22 Things.

My friend, Hayden, said that on our birthdays, we should write out the things we learned that year, our new year of life being how many, so here are my 22 things. (Written in January)

Me at the time I wrote this list, two weeks after I turned 22.

1. A private life is more fulfilling. It’s fulfilling to give it all to the few around me.

2. Gaining other people’s approval doesn’t fulfill. The reality of who I am is not in what others see.

3. The people and place around me don’t define me. Bad, or good. I’m my own person.

4. I am a good fan of others.

5. Mary WILL comfort my heart and bring me to Jesus. She is trustworthy. She is everywhere. The Rosary is the humble way she wants to bring me to Him, just like the Eucharist is humble & powerful.

6. I really like beef jerky.

7. I love simplicity. I feel so free having a few options of clothes rather than a closet full of too many.

8. Sitting in the presence of Jesus for a long time is so burning.

9. I am capable of hard conversations and making other people more virtuous by my presence. I am capable of great love and I am a good listener and my heart is trustworthy.

10. All I have to do is sit at His feet and hear what He has to say.

11. I learned how to date well.

12. I learned you really learn who you are in relation to other people. Other people’s love is like a mirror to you, allowing you to see the good and the bad in you and receive it.

13. When I pray the Rosary often, I then don’t have time not to pray the Rosary often.

14. I learned how to weed wack from a Missionary of Charity sister.

15. I can be sad and follow Christ well at the same time. Feelings are indications, not leaders.

16. I learned how to wheel throw, how to write narratives, how to speak in front of crowds, how to edit a podcast, how to throw a good party, how to put on a Eucharistic pilgrimage.

17. I learned the Father’s heart for me through receiving much generosity. And it’s hard to receive more than I think I deserve.

18. Living out His will is being loyal and present to a bunch of simple little things, not fireworks all the time.

19. I learned the flying process very well.

20. Jesus freed me from using every grace He gives me to create. Receiving to receive.

21. I learned how to hurt and keep choosing to hug with my heart at the same time.

22. No love is wasted.