The journey from 2018 to 2019 has been such a wild ride. I know we're already more than halfway through February, and really the new year isn't so new anymore, but I can't help but still feel in awe at how different everything feels from last year. All the change. All the forward momentum. The direction I'm going in, where I'm headed.
Yet sometimes, I don't see how far I've come until I look back.
On my lunch break a while ago, I wrote out my thoughts on this, on the back of whatever paper I had at the time (scraps of card stock and the back of an envelope).
I never published them, but the sentiment still rings true: Change is sudden, but it also happens slowly, and then suddenly, the things that scare us don't scare us anymore. That's the best way I know how to summarize this new season, jumping into 2019 after a crazy 2018.
I never published them, but the sentiment still rings true: Change is sudden, but it also happens slowly, and then suddenly, the things that scare us don't scare us anymore. That's the best way I know how to summarize this new season, jumping into 2019 after a crazy 2018.
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."
Life is weird because you can feel like you aren't moving forward, but then all of a sudden you look back and you can see how everything has changed and is different now. The people I surround myself with, the church I attend, my confidence in myself and at my job. How the Lord is surprising me with His 100% better plans for my life, when I was so busy focused on my own. Things I was so nervous about don't freak me out as much. When God provides, He also provides peace.
I remember the beginning of college, and my very first day.
I remember that feeling of absolute terror I had, waiting in my mother's idling car in a one-hour parking space for Creative Writing class to start. And then, how over time, without my even noticing it, that terror transformed into intrigue and joy, and then routine. And now I can't imagine that I was ever afraid.
Maybe there will always be new fears on the horizon, and maybe it will still be difficult to navigate new seasons with faith and trust.
But if there's anything 2019 has taught me so far, it's that God's got me. He can take a weary spirit and a scared soul and calm all the fears, doubts, insecurities and worries you have and turn them into something beautiful. He can give you a fresh start that you didn't even know was possible. He can walk you into a new season of life that only He could have provided, and hold your hand along every step of the way.
Here's to a new, beautiful beginning.
Here's to a new, beautiful beginning.
What about you?
What has life been like for you lately? I genuinely want to know. What kind of season are you in: a beginning, middle or end? Also, major shout-out to my sister for letting me borrow these stellar photos. Happy weekend, friends!
Yes! It was calming to read your reflections on change and new beginnings. It gives me hope that scary things might not always stay that way, and maybe I'm making progress even though it doesn't feel like it. I guess that describes the season I'm in, haha - beginning and ending all at once. Thanks for sharing and asking - looking forward to the rest of the series! xx
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Jessica! It's totally true; when I look back I see how much I have grown and how the Lord helped me take small steps little by little so it wasn't overwhelming. I totally feel you! Thank you so much for leaving a comment and sharing your thoughts with me. It means a lot! I hope you are having a great start to your weekend. <3
DeleteRight now I'm currently in the middle of a crazy season -- I'm going to self publish my novel, I'm working part time, blogging as much as possible, trying to still spend time with my (VERY) large family as well as stay sane haha. It's a wild 2019 so far but God has been good. <3
ReplyDeleteLove this post!
GAH love that you are taking the self-publishing journey and that you are still prioritizing creativity and fun with family in a sort of hectic season in your life. :) Those are such important things! Thanks for your kind words, Kara. I hope that your season gets easier to navigate and that you enjoy the little joys of it! <3
DeleteI always love clicking on your posts, because I know I'm in for something that'll be meaningful + impactful. It's easy for me to glaze over self-help or self-love posts because it feels like they're regurgitating the same basic ideas I've already heard, but actually stopping and reading them is very beneficial.
ReplyDelete(this wasn't, like, that relevant to the actual content of this post, I just wanted to share it.)
Eleanor | On the Other Side of Reality
Wowza, Eleanor, you are the very sweetest! Your comment made me smile so much. :) I totally feel you, sometimes it's like how much can we really learn that's new about self-care or self-love? But for me reading or writing a post like that is really relaxing and reiterates things I need to hear sometimes (such as, get more sleep, because I need to do that OMG).
DeleteThanks so much for commenting, I really appreciate it! <3
You seem to be starting it off right! :D
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Skye! <3 :)
DeleteSo much truth to this post. I look back and there are so many things that terrified me that now seem like no big deal and I also like that I can now help others dealing with my same previous fears. 2019 feels much different for me too. It’s started off great so far and I hope it continues to go well!
ReplyDeleteOh that's so cool and takes it even one step further, that you are able to comfort others going through things that scared you in the past. That's super inspiring! And definitely makes me want to help others as well. I'm glad you've had a stellar start to your 2019, Victoria! I hope the rest of your year is even better!! <3
DeleteOh, I feel this in a thousand ways. Thank goodness that He's got us.
ReplyDeleteAmen to that! I am always so grateful that the Lord takes me through new seasons with Him, and that I am never alone. Thanks so much for commenting! Hope you've had a fantastic start to your March. <3 :)
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