The Best is Yet to Come

I recently posted about my highlights from 2021. A year that was full of laughter, love, and growth. A year full of fond memories. But as I was reflecting again the last few days, I thought, "Seriously? 2021 was really pretty crappy."

My soundtrack for last year was "Truth Be Told" by Matthew West:

Lie number one you're supposed to have it all together and when they ask how you're doing just smile and tell them, "Never better"... I say I'm fine, yeah I'm fine, oh I'm fine, hey I'm fine but I'm not. I'm broken. And when it's out of control I say it's under control but it's not...

Being someone that can't say no to anyone and always taking on far more than you can handle is rough. Being someone that doesn't like to admit that you're not ok is rough. And being a single woman in your mid-late 20s, living in the midst of a pandemic and the digital age -- it's rough.

I experienced my highest highs and my lowest lows.

I spent so much time in tears from stress. I felt more overwhelmed than ever. I was ready to drop everything and start fresh. I felt stuck. I mourned my desires that I haven't gotten to have. I felt hurt. I had to constantly take days and evenings to myself because I couldn't handle the pressure I was feeling. And through it all, I'm grateful that as I look back I think, "This was my best year yet."

Because of the struggles, I managed to feel more confident in myself. More than ever before. I learned to put myself first and stand up for myself. I learned to love myself. I got to see my relationships transform into the most beautiful, meaningful parts of my life. I learned how important it was to rely on others and to simply be in the presence of those I love. Those were my favorite moments, honestly. Evenings spent laughing with friends, talking with them, watching them do what they enjoy, just being with them. I'm sobbing as I write this because I just feel so lucky for my people.

2021. It was SO. HARD. But gosh, it was SO. BEAUTIFUL. It really was my best year yet.

But even better yet? It's that the best is yet to come.