Here's to my 2015 resolutions!

2014 was an amazing year for me. I had the opportunity to do an internship at the Kentucky Capitol with some very wonderful and inspiring people (shout out to my intern clique and the VMAPP crew),  graduated from Kentucky Wesleyan College, and started my first year of law school at NKU Salmon P. Chase College of Law. What a year right? I can't even begin to describe all of the beautiful memories I've made over this past year nor characterize the many people who have truly touched my life. Most importantly, I found a way to be happy with myself and the path God has put in front of me. Happiness use to be a struggle of mine but today it comes with ease.

I'm about to turn 23 and let me tell ya, us 20 something year old folks do not have it easy. Our generation is facing A LOT. I was fortunate enough to grow up in church but there have been a few times I've pulled away and have had to fight my way back. I've struggled with the typical girl weaknesses - body image, what other people think of me, dating, marriage, making my parents proud, being a good role model to my sister, college life pressures, immaturity, etc. Sometimes I felt like I was never going to get over any of these demons... this past year I made some serious progress.

How did I do it? I finally began to understand what it meant to fear God. I was in a pretty low place fall semester of my senior year. I was trying to juggle so many things at one time and it was finally beginning to break me down. I'm pretty sure I had a full on ugly cry session about once a week. I lost myself amongst the chaos. I was figuratively carrying around this backpack of heavy thoughts and guilt from past mistakes. It was so bad, I remember feeling guilty about something I did in kindergarten.. KINDERGARTEN PEOPLE. 

Enough of the sob story - Here's how I worked through the mess.

1) I sincerely prayed to God to forgive me of my mistakes. I didn't just say, "Lord please forgive me of all of my sins..." I went through every single one of them. I specifically talked them out with God. I listened to the song "You Know Me" (feat. Steffany Frizzell) by Bethel Music while I asked him to rid me of each stain and to heal my heart. I felt about 20 pounds lighter after I got it all off my chest. 

2) I finally began to forgive myself for my sins. I had allowed my sins to flood me with guilt and I had convinced myself that they would always be with me. If God can forgive me then surely I can forgive myself. So one by one I let it go and did not pick it back up.

3) I began praying about everything. I prayed about my family, my friends, my enemies, random people, big decisions, small decisions, worries, accomplishments, my future husband, etc. You name it, I probably prayed about it.

4) I renewed my faith in Jesus. This was a big one and it was a hard pill to swallow. I became fearful of God. When I say this I don't mean I was literally scared of God. I mean I became fearful of a life WITHOUT God. There is absolutely no way I can make it on my own. Time and time again I have gotten down on my knees asking God to save me and continually he has done so. I didn't really figure this one out until I was living on my own. I had to have faith that God was preparing me for something greater than I could ever imagine.

5) Lastly, I started the process of becoming healthier. No, I do not weigh myself on a scale because that is just down right depressing. No, I did not follow a strict diet plan either. I simply decided to start making healthier choices. I started running with my dog and picking healthier items to eat. I forced myself to drink more water. It has been a process but it is working. 

Let me just say that I still make mistakes and have issues to work through. However, I am better than I was and now I know how to deal with my problems. Sometimes life is hard but it makes for a good story. You never know who might need to hear your story to get through their own.

With that being said, my 2015 Resolution is to continue my happiness and to help a few people become happy as well. So how in the world am I going to do that? By creating long-lasting healthy habits, continuing to strengthen my relationship with God, and sharing my story with you. 

I recently found Kara's blog - Wellness Witness and I am completely inspired! What better way to find happiness than through the power of change and the love of God? She's a genius! The best part about this whole thing is that most changes are easy on your budget (especially my tiny budget) and lovin' from Jesus is FREE!

This post wasn't about a recipe or a thrift store find but it was about adding a little value to your life for free! You can't beat that! I hope after reading this post you find yourself a little happier than you were before you read it. If so, than I am already fulfilling the second part of my 2015 resolution! 

I'll end this with a little prayer over you. I pray God surrounds you with blessings the way an ocean surrounds an island. I pray that you never walk alone. I pray that you look to God in both your high and low times. I pray that your ears are always open to receive and your tongue is quick to praise. And finally, I pray for happiness over your life! Amen!

God Bless Ya!

Hillary

P.S. Here are some photos from this past year! Enjoy!