2016: Reflections, Realizations, and Realities

As I scroll through my Twitter feed, I can't help but become a little upset.  Listening to everyone complain how 2016 has been such an awful year, how they want to watch this year die at midnight on NYE. It upsets me because 2016 has been such a wonderful year for me.  Yes, this year has held some very low points for me, but looking back, I wouldn't trade it for the world. It is far too easy for us to simply focus on the negatives, but without the negatives we couldn't grow. 
So instead of complaining about all that went wrong in 2016, I would like to recap all the wonderful moments, lessons, and experiences I had over this past year. 

The very top of my list has to be the arrival of my mentor's precious daughter! At only a week old, this little one has captured my heart and filled me with hope.  What a precious gift she is!
Next up, was the fantastic/terrifying experience of graduating high school and starting college! I remember the butterflies (it was really more like a tornado) that invaded my stomach the night before graduation, knowing that I had to give a speech the next day.  I also remember the relief and excitement at the prospect of this new chapter coming.  My first days of college were a blur, but looking at it now, I love my campus, the new aspect of freedom, and the ability to skip class occasionally... Wait what?
In July I had the privilege to attend the LIFE Conference in Kansas City, MO.  It was a great week filled with Jesus, worship, friends, and fun.  I learned and grew so much in my faith.  It was a wonderful experience and really opened my eyes to a whole new world of possibilities for my life. 

In addition to all these experiences, I learned a lot of lessons about myself and the world around me.  This year has been imperative in teaching me how to really be my own person.  Before, I would simply follow the crowd, agree with anything to keep everyone happy, and keep my ideas silent.  After taking a World Religions class in college I came to the realization that different opinions do not always have to mean disrespect or confrontation.  This fact has allowed me to become a little more vocal with my own ideas while also being more open to those of others. 
I went through a really hard time at the beginning of the month, but it also helped me to realize that I am my own person. I do not need the affirmation of others to know that I am infinitely loved by the Creator of the Universe! And while I am still very much a people-pleaser, I have come to a point where my happiness is not dependent on human opinions.  

While I am excited to see what 2017 will bring (like leaving for Costa Rica in the fall!!), I have no intention of wishing away 2016.  How could I? There is so much to be grateful for from 2016 (Fantastic Beasts! Babies! New friendships! Moana! and much more!). So please, before you go posting how 2016 has been such a terrible year, take a minute to reflect on the blessings you have had this past year. 
May your 2017 be filled with peace, love, and adventures,
Bethany

Hello, and welcome to my blog! 

I have long been debating the creation of a place to publish my musings and to document my world, and finally decided to give it a shot. This is truly just a place for me to write and feel somewhat heard, and though I highly doubt anything I write will be of any interest to most people, I hope you can enjoy my musings as much as I enjoy writing and discovering them! 

Bethany