Recently, I have noticed how often I've been in a hurry to get to the next thing. Whether it be to turn a year older, or even just to get through the week to the weekend, I have been continuously looking forward. However, when we spend so much time looking forward, we get hurried, and forget to take time to be still and be grateful for what is in the now. Sometimes being rushed makes you overlook some of the best blessings in your life. I have been so blessed in the last 21 years of my life and am blessed everyday. So I made a list of 21 blessings, to start a new year of life with a grateful heart.
Taking the time to write out the things you are grateful for is an incredibly positive exercise. Oftentimes, we get caught up in what is going wrong or stressing us out, and forget to recognize all the things, people, and privileges we have been afforded. The following is my list, but I challenge you to take the time to write out what you're blessed with and why it matters to you.
My 21 Blessings
(in no order)
1) Family: My family is my greatest support system and is the strongest unit of love and balance. They are my lifeline and keep me going and growing in all that I do.2) Life: Life is so delicate and can be taken from you so fast. I am grateful that I have the chance to be in this world, but not of this world and make efforts to change it for the better.
3) Nature: I see so much of creation and am in awe. We live in such a beautiful world with so many different things to explore and discover outdoors.
4) Education: Many people, especially women around the world don't have the opportunity to study at a collegiate level and I never want to take that for granted.
5) Learning: I view this differently than my education because I feel I learn so much outside of the classroom. I am blessed to be in a time where information and learning is so accessible.
6) Sleep: While I love my sleep, I love being busy and rarely appreciate rest. Sleep is something God designed us to need and rest is a small blessing everyday.
7) Diversity: The past few years have and continue to introduce me to so many different walks of life and stories that have really altered my outlook on the world we live in.
8) Health: I recently had a scare with the health of my back, and found out it wasn't as serious as it was originally assumed to be, I have never been more grateful for my health and body.
9) Peace: I have recently discovered a new sense of peace. This past weekend, I finally surrendered some burdens I have been carrying to God and I have a new found sense of peace.
10) Opportunity: I have been blessed with so many opportunities whether it be traveling to Milan for spring break or moving to NYC for the summer, opportunity is everywhere.
11) Church: Church is not just something to go to on Sunday but a community as well, the Church has brought me so many experiences and people that made a foundation for who I am.
12) Blogging: Blogging has been an incredible outlet for me to share my thoughts, feelings, and experiences with so many others and I love the support it has brought me.
13) Mentors: There are so many people who have helped form the person I am, in all aspects of my life from my career to my faith.
14) Challenge: This might seem strange, but I will be the first to admit my life isn't perfect, but I am a stronger individual for it and with every challenge comes growth.
15) Travel: I have the opportunity to go around the world this year, New Orleans, Milan, New York, Sydney, and more.
16) Home: I have home at home and at school. Because of the many blessings in my life I have so many people that have made many places feel like home. (Chi O, Smallwood, 6th floor of the Union)
17) Purpose: After much reflection recently, I have found my sense of purpose and my place. I will continue to decipher my purpose and build upon it.
18) Internship: I have an incredible opportunity to learn and contribute to a progressive company. The world can be touched by my influence and hard work.
19) Love: I experience so much love from others each day, but especially from my boyfriend who has been my rock through some of the most testing times.
20) Friendships: I have incredible friends that are there for me even when they're in other countries, overwhelmed with school, or have many better things to do and I couldn't ask for a better bunch.
21) Community: This past weekend, a new group of humans was introduced to my community. I am incredibly grateful for these additions that have opened my eyes to new bounds of faith and care.
I hope you have enjoyed reading! Have a fantastic Wednesday. Keep up with me on Instagram @just.emma.joy for more!
xo,
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