TO MYSELF IN 2017

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!..." - Isaiah 43:18-19a

Dear Mckenzie in 2017,

I want this letter to be something you can look back to this time next year, so that you can see how much 365 days can influence you. I hope that you can read over this letter on December 27, 2017, and be able to notice the little and insignificant changes that were made throughout the year, and how they all add up to make you who you are today.

One year. 12 months. 365 days. 8760 hours. 525,600 minutes. 31,536,000 seconds. It seems to drag and drag, until suddenly, it's December 31 and you're reflecting on the time that has passed. It's so easy to have days that are seemingly insignificant, days full of errands and long road trips. Eventually, these days pile up and a year has passed. "Where has the time gone? It seems like yesterday..."

Let's make this year worth remembering. One of the happiest twelve months of your life.

This year, I hope you smile. I hope this is a year that grants you more happiness than 2016 did. I hope you grin until your cheeks ache and you laugh until your sides hurt. I hope you never let others take that joy away from you, no matter what they say or do. Never depend on others for your happiness, or lack of it. People change, their moods change. Find joy in everything! Let yourself smile when the sun shines perfectly through your window, or when you spend time with your friend and you're just so thankful for them. Let yourself smile even when others question, judge, or laugh at you. This is your life, and it's too short to waste time frowning everywhere you go.

On the other hand, I hope you have some bad days. This year, I hope that there are days where you just don't feel like dancing in the rain or taking a long stroll through the park. These less-than-happy days will make you appreciate the more-than-happy days, or even the just-happy-days, a little more than you normally would. You'll so much more grateful for a sunny day than before. It lets you notice all the little things that make up a good (hopefully, a GREAT) day, like the fact that you had mac-and-cheese with dinner (ALWAYS a plus) or that your favorite song came on the radio.

I hope you make new, amazing friends. I hope you make friends that are kindhearted and that lift you up at all times. I hope these new friends love the Lord and aren't afraid to tell you. I hope these friends are genuine and aren't afraid to be themselves around you. In 2016, you prayed and prayed for more friends that you could talk about Christ with. In 2017, make that happen. Yeah, it's awkward to go up to someone introduce yourself, or to be the first to message them on Facebook. This is okay, and normal! Don't let your fear and insecurities hold you back from meeting people that will stick with you for the rest of your life.

Enjoy yourself. Don't let your entire week be ruined by a bad grade in PowerSchool. Let yourself have down time, and make time for yourself. Me-Days are important (and so relaxing), so don't be afraid to take a day off for yourself. Have photo shoots with your friends and make time for ice cream dates with the ones closest to your heart. Buy a new makeup palette and binge watch Gilmore Girls. Throw your hair in a messy bun and take a walk downtown. It's your life.

I hope that you learn from your mistakes. 2016 was a hard year for a lot of people, including you, and I want this coming year to be different. You have so much potential that is waiting to be explored! You have the ability to change your mood, your attitude. It's all up to you.

I hope you grow in Christ. This past year was a hectic one, and it was hard for you to make time for a daily devotion or to have quiet time with the Lord. Don't hesitate to ask God for answers or for help when you need it. Stand back and let Him lead you where He wants you to go, even when you're not quite sure why or where He'll take you. Trust Him. Christ won't take you anywhere where He's not right by your side, so don't be scared to follow His will.

I wish you the best. Make this year an unforgettable 365 days, and love every second of it. You won't regret it.

With all my love,

Mckenzie in 2016

Image Source: https://unsplash.com/@franciscomoreno?photo=rJ_ZtK96N88

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