What I've learnt this year...

Hey everyone,

So it's the end of another year- seriously, where did all that time go?

It's been for me such a year of growth, discovery, fun times and overcoming challenges- there's been ups, downs and at times it's been a real roller coaster, but to be honest, I wouldn't have had it any other way.

But I think the greatest thing about this year has been that I've learnt lots of really important lessons, ones that I hope will ensure my life to come will be lived to the fullest. Hopefully, they will also help you to live your life to the fullest too.

So here we go, the lessons learnt from 2013... (don't worry I'll try to keep this as short as possible!)

• That no matter how far away I am, or how often I talk to them, I'll always have my friends beside me, P.S. you all rock!


• There's no use worrying over past mistakes- everyone makes them and God's mercy overcomes them, so the best thing to do is to learn from them and move on with life.


• We can all make a difference in our lives. From the simplest thing like playing football with a bunch of school students on a retreat to sharing a few minutes with the old lady down the street, these little things can make a world of difference in a persons life.


• When you've got an issue, sort it out, rather than running away from it. Sometimes it may seem daunting but you'll have peace a lot faster if you work through problems rather than using your energy to keep trying to run away from them.


• On this same note- make sure you are constantly communicating with people, asking how they are when you enter work or school in the morning, talking to friends about how they really are, spending time talking to those you find hard to get along with- this is the key to ensuring healthy relationships and a better understanding of those who might irk us.


• Be grateful and find a time for gratitude every day- more on this one tomorrow!


• When you live Jesus in your life, people notice and it changes them, so if you believe, then don't just say... do and be like Christ calls us to.


• Everything happens for a reason and has a time and place. God has our lives so amazingly planned that while we might not know why things occur, he does and we just need to trust in that and know he does things for a reason that will lead to our ultimate happiness.


• Be yourself. No one wants or needs you to be anything else. Use your gifts and talents to do God's calling and be prepared to enjoy the journey that will come from it. Don't ever compare yourself to others and know you are unique and wonderfully made by God.


• And finally, enjoy life. Make sure you thank the Lord for every single thing that happens in your day (more on this tomorrow!) and have fun at every moment. Even during the difficult times, look for the good around and keep smiling on the inside.

I thank you all for being part of this amazing year and I hope that you all have a great end to 2013. Tune in tomorrow for the New Year post, it's going to be a great way to start 2014!