Happy Birthday, Oh, Hailey!!!

You guys!!!!!! Oh, Hailey is one year old today!!!!! This blog has been such an incredibly fun and rewarding adventure, and I’m so excited it’s only just the beginning. As I think about this past year, and the posts I’ve written, I’ve learned so much I want to share.

1. Accept change

Nine times out of ten, my posts start off as an idea, and at the end of the writing and editing process end up something completely different. It’s a fun, but challenging process. I’ve had ideas never get posted because they turned into something else. Sometimes ideas seemed great, but just can’t be turned into posts.

I am a planner, and a year ago I was pretty sure I knew exactly who I’d be in a year. *cue laugh tracks* This past year has been full of my life changing is so many expected, and unexpected ways, and I’ve had to learn to accept the change. I have learned that who I’m becoming is exciting and empowering, and just because I’m not where I thought I’d be, doesn’t mean that change shouldn’t be embraced.

1. Be vulnerable

Y’all, writing this blog is scary. It’s very difficult to put posts out sometimes. I don’t always feel 100% about my writing. I worry my posts are stupid and irrelevant. I don’t know if they even make sense sometimes.

But, Oh, Hailey has helped me be vulnerable. It’s helped me find a platform that allows me to share parts of my life that are sometimes difficult. The posts that are the scariest to publish seem to mean the most to people.

1. Don’t force things

I wish I could be one of those really cool bloggers with a post every Friday, but I’m not. Sometimes I have five drafts ready to be written and published, and sometimes I have some serious writer’s block. I’ve learned that good posts, like most good things, just can’t be forced. We’re not meant to force things that aren’t in God’s plans.

1. People are awesome

The support I have received while writing this blog has been absolutely amazing. I went into Oh, Hailey with very little expectations. I had absolutely no idea if anyone would read my posts or if I would still be committed to it a year later. But after every post, I receive so much support and so many kind words. If you have ever read or shared one of my posts, or just texted me that you liked it—thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! To know that my blog has meaning to anyone is an overwhelming feeling and a testament to how FREAKING GREAT GOD IS!!!!

We have also received an inheritance in Christ. We were destined by the plan of God, who accomplishes everything according to his design. // Ephesians 1:11

#August2016 #excitement #lessonslearned