As a teacher, I am often more absorbed in teaching others and less focused on what I am learning. Self-reflection, though avoided by many, allows us to progress and grow from our triumphs and disappointments.
This year I learned valuable lessons, realized who I am and understood what I am made of. Here are 13 (in honor of 2013) things I learned this year, in no particular order.
1. My story is not just mine. Sharing my story has the ability to help, heal and restore others as well as me.
2. When we do what God has asked us to do, He makes a way and takes care of the details.
3. Words are powerful. The written word and the spoken word are gifts that should be used with wisdom. They can heal or hurt. They can restore or damage.
4. It’s okay to cry when I hurt. Holding it in doesn’t make me any stronger.
5. I tend to do better with my devotion time on Sunday – Wednesdays. By the end of the week, I am exhausted and my devotions suffer. Realizing this pattern is the first step…Now I’ve got to find a solution.
6. God doesn’t force His way into my schedule and my life. When I make time for Him, He shows up. When I am otherwise occupied, I miss Him.
7. Losing someone precious teaches you about yourself, faith, love, and those around you.
8. Being vulnerable is not a weakness. It is vital for healthy relationships. Living behind a wall is not living at all. It is comfortable, but in the end, it pushes the people I need the most out.
9. Instead of concentrating on what I don’t have, I need to focus on what I do have. Accept what I have and learn to appreciate until change comes.
10. I have to keep telling myself that it’s okay to not be perfect. It’s okay if I don’t have it together every second of the day. Its okay if I don’t have all my meals planned to the T. It is okay if my house, car, floor are not spotless every second of the day. Will my family remember the clean house and car or the memories I made with them? (Hopefully, they will remember the latter. I guess I’ll see when they grow older). I give myself permission to be imperfect.
11. Conquering our fears requires us to first win the battle in our minds. Truly, fear cripples us, enslaves us and keeps us from having the best life possible.
12. I love YouTube. Thanks to my sis W.H., I love Pinterest. I enjoy pampering myself. I love to sew. I love to go to Target. I love going thrifting with my husband. I love to see my children happy. There are somethings I must do for my sanity and goofing off sometimes is acceptable. On the other hand, too much of anything is not good. Moderation is the key!
13. Anything worth having requires time and energy. I’ve got to be willing to put something in in order to get the results I want (i.e. marriage, natural hair (yes, I said it), writing, developing a gift, building better relationships, etc.).
Take a few moments to reflect. What has 2013 taught you? Feel free to share in the comments.
