Today is my 26th birthday.

25 was the year of // blood, sweat, and tears. realizing how brave I am. realizing that great things take time and hard work. doing things instead of just saying I'd do them. some very dark days. moving out of state. pursuing my dream career. falling and getting back up. being rerouted. meeting new people. learning life lessons. becoming an auntie again. understanding that as you grow, things change and learning what that looks like in terms of relationships. of getting to treasure plenty of sweet moments with my fav kiddos who lovingly call me 'nanny'. of learning that Jesus absolutely will come through even when all else is hopeless. reaping what I've sown. understanding humanity + grace and how they work together. and so much more.

My hope for 26 is that I'd be a fiercely loving, powerful, successful woman who also possesses gentleness and peace. I hope to have less anxiety. I hope to leave a mark on all those I meet. I hope to gain roots whether that be through people, a location, or {hopefully} both.

These past weeks have held many ups and downs {depending on your perspective}. I am still seeing God take care of me and I am still believing for good things. I am meeting new people, loving my new city, and figuring stuff out. I'm learning some lessons the hard way {i.e. tattoos are not most parents' favorite thing in the world!!}, but I'm thankful for the journey.

I leave Sunday to travel to New Orleans, following a trip to NYC and Washington D.C. next month... I feel extremely fortunate to be given this unexpected opportunity. My BFF Evy and I are still waiting on a home and believing for that sooner than later. We are both relieved to be "moving on" from the housing situation. It has made me appreciate the kindness of people that much more, so that setback really truly only served as a breakthrough of sorts.

Life is slightly weird, and truly not where I pictured it'd be at 26, but I can honestly say that I'm proud of my life, that I'm genuinely able to look back and see the various paths that brought me to where I am. I see that I am deeply loved and forgiven. I see that my life is not my own. I see that what my plans are and what God's plans are can be different, but they are always better. I can see that kindness and respect and care for others may leave me heavy-hearted sometimes, but that it's worth it. I've seen that all I really want and care about in life would be making people feel and look beautiful, loved, and valued.

Every single one of you who happens to read this has shaped me, molded me, blessed me in some way. So thank you.

I am not my own, for I have been made new //

Here's to 26!!!!