Long Time, No See

It's been 5 years.

Since we've last spoken, I have graduated college and moved 900 miles from home. I have experienced highs that have placed me on the tops of mountains, and I have experienced lows I never thought I'd get out of. I have walked away from God only to find myself in His loving arms again.

When I look back at my journey, I see how it all connects. I see how every decision and step turned me into the woman that I am today. I understand that every hill I struggled to crest was only preparing me for the mountain in front of me that I now hike with ease. In the grand scheme of life, 5 years isn't a lot. But at 22 years old, it feels like an eternity. I want to talk about 5 lessons I learned in these past 5 years.

1. You never know what one decision will lead you to, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.

I chose to download TikTok in 2020 when I saw a ton of pottery videos which reminded me of how much I loved pottery in high school. Four years later, I moved to Alabama and started working for a leather company. The whole timeline isn't important; the whys and the whats don't matter right now. What's important is to see that every decision, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, affects your future. It's scary until you realize that no matter the choice you make, you can't stray from God's will for your life.

2. You don't need a five year plan when you are working with the Divine Planner.

When I got hired and had my first meeting with the CEO of Holtz Leather Co., she asked me what my five year plan looked like and I froze. I have never had a five year plan. My week is planned out perfectly, but past that, I've got nothing. My plan is to take it day by day until God shows me my next step. I sure as hell don't know what my path looks like, so why would I try to control it? This lesson was hard to learn as a self-proclaimed control freak. It wasn't until I let go of my control I felt free, a lot of my stress felt weightless. Giving it all to God, while it feels scary, is so powerful and helpful to yourself!

3. He isn't the end all be all. Good enough isn't good enough.

In my dating life, which can be described as a comedy show really, I've realize two things:

1. He isn't the end all be all. If he leaves you, there will be another. I have met two boys in my life I wanted to and could see a future with. I would've given just about anything to see that future become a reality. It took getting my heart broken and being manipulated to no end to realize that, at the end of the day, I should always choose me and never chase. Sure enough, every time I thought he'd be the last one, I found another boy who was better somehow. But this time, I had a better idea of what I wanted. Just because he is "perfect" to you doesn't mean he is perfect for you path and your future. Trust that when God says no, it's for a good reason. Don't continue to pursue what God has denied for you.

2. Good enough isn't good enough. Never ever settle. As I have said before, there will always be another boy, maybe a better boy. But never settle for anyone. If it doesn't feel right to you or there's a "he's perfect but..." then he isn't perfect. God designed someone for you. Don't settle for less.

4. Mom and dad know best.

Before I moved, I would've never admitted to needing the help of my parents. At 22, I feel like I should have it all figured out, and the world tells me I should, but I don't. Hell, not even CLOSE! I call my mom daily to ask about outfits and my dad every time I have a question but no answer in sight. They've lived a lot longer than I have. They have more insight to the way the world works which makes them a valuable resource. Use them! Talk to them often. Ask lots of questions. Most importantly, make them feel loved no matter what. If there's anything I've realized is that good parents would move mountains for you. The least they deserves is respect and a thank you.

5. You can make more money. You can't make more time.

This isn't an excuse to go out and buy that $3,000 bag. This is my way of saying your job isn't more important than the people that matter to you. Take off for important events. Go home for the holidays. Treat your family to dinner. Buy them thoughtful gifts. We were created to be successful but success isn't measured in the money you make, but rather the impact you have on those around you. Since being in Alabama, I haven't thought, 'man I wish I would've made more money', I've wished for more time with my family and friends.

There's so much more I've learned but for the sake of my 5 lessons in 5 years and the cuteness of that title, I'll use little bullet points to tell you the rest. Consider these next lessons as a bonus!

• Stand up for yourself. Speak your mind.

• Guy friends are good, female friends are great. It's okay to be a girls girl!

• Wear whatever you want for YOU. Your clothes aren't meant for other people.

• What comes in, goes out. That includes music, tv shows, food, drinks, and the words spoken to you.

• You can love Jesus and cuss a little. In other words, being a christian isn't equal to a life of striving for total perfection!

• Invest in the people that matter to you, but give everyone a fair chance.

• However, once someone shows you their true colors, believe them.

• Boundaries are important and will actually improve your relationships, not just with others, but with yourself as well!

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

John 10:10

For a more in depth look at those last few points, keep an eye out for more posts in the future :)