“Perhaps this is the moment for which you have been created.”

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." This quote has been with me since I was 14 years old, on a retreat in 8th grade. Back then, I felt like the "journey" I was about to embark on was entering high school. Of course I was ready, right? Who wasn't. Now, if you know me, you know I lose things pretty often or get new things to replace the old. My jewelry changes every couple years, with one exception. That ring. For some reason, it's been the only ring I've never lost. It has never dulled, and the words are still clear, with the exception of a dent from being worn every day for the past 7-8 years. When I look at that ring now, I find a completely different meaning. A deeper meaning to be specific. This ring is my reminder to keep going, no matter how tough I think the day that lies ahead of me may be. This ring states that life is to be lived in the present, and every day is a new day, or a new journey. What happened yesterday or what will happen tomorrow isn't something to fret about (how cliche, I know).

One of my other favorite quotes comes from a poem and correlates with this one. "Two roads divulged in a woods- I took the road less traveled, and that has made all the difference." I struggle with this daily myself. It's hard to take the first step on a journey into the unknown. It's easier to take the same road as everyone else because you know what to expect. But then, aren't you losing the excitement of encountering the unexpected? The enthralling, beautiful unexpected. To me, the best things in life are the ones you least expect. God has a plan for all of us, and similarly, it's one we do not know (full of unexpected things). That's the best part, God wants to surprise us with this remarkable plan He created just for us, no one else. My plan is different than yours, yet they're both 100% perfect for each of us. While waiting isn't easy, the finish line is more than worth the wait. Ever heard the expression, "Nothing worth having comes easy"? This is exactly what He wants us to know. The greatness he has planned for us, it may not be easy to reach but in the end, we will be praising Him endlessly.

So what do you do until then? Pray. Pray when you wake up. Pray when you want to yell at the asshole driver in front of you. Listen to Matt Maher (you won't regret it). Pray before a test and after it. Pray while studying. Pray when you feel down. Pray when you're overjoyed. The most important thing most of us tend to forget is to praise Him in the good times AND the bad. So many of us, myself included, forget to pray to him when we're happy. It's our selfish tendency to pray to Him because we need help of some sort. Yet, when he answers those prayers, we quit sending more. This isn't what you would do to a friend who helped you now is it? When your friend/family does a favor for you, don't you plead and beg until they agree to help and return it with a million thank you's? That's what we need to do as well, just with God. He truly wants what is best for each of us, and since he knows what that is, by praying to him, He will answer your prayers with the right answer and the right timing.

The love we will find in someone else who knows this as well, will be the most magnificent love to exist. Many of us have experienced first loves, second loves, and those we thought we would spend forever with. But when you think back on those times, do your best to remember the good times. Why? Because when you can admire the degree of happiness you felt then, feeling like there was nothing that could make you happier; Well, just know that there will be. There is a love out there that is going to triumph over the past ones. There is someone out there made solely and specifically for you. How cool is that? While we, as girls, lay in bed at night scrolling through the happy couples on Instagram wondering when someone is going to love us that way; Be calm and know that someone will, at the right time, in the right place, and it will be more than you ever imagined it could be.

“When I wait, you strengthen my heart.” Psalm 27:14 “What God does in us while we wait is as important as what we are waiting for.” He is molding and transforming us into exactly who we are supposed to be. During my darkest and weakest moments, I've found clarity. When I felt as if my heart were the ugliest, God reminded me I was beautiful and he was all forgiving. There's no greater love than the one you find in Him, and it is endless. He isn't like other men who only want one thing, and end up hurting you. He is the best friend who you can go running to at any time of day or night, and he will wipe away your tears. When you feel weak, lean on him and he will give you strength. When you feel like you can't go on, he will provide comfort. The best part is, he's always around too. He never leaves; He will never abandon us.

“God give me faith to wait and not manipulate. To trust You fully, no matter how my circumstances may appear." “You are loved more than you will ever know by someone who died to know you.” — Romans 5:6 “I will never leave you or forsake you.”— Joshua 1:5 Finally, I'll leave you with this quote because it truly gave me peace the other day. When I was feeling lost, scared, and truly didn't know if I'd be able to take the first step onto the journey of finding myself and my happiness with myself again, I stumbled across this beautiful verse. It has changed everything. “Whenever you feel unloved, unimportant, or insecure, remember to whom you belong.” — Ephesians 2:19-22

When it's time to let go

Take the time you have now to be alone, sleep alone, & just be to yourself. In the midst of doing all that, you're gonna learn about yourself. You may learn some good and maybe some bad. But either way, you'll grow. In that time, find what inspires you & what your dreams are for your future. Once you do this, you'll find so much clarity in your life & that's when you're gonna meet someone new. It'll be a special someone because you'll be more sure of yourself & who you are & what you want. If you wait for this & make an effort for it, you will have the most beautiful experience in your life. Most of us rush into things with our heads not on right & that's where we mess up. There are moments of your past that will stay with you & words that are gonna stick with you for a very long time. But don't let those define you. They were simply moments & words. You can't allow for the negative events in your life to outline the way you view yourself, as in asking what's wrong with you & what you did wrong. The answer to that question is simple- absolutely nothing. Things just happen in life & that just means something better is coming along. If you allow for all the negative events in your life to affect you completely, then you will view the world around you negatively & what a shame that would be because the world is full of so many beautiful people & things. You just have to close your eyes for awhile & let all the negativity in your life disappear. Then open your eyes & allow yourself to feel & experience the beauty & freedom this life has to offer you. There is something breathtakingly beautiful in the moments of smaller magic that occur when you strip down and are honest with yourself and those who are important to you. Focus on those who focus on you because you don't need to waste energy on people who aren't expending energy over you. Remember that there are 6 billion people in this world; which is a very large number & one day, everything will make sense because you'll meet another 1 in 6 billion that'll be the right one. So stop fretting over the bad aspects on your life & set your sights on all you have to be thankful for. You're alive, breathing, & free. There's so much for to conquer in your life & you won't find that or succeed in that by allowing yourself to sulk over negative events going on. Pick your chin up & realize what you deserve. Life is just so great, begin living it in the moment & you'll never look back.