The biggest lesson I’ve learned this year is both the inevitibiliy and importance of struggle. I know that pain and sorrow are a part of every human life, but that it is important to dive in and embrace each problem, to learn and grow from these experiences, and then to move forward instead of dwelling on issues of the past. I understand now more than ever that these struggles are a blessing, and to be thankful to be able to experience all that it means to be alive. 

Life is short, but faith can give you the courage to not only deal with your own difficulties, but to also help others going through rough times. Struggles are a reminder that all human beings are more alike than different. They can help you to become more tolerant, understanding, and even appreciative towards others, and to find something to love in everyone, because we are all from the same soul and all we really have is eachother. I feel like this is the ultimate purpose of it all, what gives meaning to life, and what will ultimately bring me the most happiness.

I remember my life a few years ago. Many times, even though things were good, I felt like I was just going through the motions, often feeling like there was something missing. Then I had a sort of awakening that felt like a second chance at life, in which I really found myself, found purpose, and found God. I remembered I came from and will return to Him and put everything in God’s hands, and knew I was ready to take on whatever life threw my way. 

After all that I’ve been through these past couple of years, the extreme highs and low lows and everything in between that drove me insane, I have never before felt more alive and had such true happiness in God, so I am thankful and can’t help but be excited to see what God has in store for me in the upcoming year! This year, I cannot wait to strive for the best in every aspect of my already wonderful life. Here are some quotes that have helped me through this year, and hopefully will continue to do so in the upcoming year as well.

“When God loves a creature, he wants it to know the highest happiness and the deepest misery. He wants it to know all that being alive can bring. This is His best gift. There is no happiness save in understanding the whole.”

“With faith, you may be sad, you may be worried, but you cannot be unhappy.”

“Struggle is the meaning of life; it is man’s duty and it should be his joy.”

“Real happiness is intrinsic so once you have found it, nobody can touch this happiness or take it away from you. “

I have firm belief in all of this, and I am so proud of the person that I have become. I can’t even begin to express all that I am thinking, feeling, and experiencing, but I hope this blog at least comes close. I know that most people will not understand exactly where I’m coming from, and for them this may not make much sense, but there is a comfort in knowing there is nothing I can’t make it through with God on my side that is worth it.  

If that was hard to understand, let me make it short and simple. If 2012 is even half as amazing as the past couple of years have been, then there is nothing more I can ask for. I am ready to take on whatever comes my way with God on my side, and to live, laugh, and love, love, love. I only pray for others to have a life full of peace, love, happiness, health, success, laughter, balance, purpose, and faith and strength to get through any challenges or difficulties they may encounter in 2012, and to be able to feel the light and energy of God in the way that I have been blessed to experience as well.