A Year to Remember

2019-

The year I found my better self.

xoxo, Taylor

"The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person who is doing it"

In 2019 I moved across the state and became almost entirely independent. Hmm, who would have thought? A 20 year old with a full time job (total sarcasm). Heres the plot twist.. paying rent entirely on my own, bills like I'm actually an adult. Heres how it all played out.

Social Interactions

I started the new year doing the same old with the same old people. I was very unaware of the fact that I had a very little role in some of my "friends" lives. Sure, we hung out and did activities together, but did they truly appreciate the role I played within their lives? Not meaning to throw a punch, but my best friend had a boyfriend who always took priority. We would have plans and they would back out to hang out with their significant other instead. The audacity, as they say (totally kidding). I am not offended, because I totally understand, but as a 19 year old who hadn't had a significant other for years, it can be a bit gut wrenching. Gosh ya just hate to see people happy in ways that you can't relate to.

I ended up dropping out of college because emotionally I couldn't bring myself to put the effort into my school work. My grades slipped. My relationships also began to slip. Once I moved away, started a new job, and made new friends, I came to the realization that not every friendship is that toxic and inconsiderate. I quickly learned that just because I don't have a S.O. doesn't mean I'm alone. Soon I would realize that good friends balance a "love life" and friendships. My now best friend (hopefully a lifelong friend) is in a "serious relationship" and still has time to do crazy, fly by the seat of our pants activities, AND I AM HERE FOR IT!

2019 you were so so good to my social life.

“Fly by the seat of our pants.”

New Job Opp

As soon as it was decided that I was going to move back home, I obviously had to find a new job! Obviously $$$ pays the bills (adulating sucks). In college I worked at a group home for individuals with physical, mental, and learning disabilities. In the two years I was working with these individuals, I learned so many things! Compassion and patience being the main change I saw in myself. I had never been more proud of the person I had become, and to be totally honest, I didn't think I could grow more in those aspects. Boy was I wrong.

I had total confidence when applying for new jobs. I applied to only one place because I was so motivated to strengthen those skills I had already learned while working with those adult individuals with special needs. I decided I wanted to broaden my horizons and work with kiddos, instead. BEST DECISION EVER!

During my interview they gave me a tour and I got to see a few classrooms that needed more help. As we're walking along those calm halls, I looked around in total curiosity. First stop- classroom 3. In classroom 3 a kiddo was working on a learning program which involved basic life skills such as sweeping. I could hardly stay focused on the staff member who was giving me a tour! This kiddo came up to me with BIG BLUE eyes and gave me one of the most memorable hugs I had ever received. At that exact moment, my mind was made up.

We had a few more stops on our tour. They took me to a classroom with kids that were teen age and I couldn't even bring myself to look around! I was no longer curious about anything around me. All I could think about is that simple hug, that would change my life!

I ended up getting the position and I continue to work there, even a year later. That same blue eyed kiddo has a huge piece of my heart and is the reason I have a hard time even thinking of working elsewhere.

2019 you were so so good to my work ethic.

"My mind was made up."

Following Christ

One day I was on a drive venturing around town. I was attempting to learn where all the hot spots may be. I was on the far south side of town, thinking about heading back home. I had been out and about for a few hours at this point. I had my music loud and my mind was a big jumble thinking about all the new changes I was facing. At one point I caught myself looking left and right, amazed by all the new destinations I may or may not check out. I look to my left and see a small sign that read "Embrace." Embrace WHAT? Embrace all these crazy changes that had to be made, totally against what I intended, because I made a few mistakes in college? There is no embracing that! Maybe that was a sign that I needed to change a few things in my life? I whip out my handy dandy phone, and look up "Embrace Sioux Falls." The first link to pop up on google was a church and under the link it said something along the lines of, "coming together to reach the next person for Jesus." OKAY. This I gotta check out. Scrolling through all the service times.. Nope to 8 am. Nope to 10 am. 11 am, huh, maybe! 5 pm, thats more like it. So at 5 pm the next Sunday, guess where I would find myself. Walking alone, nearly trembling because of the tiny bit of anxiety that comes along with trying something new, I find myself being welcomed by many people! People would say stuff like "It's nice to have you here with us today!" "Welcome!" Alright, personable people, awesome. Just what I needed! The message that evening was "Dumb Things Christians Say." The pastor talked about 3 dumb things Christians say, which I could relate to, all to well!

"God won't give you more than you can handle." I had caught myself thinking those 9 words in the weeks leading up to this moment. What a lie that was. God would give us way more than we can handle, because he is there for us when we don't think we can handle much more! Walking us through every second!

"Love the sinner hate the sin." NO. How about, we stop labeling someone by their sins! WE are going to love everyone no matter if they sin or not! People don't mean to sin and they should never be labeled as a sinner all together! Because of Jesus, we are no longer sinners. He died for our sins, so we wouldn't have those sins on our back. Instead they are on his back in form of a cross.

"Have you heard about _____? We should pray for them."How about instead of using prayer as a moment to gossip and pass around an event that is "juicy," we pray alone. Prayer works the same way if we pray alone vs. with people. No one has good intentions when saying "Have you hear about ____ and ____ marriage? We should pray for them." Your only intention is to spread gossip! Just pray for them. Pray and pray again.

2019 you have been so so good for my soul.

"Embrace what?"

xoxo, Taylor