Happy New Year (a little late)

   2016 was one of the hardest years of my life, but it taught me so much and gave me so much to be thankful for. 2016 taught me to how to deal with constant change. It taught me that small things aren't worth great loss. If I won't be upset about it in 72 hours, I shouldn't be upset about it now.
   This year taught me that the ones that have always been there for me will still be there for me, even if we haven't spoken in months. It taught me that people are going to have opinions, but if you are doing the best you can possibly do, those opinions shouldn't matter. 2016 taught me that it's completely okay to be a mess sometimes. It's okay not to have everything figured out. It will all work itself out in time with a little bit of effort. The bad day's aren't permanent. Everyday is a new opportunity to try again.

  The first semester of Senior year taught me that I don't handle stress very well, but God will handle things that are out of my control. I just have to trust Him. I've learned that no matter how much I try to convince myself that something else is what is best for me, following my heart will always be the best way to make big decisions. 2016 taught me that no matter how independent I am, or try to be, I can't do life without God. He answered so many prayers for me this year and taught me to trust His timing. I learned that there was a reason for every difficult situation in my life. I wouldn't be the person I am today if I hadn't had to go through some difficult times. I am grateful for the journey. I was fortunate enough to get to travel a lot this year. I got to see a lot of beautiful places, and experience new things, but I realized that some of my favorite places are right here at home. I met a lot of really great people this year as well.

New York City 

    I attended Girl's State at the University of Alabama this summer. The whole week was life changing. I had to learn to talk a little more than I used to, we had great speakers all week, group bible studies, and of course a dance party where we sang throwback songs at the top of our lungs, but the most influential moment of the entire week was the last night. My group (The Lurleen Ladies) spent the evening really getting to know each other. By the end of the night we knew so much more than just each others names and where we were from. Wrapped arm and arm, wiping tears from our eyes, we knew each person for their life and their strength, but what was so amazing about it was that we had already became friends. We got to know each other for who we were at that moment in our lives, not what we had heard about each other or knew from the past, and that's what meant so much to me and I am happy to say that six months later, our group message is still going strong.


   2016 taught me you only need a few close friends, but to always be kind to everyone. Life is full of so many beautiful places and kind hearted people. 2016 will be missed, but I am beginning 2017 with a very thankful heart and an optimistic mind. I hope everyone has an amazing year. 

                                                                                                                                                  xoxo, Brooklyn