Mama's 29

I am celebrating the last year of my 20's. It's hard to believe that I'm almost 30.

When taking an assessment of the last 29 years I have discovered that I have arrived at a place of contentment and peace. I think that I searched for a long time to find who I am.

I made poor choices at points to provide comfort and security. Some of these choices-both positive & negative, will be with me forever. But they are apart of my identity now and shape me. The wisdom I have gained, hopefully I will successfully pass down to my children. Here are a few of my nuggets of truth that I hope to instill to my children:

• Celebrate differences that you have physically, emotionally, and spiritually
• Allow grace for your mistakes, and don't assume that it means you are weak or bad
• Regardless of your choices and behavior you are loved and remain secure
• Learn the spectrum of emotions. Be able to identify the primary and secondary emotion, and learn to self soothe
• Don't allow your emotions to control you- like shame, anger and jealousy
• Don't EVER settle
• Discover a personal relationship with Christ: His love, His grace, His guidance, and His justice
• Question everything, even Spirituality. It makes it your own, and you will be wiser for it
• Don't allow circumstances to hold you back. Find a way to do what you want. (i.e. traveling when there are lack of funds)
• Find your passion
• Don't let others tell you who you are-Discover it yourself and don't allow it to falter
• Believe that your Word is all that you have, and give it out thoughtfully
• Don't "throw your pearls to swine"
• Be compassionate and nonjudgmental

I'm sure there are others things, but those are the most important to me to pass down.

I am truely blessed with my family, my career, and my friends.

I hope to continue to celebrate another 30 years and more, but if Jesus takes me "home" I know that I lived a great life thus far and I am at peace. Thanks to everyone who have contributed to making these 29 years pretty great!

2010

2006