you make matters. no matter how small or insignificant it seems
you’re never required to explain how you feel, especially to those committed to misunderstanding you
it really is okay to change your mind from what you once wanted. you aren’t meant to stay stagnant
don’t be offended if somebody doesn’t know how to hold space for your pain, especially if they never walked in your shoes
the hard times will change the deepest parts of you, but they won’t break you
instead of looking at loss as the end, trust that it was protecting you from the things you couldn’t see yet
pass kindness, not judgment. you have absolutely no idea what somebody else is carrying
there’s always light to be found, even in darkness. you just have to be willing to look for it
your purpose isn’t defined by how fast or slow things are moving in your life. it’s defined by who you are
clarity comes when we learn how to let things be, rather than forcing them to fit the perception of what we want them to be
your mental health and inner peace matter more than anything else
don’t let the pressure of where you ‘aren’t’ make you lose sight of where you ‘are’
there is always, always something to be grateful for
never forget that even when a chapter feels long, it doesn’t mean it’s the end of your story
Thank you so much for reading! Be sure to check out more of my work at Truth Within Silence and follow along on Instagram.
