In a few days I will be 40 years old. I'm a bit embarrassed to admit that this upcoming birthday has had me in a bit of a tail spin. Birthdays have always been a little weird for me, but this one has had a hold on me. I decided to take some quiet time and look up and within to see what I have learned and what crazy pieces of wisdom I might share for someone looking at her days ahead, or behind her. So here we go, 10 things Devonne has learned in her 40 years.
(One for each decade.)
1. You can learn from your past just don't live there. Experiences make us who we are. They can give us great insight to why we are who we are. But we can not change the past. We have to let it go to grow.
2. Take time to just "Be". Feel what you are feeling. Gain clarity and breathe. It is not selfish to take time for yourself. You can not pour from an empty cup.
3. Heap Grace on yourself. Stop mentally beating yourself up! You don't have to be perfect, (not to mention it's completely impossible). When you make a mistake, breathe (see #2), and move on. Romans 3:24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus
4. Read, watch, listen to things that bring you up, not down. What goes in comes out. Fill your soul with what heals and helps you. Treasure yourself enough that you feed it goodness.
5. Learn to be ok with being you. Enjoy yourself. Write down qualities you like about yourself. You are one of a kind. You are the only you there is. “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” Dr. Suess
6. It is ok to ask for help. We can't do this life alone. We weren't made to. You don't have to just grin and bear it. Whether you need some friend time, or really needing some therapy. Asking for help makes you strong and courageous.
7. Don't carry others or their burdens. It's not your job. God's got them. You can care, but don't carry. Our shoulders were only made to carry our own weight.
8. You always have the right to say no. Don't be the yes girl cause that's what you think a good Christian does. Too may yes's leads to burnout and resentment. Think before immediately responding.
9. Take the compliment! when someone compliments you don't make yourself the butt of a joke because you feel uncomfortable. Say thank you. Appreciate that someone else sees your wonderfulness, (or your great outfit).
10. When feeling weak or vulnerable surround yourself with those who will be there for you. Those who get you, and have your best interest at heart. Never forget that God gets you more than you even get yourself. Matthew 10:30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
1 Samuel 23:16 And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God
In conclusion, do I have life figured out? Nope. But am I learning how to enjoy it more? Absolutely! So bring it on 40, I'm ready!
As always dear reader sending love and prayers to the Father for you. Thank you for taking the time to read.
Sincerely you sister in Christ, Devonne
(One for each decade.)
1. You can learn from your past just don't live there. Experiences make us who we are. They can give us great insight to why we are who we are. But we can not change the past. We have to let it go to grow.
2. Take time to just "Be". Feel what you are feeling. Gain clarity and breathe. It is not selfish to take time for yourself. You can not pour from an empty cup.
3. Heap Grace on yourself. Stop mentally beating yourself up! You don't have to be perfect, (not to mention it's completely impossible). When you make a mistake, breathe (see #2), and move on. Romans 3:24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus
4. Read, watch, listen to things that bring you up, not down. What goes in comes out. Fill your soul with what heals and helps you. Treasure yourself enough that you feed it goodness.
5. Learn to be ok with being you. Enjoy yourself. Write down qualities you like about yourself. You are one of a kind. You are the only you there is. “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” Dr. Suess
6. It is ok to ask for help. We can't do this life alone. We weren't made to. You don't have to just grin and bear it. Whether you need some friend time, or really needing some therapy. Asking for help makes you strong and courageous.
7. Don't carry others or their burdens. It's not your job. God's got them. You can care, but don't carry. Our shoulders were only made to carry our own weight.
8. You always have the right to say no. Don't be the yes girl cause that's what you think a good Christian does. Too may yes's leads to burnout and resentment. Think before immediately responding.
9. Take the compliment! when someone compliments you don't make yourself the butt of a joke because you feel uncomfortable. Say thank you. Appreciate that someone else sees your wonderfulness, (or your great outfit).
10. When feeling weak or vulnerable surround yourself with those who will be there for you. Those who get you, and have your best interest at heart. Never forget that God gets you more than you even get yourself. Matthew 10:30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
1 Samuel 23:16 And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God
In conclusion, do I have life figured out? Nope. But am I learning how to enjoy it more? Absolutely! So bring it on 40, I'm ready!
As always dear reader sending love and prayers to the Father for you. Thank you for taking the time to read.
Sincerely you sister in Christ, Devonne