And 27 Years Later
Yup! This girl just celebrated her golden birthday on the 27th. And I’ll tell you one thing, I’m happy I’m another year older. I remember last year looking back on 2017 and thinking how hard of a year it was, and saying, “2018…You’re the one! You’re the year that will change all years.” And 2018 was probably the hardest one yet. There were many monumental moments, both joyous and challenging such as getting a dog, buying our first house, burning through most of our emergency savings, facing some serious hardships in our marriage, quitting my corporate job, and struggling with my mental health. It’s been quite the roller coaster this year, and even that feels like an understatement.
Even with all of these wonderful highs and hard lows, I feel that 2018 was also the year I learned the most about my marriage, my faith, and myself. And as my birthday gift to you, I’ll share a couple of the important lessons I learned along the way.
Argue Your Limitations & You Get to Keep Them
I forget where exactly I heard this, but when I did, it was one of those quotes that just punched me right in the tender area that sits right next to my pride—somewhere in my gut-region. For years, I would make excuses for why I couldn’t pursue my dreams, or accomplish a goal when it became tough. The answer always revolved around something like not having enough money, not having enough time, I’m too tired, I’m too stressed, it’s not perfect, I look like a fraud. I did this for so long that no matter how badly I wanted something, I wouldn’t allow myself to have it because those limitations I put on myself became a lie that I believed undoubtedly! It may be WAY easier said than done, but if you want something, you just need to put some blinders on, push through the doubt, create some momentum for yourself, get freaking excited, and put it all out there. The water isn’t as cold as you think.
The Mountain and the Valley are Adventures Alike
If you know me pretty well, then you know I love a good outdoor reference. And this one just tickled me because I have hiked through many mountain tops and valleys. While some may see the mountain top as the place of success and perspective, it is also the most dangerous spot to be on the trail. You are the most exposed and vulnerable. If a storm comes, and you don’t have shelter, you’re pretty much toast. Literally…you’ll very likely be struck my lightning. And vice versa. The valley may be seen as the all-time low or rock bottom, but this is also the safest place on the trail as well as the most bountiful. Most people will stay inside of the valley, not out of fear, but because it’s where you can actually survive. Not that you should ever stay in this place in life, but gaining some perspective will always be a healthy thing to strive toward. And I could definitely argue that this year, I did A LOT of hiking. Even in those horrific months of having everything crumble down on me all at once, I survived. There are lessons to learn in both, and the most important thing is that whether you like it or not, life will not keep you on a mountain top or a in a valley forever.
Money is Renewable, but Time is Not
THIS! This hits home for me! Money is something I actually am still learning to not white-knuckle as much, if you know what I mean. It’s not easy whatsoever especially when our savings account is still on the mend. But this had A LOT to do with why I left my 9 to 5 job. I could actually feel my soul dying a little bit each day I had to work there. And it’s not that it was this horrible place to work, and I had a horrible boss. In fact, I still work for my old boss because she is genuine, professional, and down-right amazing. I think it honestly felt like God wasn’t just pushing my heart in a direction, but straight up shoving it. And instead of remaining faithful and letting Him guide me in a new direction, I gripped onto the handrails thinking I was about blow away into oblivion. This was all because of my sweet, sweet salary and the security it brought us, especially when we actually needed it more than ever before. I thought I was making a sacrifice staying at my job. But because I didn’t want to work there, that “sacrifice” turned to resentment, which then led to some real destruction of our marriage. Obviously, being a year older now, I’m not getting any younger, but my ambition has never depleted. So…I left. Hasta la vista! And now I’m on a new journey trying to figure this business thing out. The best part is that I have a healthier headspace, also known as faith. And FAITH, good friends, will make you richer than you could ever imagine.