Evangelize By Your Brokenness

I have been the kind of person that has never wanted to worry others. I have always tried to be self-sufficient and not burden others with my mistakes, fears, insecurities and the things that I lacked. No one ever wants to be defined by their weaknesses.

I think a part of my mentality was that people would lose respect for me or love me less if they knew this or that about me. The truth is that I'm just like anyone else. I'm not perfect, I've had my ups and downs in life. I have had many disappointments.

But I'm still here. I'm still standing. I still believe in myself. And I will keep on believing in myself until I die.

God created me for a purpose, and I know that He will help guide me to be the person I'm meant to be - no matter how long it takes. I've had so many wonderful opportunities to travel and be of service and do good for others. I look forward to more opportunities to just keep bettering myself.

I think the start is acknowledging the areas of my life I've struggled with, figuring out where I need to go outside of my comfort zone, overcoming my fears and insecurities and not letting myself repeat the same mistakes. Self-reflection is a gift, but really implementing the changes is the hardest part.

I know that I can do this, and I know that God is on my side. 

End of Twenties

This year, I will be turning 27 which I am actually super stoked about. It is my champagne year and 27 one of my favourite numbers. My 27th birthday also marks the shift from my mid to my late twenties. I'm proud of my age, and I am looking forward to the wisdom this new year will bring.

You know, in the past, whenever I talked about getting married I would say that the ages 25 or 27 were the best ages to get married. Looking back on who I was at 25, I know that there was definitely room for self-improvement. Looking forward to 27, well anything can happen but, unless I have a courtship as quick as Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra, I don't think I'll be getting married this year either.

I also don't really feel "settled" yet career-wise/financially either. There are so many things that I'd like to - need to - accomplish and improve with my career. I thought that by now I'd be financially independent. While having a family won't prevent me from advancing in my career, I'd like to know that I can provide for myself first and not still be at the struggle stage. I'll admit there are still times when I look at my life and wonder which patterns I'm repeating that are keeping me from growing in my career and moving forward in my life.

I am glad that I have friends who are thriving in their careers because they inspire me to want more for myself and improve myself. I've learned a lot throughout these past years and one of them was learning to be less annoyed and not quick-tempered nor easily upset and that has been a huge improvement. I'm glad that I don't get easily triggered and can remain calm and logical and not take offence.

I don't want to waste these last three years of my twenties. I believe in my dreams, and I believe that I can be the person I always wanted to be.

New Published Writing! Yay 2019!

After many years...I am happy to announce that I finally have NEW (credited) published writing! It has taken a while, but I am pleased to have new work out. The content is for those in high school which is not a new audience for me since my very first published piece was for Young Voices magazine which was later published in an eBook for Grade 9 students. So, I'm used to writing for a young audience.

Coincidentally, yesterday was Ash Wednesday so this the start of Lent, a time of fasting in preparation for Easter. In other words, it's the beginning of a new season for me!

I'm definitely taking my writing more seriously this year and hopefully can have some longer works in the making. For Lent, I'm trying to remove my distractions and start accomplishing what I've always hoped to accomplish (my long-term goals). I'm also working on my time management. Please pray for me that God continues to guide me to be my very best self! I'll pray for you too. Happy fasting!

Where God Wants Me

2019 is going to be the best year yet.

The theme for World Youth Day 2019 is: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done unto me according to Your word." (Luke 1:38)

I am taking a different approach to this year than to the previous years. I'm leaning into the silence instead of filling it with distractions. I'm looking at what I have and building on it. And before I make decisions, I will pray about it and discern it first.

I'll take more breaks from being on the internet. I'll be more creative. I'll grow.

And I'll let go of what's not meant for me.

I spent 2018 with my emotions in flux. Often, I felt bad about myself. I let myself get stressed out over things I couldn't change. I was impatient. I was afraid to be honest about myself. And though I kept telling myself I would change, I was complacent with mediocrity. 

Now, I'm not afraid to be who God wants me to be and to go where He wants me to go.

Cheers to 2019 and to new beginnings!