Currently cozied up in my little sister's bed and listening to the all-too familiar sound of raindrops on the windowsill. It would seem my brother and I accidentally brought the Seattle gloom back home with us. Ah well. I don't think our lawn is complaining!

Feeling a very poignant mixture of nostalgia, melancholy, and sweet relief as 2016 finally draws to a close. Maybe it's the gloom, maybe it's the aftermath of getting a lil' teary while reading a sweet email from mi madre, or maybe it's finally sitting with the weight of this past year -- regardless, ya gurl is feelin' v dramatic !! *cue jazz hands* Sometimes my brain gets into these funky jives where it just wants to do it's own thing. This comes in handy during long train rides through the Scottish highlands (10/10 would recommend btw), but can be a bit of a downer in everyday life when you actually have to be a person. Today, I'm particularly reflective on the DOOZY that was/is 2016. Though there's been lots to learn from, there is even more to be grateful for and so many better things to come. Even amidst the gloom, I am trying with all my might to rejoice!

Here are a few nuggets I've collected throughout the course of the year that will (hopefully) prove valuable in good ol' 2017:

1. Every laugh and lesson from Unbreakable Kimmy Shmidt

The title and inspo behind this post is comin' atcha from this true manifestation of artistic genius. T-God for catchy theme songs and Tina Fey's writing!

2. So you want to write a children's book?

Lol @ the brief period of time I thought it would be easy peasy to write a Children's book in two weeks! Though I somehow managed to get a working manuscript together in about a month and a half, it was quite a rollercoaster indeed. I brilliantly took it upon myself to write the book in verse (strike one). Additionally, editing a story targeted towards 3-8 year olds without any sort of visual aid was, at times, as difficult as it was boring. I also rediscovered the magic of writing on airplanes; the lack of wifi does wonders to prevent distraction!

3. Living in Another Country

Lots of bucket list items crossed off the list after 2 measly months abroad! There are tons of great travel stories out there, so I'll spare you my details by keeping it simple: It was very peaceful and full and a really cool way of getting closer to Jesus.

4. "It's Not Your Job"

I suppose this is a nice segue into my next point, so I'll use it as a preface. A big lesson I've learned involves accepting the fact that some things aren't my job. There are problems (and/or people) I can't solve, and that's okay. It's a hard, chewy lesson, but I think it was an important one for me to continue working through.

5. The Not-So-Graceful-But-Kinda-Graceful Art of Letting Go

This one's a big. It pertains to anything from relationships, to academics, to career trajectories, to the general state of your emotional health, and involves a whole slew of subcategories like Obedience, Surrender, embracing change, and what do to when reality doesn't align with your expectations. I've learned (and re-learned) that letting go means actively making the choice to stop seeking the "why." It means truly resting and giving up any sense of control or entitlement to knowledge or closure. It means closing your eyes, taking a few deep breaths, and taking on an objective view of all the thoughts and emotions swirling around in your mind. It means trusting, really really reaaaally trusting, that everything will find a way to work itself out- however long and loopy the journey may be.

For me in particular, letting go involves becoming more intentional about pursuing Jesus. Learning how to be present, rest in His peace, and act on the things He puts in my life in the moment. I get into the habit of wanting to solidify every single detail of the next 10, 20, 30 years. I paint elaborate pictures about what the future is going to look like, what I'll be doing, who's going to be there, but the fact of the matter is: I'll never know for sure. And I realize the more I try to idealize and plan out what's to come, the more disappointed I am when it doesn't turn out as such. It sounds elementary, but perhaps it's why we're taught so early on- because sitting still and letting go will always be lifelong lessons.

Alright, folks- I think that's all I've got for now. If you've somehow made it to the end of this post thank you many many muches for sticking with me! I appreciate it, and would give you a big bear hug if I had the chance!

If you're in the mood for a spontaneous 30 second dance party, feel free to get those legs movin to the Unbreakable theme song. (Note: I do not claim responsibility for getting it stuck in your head the next 3 days.) While you're groovin' be sure to remember how loved & cherished & strong you are!

Fist bump!!,
J