Hi friends! It’s been a while again. I have got amazing feedback from so many of you about this blog. Yall encourage me to write, so thank you. Memorial Day weekend was the one year anniversary of when I decided to leave my husband. I made it a year. One year of living, laughing, learning, and surviving. I had lot of doubt when I first left. I lived with him for a majority of our relationship. We split all the bills and when I struggled he would pick up the slack. How on Earth was I going to do it by myself? I just did. I figured out a way. We always figure out a way to deal with the lemons life throws at us. Sometimes we throw them back, make lemonade, or even mix it with Vodka. I mean you do what you have to do.

Over the past year I read my bible a lot. I would hold it and pray,”Okay, God… what do you want to tell me today?” I would open it and whatever my eyes went to first that is what I read. Normally it was spot on and there were other times when I would read about the ancestry of someone and was just confused. Yeah… I am not picking up what you are putting down there, Lord. A lot of times I would read scripture that would be summed up as one day things are going to be so good you will only to be able to say it was from me. When I would read that I always knew it would be one day. He provides and is so good. I figured it would be a long time from now…when I was married, had children, the house, job, family, friends… you know the whole American Dream thing. That. (Make no mistake when that time comes I will be really happy about it because that is what I want… keep reading though.)

Well, friends, that time is now. I am single as a pringle as my best friend, Ashley, likes to say. I have the most amazing family and friends a girl could ask for. I am a constant work in progress. I laugh at myself daily. I make mistakes. I feel lonely sometimes. I am workin’ on my fitness because sister is a little too squishy for her liking. I have a job I enjoy a majority of the time with incredible clients. I have the sweetest fur babes that are the best to come home to. I travel and live life. I realized all of this when I dropped my two sweet friends off at the airport Memorial Day weekend just a few weeks ago. It was a light-bulb moment or a moment (as I like to say) when God throws bricks at your head.

The funny thing about the entire thing is that a year ago I had an incredible amount of doubt about life in general and would I ever be with someone again. Because I thought that was what would make me happy. False. False. False. Are you listening, sister?? YOU. have. to. make. yourself. happy. YOU!

I used to get so annoyed when people would say this to me because um hello…. people do make me happy. They bring me joy and laughter. They definitely do. That’s the cherry on top. Your happiness comes from deciding who you spend your time with, what you do in that time, not apologizing for who you are, and most of all making the choice to be happy regardless of the current situation. That’s what they mean by you have to make yourself happy.

Insert eye roll. That was my exact reaction for so many years until I was living right in the middle of it. Until I was the one that was making myself happy. When I was driving home from the airport Memorial Day I was thanking God for the wonderful people in my life and the growth I have experienced this year. I also heard the sweetest words on my heart…”this is just the beginning my child.” Still gives me goosebumps and makes me smile to this day.

One day I know I will meet and marry an incredible man that simply adores me. He will laugh at my quirks and goofy personality. He will love my family, friends, and dogs. He will pray for me and encourage me in my walk with the Lord. He will challenge me and support me. He will build me up so I can soar like an eagle. He will be the man I have prayed for. I know that if I am not able to have children myself God will bring children into my life. I know that he will continue to bring friends and family that encourage, support and love. I know he will bring me through hard times to remind me and make me appreciate the good times. He will teach me lessons to give me wisdom. He will continue to bless me in ways I didn’t think were possible. I know all of this because I believe that God is the most amazing Father. He wants me to live an abundant and full life. I know this because of my faith in him. My trust in him.

I know each season is so special in its own way. Some are good. Some are hard. Some are just plain awful. They all bring something to offer. Enjoy the season you are in. Find the joy in it all even when it is hard. You are brave and strong, my sweet friend. Until we talk again!

As always, thank you so much for spending some of your day with me! I hope you read these posts and they make you smile. I hope you read them and know I am cheering for you. Have the most amazing week!

Amanda