Note to self. This year: Spend a lot of time with people. Be vulnerable. Be brave. Be willing to put your heart out there. I know it's terrifying, but do it anyway. I promise no matter the outcome, it's worth it. You will learn so much about yourself and you will grow from it. Keep offering people grace. And forgiveness. Always be more heart and less attack. Listen first. Listen well. Then speak. Say "I love you" more. Really mean it. Read more. More scripture. More books. Books that challenge you. Books that wrap you up and sweep you off to another world on a daring adventure. Say "hello" to strangers. (Or sing Adele's "Hello" at them. It might be more entertaining that way.) Smile at them. Really smile. You never know what kind of day they are having. Don't take your city for granted. Explore more. Drive up into the mountains at least once a month. Make a bucket list for this year. For each season. Where are the places you want to go? GO. Take more pictures. Capture moments that make you feel something. Don't share them all. Keep some memories just for you. Those moments you share just with Jesus. Laugh hard. Laugh loud. And don't ever be embarrassed by that. Cry when you need to. Don't let anyone make you feel weak for having emotions. They are healthy. Write more letters by hand. They are timeless. Give more. More of your time. More of your heart. Life fully in every season. Don't wait until the next one arrives. Learn a new skill. Practice it over and over. When you are with your friends, BE PRESENT with them. Put down the phone. Roll the windows down and let the wind mess up your hair. There is something so freeing about that. Be yourself. Stay weird. Don't lose the things that make you quirky. It's part of who you are. Don't let anyone make you hide in your shell. You are someone worth knowing fully. Never stop choosing joy. I know it's tough in this broken world, but choose it anyway. No matter what, have courage and be kind. Seek Jesus in everything. You need him for all the days.
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