you could say that this summer was definitely not how i had pictured it and it was no phineas and ferb "best summer ever," or at least not how you might think, but even so i couldn't say that i would want it any other way.

for me aside from working 8 hours, 5 days a week (can we say adulting) i went through a rather hard season and struggled with some friendships. many days i felt alone (despite knowing indeed that i wasn't) and that nobody cared (another thing i knew wasn't true) but i continued to listen to the lies in my head and i let them affect the way i saw others and even how i saw myself because not only am i extremely hard on myself but i am a sensitive soul who takes things to heart.

and even though i too struggle at times with this same concept i hope you can remember that just because you think something, does not mean that it is true and i will say it again because it is so important; just because you think something, does not mean that it is true. heck ancients believed the earth was flat for thousands of years only to find that it was round (completely the opposite) and same goes for our thoughts because we are humans (imperfectly perfect beings constantly learning and growing admits the countless good and bad experiences we have).

EVERY EXPERIENCE IS PURPOSEFUL

really though. every thing you go through; the happy, sad, angry, frustrated, and everything in between has a purpose and helps create the person we were meant to be.

i learned so much about myself this summer through my experiences and even though all of them weren't the most pleasant they were so important for me to undergo.

"for i know the plans i have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" - jeremiah 29:11

i couldn't begin to thank my family and friends who have and continue to love and support me even on my worst days. you are real ones and i am so happy god gave me you!

god gave me you - dave barnes