2016 in Review

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Palouse Falls

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J.M.J.

On January 5th, 2016, I wrote the following letter to this year, indicating (in bold is how it played out) :

What I want from you:

  • More money: I was blessed with a full-time job
  • Clear idea of what to do with my life: I really want to become a wife and mother. That is my ultimate goal.
  • A forever kind of love: I certainly felt very loved this year. The forever love I found was with God. I fell more deeply in love with Him than I ever have.
  • Joy: I watched a movie in January by this title, which I loved. I wrote a review about it on my blog if you want to go back and read it. I did have some dark times, but thankfully, I was helped out of them by God, my boyfriend, family, and friends.
  • Peace: for years, I asked (and still ask) for the peace that surpasses all understanding. My boyfriend helps me to experience that feeling every time I am with him.
  • Singing: I did sing at Mass and on a few other random occasions. I enjoyed it.
  • Dancing. Please? I did go swing dancing a few times and got a great workout. I did lots of Zumba as well.
What I can try to do for you:

  • Become a better woman: I did my best. Through prayer and developed virtue through life circumstances, I hope I'm better than I was last year!
  • Get better at cooking: a little bit. I used to only like to cook by myself, but that's changing. It's really fun to make a meal with my boyfriend :)
  • Practice the piano. I did try to do this here and there. I still remember songs from years ago.
  • Use my talents for God more. I did a lot of volunteering, and God blessed me with many graces and gifts.
  • Be brave. I traveled to Europe for World Youth Day. Also, I'm trying to be more open about my thoughts and feelings verbally, something that is really hard for me. My boyfriend is helping me with this.
  • Pray more: yes. You have to make a conscious effort to pray more. You have to plan it or it won't happen! But it has blessed me beyond measure!
  • Believe! I'm not the most optimistic person. I try to take a more realistic standpoint so I'm not disappointed. But I'm learning to have hope, and that it's okay to be happy.

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