Twenty-Two

Each year around my birthday, I spend time reflecting on the past year and see what positive things I have accomplished as well as what things I need to work on. Out of all of my friends, I was always the youngest which meant I had to wait that extra year or extra few months to turn the age where I could either enter those 18+ parties and clubs or turn 21 and really experience that night scene. I promised myself at the age of 20 that when I turned 21, I vow to be a better daughter, a better girlfriend and a better person to everyone in my life. I promised myself I would be the best ADEY I could be in order to make everyone proud of me instead of disappointed. I promised myself I would make my 21st year the best year ever; unfortunately, God had other plans for me. After turning 21, I lost the love of my life, my best friend. I lost myself and my walk with Christ. I didn't know where to turn to, I didn't know how to live my life and couldn't trust that God had a purpose for me. I couldn't stand on my two feet without my ex because I only knew us as "one" instead of two separate individuals. When I spent those 6 months chasing after him, begging him and pouring my heart to him, I was ultimately hurting myself. I spent 6 months chasing after a man that left my life for a reason. There isn't any animosity towards him at all, but two people that love each other aren't always meant to be, and that was probably the biggest lesson I learned from him. I had to hit rock bottom TWICE (maybe more) to really wake up and realize that. I thought that being single was what I ultimately wanted, but I realized in the long run that God has to really mold you in order to be the woman he has created you to be to ultimately serve his purpose on Earth. As I reach a new age, I have experienced heartbreak, depression, love and hate in my 22 (almost) years of life. But I can now look back at my life and close the chapter of hate and anger and appreciate everyday that life brings me. As I turn 22 this Saturday, I encourage all of you to let go of all anger you may have and enjoy what life brings you! Cheers to all of you!