a year later...

"You need to persevere 

so that when you have done 

the will of God,

you will receive 

what He has promised."

Hebrews 10:36 

Hey guys!! I hope all is well with each and every one of you. I am so beyond excited for today's blog that I am practically shaking typing this. Somehow, everything timed out perfectly that today's post is EXACTLY a year since my first blog ever. God really knows how much the little things mean to me haha. SO with that being said, let's talk about this past year... The good, the bad, the ugly, and the in-between! 

So, let's jump right in. Where was I a last year?? A year ago, I posted a blog, "why did i dropout in the first place". I remember waking up one day after dropping out, and I thought, "I am going to write a blog." I did not have a concrete plan or really any real expectations. I just felt like writing to whoever would read. My blog was written two weeks after I had officially dropped out. It was all still so new, and I was so excited to see what was to come. I ended that blog by saying, "By the end of this year, I will be able to answer the question... Was it worth it?" But before I answer that question, let's reminisce and look over this past year.

(This is my nightstand table. I put the focus point on the Bible verse. "Where God guides, He provides." Isaiah 58:11. What a powerful message spoken with only a few words. This past year there were many times where I felt like I was walking around blindly, but with every single change, God DID provide. He keeps His promises if you allow Him enough time to follow through.)

A little over a month after dropping out of college, I posted a blog, "discouragement with unemployment". It was definitely my angriest blog to this day. It was evident that I was beyond frustrated with not only my current employment status but the people around me. At one point, I explained, "It gets lonely, and at times, I relate with no one." It was not long after that blog I got the job I have now. In a few blog posts later, I posted one called "living and learning", I simply stated in that one, "I'm still working. I love my job." Throughout different blogs, you can read all the times I mention my job, and just how much I love being a full-time nanny.  

And then, I came out with news that I think was even more shocking than dropping out of college lol. Almost exactly a month after "living and learning", I posted, "getting through my breakup". It was the scariest blog I posted (to this day, I have not posted a blog that scared me more). I was scared to hear what people might say. (Everyone was beyond nice, and I was so comforted by each of you who reached out. <3 <3) It was a sad blog, but in that blog, you can see that my attitude was already starting to change. I even exclaimed, "I learned a lot about myself, and I am going to work hard to be the best me."

(This is a screenshot from a video I took while I was in VA. The quote I used is something we should all think about. Life changes, and we change with it. We are all "hunting" (growing) into unique individuals.)

More blogs and quotes :

dropping out of college update #1 : "Lastly, I want to make it clear that dropping out of college was the best thing ever for me."

I'm stressed... here's why : "It can be hard for me to get my mind back on track, because for the first time in years, I realize I have no control over the next chapter in my life." 

am i still terrified of change? : "One day, I was mad and full of angry / tearful questions towards God, and the next, I had this hope and fire for what God had in store for me." 

(Again another screenshot from a video... This one was from when Anastasia and I went to TN! I promise these are my last photos from my summer vacations [don't hold me accountable lol]. So before you freak out on me, there is absolutely no denying these two photos aren't pretty hahaha.) 

It has been quite the year. I have experienced many emotions, and been in situations I never dreamed I would be in. The support I have received throughout this year has brought real tears to my eyes. When I started my blog, I did not think that hard about it. It just felt right. Many of you have reached out in some way. Some of you have offered to be a shoulder to lean on, prayed for me, asked questions, or shared with me your own stories. While others, simply, let me know they were keeping up with my blogs. Each message brought overwhelming amounts of joy. If you have not talked with me and just read, I am just as joyful to see that someone read my post. With each message and view, I realized more and more why I take the time to write this all out. I did not know why I wanted to blog when I started, but thanks to each and every one of you, you all showed me. 

It is just the beginning. I am working harder now than I did when I first started. You all are contributing to a life I never would have guessed I would love this much. When I started out, I was an anxious college dropout. I had no other title. Now, I am not only a nanny and blogger... I am the most joyful me that I have ever been. This past year I have grown and learned more than I ever thought possible. So, let's answer the question...

Was all of this worth it??

A million times... YES!!

(Follow me on Instagram [ @newkindofliving ] to see my day to day and hear what other stuff I have to say about life. It is content you do not want to miss HAHA.)

Last, but absolutely, not least, you ALL are loved and appreciated. <3 <3 After reading this post, I hope you realize just how much I actually mean that line. Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. Please keep praying for my grandmother (heart failure + other health complications) and my cousin (recovery from brain tumor removal). 

Let's talk! I love hearing your own stories and opinions! If you have any questions / comments / concerns that you would rather not comment down below, direct message me or email me!

Instagram : Newkindofliving

Email : Newkindofliving@gmail.com  

Twitter : Newkindofliving

PEACE OUT UNTIL NEXT TIME!!!