Since 2017 is coming to a close, I've been reflecting a lot lately about this past year. If I had to describe the year 2017 in a sentence, I'll admit the first thought I had was, "this year has been really hard." The more I thought about it, the more I realized I needed to add, "and rewarding" to the end of that sentence.
One of the things I love the most is writing in my journal every night. I was reading from one of my journals the other night, and I came across an entry where I was describing a Sunday School class. Someone in the class that day commented, "I think that we go through trials when the Lord feels we are ready to grow." That struck me, and as I thought back on my year, I realized that my growth during this tough year has come SO slowly and in such small steps that I had barely noticed it at all. When I really took the time to think about it, it was almost like it was staring me right in the face. I decided the best thing I could do now that I've seen it is to share what I've learned.
1. How you feel about YOU is so important. I have struggled with self-esteem in various forms for a long, long time. Kindness towards others has always come naturally to me, and I am SO grateful for that. Kindness to myself on the other hand has been anything but easy. This year I have really worked hard to establish in my own mind the difference between the statements: "I want to improve and become better," and "I am not and never will be good enough."
2. Some things are just out of your control. This past week, I realized this lesson had finally started to sink in. I had one of those weeks where by the time I solved one problem or dealt with one person, three other issues had come up. Normally those type of weeks have caused almost crippling anxiety, but this week I was FINE. I was fine. I didn't have a single breakdown. I just realized that I had to handle each issue the best I could in the moment, ask for help when I needed it, and that some things are just beyond my control. And I was OKAY with that. This may not seem big, but for me it was a huge breakthrough.
3. Be aware of others. The things I have felt and experienced this past year, have made me so much more aware of others. I have an increased desire to be better at serving, helping, and giving strength in any way I can to those around me. I've been trying to teach this to my fourth graders as well. We made a goal in December to do one act of service as a class each week. I have been amazed at how quickly they have caught on to how rewarding brightening someone else's day can be. One girl turned to me the other day and said, "Miss Freeman, I LOVE service, it is SO much fun!"
4. PRAYERS ARE ANSWERED. My faith has been strengthened beyond measure in the fact that Heavenly Father knows and loves us perfectly. He will give us the strength we need to accomplish the things He needs us to do, and the people we need in our lives to bless us, help us, and inspire us!
So I am grateful that 2017 was a really hard and rewarding year, because I wouldn't trade the lessons I have learned or the growth I have experienced for anything!
One of the things I love the most is writing in my journal every night. I was reading from one of my journals the other night, and I came across an entry where I was describing a Sunday School class. Someone in the class that day commented, "I think that we go through trials when the Lord feels we are ready to grow." That struck me, and as I thought back on my year, I realized that my growth during this tough year has come SO slowly and in such small steps that I had barely noticed it at all. When I really took the time to think about it, it was almost like it was staring me right in the face. I decided the best thing I could do now that I've seen it is to share what I've learned.
1. How you feel about YOU is so important. I have struggled with self-esteem in various forms for a long, long time. Kindness towards others has always come naturally to me, and I am SO grateful for that. Kindness to myself on the other hand has been anything but easy. This year I have really worked hard to establish in my own mind the difference between the statements: "I want to improve and become better," and "I am not and never will be good enough."
2. Some things are just out of your control. This past week, I realized this lesson had finally started to sink in. I had one of those weeks where by the time I solved one problem or dealt with one person, three other issues had come up. Normally those type of weeks have caused almost crippling anxiety, but this week I was FINE. I was fine. I didn't have a single breakdown. I just realized that I had to handle each issue the best I could in the moment, ask for help when I needed it, and that some things are just beyond my control. And I was OKAY with that. This may not seem big, but for me it was a huge breakthrough.
3. Be aware of others. The things I have felt and experienced this past year, have made me so much more aware of others. I have an increased desire to be better at serving, helping, and giving strength in any way I can to those around me. I've been trying to teach this to my fourth graders as well. We made a goal in December to do one act of service as a class each week. I have been amazed at how quickly they have caught on to how rewarding brightening someone else's day can be. One girl turned to me the other day and said, "Miss Freeman, I LOVE service, it is SO much fun!"
4. PRAYERS ARE ANSWERED. My faith has been strengthened beyond measure in the fact that Heavenly Father knows and loves us perfectly. He will give us the strength we need to accomplish the things He needs us to do, and the people we need in our lives to bless us, help us, and inspire us!
So I am grateful that 2017 was a really hard and rewarding year, because I wouldn't trade the lessons I have learned or the growth I have experienced for anything!
Every time you write these insightful reflections dearest
ReplyDeleteSarah, my heart bursts with love for you. From the moment you were born to this day, I have loved you with all my heart and soul. You are just such an example to everyone around you and you are loved, valued and treasured by the whole family. Can't wait to see you next week and thanks for you wise words.