Dear Twenty-Six

Dear 26,

I would like to start by thanking you! Thank you for being the year of yes, transformation, and faith. Without all of these things, I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish the things I set out to do, or step out on faith to become the person I was called to be, so again I say, THANK YOU! Year 26 changed me mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually and took me to new heights I couldn’t fathom. This post will highlight a few of my favorite accomplishments and what I’ve learned over the last year. First, I became a member of the Yelp Elite Squad and won my first award. I was able to launch my blog along with hosting the very first TheF3 Experience picnic. 26 also brought me new health accomplishments. I completely stopped drinking alcohol; that was probably one of the hardest things I’ve done. But, I kept going because I knew I needed to be sober in order to fulfill God’s calling on my life. Besides, being hungover is not fun after a certain age. Socially, I lost friends and gained friends; won battles and lost battles; however, the good days outweighed the bad and they were filled with laughter and joy. I learned that I can have friendships that are healthy and respectable  Emotionally, I learned to navigate disappointment; I learned to forgive and be forgiven, though it can be hard. I learned that everything doesn’t always require a reaction or my energy. The most valuable thing I learned is that putting myself first is not selfish. What good would I be if I continued to pour from an empty cup? Twenty-six has taught me to be a risk taker; not to give up when everything around me is shaking. I leaned on God even more and built a solid foundation for generations to come. Thank you 26 for being the year of transformation. Now 27, please come in like you got some sense.

With Love,

Welexi Renee Harris